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Headstone - Jochim Gattsche

Description: This image of a headstone was taken at Terrace End Cemetery. Those buried in the Lutheran Division are mainly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and with a few from Germany. Scandinavians played an important part in the early history of Palmerston North. In 1871 two groups of immigrants from Denmark, Norway and Sweden were brought to New Zealand under the first of the special settlement schemes organised by the New Zealand Government.

On 5 February 1871 the "Celaeno" reached Wellington bringing 18 Norwegian married couples and their children. On 19 March of the same year the "England" berthed in Wellington with 77 immigrants from Denmark and Sweden abroad. Under the settlement scheme the immigrants were allocated small blocks of land at Awapuni and Stoney Creek (now Whakarongo) and worked for the Government constructing roads and railways while paying off their land. Their presence attracted other Scandinavians, along with a number of German settlers fleeing the 'iron and blood' policies of Bismarck's German empire.

The brewing industry in Palmerston North benefited from the expertise of Jochim Gattsche when he settled here. Gattsche's brewery was situated in Rangitikei Street.