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SURNAMES & THEIR ORIGINS

RADKE (Ger). Meaning: short form of German name Radolf, or perhaps from Rad (Pol) Meaning: Joy.

STEINKE (Ger) stein. Meaning: Rock or appears in many Jewish names.

                                          St Albrecht at Margonin

Listed aboard were Rosina Radke age 36, Frederick 25, Emilia 17, Ernestina 15, Gustavus 8 and Rudolph 6. The Taranaki sailed to Otago with 160 of the Dallam Tower immigrants on March 22nd. A number of passengers travelled on to Invercargill taking the ship Wanganui to Bluff. Anna Rosina and family settled at Waikiwi, just out of Invercargill.  Anna passed away on 28 March 1893 at Waikiwi and was buried at St. Johns Cemetery in Invercargill.

Johann (Friedrich) Radke was born on 1 March 1854 at Margonin. His whereabouts are unknown.

Emilie Ernestine Radke was born on 27 December 1856 at Piłka. She married on 24 February 1876 in New Zealand to Wilhelm Augustus Carl Collatz (b. abt. 1850–d. 1923), the son of Ernest Ferdinand and Friedericke Collatz. The family born at Hobart; Charles Edward (b. abt. 1873–d. 1849), Emily Liene (b. 1876–d. 1878), Minnie Bertha (b. 1877–d. 1910) and Lizzie Hadweg (b. 1879–d. 1914).  Emilie’s whereabouts are unknown around this time.  William Collatz went on to marry Anne Louisa Marrow (b. 1863–d. 1917) in 1888 in Victoria, Australia. The family at Williamstown; Albert Victor (b. 1883–d. 1952), William August (b. 1884), Edith Maud (b. 1887–d. 1888), Percy Fritz (b. 1888–d. 1954), Hector (b. 1891–d. 1962) and Lily Frederica (b. 1895–d. 1855). It appears William and Ann separated as William is married on 1 February 1899 at Sydney to Jessie McKenzie (b. 1875–d. 1958). The couple settle in New Zealand where they had their family at Auckland; Wilhelm Henry (b. 1899–d. 1972), at Wangauni; Richard Irwin (b. 1905–d. 1973) and at Masterton; Angus George Edison (b. 1910–d. 1983). William Collett died on 14 September 1923 at Christchurch and was buried at the Sydenham Cemetery.

Ernestine Henriette Metzger (nee Radke)

Ernestine Henriette Radke was born on 15 February 1859 at Słomki. She married on 11 December 1879 at Invercargill to Joseph Metzger (b. 1849 at Heimhausen, Germany–d. 1937), the son of Michael Joseph Metzer and Anna Maria von Schmidt. The family born at Bluff; Hilda Isabel (b. 1881–d. 1965), Joseph Arthur (b. 1882–d. 1947), Oscar Frederick (b. 1883–d. 1969), Otto Norman (b. 1885–d. 1952), Albert Martin (b. 1887–d. 1939), Rudolph (b. 1889–d. 1980), Rosina Christina (b. 1891–d. 1978), Adeline Pattie (Effie) (b. 1892–d. 1981), Josephina Amelia (b. 1895–d. 1994), George Michael (b. 1897–d. 1880) and Reginal Gladstone (b. 1898–d. 1971).

Ernestine was registered onto the Awarua Electoral Roll in 1893, a housekeeper from Bluff, being among the first woman in the democratic world to vote. Ernestine Henriette died on 24 August 1935 at Bluff and was buried at the Bluff Cemetery.

“METZGER. —At her residence, “Rosenburg,” Bluff, on Saturday, August 24, 1935, Ernestine Henrietta, beloved wife of Joseph Metzger; in her seventy-seventh year. Funeral private. No flowers by request” Southland Times, 26 August 1935, p 6.

