1840 Early 1840 William Purves buys 2560 acres near Banks ...

1840
Early 1840 William Purves buys 2560 acres near Banks Peninsula from George Weller in
Sydney. Herriott also claims to have bought 5000 acres from Weller in Sydney
at this time.
Jan. The French whalers Héva, Captain Édouard Lelièvre, and Ville de Bordeaux,
Captain Largeteau, are at Akaroa. Dr Thiercelin is on board the latter.
2 Jan. Lavaud to Decazes: A. Langlois has bought a plough, 2 pregnant cows and a
small bull. Balguerie and Co. have asked me to intervene in transactions
between Captain Langlois and Maori chiefs. We have a large quantity of grain
which we shall plant in October. Trees will be planted sooner. Langlois is
mistaken in thinking he can leave Rochefort by the 10th [ALG, D1]. Raba
writes to Decazes [ALG, A15].
4 Jan. The French Minister for War successfully requests that the Comte de Paris be
supplied with 6 canons, 500 muskets, 200 pistols and 200 swords.
5 Jan. The Héva leaves Akaroa, after getting provisions [CC5 611].
6 Jan. Balguerie & Co. and Raba write to Decazes: Only 31 of the 60 colonists
engaged at Le Havre have embarked for Rochefort. Some cultivateurs from the
Charente will make up the number. Langlois is coming by coach. In restricting
the colonists to 60, the Navy Minister envisaged the possibility that settlement
in the South Island would not be possible, and the colonists would have to be
left in the north. On Soult’s advice, we have asked the Bishop of Lyon for
missionaries. Please reimburse your expenses from Carette & Minguet [ALG,
A13]. Decazes writes to the Minister of Commerce [ALG, A4]. Decazes to
Raba: The King has authorized guns, swords, pistols, canon and powder. 2
missionaries, each with an acolyte, will travel on the Aube [ALG, A13]. Father
Colin writes to Bishop Pompallier, explaining the French government’s
intention of creating settlements in N.Z. and expressing the need for
cooperation between Lavaud and the missionaries. Jean Pezant from the
Clermont Diocese and Jean André Tripe from the Fréjus Diocese will travel on
the Aube.
7 Jan. The Havre arrives at the Rochefort arsenal [Tablettes]. A. Balguerie to Decazes:
We have sent A. Langlois 1500 francs credit for 6 cows and 2 calves. The
missionaries are still not in Brest. Captain Langlois has not paid his
contribution to the company. He has sent only 30 colonists on the steamship
from Le Havre and has not accompanied them. [ALG, D12]. Decazes to
Guilleminot [ALG, A18]. Minister of War to Langlois [ALG, A3].

8 Jan. The steamship Havre arrives at Rochefort from Le Havre via Cherbourg with
31 colonists and whaling gear aboard [ALG, A13]. Lavaud to Decazes: [ALG,
D1]. Decazes to Balguerie & Co.: I have obtained a mission for Belligny from
the Muséum, and payment of his rations from the Navy.
9 Jan. Minister of Commerce to Decazes: books and a 3000 franc donation will be
given the N-B Co. [ALG, A4]. Langlois arrives in Rochefort and writes to
Balguerie & Co.: Please treat me as an equal. I expect to leave in 12 days.
Could you please come to Rochefort on 16 Jan.? Please send me my Banks
Peninsula land deed: I cannot believe that you have sent it to Lavaud [ALG,
A13]. Decazes to Balguerie & Co., enclosing the Minister of War’s positive
reply regarding arms and ammunition [ref: ALG, A13]. The Muséum d’Histoire
Naturelle, Paris, writes to Belligny, advising him that he has been appointed a
travelling naturalist, with an initial emolument of 1500 francs a year. A letter
with the same information is sent to the Duke Decazes.
10 Jan. The Rochefort newspaper, the Tablettes, announces the arrival of the Havre,
with passengers for N.Z. and crew for the Comte de Paris. Balguerie & Co. to
Decazes: We will get vines from J.J. Balguerie’s property in Entre-Deux-Mers.
We learnt yesterday that the Havre has arrived at Rochefort with 30 colonists
and whaling gear. Langlois is in Nantes. We have full confidence in Lavaud.
We have sent off to England for a letter of credit on Sydney for emergency use
[ALG, A13].
11 Jan. Raba to Decazes: Langlois has at last arrived at Rochefort. Red and white vine
cuttings have been packed. I wrote to Langlois this morning [ALG, D12]. The
French Minister of the Navy instructs the Maritime Prefect at Brest to supply
the Aube with workers, carpenters, a blacksmith and special provisions.
Langlois writes from Rochefort to Lavaud, requesting the return of his deed of
purchase of Banks Peninsula. The Minister of Commerce writes to Joly [ALG,
A4].
11-12 Jan. Decazes writes to Lavaud: Belligny has been appointed by the Jardin du Roi as
a naturalist on the Comte de Paris. He has some money and wishes to set
himself up on Banks Peninsula. Lavaud should build a store for all the
colonists’ goods. The Minister for War has given the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. 500
rifles with bayonettes, 200 swords, 200 pistols, 10 cannons, 600 cannon balls
and 200 kilos of powder. Decazes gives further advice on cows and seeds.
Lavaud’s functions as King’s Commissioner will initially be just to provide
protection. He agrees with Lavaud’s ideas on an expedition being sent to the
Marquesas.
12 Jan. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: Langlois has arrived in Rochefort. Gérard and his
4 colonists have withdrawn, but there are plenty of applicants in Rochefort. We
have no objections to Belligny being our agent, but will discuss the matter with
our partners. We hope that Sainte Croix Pajol will provide us with colonists
with a little capital. Thank you for getting the Minister of War to increase the

