Italian Connection. An up date (also see previous posts on this)

The following infomation & research was kindly provided by Graham Whitt of Australia a decendant of Antonio and Felistea. Our thanks Graham. Fantastic work.
For our family just a memory jogger. Our connection to Antonio and Felistea is via my grandmother Agnes Leohnora Reed (nee Wet). It seems likely now that while Agnes Leohnora was raised by the Antonio and Felistea she is not their child. She is likely to be Felistea's daughter Lydia's child. Lydia's father's surname name was Durham.
We have not been successful in finding a birth certificate for Agnes Loehnora. Graham Whitt has advised me he is traveling to Melbourne soon and he will go to the Victoria State library where a good micro-fiche library of NZ births and deaths is held....go Graham!

ANTONIO WETT (Bagnato) CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTSIncluding Extracts from Newspapers (NZ National Library 'Paper's Past' Website)
NB: All newspaper extracts are from Nelson, NZ, newspapers, unless otherwise stated.

Date	Newspaper	Event - Comments
28 July 1837 (To be confirmed)		Antonio Francesco Paola BAGNATO, born in Tropea, Calabria, Southern ITALY. Parents were Paola Paolino Bagnato and Paolo Marchese (To be confirmed)
Abt. 1837		Filistea FROST born at Crediton, Devon, England. Her parents were William FROST and Sarah SARGENT
1864-66		Antonio BAGNATO arrived West Coast of New Zealand. Antonio changed his 'surname' on arrival in NZ to WETT/WET - Bagnato means 'wet' in Italian.
12 March 1870		Antonio Wett married Filistea Durham (Nee. Frost) at the Nelson Wesleyan Church. Notice of Intention to Marry (11 March 1870) noted that Antonio had been living in Nelson for 4 yearsNB. Filistea has been variously recorded as Filishia, Philister (in the Inquest Report on her daughter's death) and Philistia
17 April 1871	Nelson Examiner & NZ Chronicle	Resident Magistrate Court, Saturday April 15, before John Sharp, Esq., Resident Magistrate: Reads: Antonio Whet and John William Duckett, charged with having dogs in their possession over three months old, without ticket for the current year, were fined five shillings each and costs.
17 May 1871		Elizabeth Ellen born in Nelson, to Antonio & Filistea Wett.
24 October 1872		Andrew James born to Antonio & Filistea Wett, in Collingwood (Golden Bay)
5 April 1876		Agnes Pauline born to Antonio & Felistea Wett, in Collingwood (Golden Bay)
1880		Antonio Wet recorded in Census of Italians living in NZ, carried out by Gerald Perotti, on behalf of the Luigi Marinucci, Italian Consul General for Australasia. Refer 'Italian Census in Nineteenth Century New Zealand', by Alan Poletti. From Italian Historical Society Journal (Victoria Australia) Vol.9 No.2 of 2001
23 January 1880	Nelson Evening Mail	Resident Magistrate Court, before L. Broad, Esq., R.M. Reads: Antonio Wett, a fisherman, was charged with deserting his wife and three children on the 19th December. It appeared that he went away to Auckland on that day, and the police being telegraphed to, he was brought down on a warrant in the Taiaroa this morning. Defendant pleaded not guilty.
		Filisted Wett, his wife, stated that he left his house on the 19th instant, and went away in the steamer to the North. She thought he had gone off in a fit of temper and would soon return, but as he did not do so she laid an information. He had left her entirely without means.
		Defendant said he had written to the parish priest asking him to look after the children, and promising to pay for their support. The fact was that he could not live at home as his wife misconducted herself with other men, kept low company, neglected her duties, and altogether made his house so miserable that he could not live in it. He was quite willing to take his children and keep them, but could not live with his wife.
		His Worship said that domestic difficulties were no reason why he should leave his wife to be supported by the public. He had full control over his children, and could remove them and place them wherever he pleased.
		The order would not be, as it might, that he be locked up, but that he pay 10s a week to the support of his wife and 5s for each of his children, and the costs of the case.
4 June 1880	Nelson Evening Mail	Local News: On the 3 June 1880, Antonio was arrested for stabbing Filistea at their home. It apparently arose from a domestic argument. Prior to that time, Antonio had deserted his wife and family and left for Auckland, but was arrested and returned to Nelson under the terms of a 'protection order'.