“MR JOSEPH METZGER. The death has occurred at Bluff of Mr Joseph Metzger, at the age of 88 years. Mr Metzger was a very old resident of Bluff, and he played a leading part in the business affairs of the province. Mr Metzger, who was born at Heinhausen, Germany, was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Michael J. Metzger. He was a member of a family which had played a prominent part in the legal profession of that country. Privately educated, Mr Metzger, at the age of 18 years, went to Bradford, England,’where many of his relatives still reside. In the late- ’seventies he sailed for Australia in the ship Millwall, and shortly afterwards, came to New Zealand. He went to Invercargill, purchased land and engaged in stock buying. While residing there he married Miss Ernestine Radka, and a few years later the couple moved to Bluff, where Mr Metzger acquired property and built the Bay View Hotel. He conducted this hotel for 10 years and then retired, building the home in which he resided till he died. In Bluff Mr Metzger took a leading part in civic affairs. He was one of the first members of the Borough Council and was deputy-Mayor on several occasions. Throughout his life he retained a keen interest in all forms of sport, with yachting, perhaps, as his chief relaxation. He was justly regarded as an expert ‘yachtsman and in 1898 he won the Southland championship at the Bluff regatta. Mr Metzger was one of the first members of the Invercargill Gun Club and he was also one of the founders of the boy scout movement. He was very fond of travelling and during his life he made several tours to many parts of the world. Another of his recreations was the cultivation of all forms of plant life. His horticultural skill and industry were outstanding, and his garden was one of the most interesting in Bluff. Mr Metzger was predeceased by his wife about a year ago. He is survived by seven sons, Messrs Victor Metager, Joseph Metzger, Oscar Metzger, Albert Metzger (Bluff), Neill Metzger (Winton), Norman Metzger (Auckland), George Metzger (Tapanui), and Gladstone Metzger (Invercargill), and four, daughters, Mesdames E. A. Nichol (Bluff), R. E. Hyde (Otahuti), R. H. Baird (Mt. Loho, Arrowtown), and. T, Fogarty (Bluff).” Press, 8 January 1937, p 10.

Johann Julius Radke was born on 16 December 1861 at Słomki. It is believed he went to the US.

Gustav Adolph Radke was born on 14 May 1865 at Słomki. 

“A youth, aged 17, named Augustus Radka, in the employ of Mr Nayler, blacksmith, Wrey’s Bush, as an apprentice, was brought before J. Petchell, Esq., J.P., on Thursday morning on a charge that he did, at Wrey’s Bush on the 16th inst., ravish and earnally know Isabella Naylor, a child under 11 years of age, daughter of his employer. Sergeant Nickle asked for a remand for eight days, which was granted, and accused was forwarded to Invercargill Gaol.” Western Star, 24 June 1882, p 2.

“District Court. Monday, 25th Sept. (Before his Honor Judge Ward.) His Honor took his seat at 10 a.m. CHARGE OF INDECENT ASSAULT. Augustus Radka, a respectable looking youth about 17 years of age, was charged on two counts — first, with attempting to commit a rape on a girl named Isabella Mary Naylor, aged 10 years and five months, on the 18th of June last, and, secondly, with indecently assaulting and illtreating the girl in question at the same time. To the charges he pled “Not Guilty,” and a jury was empanelled, Mr John Galbraith being chosen foreman. Mr T. M. Macdonald, Crown prosecutor, in addressing the jury, said that the offence of which the prisoner was accused belonged to a class which it was greatly to be deplored was much too common in this country. The facts of the case were very few, and although there would be several witnesses called, the evidence of most of them would be corroborative of the principal witness. The girl upon whom the offence was alleged to have been committed was between 10 and 12. She was the daughter of a blacksmith named Naylor, living at Wreys Bush. The prisoner was the apprentice, at the time of the alleged offence, of the blacksmith, and lived in his house. The offence was alleged to have been committed on the morning of Sunday, the 18th of June. Before the father of the family was up the accused took the child, against her will, as she alleged, to the stable, and there perpetrated the offence complained of. Mr Macdonald called as witnesses the girl, her father and mother. Dr Grigor also gave evidence favorable to the accused, and against the presumption that an offence had been committed. Mr W. Y. H. Hall, who appeared for the accused, also cross-examined the witnesses, but nothing was elicited further than what was deposed to in the R.M. Court, and reported at the time. Counsel for the defence having addressed the jury, and his Honor having briefly summed up, the jury retired and, in a few minutes, returned with a verdict of “Not Guilty.” Southland Times, 26 September 1882, p 2.