quantity of powder. Carette & Minguet have accepted the position of bankers.
We are about to send various articles to Rochefort by sea [ALG, A13].
13 Jan. Decazes to Balguerie & Co.: Publicity in the Rochefort newspaper could do a
lot of harm. The Minister of the Interior may well send some colonists at his
expense [ref: ALG, A13]. Lavaud writes to Decazes [ALG, D1]. Decazes writes
to Lavaud [?ALG, D23]. Joly writes to the Minister of Commerce [ALG, A4].
14 Jan. The French Minister of the Navy writes four letters to Lavaud. Lavaud is to
take Etaka (from the Chatham Islands), Aimable Langlois and four missionaries
as passengers. He is given a copy of the agreement made between the French
government and the Nanto-Bordelaise Company. Lavaud is to take extra
tradesmen, tools, seeds and potatoes. The Minister issues Lavaud with his
instructions: to look after the colonists and French whaling ships. Governor
Gipps of N.S.W. issues three proclamations, extending the N.S.W. boundaries
to include N.Z., administering oaths of office as Lieutenant-Governor to
Hobson, and forbidding further acquisition of land from Maori by European
individuals.
Decazes writes to the Minister of Commerce [ALG, A4]. Langlois to Balguerie
& Co.: I shall pay in my money when you return my land deed. I do not
recognise the 11 Dec. agreement in which you reduced my share in the
company by half. We shall find enough colonists here among the cultivateurs.
Please look for crew in Bordeaux: a sailor gets a 180th to a 220th share in the
net whaling proceeds [ALG, A13]. Decazes to Balguerie & Co.: General Trézel
indicates that he may provide more powder and 500 cartridges for each gun
[ref: ALG, A13]. Raba writes to Decazes [ALG, A15]. Guilleminot writes to
Decazes, agreeing to put 10,000 francs into the N.Z. venture [ALG, A18].
The French whaler Faune, Captain Douenné, enters Port Levy for water and
wood, before returning to the Chathams [CC5 611].
15 Jan. The Minister of War writes to Decazes about the supply of munitions [ALG,
A3]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We have given Belligny the parcel and the
Muséum’s instructions. We have asked Théodore Decazes, Libourne, to send
the wine you requested for Langlois. We have reprimanded Imbert & Ayraud
for advertising for colonists in the Rochefort paper. Langlois has still paid no
money in [ALG, A13].
16 Jan. The Minister of Commerce writes to Decazes and Joly: books on farming are to
be given to the N-B Co. [ALG, A4]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We are not
responsible for the advertisement in the Rochefort paper or for the problems
with Langlois. Please arrange for the land deed to be returned if you think we
acted wrongly. We understand that the government is supplying 6 millstones.
We are not sending beer-making equipment as we hope the colonists will get
used to wine [ALG, A13]. Lavaud writes to Decazes [ALG, D1]. Decazes
writes to Lavaud, mentioning problems with the Langlois brothers. Belligny

