OTAUTAU, known as 'The Heart of Western Southland' is a small farming, forestry and milling town on the banks of the Aparima River. It was established in the 1860s, halfway between Invercargill and Te Anau.

* All care was taken in researching and writing this timeline for Matthew Newsome, however, as usual, use the following as a help only to your own research.

Matthew Newsome was born 23 Sep 1825 in Yorkshire, England. He was Christened 25 Dec 1825 in Ossett, Yorkshire.

Because Matthew's Obituary has information on his life before New Zealand, I will start with that
Western Star, 19 Nov 1909 Mr MATTHEW NEWSOME
The older residents of Riverton will learn with regret of the death of Mr Matthew Newsome, which took place at the residence of his daughter, Mrs Robertson, at Wellington, on Monday 15th inst.
Mr Newsome, who had reached the ripe age of 84, was born in Yorkshire and left his native place when about fifteen years of age for America (about 1840) . The outbreak of gold in Australia attracted him and he landed in the Commonwealth in the early fifties. After some years in Victoria, he came over to New Zealand in the latter end of 1859 or '60 (aged 34) and commenced carting from Dunedin to the Dunstan, Gabriels and the Lakes.
About forty-five years ago he landed in Riverton and with a bullock team waggoned to the Lakes diggings for some years in company with Mr D. MacIntosh of Culblain (Farm}, Fairfax and Mr H. Rice, of Invercargill.

Subsequently Mr Newsome settled in Otautau, where he resided for many years and during twenty years of the time acted as wool classer at Merrivale, he having served his apprenticeship as a wool sorter in his youth. Advancing years necessitated retirement from active work and deceased went to live with his married daughter in Wellington.
Some seven or eight years ago when on a visit South, "The Three Old Mates" as they were called, Messrs Newsome, MacIntosh and Rice were photographed, the group appearing in the Witness.
A close acquaintance of Mr Newsome passed away in Riverton on the 16th in the person of the late Mr George Rowles (1824-1909). The removal of these two worthies breaks a link with the past and their names recall the primitive years of settlement in the southern part of New Zealand

Commercial Hotel, Riverton. 1860s. A coach is leaving for Invercargill. Before any railway was built. Burnt down in 1902 and not replaced.

. . TIMELINE of Matthew Newsome
Southland Times, 26 June 1868 (aged 42)
INVERCARGILL and RIVERTON. Matthew Newsome's Waggon will leave the Royal Hotel twice weekly for Invercargill and Noah's Ark for Riverton. Goods and parcels carefully forwarded.

Southland Times, 14 Aug 1868 (aged 42)
BLUFF HARBOR, INVERCARGILL and RIVERTON. Matthew Newsome's American Waggon will leave the Noah's Ark, Invercargill, for Riverton and the Royal Hotel, Riverton, for Invercargill, TWICE WEEKLY. Goods or parcels received at Bluff Harbor or Invercargill and carefully forwarded through to Riverton, or vice versa. Orders to be left at the office of Nye & Onyon, Bluff Harbor and Invercargill Railway Agents.

A bullock team in Invercargill 1860s
zoom in here *note building the ship 'Danzig'


28 June 1870 (aged 44 - Elizabeth was 36)
Matthew Newsome married Elizabeth Mark Wallace (nee Jeffrey 1834-1893)
* Elizabeth had first married Andrew Wallace in England. They had a daughter, Alexandra Jeffrey Wallace (1863-1943). Alexandra would have been about 7 when her mother married Matthew. He must have been a great 'dad' to her as she later named one of her sons Matthew Newsome Swap (see at end)

12 June 1873 (aged 47)
Birth of daughter Elizabeth 'Martha' Newsome
NOTE This is their only child found to date

Southland Times, 23 Sep 1874 (aged 49)
Applications For Land By Deferred Payment .. and Matthew Newsome, section 3, Wairo District, 200a.

Southland Times, 17 July 1876 (aged 50)
The undermentioned Sections will be opened for Application on Deferred Payments at the Land Office, Invercargill, on Monday, 17th July 1876:- .. Matthew Newsome, Section 41, Wairio District.