		The newspaper reported that: A serious case of stabbing occurred at the Port yesterday afternoon, regarding which, we have ascertained the following particulars: Police Constable O'Brien who was on duty at the time, was informed about half-past three that there had been another row at Antonio Wett's house – here we may state that rows between Wett and his wife are of frequent occurrence, the woman, by her intemperance and immoral conduct, frequently driving the unhappy man almost to distraction.
		The Constable went to the house and knocked at the door, when in a weak voice, Mrs Wett told him to come in, and on entering he found her leaning against the sofa with nothing on but her chemise and flannel, the remainder of her clothes, which were saturated with blood, having been taken off and laid on the floor.
		In the small of her back was a deep wound from which the blood was still flowing, and on closer examination of her clothing the Constable found that the knife by which it was inflicted had cut its way through the whalebone stays, and to this obstruction it is probably owing that the woman was not killed.
		Having obtained assistance and sent for Dr Collins, the Constable proceeded to the wharf where he arrested Wett, who said that his wife was drunk and had annoyed him to such an extent that he had thrown a butcher's knife, which was on the table, at her.
		Wett was brought before Mr H.E. Curtis, J.P. this morning, when the Superintendent of Police asked for a remand until Monday as the wounded woman was not yet able to appear. Mr Bunny, who appeared for the accused, asked for bail, but it was refused.
7 June 1880	Nelson Evening Mail	MAGISTRATE'S COURT: [Before H. E. CURTIS and R. REEVES, Esqs., J.J.P.] Antonio Wett was charged with unlawfully stabbing and wounding his wife, Filistia Wett. Mr Bunny appeared for the accused. The following evidence was adduced by the Superintendent of Police.
		Filistia Wett: My husband came home to his dinner on Thursday afternoon. I told him the dinner was on the fire, and he took it. I could see he had had a drop of drink. He told me I was drunk, and I replied that he was a storyteller. Angry words took place, and after that I don't know what occurred until I got round a bit.
		He struck me on the face, and I said, " What the d---l are you about ? " I went to the sideboard for something, and while there I felt a blow on the back which gave me great pain, blood flowed, and I became faint, and fell on the sofa. I had on my working dress and the stays and flannel produced. (These were much stained with blood.) The knife produced (a butcher's knife) was on the table, and was generally used for cutting up meat or fish. I have been attended by Dr. Collins.
		Cross examined: I was perfectly sober at the time and have been ever since. I had a little drop of brandy once. I have not sent out for beer since. I don't know whether any one else did. I have paid for sixpenny-worth since. It was after I had had lunch my husband returned. I told him be was a liar when be said I was drunk. I did not accuse him of anything else. All I know is that I received a blow on the face. There was nobody alee in tbe room. There was a little boy standing at the door.
		Dr Collins: I was sent for to attend Mrs Wett on Thursday afternoon. I found her lying on the bed quite intoxicated. With the constable's assistance I got her things off and he supported her while I examined her. I found a sharp cut wound about an inch from the spine between the ninth and tenth ribs.
		There had been profuse bleeding from if but it had stopped before I got there, probably by a large clot of blood which had filled the wound, I removed the clot and sewed up the wound, which penetrated between the ribs but not beyond them. It was a little over an inch long and such a one as might have been inflicted by the knife produced. The wound is not dangerous, but I could not have said that three days ago. She is still under my care.
		Cross-examined: I visited her twice on Thursday and once every day since. On the Friday morning when I called she was intoxicated, and, even had the wound permitted it, she could not have attended Court that day on that account.
		By the Bench: The wound could not have healed better if she had been a sober woman, though, as a rule, such injuries are far more dangerous in people of intemperate habits. Andrew James Wett, eight years old: I was at home on Thursday when father came home. He said some bad words to mother and struck her with his hand. There was no one else in the house. He struck her twice. I saw him pick up the knife (produced) from the table, and then I went away to the wharf. When I went home again I found mother standing up, and her clothes were bloody. She told me to go for a constable. I did so.
		Cross-examined: I have often seen rows between father and mother, and I did not think anything about it when I left. I saw father pick up the knife. He had been using it at dinner. Mother had her frock off when I got home from the wharf. She asked me to help her hang out the clothes to I dry. did this, and it was afterwards that she asked me to go for the constable.