will be the agent of the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. to help Langlois. Lavaud may
initiate freemasons up to the third degree.
The French whaler Narwal, Captain Fautrel, anchors at Akaroa for wood and
water.
17 Jan. The Tablettes comments on the activity aboard the Comte de Paris as it
prepares for its N.Z. voyage, her 7 whaleboats, the arrival of the Havre, Captain
Vasse, with passengers and whaling gear and her departure for Bordeaux.
Decazes writes to Lavaud, saying that the Langlois brother who arrives first in
N.Z. should have the original deed of sale of Banks Peninsula. Cécille advises
using a small coastal vessel in N.Z. Belligny, not Lavaud, should make laws in
Akaroa, so that the British do not think the French have taken possession.
Carette & Minguet write to the Minister of War about the supply of munitions
[ALG, A3]. Decazes writes to the Navy Minister, and the Navy Minister to
Decazes [ALG, A5]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes, enclosing a long detailed list
of the cargo of the Comte de Paris: Raba has unfortunately written a very
brusque letter to Langlois. We cannot yet draw up projected expenses, but we
will probably go beyond the projected amount. Langlois, Guilleminot and
Carette & Minguet have all to pay in their share of the capital. Belligny will
work out the detail of a colonising plan. We all agree that he should be the
company’s agent. We shall keep this quiet in France so that you can have him
made government commissaire in Lavaud’s absence [ALG, A13]. Langlois
writes to Lavaud about the deed of sale and giving his opinions on his
associates in the Nanto-Bordelaise Co.
18 Jan. Balguerie & Co. to Langlois: The land deed was sent to Lavaud in accord with
our Paris agreement. Please treat us as your partners and equals, and
countermand the orders you have given your brother. If you still wish to have
the deed, we shall ask Lavaud to return it [ALG, A13]. Decazes to Balguerie &
Co. [ref: ALG, A13].
19 Jan. Decazes to Balguerie & Co. [ref: ALG, A13]. Lavaud writes to Soult,
acknowledging receipt of his instructions and of his nomination as King’s
Commissioner. He also writes to the Minister of the Navy, suggesting that the
Aube should call at the Bay of Islands to renew its supplies before going on to
Akaroa. Fathers Pezant and Tripe, and Brothers Duperron and Bertrand arrive
at Brest to go on the Aube to N.Z. Octavius Harwood buys coastal Canterbury,
from Taumutu northwards, from Pokene.
Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We are sending Belligny to see Langlois in
Rochefort and have authorized him to obtain the return of the land deed if this
is necessary. Yesterday we sent to Rochefort the wine, brandy and mulberry
cuttings sent by Théodore Decazes. More cuttings came from Mr de Chapiron.
One of your two dogs has arrived [ALG, A13]. Du Petit-Thouars writes to

Decazes, enclosing a work on deportation that advocates the need for
rehabilitation and a normal social life for convicts [ALG, A7].
20 Jan. Decazes writes to Lavaud about the cost of transporting eight cows. The
Minister of War writes to Decazes about the supply of munitions [ALG, A3].
Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: Langlois is being conciliatory [ALG, A13].
Decazes to Balguerie & Co. [ref: ALG, A13].
21 Jan. Decazes to Balguerie & Co.: If Langlois insists on keeping the company capital
to 200,000, the extra investors can be dropped [ref: ALG, A13]. Raba writes 2
letters to Decazes [ALG, A15]. Decazes writes to Lavaud, saying that Belligny
has been sent to Rochefort to settle the problems between the Nanto-Bordelaise
Co. and Langlois.
22 Jan. The Minister of the Navy to Carette & Minguet: I shall ask the Minister of
Finance to sort out Balguerie & Co’s problem [ALG, A8].
23 Jan. Decazes to Balguerie & Co.: Think of the hunting needs of the colonists. They
can get pigeons and fish for their food. However, Lavaud must not think that
the arms and ammunition sent to defend the colonists are being used for
commercial speculation [ALG, A14]. The Minister of War writes to Decazes
about the supply of munitions [ALG, A3]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes,
enclosing a supplementary cargo list: Belligny is working on agricultural and
administrative instructions, using your notes. Another set of instructions will be
purely commercial. Langlois, who is with us in Bordeaux, has told his brother
he may now leave on the Aube. About 160,000 francs have been spent or
committed. This will require about 60% of subscribers’ funds to be called for.
Langlois is against the company’s capital being 300,000 instead of 250,000
francs, as his share will be smaller. We shall pay for Belligny’s food if the
government does not. What conditions can we offer Belligny without offending
Langlois? [ALG, A13]. Carette & Minguet to Balguerie & Co.: We wish to see
the N-B Co’s constitution before committing money to it, but on Decazes’s
request we have already written letters on the society’s behalf. Guilleminot will
be sending us 10,000 francs before the end of the month. Should your bankers
not be organising your insurance? [ALG, A8].
24 Jan. Lavaud writes to Decazes [ALG, D1].
25 Jan. The Minister of War writes to Decazes about the supply of munitions [ALG,
A3]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: Langlois has now agreed orally, in the
presence of Raba and Baron Sarget, to contribute 20,000 francs, not 50,000,
with the right to 10% of the profit on a total capital that we are free to fix.
Langlois fears that he will not be able to take all the cargo that we have
purchased [ALG, A13].
27 Jan. Decazes to Balguerie & Co. [ref: ALG, A13]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: The
Rochefort customs have still received no official instructions. Bad weather is