Western Star, 14 Oct 1876 (aged 51)
At the meeting of the Waste Lands Board on Thursday last, it was resolved, on the recommendation of Mr Bews, Provincial Road Engineer, to reserve from sale 9 acres in block 2, Aparima Hundred, applied for at last meeting by Matthew Newsome, as it contained valuable gravel.

Southland Times, 20 Oct 1876 (aged 51)
Adherence To A Former Decision In dealing with a letter from Mr Matthew Newsome, of Otautau, in reference to the Board having reserved land applied for by him for gravel purposes, it was resolved that the Board adhere to its former decision, founded on the report of the District Road Engineer.

Western Star, 26 May 1877 (aged 51)
ASSESSMENT COURT. Matthew Newsome appealed against an assessment in Waiau Riding, on the ground that he did not own the property. The appellant not appearing, the appeal was not sustained.

In 1880 7 year old Elizabeth 'Martha' Newsome is in this Otautau School photo. She is standing second from left in the front row, wearing a horizontal striped dress and pinafore.
The school was built in 1879 on Queen Street and this is the first photo taken of it. It remained on this site until 1954.
Taken from Otautau Museum which includes a list of the pupils.
* please note that the museum has incorrectly named her as Martha Newsome (later Mrs Swap), but read notes below on Elizabeth 'Martha' Newsome Swap who was born 1904


In March 1880 (aged 54)
Matthew gave 5s in the Merrivale Subscription to the Irish Distress Fund

Western Star, 29 Oct 1881 (aged 56)
Wallace Electoral Roll .. Matthew Newsome
* Wallace County included Riverton, Otautau, Ohai, Nightcaps, Tuatapere, Mossburn, Manapouri & Te Anau. Abolished in 1989, it amalgamated into Southland District.

Western Star, 5 Sep 1883 (aged 57)
Mr M. Newsome announces that he has commenced business at Thornbury as a wool scourer and fellmonger, in the premises occupied by the late J. G. Anderson
Thornbury Woolscouring & Fellmongering Establishment
The undersigned is a purchaser of Wool, Sheepskins, &c., for Cash on delivery. He is also prepared to Sort and Scour Wool for the Home Markets at the lowest possible rates. Matthew Newsome.
* Matthew ran this ad until Feb 1884

Thornbury Railway Station


6 Jan 1886 (aged 60)
Marriage of step daughter Alexandra Jeffrey Wallace (1863-1943) to John Swap (1858-1915) in Limestone Plains, Otago. The Limestone Plains district was partly in the Winton riding and partly in the Aparima riding. Isla Bank was the postal name of the district, 8 miles from Thornbury Junction.
Alexandra's timeline & children at end

Western Star, 24 Feb 1886 (aged 60)
Wallace County Gazette In the matter of "The River Boards Act 1884" and "The River Boards Act, 1884 Amendment Act 1885" and in the matter of the Aparima River.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. The humble petition of the undersigned ratepayers in the Aparima Hundred humbly sheweth - .. that your petitioners are apprehensive that they may suffer damage to their lands in the said district by reason of the overflowing from time to time of the Aparima River. Wherefore you petitioners pray that the above described lands, portions of the said Aparima Hundred, may be constituted a River District under the provisions of the above acts .. Matthew Newsome, Ratepayer, with 3 votes, signed, witnessed by Frederick R. Hill. Go to link for list of petitioners.