		Constable O'Brien: From information I received I went to Wett's house. Mrs Wett and her little boy were there. She was partly undressed, and I saw that her chemise was stained with blood, and a knife cut through it. Her jacket, stays, and flannel were also blood-stained. The clothes produced are in the same state as when I found them. I attended to the wound, and then went and arrested Wett on a charge of stabbing his wife. On our way to town he said, " I don't know whether I shall admit or deny this charge." There is a cut right through all the clothes and penetrating the whalebone of the stays.
		Cross-examined: As we were coming up to town prisoner said he had no one to blame but himself. This closed the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner having been warned in the usual manner stated that he reserved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court.
		Mr Bunny asked for ball, and stated that the charge bad now been reduced from one of felony to a misdemeanor. Bail was allowed, the accused in £100, and two sureties of £50 each.
18 June 1880	Nelson Evening Mail	SUPREME COURT NELSON: CRIMINAL SITTINGS MALICIOUSLY WOUNDING. Antonio Wett was charged with stabbing his wife. Mr Fell appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Bunny, with him Mr George Richardson, for the defence.
		The following were sworn on the jury :—Messrs. J. R. Hooper (foreman), R. Boddington, junior, J. O'Connor, J. Redworth, W.T.King, J. P. Thompson, C. Ford, H. Hyde, J. Astle, J. Savage, J. Rutherford, and H. Livick. T. H. Harley was challenged by Mr Bunny.
		The evidence given in this case was very much the same as that recently published, except that the wife said she was perfectly sure that the prisoner never intended to stab her, and that if the wound was inflicted by him it was purely accidental.
		Mr Bunny stated that he did not propose to call any witnesses except to speak to the prisoner's character, whereupon Mr Fell, at the close of the evidence for the prosecution, addressed the jury. Messrs Wymond and Haddow were called to give evidence as to the character of the prisoner, whom they described as a sober, industrious and inoffensive man.
		Mr Bunny then addressed the jury, arguing that there was no evidence whatever to show that it was the prisoner who inflicted the wound, and urging upon them that even if they believed that he was guilty, they should take into consideration the circumstances of the case, and the general character borne by the man.
		His Honor having summed up, the jury retired for a few minutes and returned with a verdict of guilty of common assault, and the prisoner was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labor. The Court then adjourned) and on resuming at two o'clock.
June/August 1880	NZ Police Gazette	NZ Police Gazette Records: Police Gazette 1879 (Archives Ref. P 12 4) Page 12 Antonio Wett, charged on warrant issued by the Nelson Bench, with deserting his wife at Nelson on the 19th instant. Description: An Italian fisherman, thirty-eight years of age, 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, stout build, dark swarthy complexion, dark hair, beard, whiskers and moustache. He left Nelson on the 19th instant, in the seamer 'Wellington' supposed for Auckland.
		Police Gazette 1880 (Archives Ref. P 12 4) Page 12 Antonio Wett, charged on warrant with deserting his wife, has been arrested by Constable John Strathern, Auckland Police, and remanded to Nelson.
		Return of Prisoners Tried at the Different Supreme & District Courts, 1880 Name:    Antonio WETT Offence:    Assaulting occasioning bodily harm Where & When Tried:    Supreme Court, Nelson, 18 June 1880 Sentence:    2 months Hard Labour By Whom Arrested:    Constable M. O'Brian.
		Return of Prisoners Reported as Discharged from Goals during the Fortnight Ended 28th August 1880: Goal:    Nelson Name:    Antonio WETT Where Tried/When:    Nelson; une 18th 1880 Offence:    Cutting & Wounding Sentence:    2 months Hard Labour Native of:    Italy; Trade:    Fisherman Born:    1840; Height:    5'2"; Complexion: Fresh; Hair: Black Eyes: Brown; Nose: Medium; Mouth: Medium; Chin: Medium Remarks & Previous Convictions:    Crucifix on right arm; woman on left arm.
		Return of Prisoners Reported as Discharged from Goals during the Fortnight Ended 28th August 1880: Goal:    Nelson Name:    Filistea WETT Where Tried/When:    Nelson; August 17th 1880 Offence:    Threatening Language Sentence:    6 months imprisonment in default of bail Native of:    England Born:    1841; Height:    4'1"; Complexion: Fair; Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown; Nose: Medium; Mouth: Medium; Chin: Medium Remarks & Previous Convictions:    Scar on right arm.
17 August 1880		Children: Andrew, Elizabeth & Agnes were placed (by court order?) in St Mary's Orphanage (St Mary's Industrial School) – Returned to their father by court order 9 October 1883 – see below.