holding up preparations. Langlois left us two days ago, having handed over
20,000 francs. Belligny left yesterday. Arnous Rivière is with us [ALG, A13].
28 Jan. Decazes writes to Lavaud, who is held up by unfavourable winds. Decazes is
anxious to have as many settlements as possible to assert French possession.
King Louis-Philippe and the Minister of the Interior are very keen to establish a
penal colony on the Chathams. Decazes expects a warship and two companies
of soldiers to be sent. The arguments with Langlois have been resolved [also
ALG, D23].
Soulange Bodin sends Decazes a list of N.Z. trees, drawn up by Hardy: their
seeds are to be sent back [ALG, A4]. Belligny to Balguerie & Co.: Make no
changes in the agreement you came to with Langlois, or you risk further
demands. He is still talking about his fifth share. I am doing my best to dissuade
him from this line of thought. I have told him of the new concessions made by
the Minister of War [ALG, A13]. Decazes sends to Bordeaux modifications to
his notes on the instructions to be given to Langlois [also ref: ALG, A13].
The French whaler Grétry, Captain Foulon, calls at Port Cooper [CC5 611].
29 Jan. Hobson arrives at the Bay of Islands.
30 Jan. Writing on board the Aube at Brest, Father Pezant says that Lavaud does not
think the French government’s plans (for a penal colony) will be successful and
that Lavaud will probably be replaced by Cécille in August 1841. Hobson
announces that he has assumed the office of Lieutenant-Governor and that all
land titles must be confirmed by, or derived from, the British Crown.
The French whaler Pauline, Captain Billard, arrives at Akaroa [CC5 611].
31 Jan. The Tablettes publishes an article by Sainte Croix de Pajol, criticising the N-B
venture: N.Z. is no Eldorado. A. Langlois to Balguerie & Co.: I enclose a list of
purchases I have made on the company’s behalf to the value of 1772.40 francs
with Lavaud’s approval [ALG, D12]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: In
accordance with your advice, we shall write to Soult about Lavaud’s
instructions. We have agreed with Arnous Rivière to keep the company capital
at 200,000 francs, with the possibility of raising it to 300,000. You still have
35,000 out of 80,000 francs set aside for your expenses. This may be raised to
100,000 if you like. As you suggest, we shall request payment of 50% of each
investor’s financial commitment. All our purchases have been paid in cash.
Thank you for your help with the Navy and Commerce ministeries [ALG,
A13]. The Nanto-Bordelaise Co. write to Soult, asking for information on the
instructions given to Lavaud. The French whaler Adèle, Captain Walch, anchors
at Peraki [CC5 611].
1 Feb. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We are thinking of charging colonists 50 centimes
per are, which is less than the £1 per acre that the British are charging in the
North Island. We will not kill the venture by keeping the capital at 200,000

francs, as we have reserved the right to increase it to 300,000. Sainte Croix
Pajol has written a nasty letter to Raba and may well prove troublesome [ALG,
A13].
2 Feb. Lavaud writes to Decazes, saying that for safety reasons he will probably have
to keep the colonists together. Lavaud thinks that Banks Peninsula is a better
site for a penal settlement than the Chatham Islands.
3 Feb. Carette & Minguet write to the Minister of War about the supply of munitions
[ALG, A3]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: Pajol has written a vicious article in
the Tablettes: we can no longer take him on the Comte de Paris [ALG, A13].
4 Feb. Imbert & Ayraud (Rochefort) to Balguerie & Co.: We are having problems
getting permission to export lead bullets. Your ships from Bordeaux have not
yet arrived. It is difficult to find crew. Bad weather is holding up work on the
Comte de Paris [ALG, D12].
5 Feb. Soult writes to the Nanto-Bordelaise Co., giving a summary of Lavaud’s
instructions: protect the company, the colonists, natives, missionaries,
commerce and shipping [also ALG, D12].
6 Feb. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We enclose letters from Imbert & Ayraud and A.
Langlois. We expect to get rid of Sainte Croix Pajol on the Ankober going to
Abyssinia [ALG, D12]. Balguerie & Co. to Minister of War, explaining
problems with the export of a barrel of lead bullets [ALG, D12]. The Treaty of
Waitangi receives its first signatures. Decazes writes to Lavaud (retained in
Brest by storms) with information from Joubert, a Frenchman living in Sydney.
The experience of English missionaries living alone in the North Island
suggests that the French colonists could be safely dispersed around the South
Island.
8 Feb. The French whaler Pauline arrives at Peraki to begin whaling [CC5 611].
9 Feb. The American whaler Chariot, Captain Littlefield, is off Banks Peninsula.
10 Feb. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We agree with your suggestion that the colonists
should receive a more generous amount of land. This will be arranged by
Belligny in N.Z. We agree that the company’s capital should be increased from
215,000 to 220,000, using Carette & Minguet’s and Guilleminot’s money to
make up for the 30,000 less that Langlois is paying. MM. Barton & Gueslier
sent a ship to Sydney last year [the Justine?], and we sent the Champion 3 years
ago on behalf of a Glasgow company [ALG, D12].
12 Feb. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We agree that the colonists should be treated very
generously. Langlois drew up the agreement with the colonists he engaged.
Plans for a second expedition should await reports on the first. If Guilleminot
supplies us with paying passengers, the colony would have responsible settlers,
but we must first establish ourselves there [ALG, D12].