Gustav married on 29 October 1886 at Tweed Street in Invercargill to Sarah Small (b. 1867–d. 1933), the daughter of Joseph Henry Small and May Anne Farrell. The family born at Waikiwi; Rose Eveline (b. 1886–d. 1888), Gustave Adolphus (b. 1889–d. 1890), Eileen Mary (b. 1891–d. 1986), Charles Henry (b. 1892–d. 1962), Sydney Rudolph (b. 1894–d. 1978) and Rona May (b. 1902–d. 1977). Gustav, a blacksmith and wheelwright, ran a shop near the tramway terminus in Waikiwi, whose services were in frequent demand by the early settlers of the district. The Waikiwi School flagstaff was erected by Gustav in 1902, the funds being subscribed in the district.

“Fire at Waikiwi. — An outhouse at Waikiwi, the property of Mr Gustave Radka, and containing a new spring cart, a number of tools, and a quantity of timber, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning, none of the contents being saved. The property was uninsured, and Mr Radka estimates his loss at L4O.” Southland Times, 10 April 1890, p 2.

“Fires.—At Waikiwi on Friday afternoon an unoccupied four-roomed cottage owned by Mr Gustav Radka was destroyed by fire. The building was insured for L40.” Southland Times, 14 September 1896, p 2.

“The poor “shepherd” -i.e., the poor dog.—The following story is from Fressno Expositor of October 10:—”A few nights ago Officer Gus Anderson arrested a German who had disturbed a Salvation Army meeting. Recorder Clark sent the man to gaol for 10 days. The German had a valuable shepherd dog with him, and he turned the animal over to Gus Radke. The dog could not understand why his master had deserted him and refused to take food. Within two days the poor shepherd became very thin, but its grief was so poignant that it could not eat. The next day Recorder Clark commuted the German’s sentence and told him to get his faithful dog and leave the city. When the shepherd saw his master (who is employed as a cooper at the Barton vineyard) its joy knew no bounds. When offered food by its owner it ate voraciously.” Otago Witness, 31 December 1896, P 35.

Unfortunately, life was cut short for Gustav who died on 18 March 1905 and was buried at St. Johns Cemetery in Invercargill.

“Quite a gloom was cast over Waikiwi, last week, when it became known that Mr Gustav Radka had passed away at the age of 39. The deceased, by his quiet unassuming ways had made himself a general favourite. The funeral took place on Sunday and was largely attended. The funeral service was impressively conducted by the Rev. Mr Swinburn, of Gladstone Parish, who held a short service in the chapel prior to interment. The usual custom of having a hearse to convey the remains from the house to the cemetery was dispensed with, and the coffin was borae by relatives and friends, all anxious to do “poor Gus” a last kindness.” The Southern Cross, 25 March 1905, p 8.

“TENDERS will be received by the undersigned up to WEDNESDAY, 24th May, for the whole of the Stock-in. Trade, Plant, etc, and Blacksmith’s shop of the late G. RADKA as it now stands at WAIKIWI, as a going concern, together with the right to a renewal of the present lease. WM. TODD & CO, Don street, Invercargill.” Southland Times, 17 May 1905, p 1.

Sarah married in 1906 to Richard John Berry (b. 1857–d. 1930) and remained in Waikiwi.  Sarah died on 9 December 1933 at Lumsden and was buried at St. Johns Cemetery in Invercargill.

“OBITUARY MRS SARAH BERRY. The death recently of Mrs Sarah Berry, Waikiwi, removes another of the earliest settlers of Invercargill, where she was born 65 years ago. One of the younger daughters of a large family, her father, Joseph Small, was one of the survey party engaged under Mr J. T. Thompson in laying the town. Married early to Mr G. Radka, she settled at Mud road (now Bainfield road) 48 years ago and resided there continuously till her death. Some 30 years ago on the death of her husband, she married Mr Richard Berry, who also predeceased her in 1930. She was closely identified with the activities of the Waikiwi district and her cheery optimism will be missed by all who came in contact with her. She is survived by Messrs C. and S. Radka, Mrs Mapletoft, who all reside in Invercargill and Mrs A. Small, of Lumsden.” Southland Times, 16 December 1933, p 7.