30 December 1882	Nelson Evening Mail	Nelson Regatta Entries: Fishermen's Boat Sailing Race: Mallamo's 'Flying Squad'; Wett's 'Commodore'; Moranni's 'Wave'; and Taylor's 'Fly'.
2 January 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Nelson Regatta Results: Fishermen's Boat Sailing Race: Boats at least three months in commission. Distance three miles; twice round course. 1st Prize, ₤5; 2nd, ₤2; 3rd, ₤1 1s. Mr Wett's 'Commodore' - 1st; Mr Mallamo's 'Flying Scud' - 2nd; Mr Moranni's 'Wave' - 3rd The 'Commodore' was the first boat to round the lower bouy, and she kept the lead to the finish, the 'Flying Squad' being second. Four boats started.
17 April 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Daily Memoranda: Reads: Reward of ₤5 offered for information as to individuals who destroyed Antonio Wett's fishing nets.
		Advertisement: ₤5 REWARD The above reward will be paid to any person who will give information to the Evening Mail of the persons who CUT MY FISHING NETS. Signed: Antonio Wett.
30 August 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Letter by Antonio Wett & Co. to Editor of the 'Evening Mail', under heading: THE LATE PILOT BOAT DISASTER. Reads: SIR, - Through the medium of your columns we wish to ask a question or two, and trust that we may have a reply that will be satisfactory to us and to the public of Nelson, amongst whom we have been resident for many years.
		The late disaster above referred to is well known throughout the colony. On that unhappy morning we volunteered ourselves as a crew to act in the service for the time being and continued so to do until we found that three men were engaged from the ss Hawea to take our place. These men are entire strangers to the port.
		The first question is, by whom were these men engaged, and why when we were willing to act? The next question is, why were three discharged and one retained and no reason given?
		Again, does the one retained know the harbour better than any of us, or does that man comply with the portion of the regulations re single men being employed? - We are, &c., Antonio Wet & Co. Nelson, August 30th. 1883.
21 September 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Local News: Reads: In these degenerate days a fight at sea usually consists of the combatant ships engaging in the very uninteresting occupation of firing at one another from a distance of a mile or two, instead of muzzle to muzzle, yard arm to yard arm, with a desperate fray between boarders from one ship and the defending crew of the other as a finale.
		It is therefore quite refreshing to hear of a naval engagement similar to those of the good old days of Nelson, and such an one it appears took place on one of the fishing grounds in usually peaceful Bay on Sunday last.
		There had been a race out between two boats, one manned by the Italians Wet and Malamo, and the other by the Englishmen Hart and Norton, and the Frenchman Utrange. The latter won, and one of the crew waved his hat and shouted "hurrah".
		This was regarded as a challenge, rather than as a token of victory, and consequently the Italians bore down upon the Anglo-French alliance, ranged their boat alongside and a desperate encounter ensued. Malamo was armed with a paddle and Hart with a jib-boom, somewhat slightingly described in the information as a "manuka stick".
		But before these deadly weapons could be used, Wet – better known as "Tony" – boarded the enemy, battered Hart's figure head and threatened to throw him overboard. However he did not proceed to this extremity, but satisfied with the punishment inflicted and the honour of the Italian flag being upheld, he withdrew his warship, and the battle terminated, only to be renewed in the Magistrate's Court this morning when, as will be seen by our report, the tables were turned and the Italians were made to pay a wart indemnity. (See also Nelson Evening Mail reports of 21 Sept. 1883 & 9 Oct. 1883, below)
21 September 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Police Court (Before O. Curtis, Esq., R.M.) Reads: Joseph Malamo was charged by James Hart with assaulting him with a paddle in his hand and threatening to strike him with it; and Antonio Wet, with assaulting him by striking him in the face and trying to put him overboard from his boat.
		On the other hand, James Hart was charged with striking Joseph Malamo with a manuka stick. Mr Pitt appeared for Hart and Mr Bunny for Wet and Malamo. His Worship after hearing the evidence, fined Wet 10 shillings and costs ₤1 11s 6d, and Malamo 5s and 17s 6d costs, and dismissed the case against Hart.
3 October 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Court Notice: Minister of Education v. Wet Sergt. Smith of Dunedin, appeared on behalf of the Minister of Education to make application for maintenance money for the three children of Antonio Wet who were committed to St Mary's Orphanage on the 17th August 1880.