Wallace County Hotel on Paddock Road, Riverton 1880s. Totally destroyed by fire on the morning of Wed 7 Nov 1900


Evening Star, 16 Oct 1889 (aged 64)
Otago School Commissioners Monthly Meeting. The usual monthly report was received from Mr J. L. McDonald. He forwarded an application from Mr M. Newsome, lessee of section 15, block 3, Otautau, for a reduction of rent from 20s to 10s per acre. - The application was declined

9 Jan 1893 (aged 67)
NEWSOME - At Otautau, on the 9th January, 1893, Elizabeth Mark, beloved wife of Matthew Newsome. Aged 59 years.
* she was buried Plot 15, Block IX, Otautau Old Cemetery

Otago Witness, 5 Nov 1896 (aged 71)
SOUTHLAND LAND BOARD In accordance with the applications from Mrs E. Howell and James McEwan to purchase sections at Oraka it was decided that all unsold sections in the township be put up for auction; and similar applications from Matthew Newsome, Mrs Ann Turner and William Young resulted in the board deciding to offer at auction sections 14 and 15, block III, Otautau, section 10, block VI, Waikawa and section 68, Forest Hill.

Southland Times, 26 March 1897 (aged 71)
LAND SALE - A the sale of Crown lands held in the local Land Office yesterday sections in Dipton, Manapouri, Otautau and Lowther townships and several runs were offered. The following were disposed of:- .. Otautau: sections 6 and 7, block 3, Elizabeth M. Newsome

Otago Witness, 20 May 1897 (aged 71)
SOUTHLAND LAND BOARD Matt Newsome having applied to purchase section 8 and 9, block III at Otautau, it was decided to offer them at auction with the other unsold sections

8 Sep 1898 (aged 72)
Marriage of daughter Elizabeth 'Martha' Newsome to Charles Forbes Robertson (1873-1942) in Riverton, Southland
NOTE no children found to date
Charles was very involved with the game of bowls and Bowling Clubs around the North Island where he was stationed, competing in many tournaments. In Auckland he was with the Balmoral Bowling Club and was Hon Secretary in 1933. In 1939 he held the Championship Title
Their places of residence:
* 1896 - Mataura, Southland
Charles was with the Gore Railway and was the first station-master at Wingatui.
* 1900 - Mataura, Southland
In the Dunedin Jockey Club's Tea Rooms in Feb 1905, Charles & Martha were given a farewell social as he had been promoted to Wellington. He was so popular in the district that the residents and their large circle of friends did not want him to leave without showing their esteem. The chairman Mr James Gow, said that Charles was a deservedly popular stationmaster and he expressed the pleasure that they all felt at his promotion but at the same time they very much regretted his leaving Wingatui. He was their first stationmaster and it was thought they would never get another like him. Charles was given an inscribed writing desk, a beautiful chased, silver, Swan fountain pen and a set of razors. Martha was given a lady's companion and a silver teapot.
* 1905 - Wellington East
Charles was on the committee of the Kia Ora Railway Benefit Society whilst in Wellington
* 1911 - Wellington East
* 1914 - Ohinemuri, Rotorua
Charles was Paeroa Stationmaster from 1912
He was transferred to Auckland 1918
* 1919 - Mt Roskill, Auckland
* 1928 - Mt Eden, Auckland
* 1935 - Mt Eden, Auckland
* 1938 - Mt Eden, Auckland

Wingatui Viaduct NZ's largest wrought iron structure.
Built in 1887 zoom in


Otago Witness, 13 Jan 1904 (aged 78)
Photo in paper From 1862 to 1869 these three old mates waggoned continuously to Waitahuna, Tuapeka, the Lakes and all the different stations in Southland. From left: Mr Hugh Rice, now living in Invercargill, Mr Matthew Newsome of Wingatui and Mr Donald McIntosh, Culblain.


Otago Daily Times, 5 Sep 1908 Overland Passengers (aged 82)
Yesterday's Through Trains. For Dunedin from the South - Mr and Mrs C. F. Robertson & Mr M. Newsome

Western Star, 19 Nov 1909 Death of Matthew (aged 84)
NEWSOME - At Wellington, on Monday 15th inst., Matthew Newsome, late of Riverton and Otautau; aged 84 years.
* He was buried Plot 15, Block IX, Otautau Old Cemetery with Elizabeth

Otago Witness, 24 Nov 1909
PERSONAL ITEMS The death of an old resident of Riverton is reported in the Western Star. Mr Matthew Newsome arrived there about 45 years ago and with a bullock team waggoned to the Lakes diggings. He subsequently settled at Otautau. Advancing years necessitated retirement and he went to live at Wellington, where he died at the age of 84 years.

