Getting across the Motueka River was a problem in those early days and it was great wonder there were no drownings. It was much worse crossing the river when it was in flood, though it was often taken for granted because the horses got used to it. The only alternative was a walking and riding track to Motupiko round the terraces on the west bank that could be used in times of flooding.
In regard to this, Barnett's report on the Wangapeka gold reef in 1869 read, "I have neglected to mention that a ferry over the Motueka River is much needed, as there is no chance of foot passengers crossing when the river is flooded.
A few years after this a ferry inn was opened, one of the conditions of the license being that a ferry must be provided to put people safely across the river.
George Kinzett kept the store at Bush End and his son, William James, told how, as a lad, he drove the bullock team to bring in supplies and the necessities of life for the digs from Nelson. (1864 gold rush in the area). Hardly any roads existed and he had many thrilling experiences as well as hardships when his dray capsized.
In 1867 A.Dudley Dobson (later Sir Arthur) surveyed the Mt. Arthur Range from the Takaka Hill to the Wangapeka Saddle, and his map of the area, drawn in the same year, shows "Kinzett's Old Store" at Bush End. William James Kinzett purchased his farm in the Lower Tadmor Valley in 1885 after having worked in various places and farmed in the Wairau.
Three other Kinzetts are mentioned as resident in the area in the book "Footprints" by J N W Newport, an Arthur Kinzett who started a blacksmith's shop, a Lionel Kinzett and a Robert (Bob) Kinzett.
WAIMEA KINZETTS
Thomas Kinzett arrived NZ 14yrs old on Thomas Harrison. Had Genia Farms, 88 Valley.
The Waimea Electoral roll 1865-6 indicates he had 1 freehold and 2 households on Section 47 in Waimea East .
His death notice in the local newspaper read: On 9th April,1911 at Wakefield, Thomas Kinzett in his 85th year. His funeral will leave the residence of Mr.J.Hooper of Spring Grove. Born Locksley, Wilt. 16/11/1826 went to Victorian Goldfields, has resided in Richmond for about 40yrs, has lived at Wakefield. 4 sons 4 daughters.
2. Elizabeth KINZETT b. 1 Dec 1793 Kineton, Warwickshire, Eng.