		Mr Bunny, for the defendant, asked the Magistrate to confirm his decision given last week and not make an order for payment and that the Governor should be recommended to allow the children to return to their home.
		Sergt. Smith said he was not aware such a decision had been given, but he would ask that an order might be made with regard to the future. His Worship said that as no order had been made by the committing Justices, he had declined to make one.
		In reply to Mr Bunny, Sergt. Smith said that he had visited the Wet's house and was satisfied that it was a fit place for children to be removed to. His Worship said that he would adjourn the case f or a week in order to see what arrangements could be made in the meantime.
9 October 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Police Court: Reads: Antonio Wet was charged with using threatening language to John Utrange. Mr Fell appeared for the complainant and Mr Bunny the defendant. This case arose out of the recent naval engagement in the Bay between the fishing boats of the two parties.
		Wet was fined over that business, and it appeared that he followed Utrange out into the Bay on the Tuesday last, shouted "This is the day for revenge," "Boo" "You dog" and so on. Complainant began to pull away but his mate said, "Never mind, you can only die once", to which he replied that he would go for he had the Lord to protect him.
		He was very much afraid of Wet. One of the witnesses stated that "Tony was kicking up a frightful row. It was just like a bullock a-hollering out". On the other hand, 'Tony' alleged that he only "booed" in fun. As for hurting anyone, he was far too "soft-tempered" ever to dream of such a thing. Case Dismissed. (See also Nelson Evening Mail report of 21 Sept. 1883, above)
9 October 1883	Nelson Evening Mail	Resident Magistrate Court (Before O. Curtis, Esq., R.M.) Reads: An order was made for the return to Antonio Wet of his children from St Mary's Orphanage. No order was made for back payment.
19 August 1885	Nelson Evening Mail	Notice by Nicholas Vendore thanking public for donations to assist him and his family after a fire destroyed his house. Particular thanks to neighbours of Russell Street, including Antonio Wet, who raised ₤22 12s 6d.
9 October 1885	Nelson Evening Mail	Local News: Reads: At the Police Court this morning on the information of the Inspector of Nuisances Antonio Wet was fined 5s and costs 9s for depositing night soil in Russell Street.
28 December 1885	Nelson Evening Mail	Nelson Regatta Results: Second Class Yacht Race: For 'bona fide' decked and half decked boats, not exceeding 5 tons. Distance 5 miles; twice round course.
		1st Prize, ₤10 2nd, ₤3 Mr Sommerville's 'Madge' - 1st; Mr Wett's 'Commodore' - 2nd; Mr Lukin's 'Spray' - 3rd.
		Second Class Open Boat Sailing Race: Boats, not exceeding 18 feet overall. Distance 5 miles; twice round course. 1st Prize, ₤5 2nd, ₤1 10s. Mr Dayman's 'Victoria' - 1st; Mr Wett's 'Mystery' - 2nd.
15 February 1886	Nelson Evening Mail	Shipping Notices – Departures Steamer 'Omapere' for West Coast. Passengers included: Messrs Antonio Wet and Mallamo (A fisherman associate of Antonio's).
2 June 1886	Nelson Evening Mail	Report on a Coroner's Inquest: Antonio Wett was "disposed to finding a boat drifting on Monday in which he found a man lying in the stern sheets. Black froth was on his lips and he was quite insensible. He gave him some tea and milk. There was an empty Gin bottle in the boat." The jury returned a verdict that death was caused by "congestion and inflammation of the brain, arising from long exposure in an open boat".
14 April 1888	Nelson Evening Mail	City Council Report – Correspondence Report on letter from Antonio Wett asking "permission to erect a lean to at the back of the gasworks for a stable, and offering 30s a year. Cr. Akersten thought that they ought to see whether it was safe, as adjoining builing was used as a kerosene store. Cr. Webster thought it was rather an unusual request. Referred to the Works Committee."
21 December 1888	Nelson Evening Mail	Nelson Regatta Entries: First Class Open Sailing Race Handicap: J Hart's 'Violet; A Wett's 'Scud'; J Robertson's 'Bluebell'; A Frost's 'Comet'; & McLean's 'Madge'.