Riverton, on the estuary of the Aparima River 1909


Southland Times, 13 Sep 1911
Mr ALFRED CLODE OBITUARY. On Saturday last there died at his residence, Colac Bay, another of our fast diminishing band of pioneers, in the person of Alfred (Fred) Clode (1831-1911) .. the deceased was of a most genial disposition and was one of a happy band of carriers from Riverton to Kingston, notably Donald McIntosh (Fairfax) (aka Big Mac 1838-1916), Hugh Rice (Invercargill) (1836-1912) and Matthew Newsome (1825-1909). The two former are still enjoying good health; the latter died a few years ago.

Coal Train at Otautau Station c1913
The 1st Railway Hotel is behind the trees on the left


Western Star, 19 Jan 1934 THORNBURY SCHOOL JUBILEE
CELEBRATIONS COMMENCE To-day the Thornbury School Jubilee commenced when a banquet took place at 12.30p.m. In the morning a roll call was made. To-morrow a picnic will be held and on Sunday a Thanksgiving Service will be held and wreaths laid on the memorial. The school was opened on June 5 1883 and during the intervening decades it has been served by a long line of good teachers, who have built up a fine school tradition.
* go to link above for a great read *
FELLMONGERY. Thornbury in the early eighties had a fellmongery which was built in 1881 by the proprietor, J. G. Anderson, on a property leased by him from R. Foster. On Anderson's death, caused by a riding accident, he was succeeded in the business by Matthew Newsome.

Charles Forbes Robertson, in March 1934 (then aged 61), is standing left rear. He is one of the semi-finalists in the Auckland Bowling Centre's Annual Pairs Tournament. His partner, Walter Denison stands beside him.


NZ Herald, 6 April 1939 Death of daughter
ROBERTSON - On April 4, at Auckland, Elizabeth Martha, dearly-beloved wife of Charles Forbes Robertson, 19 Craydon Road, Mount Eden - At rest.
* She is buried Plot 369, Block B, Area 11, Hillsborugh with Charles

Auckland Star, 15 April 1939
Bereavement thanks, ROBERTSON - Mr C. F. Robertson wishes to thank all kind friends and relatives, also Mont le Grande Croquet Club and Balmoral Bowling Club for expressions of sympathy in his sad bereavement; also for cards, letters, telegrams and beautiful floral emblems.

Auckland Star, 22 April 1939
DECEASED ESTATE Public Trust Office - Notice to Creditors. Notice is hereby given that all Creditors and others having Claims against the undermentioned Estates are required to lodge such Claims at the Public Trust Office at Auckland, on or before the 23rd day of May 1939. Any Claim not lodged by the date named is liable to exclusion. The Claims must show full details and must be certified as follows:- "I hereby certify that the amount of this Claim was due and owing at the date of death of the decease.
ESTATES .. and ROBERTSON, Elizabeth Martha, late of Auckland, Married Woman, died 4/4/39

28 July 1942 Death of son-in-law
ROBERTSON - On July 27, at a private hospital, Charles Forbes, beloved husband of the late Martha Robertson, 19 Croydon Road, Mount Eden; aged 69 years. Funeral will leave the above address to-morrow (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. for Hillsborough.
* He is buried Plot 369, Block B, Area 11 with Martha

NZ Herald, 5 Aug 1942
DECEASED ESTATE Public Trust Office - Notice To Creditors
.. etc (and) ROBERTSON, Charles Forbes, late of Auckland, Retired Clerk, died 27.7.42.

