Who is Choie Sew Hoy ?
Choie Sew Hoy was born in Guangdong province in China, 1838 and died in New Zealand, Dunedin 1901. Choie Sew Hoy also known as Charles Sew Hoy was a Chinese leader, New Zealand merchant and a gold dredger. Choie Sew Hoy and some of his family took part in the gold rush in America, California. They did well, then Sew Hoy returned back to China. There was word that gold was discovered in Australia. He sailed to Melbourne. During his time back in Cali, he learned that being a merchant makes more money than most miners. So he became a Merchant.
What Did He Accomplish?
In 1861, gold was found in New Zealand, Otago. Many people came from all over the world. But as time passed by, the miners went to new goldfields. A group of businesses wanted more miners for Otago so they invited the Chinese miners from Australia. The Chinese men began arriving in December 1865 and they worked very well, and that's when Choie Sew Hoy realized that the men will need food and resources. He then opened a store near the wharves in Dunedin. His shop was a success, Choie sold rice, peanut oil and other goodies that the Chinese miner wanted. He accomplished being a successful merchant. Choie Sew Hoy, was also an international gold dredger. Going to America, Australia and New Zealand.
What happened to him after his death?
When he died, they dug up his body and put the remains on the ship, SS Ventnor along with others to take them back to their hometown, and to their family. The SS Ventnor left Wellington and it struck a rock and sank. In 1901, Choie Sew Hoy's brother Kum Poy Sew Hoy went to the Sew Hoy's merchant business and put in a lot of effort into the development and working of the Nokomai Claim. Everything had gone well, he took a leading role with the company, working as an assistant.
What Legacy has he left behind?
The legacy Choie Sew Hoy has left behind was his businesses, his work ethic and all the hard work he put into his successful companies that made him a success, wealthy and a great leader and role model to his community.
Hi there Paul, I really enjoyed reading your blog on Choie Sew Hoy. What an intrepid man he was! Your project was thoroughly researched and easy to read. Well done Paul.
ReplyDeleteWow Paul! Those early settlers in New Zealand and Austraia must have been very strong men and women, not just in body strength but in mind as well. To be so far away from family and lifestyles that they knew, not to mention the language barrier. Choie Sew Hoy was one of these settlers who was obviously able to adapt to new ways of doing things and he was succesful and a good example to other settlers. I am pleased to hear that they returned his body to his homeland - his family would have liked that. Your writing is very fluent and informative. Was this part of your reading for the week?
ReplyDeleteOops! I read that although they put Choie Sew Hoy's body onto the ship SS Ventnor, it sank and his body washed up on abeach in the Hokianga. Do you know if it was retrieved ans sent back to China or buried in New Zealand?
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