27 December 1888	Nelson Evening Mail	Nelson Regatta Results: First Class Open Sailing Race Handicap: Boats not exceeding 24 feet overall. Distance 5 miles; twice round course. 1st Prize, ₤10; 2nd, ₤5. Mr Wett's 'Scud' (4 mins) - 1st; Mr A Frost's 'Comet' (Scratch) - 2nd; Mr A Fish's 'Hawk' (Scratch) - 3rd.
		Rather a bad start was made, the rudder of the Hawk becoming unshipped, while the Blue Bell had only gone a few yards when she swamped, which was caused partly by nearly all of her crew being in the bow, and partly by her carrying too much canvas.
		Most of the crews of the boats apparently were not very clear as to the course, for one or two went round the bouy near the Magazine, while the others paid no attention to it, the consequences being that protests have been entered by the Violet and the Hawk, and they will be considered by the Sailing Committee before the prizes are awarded.
		The Comet came in first, 3 mins 12secs ahead of the Scud, but asshe had to allow her 3 minutes, the latter was the winner, the Hawk, a boat hailing from Picton, being third.
20 February 1889	Nelson Evening Mail	Local News: Reporting on the upcoming Nelson (horse) races, and noting that rights to the "oyster saloon was sold to Mr Antonio Wett for 15s".
16 April 1889	Nelson Evening Mail	Resident Magistrate's Court (Before O. Curtis Esq., R.M.) Reads: Alfred Grosse and George Cassebaum were charged by Antonio Wett with using insulting words in a public place calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. Mr Harley appeared for the defendants. Information dismissed without costs.
24 June 1890	Nelson Evening Mail	Resident Magistrate's Court. At the R.M. Court this morning the only cases were: Adams & Kingdom v. Antonio Wett, claim for ₤1 9s 10d for legal expenses. Judgement for amount claimed and costs 11s.
25 June 1890	The Colonist	Resident Magistrate's Court. The following two cases formed the only business at this Court yesterday: Adams & Kingdom v. Antonio Wett, claim for balance of account ₤1 9s 10d. Judgement for amount with costs 11s.
12 August 1890	Nelson Evening Mail	Resident Magistrate's Court. (Before A. Turnbull Esq., R.M.) Dealt with a claim on 'judgement summons', against Antonio Wett for ₤1 / 3s owed to Hill & Sons. Order made for amount to be paid within a fortnight.
13 August 1890	The Colonist	Resident Magistrate's Court (Before A. Turnbull, Esq., R.M.) Dealt with a claim on 'judgement summons', against Antonio Wett for ₤1 / 3s owed to Hill & Sons. Order made for amount to be paid within a fortnight, in default a fortnights imprisonment.
24 September 1890		Antonio Wett Naturalised as a New Zealander Naturalisation papers and declaration of allegiance to NZ show Antonio was 53 years old (ie. born 1837 Abt.); had lived in NZ for 26 years (ie. arrived in 1864); AND WAS BORN IN Tropea, Naples, Italy Documents from NZ Archives Ref. No. TA 1 1890/2489 Cert. Register 26/p.127
22 January 1891	The Colonist	Local News Report: "ACCIDENT: What nearly proved to be a serious accident happened to Antonio Wett, the fisherman, while pursuing his rounds on Tuesday morning. Having alighted to attend a customer, he was in the act of re-entering his cart, when the horse started off with the reins between its legs.
		An endeavour to secure the reins proved of no avail, for the horse was now going at a great pace, and continued until arriving in front of Mr Field's butchers shop, where the wheel , coming in contact with the kerbing, caused Tony's exit on to the pavement with great force. However, on being taken home, it was found that nothing more than a severe shaking had resulted.
		Perhaps the most serious feature in connection with the accident was that painful injury was inflicted upon one of Mr Field's horses, which was tethered to the verandah post, the force of the runaway causing the shaft of Wett's cart to enter the hindquarters of eth animal, and it is doubhtful whether its destruction will not be necessary. Wett's harness was considerably broken.
1890 to 1895	WISES DIRECTORY	Antonio WETT recorded as living at Russell Street, Nelson, and employed as a fisherman
3 March 1893	The Colonist	Report on drowning, as witnessed by a young man, William Reed, who was in one of Antonio Wett's fishing boats.
28 February 1894	Nelson Evening Mail	Report on the public treating of patients, by a Professor Richard, at the Theatre Royal, in which: "Mr Antonio Wett states that whereas he could hardly walk a few weeks ago, now, if he wished, he can run."