FOOTNOTES
* Be aware if looking for info on M. Newsome. There was a Mark Newsome (1869-1918), sometimes in the Timaru, Southland, Otago areas. He was born in Durham, England. Was a Blacksmith/Farrier in Greymouth when called up for the South African/Transvaal War in 1900. He served as 1496 with the 4th Contingent, NZ Mounted Rifles. He wrote to a friend from Marandellas 20 June 1900. He returned Feb 1901. He took out a prohibition order against himself in Sep 1901. Another prohibition order was issued against him in 1912 on the application of his mother. Constable O'Grady stating that he was always in a semi-drunken state and had broken up the furniture in this mother's home. He died at the Grey River Hospital 16 Dec 1918 aged 48

ALEXANDRA JEFFREY WALLACE & John SWAP
Alexandra (1863-1943) was the daughter of Elizabeth Jeffrey & Andrew Wallace. Her mother later married Matthew Newsome as the journal above (note the same names that run through their children)

John SWAP (1858-1915) was born in Aberdeenshire, a son of William Swap & Mary Cormack. He married Alexandra in Limestone Plains, Otago 6 Jan 1886. They lived in Otautau where he was a Painter, Paper-hanger & Sign Writer. His brother Joseph Swap (1856-1908), built the Catholic Church on Main Street in 1904. Joseph married Agnes (nee Ewen 1856-1891) in Aberdeen 2 May 1874. Their children's names are also very similar to John's. Large Obituary of Joseph Swap, Commissioner on the Town Board, Member of the Masonic Order, President of the Wallace A. and P. Association and builder of many buildings in Otautau.
children of Alexandra & John
* 1886 - 1982 Matthew Newsome Swap
.. Matthew married Olive Sarah Higinbottom in Temuka 30 April 1913, where he was a Painter.
* 1888 - 1950 Alexander Wallace 'Alex' Swap
.. Alexander passed his Civil Service exam in 1904. He was an assistant Clerk to Mr A. V. King, the Postmaster at Otautau (see photo below) until 1909 when he was promoted to Carterton, Wairarapa. He was given a send-off where he was presented with a purse of sovereigns and soverign case. Speeches were made, Mr F. B. King saying all were aware that the gathering was not got up for a social evening but for the purpose of wishing him Godspeed. Another ceremony was held at the Post Office where he was presented with a handsome smoker's outfit.
* 1889 - 1948 Agnes Ewen Swap
.. Agnes married Herbert Coster (1889-1925) 30 April 1919. Herbert committed suicide aged 36. Agnes next married John 'Jock' McLean (1900-1964). They are buried together at Tuatapere, Southland
* 1890 - 1964 William John Swap
.. William died 23 May 1965. He is buried Plot 22, Block A X to 24 with brother Alex & sister Marion
* 1895 - 1967 Marion Wallace Swap
.. Marion excelled at school and become a teacher in a number of schools in the district. In 1917 she was appointed second assistant at Makarewa School. In 1923 she was appointed assistant at the Riverton District high School. In May 1932 Marion was honoured with a farewell at the residence of Mr and Mrs George Osborne Cassels. Another at Mr and Mrs Patrick's and at the Riverton High School Assembly Hall by the staff and pupils, before she left to teach at Oamaru North School, on completion of 9 years at Riverton. Marion didn't marry. She is buried with her brothers Alexander & William at Otautau New cemetery
* 1899 - 1969 Wallace Swap
..Wallace married Rona Lydia Woodley (1919-1997). Daughter of Arthur Gladstone Woodley (1893-1951) & his 1st wife, Lydia Rose Lennie (1897-1928). Arthur's 2nd wife was Florence Barr Plank (1896-1983.) Wallace & Rona are buried together at East Winton Cemetery
* 1901 - 1972 Gordon Swap
.. Gordon attended Otautau School where did well in all subject. He received a prize in Standard I for attendance and for spelling in 1910. He played football for Otautau in junior & senior levels. He died 15 Oct 1972 aged 71 and is buried at Otautau New cemetery.
* 1904 - 1949 Elizabeth Martha 'Mattie' Swap
.. Martha excelled at school. In 1913 & 1914 she was 2nd in class at Otautau. Over the years (from 1909), she won prizes for Attendance, Spelling, Writing, English & Sewing and in 1917 won the 'Best Behaved Pupil In School'. She didn't marry and is buried in Otautau New cemetery with her parents