13 Feb. Guilleminot writes to Decazes [ALG, A18].
14 Feb. Lavaud writes to Decazes [ALG, D1].
15 Feb. Agreement signed at Rochefort between Langlois and the French colonists.
The Journal du Havre announces the proposed French settlement of Banks
Peninsula, which is to include a penal colony. In Sydney, Tuhawaiki, Taiaroa
and Karetai sell the South Island and Stewart Island to John Jones and W.C.
Wentworth.
16 Feb. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: 3 out of 4 of our caboteurs have reached
Rochefort. We shall go to Rochefort on the 18th to meet our Nantes colleagues
and send off both the Comte de Paris and the Ankober [ALG, D12].
18 Feb. Three Maori arrive at Le Havre on the French whaler, Colon, Captain Renouf.
19 Feb. A. Langlois sends Balguerie & Co. a list of cargo embarked on the Aube [ALG,
D12]. The Aube, Captain C.F. Lavaud, leaves Brest for Akaroa. The Times and
the Colonial Gazette (“our neighbours will be a day too late for the fair”)
publish the Journal du Havre article of 15 February.
20 Feb. The Nanto-Bordelaise Company is formally set up in Rochefort as the
Compagnie Française de la Nouvelle-Zélande. Decazes is to be the chairman of
the Administration and Colonisation Committee. Belligny is appointed the
Nanto-Bordelaise Company’s official representative in Akaroa. The N.Z. Co.
sends a copy of the article on the French colonisation of Banks Peninsula in the
Journal du Havre of 15 February to Lord John Russell. The Comte de Paris’s
cargo is officially evaluated at 44,878.05 francs.
Nanto-Bordelaise Co. to Lavaud: On Decazes’s advice, we have appointed
Belligny our representative in N.Z. [ALG, D12]. N-B Co. to Langlois: In
accordance with article 7 of our agreement, we have appointed Belligny as our
representative in N.Z. We enclose a copy of his instructions. We have also
agreed to send Eugène de Belligny and Belligny’s servant Adolphe François as
paying passengers [ALG, D12].
22 Feb. The N.Z. Journal publishes the Journal du Havre article and asserts the prior
rights of the British to N.Z.: deported French prisoners will be free on British
land. Balguerie and Raba arrive at Rochefort and write to Decazes informing
him. Decazes writes to Balguerie [ALG, A14, unreadable].
23 Feb. Balguerie & Co. write to Decazes, enclosing letters [ALG, D12].
24 Feb. The Narwal leaves Akaroa for Valparaiso to get provisions.
25 Feb. Decazes gives Belligny written authority to buy land in N.Z. on his behalf
[ALG, liasse 370].

26 Feb. The Journal du Havre describes the agreement between the Nanto-Bordelaise
Co. and the French government, praises the initiative of Langlois and
incorrectly says that the expedition has already left Rochefort. Decazes writes
to Lavaud, saying that Langlois is hurt by the Nanto-Bordelaise Co’s high
opinion of Belligny, but that Lavaud should be able to resolve any arguments.
1 March The Thiers Ministry is formed in France. Thiers is President of the Council and
Minister of Foreign Affairs; Roussin is Minister of the Navy and Colonies.
6 March The French Minister of Finance writes to the Minister of the Navy, approving
the Comte de Paris’s dispensation from customs duties. Towed by the Pélican,
the Comte de Paris, Captain J.F. Langlois, leaves its moorings at the avantgarde
of Rochefort for l’île d’Aix. Reaching the Port de Barques it sets sail, but
runs aground between Fouras and l’Eguille.
8 March Joly to Decazes: The Comte de Paris left port on 6 March and was deliberately
run aground by the pilot who could not see the boat he was to return to shore
on. However, he could not refloat it in the morning. A disagreement between
Langlois and Belligny on 5 March was resolved when Belligny signed a paper
saying that he would only be in charge of the colony in Langlois’s absence. But
Belligny’s luggage was again taken off the ship after the accident [ALG, D6].
10 March The Tablettes reports that a woman who was to sail on the Comte de Paris
deliberately drowned herself to avoid going to N.Z. There are 53 passengers
and 35 crew. It has been fitted out for whaling and colonising N.Z. by Messrs
Imbert and Ayraud for the Nanto-Bordelaise Co.
11 March The Comte de Paris is refloated and towed by the Pélican to the île d’Aix roads
to reload the cargo it had to discharge. Imbert & Ayraud to Balguerie [ALG,
D23]. Langlois to Decazes: I am not to blame for the disagreements with
Belligny. My first task is to take the N-B Co. cargo, not his private effects. I am
happy for him to take charge of the colony in my absence. People are
concealing information from me [ALG, A21].
c.11 March Anchored off St Louis, Lavaud writes to the French Governor of Senegal
asking for a replacement for his lieutenant and for medical supplies: Lavaud is
to assume various functions in the South Island of N.Z. “until a Governor
arrives”.
12 March The French whaler Adèle, Captain Walch, calls at Akaroa, before returning to
France [CC5 611].
13 March Lavaud writes again to the French Governor of Senegal about medical supplies
and the replacement of Lt. Dubut.
15 March The Aube arrives at Gorée.