Rudolph Radke was born about 1868 in the Chodzież region.

“ESCAPE FROM GAOL. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] INVERCARGILL, September 24. A young man named Rudolph Radka, was committed for trial on the 17th on a charge of arson, escaped from gaol between 10 o’clock last night and 5.30 this morning. At the former hour the indicator on the cell door showed that it was locked, but must have tampered with it in some way, so as to make it give a wrong reading, for his cell was vacant this morning, and a wire clothes line dangling over the front wall, showed only too plainly the means need to effect his escape. Once out of his cell Radka had simply to unbar a door, pick up the clothesline, make a loop in one end, throw it over one of the turrets surrounding the front of the wall and haul himself up, lower the line on the other side, and drop on to the asphalt pavement outside. He is in ordinary dress, which, of course, favors the chance of making good his attempt at securing liberty. An alarm was promptly given, and the police and warders are now scouring the district. Later. The search for Radka, so far, is unsuccessful. A man believed to have been Radka was seen running along the street near the gaol at 3.30 this morning. The person who saw him, noticing his rapid pace, enquired if there was a fire, but received no answer. The latest report is that a boat is missing from the vicinity of the jetty. It is stated that Radka had been visited pretty frequently by acquaintances since his incarceration. No trace was found in the cell of any tool by which the lock of the door was picked.” Press, 25 September 1888, p 6.

“REWARD. A reward of L50 is offered by the Government for the apprehension of Rudolph Radka who escaped from the Invercargill gaol during the night of the 23rd September last. Following is the description of the missing man :— A German; speaks very good English, 20 years of age; 5ft 5in in height, medium build, smart, active appearance, fair complexion, fair hair; no hair on face except small fair moustache; blue eyes; medium mouth; long nose; medium chin; scar on left knee; hangs bis head when walking; by trade a butcher; dressed when last seen in dark tweed suit and overcoat, with black, hard felt hat.” Southland Times, 19 October 1888, p 2.

“Invercargill Supreme Court. RADKA WALKS INTO COURT. HE SMILES AT THE POLICE OFFICERS. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Invercargill. This day…  Rudolph Radka, who escaped from gaol in September while under committal for arson, walked into the Supreme Court this morning. He smiled at the police officers present, and soon after left for the gaol with the sergeant and Gaoler.” Daily Telegraph (Napier), 12 December 1888, p 3.

“Rudolph Radka, the young Pole who, while in gaol, on a charge of arson, made his escape nearly three months ago, voluntarily and unexpectedly gave himself up during a sitting of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. It is said that he has suffered considerable privations and was glad of the comparative comforts of a gaol life. When brought up at the Police Court yesterday charged with escaping from gaol, he pleaded guilty and said the cell door was left open. Mr M’Culloch sentenced him to four months’ imprisonment with hard labor.” Lake Wakatip Mail, 14 December 1888, p 2.

It is believed Rudolph left New Zealand for Australia where is whereabouts are unknown.

Anna Rosina Radka (nee Neas), Saint John’s Cemetery, Block 11 General & Free Ground, Plot 10A

References

Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973, FamilySearch.

Chodzież & Margonin Lutheran Parish Records, FamilySearch

New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Naturalisations, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Websites

Bluff Cemetery – Ernestine Henriette Metzger – FindAGrave

Papers Past | Newspapers Home

Ernestine & Joseph Metzger, Bluff Cemetery, Block 8 General Plot 133

Gustav Radka & Sarah Berry, Saint John’s Cemetery, Block 11 General & Free Ground Plot 11B

Saint John’s Cemetery – Gustav Adolph Radka – FindAGrave

Saint John’s Cemetery – Rosina Radka – FindAGrave

Compiled by Paul Klemick (2026) still in progress

Poles in New Zealand   We would like to hear from Poles or people with any Polish connection, who visited New Zealand and particularly those of you who paid a visit or lived anywhere in Otago or Southland.
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Polski  “Poles Down South” jest stroną internetową organizacji polonijnej w Nowej Zelandii działającej w rejonie Otago i Southland na Wyspie Południowej. Siedzibą organizacji jest Dunedin.