Alexander Wallace Swap stands 2nd from right, beside the Postmaster, Albert Victor King (1858-1937).
Taken in 1909 when Alex was 21


John Swap died 14 Nov 1915 aged 57
Otautau Standard & Wallace County, 16 Nov 1915
JOHN SWAP It was known only to a very few that Mr John Swap had been unwell for a week and to those few no suspicion entertained that he had been smitten with fatal illness. It therefore came as a decided shock to the community on Monday morning to learn that their late neighbour had suddenly passed away on the Sunday evening.
The late Mr Swap was one of the longest-established business men in the township and was known to practically every resident between the Waiai and Waianiwa. Born in the granite city of Aberdeen, he had some of the rugged characteristics of his native place, but withall was kind-hearted, loyal and steadfast in all his friendships. He served his apprenticeship to the trade of a painter and on completing his term of apprenticeship went to sea, joining a deep sea liner and trading to India, Australia and other Eastern ports. Over 30 years ago, on arriving in Melbourne from a voyage, he left the sea and came over to New Zealand to join his late brother, Joseph, in Otautau, where he settled, married and established the painting business with which for more than a quarter of a century his name was associated.
Deceased was a man of strong likes and dislikes; to his friends he was absolutely loyal, to those he disliked he was too hones to hide his aversion. In politics he was a keen party man, strongly espousing the cause of the Reformers and at all elections was an active worker on their side. He was a Past Master of the Masonic order and was one of the founders of Lodge Wallace, with which he was actively associated up to the day of his death. As an Oddfellow he was a Past Noble Grand and was one of the founders of Aparima Lodge and had held every office within the gift of his brethren to bestow.
About five years ago Mr Swap relinquished his trade as painter and took up the farm on Merrivale Road previously owned by Mr Frank Duncan. The farm is now known as 'Glensheila' Dairy Farm and is the source of Otautau's household milk supply. Deceased is survived by his widow and the following family:- Matthew, painter, Temuka, married; Alexander, Post and Telegraph Department, Masterton; Agnes, William, Wallace, Gordon and Martha, who are on the home farm; and Marion, school teacher at Grove Bush.
Mr Swap's warm-hearted nature gained him many friends and these to-day jin in their sympathy with the bereaved family. The funeral is to take place on Thursday to the new cemetery at Otautau.
Southland Times, 18 Nov 1915
SWAP - At 'Glensheila', Merrivlae road, Otautau, on November 14 1915, John Swap, the beloved husband of Alexandra Swap, aged 57 years. Deeply regretted.
Western Star, 19 Nov 1915
OBITUARY, John Swap There passed away at his residence 'Glensheila' Merrivale Road, Otautau, one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of the district in the person of Mr John Swap. The deceased gentleman was botn in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he learnt the painting trade. For some years he was a ship's painter, but eventually he sailed for New Zealand and arrived in Otautau some 30 years ago.
Some few years later he married Miss(sic) Alexandra Wallace and for many years resided in Otautau. He was one of the founders of the Americal Order of Oddfellows and was also a Pastmaster of the Masonic Lodge which he also helped to start. He was also an active member of the River Board.
The deceased gentleman some few years ago gave up the painting trade and started dairying. His cheery word and genial smile as he went his round each morning will long be remembered by his widow and four sons and three daughters, the youngest boy and girl (Gordon and Mattie) are still attending school. Matthew, the eldest boy, followed his father's trade and lives in the north. Agnes, the eldest daughter, lives at home while Alex the second son, is in the Post and Telegraph Department in Wellington. Marian, the second daughter is a school teacher, while Wallace resides at home.
The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon and was one of the largest for many years. The members of Masonic, Aparima and Manchester Unity following the remains of their comrade to the burial ground. W. Powell read the burial service on behalf of the Aparima Oddfellows and Dr Stewart officiated fro the Masonic Lodge, while the Rev Mackie from Winton read the usual service. His wife and family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement.

Alexandra Swap died 29 Aug 1943 aged 80
they are buried Plot 15, Block A IV at Otautau cemetery