16 March In reply to a request by Lavaud, a committee of doctors certifies that Lt. Dubut
must be sent back to France because of his chronic enteritis.
17 March The British Consul at Le Havre reports to the British Foreign Office that about
40 people went to Rochefort to embark on the Comte de Paris. Lavaud writes to
the captain of the Favorite to arrange for Lt Dubut to be returned to France and
Lt. de la Motte to be transferred to the Aube.
18 March The French whaler Héva, Captain Édouard Le Lièvre, arrives at Akaroa [CC5
611]. Tupinier writes to Decazes [ALG, D23].
20 March The Comte de Paris finally leaves the Ile d’Aix, off Rochefort, at 1 o’clock.
The Maritime Prefect of Rochefort receives too late the Minister of the Navy’s
instructions to load all of Belligny’s luggage.
21 March Imbert & Ayraud write to Decazes: The Comte de Paris put to sea last night at
7 p.m. Joly farewelled his friend Belligny [ALG, D23].
22 March Lecas, a blacksmith from Poitiers, writes to Arnous Rivière enquiring into the
possibility of going to N.Z. with his friends [ALG, D4].
23 March Baron Tupinier writes to Decazes about Belligny’s luggage [ALG, D23].
24 March Decazes writes to Raba [ALG, D23]. Lavaud reports from Gorée: Yves-Marie
Quéméneur has been lost overboard, Durand has died of meningitis, Dubut has
been replaced by de la Motte, the distilling apparatus is working well but using
a lot of coal.
The Héva leaves Akaroa and begins whaling from Peraki [CC5 611].
25 March The Aube leaves Gorée after the sick Lieutenant Dubut has been replaced by
Lieutenant de la Motte of the Favorite.
26 March Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: Joly will have told you that the Comte de Paris at
last got away on the 20th. Carette & Minguet have told us of Guilleminot’s
death and his inheritors’ request that we hold his money. Please sort out with
Carette & Minguet how much they themselves are contributing. We enclose our
request for a departure whaling subsidy. Is it the right moment to request
dispensation from the insurance premium? [ALG, D12].
28 March Charles Barrington Robinson appointed a magistrate by Governor Gipps of
New South Wales.
30 March Arnous Rivière writes to Decazes: The second expedition could take more of
the 700 colonists that the government is willing to pay for, either on a ship lent
to us by the government or on one of our ships under charter to the government
[ALG, D4].

31 March A. Balguerie to Decazes: Raba tells me that you found Rothschild interested in
our N.Z. venture. We shall be interested in his reply on his return from London.
From the Spectator, 14 March, the British seem to be interested in the South
Island. The Journal d’Outre-Mer may be right: we may find the South Island
occupied. Now that the new ministry is settled in, should we ask the minister
about the insurance premium? [ALG, D12].
3 April The French whaler Gange, Captain Robin, arrives at Akaroa for provisions
[CC5 611]. Carette & Minguet to Balguerie & Co.: Guilleminot’s heirs cannot
be forced to keep their money in the N.Z. venture. We shall contribute 10,000
francs if we are named the company’s official bankers [ALG, D12].
4 April The N.Z. Journal says that the British (as opposed to the French) have rights to
N.Z. on the grounds of discovery; and it publishes an article, “Convict
Colonisation of N.Z. by the French”, from the Colonial Gazette. A. Balguerie to
Decazes: Please get a commitment to a definite financial contribution from
Carette & Minguet [ALG, D12].
7 April The American whaler Thomas Dickason, Captain Havens, anchors in Akaroa
Harbour, where it finds the Gange. Raba and Balguerie & Co. to Carette &
Minguet: Guilleminot’s money now belongs to the company and is committed
to this patriotic venture. We shall discuss your proposal to be our bankers with
our partners [ALG, D12]. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We have been evasive
with Carette & Minguet as we would prefer Rothshilds to be our bankers [ALG,
D12].
8 April The Astrolabe, Captain Dumont d’Urville, enters Akaroa harbour, with some
difficulty. The Gange, Captain Robin, and an American whaler are already in
the harbour. The Héva, Captain E. Lelièvre, Adèle, Captain J. Walsh, and
Pauline (incorrectly called the Courrier des Indes by Jacquinot), Captain
Billard, are at Peraki, along with the Danish Concordia, Captain Sødering.
Boyer is asked to take the Astrolabe’s longboat to Peraki where he will make a
detailed chart of the bay. Men from the Thomas Dickason go ashore for water
and pigeons.
9 April The Zélée, Captain Jacquinot, also part of d’Urville’s expedition, enters Akaroa
harbour. D’Urville and Jacquinot visit the only Maori village in the harbour,
where they find a dozen Maori, nearly all women, and a handful of Englishmen.
There is a deserted pa a few yards to the south of the village.
10 April D’Urville visits the Greens’ farm, which is supplying the ships with butter,
cheese and milk. D’Urville notices a Maori double canoe in poor condition. An
Akaroa Maori is given a rotten whaleboat by the captain of the Gange, probably
as payment for potatoes. The Gange leaves Akaroa for France with d’Urville’s
dispatches (11 April, according to CC5 611).