21 January 1895	The Colonist	Report on Missing Boat: Reads: "We learn that considerable uneasiness was experienced yesterday when it became known that a boat, called eth Cambria, of between two and three tons measurement, and which had left the harbour last Tuesday for Cable Bay, had not reached its destination.
		It seems that the boat went away with only two boys in it, one a lad named Read, of about twelve years of age, and whose father is a fisherman, living on the Haven Road, and the other boy is said to be but little older. This lad's name is Wett (Andrew James WETT), and his father, Antonio Wett, has been living for a short time at Cable Bay.
		It is stated that Mr Martin, of the Maori Pah, has sent a Maori to search the coast for any signs of a boat, and Mr Mallamo left town yesterday to make enquires and to search.
22 January 1895	The Colonist	Report on Missing Boat Safe: Reads: We reported yesterday morning that uneasiness had been caused by the sailing boat Cambria not having reached Cable Bay, to which place it was bound, but we were glad to learn yesterday that the boat and the two boys who formed her crew were safe and sound at Wangamoa.
		It appears that some fencing wire intended for Wangamoa was placed in the boat, and the lads proceeded to that place, and owning ot south-west winds were unable to get back to Cable Bay.
7 August 1897		Antonio & Filistea's daughter, Elizabeth Sarah (Ellen?) Wett dies. See newspaper reports, particularly on inquest, below.
9 August 1897	The Colonist	Local News: A Sudden Death: On Saturday last a daughter of Mr Antonio Wett, a fisherman at present residing at the Maori Pah, Wakapuaka, was brought into town, as she was clearly in bad health, and shortly after she had been taken to the residence of Mr Mallamo she expired. The girl, who was about 18 years of age, was blind, and as no medical man was attending, an inquest will be held this afternoon.
9 August 1897 10 August 1897	Nelson Evening Mail The Colonist Report in similar vein to Nelson Evening mail report.	SUDDEN DEATH OF A GIRL: THE INQUEST. A young blind girl named Elizabeth Sarah Wett, daughter of Mr Antonio Wett, a fisherman residing at the Maori Pah, Wakapuaka, died suddenly on Saturday at the residence of Mr Mallamo, the Port. An inquest was held this afternoon before Mr W. T. Bond (acting Coroner), and the following jury: J. T. Hinchcliffe (foreman). A. McNabb, F. Ricketts, C Nash, L. Godden, and Richard Wright.
		Dr Roberts deposed that he first saw the deceased on Friday last about 3 p.m., when she was in a comatose state, and evidently dying. Witness was unable to form any opinion then us to the cause, but as far as he could judge she was pregnant. The girl died next day on the Saturday morning. Instructed by the Coroner, witness made a post-mortem examination of the body. There were no marks of violence externally.
		The internal organs were healthy, excepting the brain and kidneys. On the brain there were evidences of chronic brain disease. The kidneys were congested, and in such a condition, as together with the condition of the brain, was sufficient to account for death. Further examination confirmed his opinion as to the pregnancy of the deceased.
		By Sergt. McArdle: The examination did not reveal any evidence of an illegal operation. Philister Wett, mother of the deceased, said her daughter was 25 yean of age. Deceased had been blind about nine years, the blindness coming on gradually. From childhood deceased had been childish and simple. Witness did not notice or suspect her daughter's condition.
		Three weeks ago witness took deceased to the Nelson Hospital, but the doctor explained that the Asylum was the proper place for her. Witness then took her home. Dr Talbot supplied her with two bottles of medicine. Witness could not believe her daughter's condition, and did not know it until after the post mortem examination. Deceased was brought in to Nelson from the Maori Pah, Wakapuaka, on Friday, because she seemed very ill and sinking lower.
		Questioned as to whether she had any idea as to who was the cause of her daughter's trouble, the witness said she had not the slightest, adding, " But it will leak jut sooner or later. It is nothing less than murder whoever it was."
		Examination continued: A married daughter of witness's was always in the house with deceased during the absence of witness. Deceased could get round and about the house a little, "but never away from the house. To the Coroner: Witness had not sufficient sense to understand if anyone was trying to take advantage of her.
		Agnes Reid, wife of William Reid, gave evidence as to having charge of the deceased, her sister, during her mother's absence. A younger sister was also in the house. Witness never observed anyone visiting the house. Witness did not think deceased knew right from wrong.