11 April Four of Mr Herriot’s cattle disembark at Goashore from the Sarah and
Elizabeth, which is bringing Herriot, McGillivray, Ellis, Mr and Mrs Shaw, Mr
and Mrs McKinnon and child to Putaringamotu to oversee the property that
William Purves bought from George Weller. Woods returns from Akaroa, after
a skirmish with some Frenchmen out of two vessels at Peraki. At Peraki are
four French whalers, one Danish and the Nimrod from Sydney. D’Urville
makes an excursion to the head of Akaroa Harbour.
A. Balguerie to Decazes: the Spectator of 4 April shows that we can expect
trouble from the British. Could you get the minister to send a new expedition to
help the first, getting funds for a convict colony officially through parliament?
[ALG, D12].
12 April Remaining cattle are landed at Goashore. The John Bull (London) argues the
rights of Britain to N.Z. in the light of French pretensions.
13 April A letter from La Palma to the British Consul at Teneriffe reports the recent
arrival of the Comte de Paris with 90 passengers, on its way to survey part of
the coast of Australia with the view of forming a settlement there.
14 April The Thomas Dickason takes in 15 or 20 bushels of potatoes by way of trade,
and one quarter of beef of Mag Williams.
15 April Part of Messrs Herriot and Babington’s luggage is landed at Goashore.
A. Balguerie to Decazes: We have told our partners what you have said about
Rothshilds and Carette & Minguet. We are putting off the final choice of a
banker. We hope that you will succeed in convincing the government that the
N.Z. venture should become an official government undertaking [ALG, D12].
The British Consul at Bordeaux reports to the British Foreign Office on the
membership and capital (150,000 francs) of the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. The
French government has given every assistance and intends establishing a penal
colony there. About sixty emigrants, mainly labourers and artificers, and three
missionaries have been taken. Each emigrant has been given a bounty of 70
francs and is being supplied with provisions and materials for building huts.
A public meeting in Guildhall, London, protests against French pretensions to
Banks Peninsula, drawing up a petition (“even if France really possessed any
rights of colonization, your petitioners would deprecate in the strongest terms
her proposed establishment of a penal colony”) to the Queen and both houses of
Parliament.
16 April The French whaler Gustave, Captain Desclos, begins a whaling season at
Akaroa and Peraki [CC5 611]. The Comte de Paris lies off the island of La
Palma. Crew from the Thomas Dickason digs potatoes.

17 April The Astrolabe and the Zélée leave Akaroa harbour. The landing of Babington
and Herriot’s goods at Goashore is completed.
18 April The Journal du Havre publishes a Maori request (taken from the Times) for the
British to protect them from the French. The N.Z. Journal reviews newspaper
reaction to the Guildhall meeting and publishes a copy of its petition.
19 April The Thomas Dickason leaves Akaroa Harbour. A. Balguerie sends Decazes
accounts of the Comte de Paris expedition, listing expenses of 218,212.24
francs [ref: ALG, D12].
21 April A. Balguerie to Decazes: Among the signatories to the British petition to the
Lord Mayor protesting against our N.Z. venture are all the correspondents of
our company [ALG, D12].
23 April J.A. Duvauchelle witnesses a land sale to James Johnson at Mongakahia
[Mangakahia?].
26 April The French whaler Cousin, Captain Lemasson, begins its bay-whaling season in
Port Cooper [CC5 611].
27 April The American whalers, Neptune, Captain Sleight, and Washington, Osborn,
arrive at Akaroa. The French whalers, Cosmopolite, Captain Munroe, and
Gustave, Captain Desclos, are at anchor.
28 April The French whaler Aglaé, Captain Le Brec, arrives at Port Cooper [CC5 611].
The Comte de Paris lies off Madeira. The Neptune gets milk from William
Green.
29 April The French whaler Angélina, Captain Hyenne, begins whaling in Pegasus Bay
[CC5 611]. The Colonial Gazette (London) reports that a French two-decker
passed the Mauritius on 19 January, believed to be going to N.Z., via Bourbon,
to form a colony.
30 April The Journal du Havre reports the arrival at Le Havre of three Maori on the
whaler, Colon, Captain Renouf.
1 May Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We assume that Rothschild is not interested in the
N.Z. venture, so we are accepting Carette & Minguet as official bankers.
Arnous Rivière has ceded part of his share in the company to P. Roy of Bureau
& Roy, Nantes. We may have to go into liquidation at the end of the year as a
result of the withdrawal of Balguerie Stuttenberg’s heirs [ALG, D12].
2 May The Comte de Paris lies off the Canary Islands. The N.Z. Journal publishes a
long article from the Spectator on the way the Colonial Office’s handling of the
N.Z. issue has encouraged French colonization projects.