		This was all the evidence. The coroner said it would be the duty of the police to try and ascertain who had taken advantage of the girl as it was a criminal. Obviously a dastardly crime had been committed on a blind and imbecile girl, but all the jury had to say was what was the cause of death. The jury immediately returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, that deceased was suffering with chronic brain dedesase (sic) and was also pregnant at the time.
23 February 1898		Andrew James WETT married Ada BOOKER at Blenheim, NZ
24 August 1899	The Colonist	Report on Court Sittings to Grant 'Old Age Pensions': Antonio Wet, aged 65 years (38 years in colony) granted ₤18 full pension
24 July 1900 25 July 1900	Nelson Evening Mail The Colonist	Magistrate's Court (Before Mr Robinson S.M.) Dealt with a case involving Antonio Wett and Mary Ann Mallamo, over a 'promissory note' for a balance of ₤19 17s 7d owed to the lady, by Antonio. Case found for Mr Mallamo, but only for ₤15 12s, with ₤2 6s in costs.
1901	WISES DIRECTORY	Antonio WETT recorded as living at Haven Road, Nelson, and employed as a fisherman
18 December 1900	The Colonist	Report on Nelson Sailing Club's impending regatta, noting: We understand the Garrison Band will be in attendance, and that Mr Antonio Wet is arranging shore sports for the small fry.
27 December 1900	The Colonist	Report on Nelson Sailing Club's Boxing Day regatta, noting: Mr Antonio Wet was the means of giving the youngsters some fun in the way of foot races, skipping contests &c.
24 June 1902		Filishia WETT (Frost/Durham) dies at age 69 Buried at Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson. Block #07 – Plot #052
19 February 1903	Nelson Evening Mail	NOTICE: Antonio Wet is pleased to inform the public that he will supply fish regularly. Customers waited on for orders.
19 February 1903	The Colonist	Local News: Supply of Fish: When a fishing company was formed in Nelson it was anticipated that a constant supply of fish, at reasonable rates, would be obtainable on the local market, but the realisation has not been up to the expectations.
		We are pleased to learn that Mr Antonio Wet and his mates have come to the determination to supply the local market, care to be taken to give as great a variety of fish as possible. No doubt the fishermen will receive every encouragement by the Nelson public.
7 November 1894		Agnes Pauline (Polly) WETT married William REED in St Mary's Catholic Church, Nelson.
1904 to 1910	WISES DIRECTORY	Antonio WETT recorded as living at Haven Road, Nelson, and employed as a fisherman. Between 1908-1909, William REED, his son-in-law and his daughter, Agnes Pauline, were living next door.
18 April 1905	Nelson Evening Mail	By Law Cases: Reads: Fredrick Dickson, Henry Clouston and Antonio Wett were charged with allowing horses and cows to stray on the public streets. The defendants Dickson and Clouston were fined 2s 6d and 7s costs and the defendant Wett 2s 6d with no costs.
21 June 1910	The Colonist	News of the Day: A mean theft was perpetrated at Antonio Wet on Saturday evening. Mr Antonio Wet having his poultry yard robbed of a number of laying pullets. The robbery is all the more despicable as Mr Wet depends to a large extent for his living on the sale of eggs.
5 October 1910		Antonio Wett dies, at age 77 years. Buried at Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson, NZ. Block #07/Plot #052 Catholic Section. Filistea and daughters Elizabeth Sarah and Agnes Pauline (REED) are also buried in the same area.
5 October 1910	The Colonists	Death Notice for Antonio Wett: Reads: Death: WETT – on October 5 1910, at the Nelson Hospital, aged 77 years. R.I.P.
8 October 1910	The Colonists	Funeral Notice for Antonio Wett: Reads: The Friends of the late Mr ANTONIO WETT are respectfully informed that his funeral will leave the residence of his son-in-law, Mr W. Reed, The Port, THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at Two o'clock, for Nelson Cemetery. Signed: Alfred Shone, Undertaker and Embalmer.
1913-1914		Andrew James WETT changes his name to Andrew James WHITT. There is no known explanation for this change of name nor where the name Whitt came from.
11 August 1920		Andrew James WETT died at Porirua Hospital, Wellington (His death certificate records his name as Andrew James WHITT) He is buried in Karori Cemetery, Wellington.
1 July 1922		Agnes Pauline REED (Nee WETT) dies. She is buried at Wakapuaka Cemetery (Block 11/Plot 23), Nelson, alongside her husband, William REED, who died on 29 December 1942.