5 May The Comte de Paris is off Teneriffe. The Maori of Akaroa are seen by the
Neptune burning their dead.
8 May The Neptune gets some potatoes from on shore. The Adèle, Captain Walch,
catches a whale off Peraki. A boat crew from Sandy Beach (Goashore) come to
Akaroa in search of recruits and take back two men from the Neptune.
9 May A boat from the Neptune leaves Akaroa for Goashore via Peraki (where it finds
the French whaler, Pauline, Captain Billard), captures Woods and a boat and
returns with them to Akaroa. Woods promises to return the men.
10 May The Grétry begins whaling from Port Cooper [CC5 611]. The Washington,
Neptune, Cosmopolite and Gustave leave Akaroa Harbour. Woods provides the
Neptune with two other men, and his boat is returned.
11 May The French whaler, Cosmopolite, anchors at Peraki to begin whaling there
[CC5 611].
13 May The French whaler Asia, Captain T. Jay, begins whaling in Pegasus Bay [CC5
611]. The American whaler France, Captain Howell, anchors in Akaroa
Harbour.
14 May The French whaler Ernest, Captain Caubrière, arrives at Akaroa for wood and
water [CC5 611]. The main mast of the Comte de Paris is broken and the
foremast split in a thunderstorm. Men from the American France go to the west
side of Akaroa Harbour to cut wood.
15 May A meeting of merchants, bankers, manufacturers and shipowners in Glasgow
petitions the Queen and both houses of Parliament to take measures to prevent
the colonization of N.Z. by the French and to impose British law: “were we
tamely to allow that beautiful island to become the dunghill of France?”
16 May Rev. James Watkin arrives at Waikouaiti to establish the first European mission
station in the South Island. The N.Z. Journal publishes the objections of the
Directors of the N.Z. Company to the French government’s backing of the
Banks Peninsula expedition and to their alleged intention of establishing a penal
colony there. The French whaler Gustave, Captain Desclos, anchors in Akaroa
Harbour.
17 May J. Hamilton, H. Wilson and P. Kelly desert from the France.
18 May Captain Pierre Darmandaritz buys land at Otago.
20 May N.Z. Co. issues “Lands in N.Z. Emigration to N.Z.” [ALG, D23].
21 May Hobson declares British sovereignty over the North Island on the grounds of the
Treaty of Waitangi, and over the South Island and Stewart Island by the right of
discovery by Cook. 4 more men desert from the France.

22 May The France takes on board 1.5 tons of potatoes.
23 May The French whaler Ernest, Captain Caubrière, begins whaling from Peraki
[CC5 611]. The France leaves Akaroa. The N.Z. Journal publishes an account
of the Glasgow meeting of 15 May from the Colonial Gazette.
25 May Hobson writes despatches to inform the British government of his declaration
of sovereignty.
26 May The French whaler Duc d’Orléans, Captain Suquet, begins whaling off Port
Cooper [CC5 611]. The Journal du Havre reports that a letter from Langlois
sent from Las Palmas says that all the passengers of the Comte de Paris are in
perfect health.
28 May Major Bunbury arrives in Akaroa on H.M.S. Herald and obtains the signatures
of Iwikau and John Love (Tikao) to the Treaty of Waitangi. Captain Hobson’s
proclamations are posted up at Clough’s and Green’s houses.
A. Balguerie to Decazes: Guilleminot’s heirs are keeping their 10,000 francs in
the N.Z. venture. We must still arrange the whaling subsidy and the waiver of
the insurance premium [ALG, D12].
3 June Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: The enclosed British newspaper article shows that
Britain is doing everything for the prosperity of its new colony [ALG, D12].
9 June The Kai Tahu chiefs, Tuhawaiki, Taiaroa and Kaikoura sign the Treaty of
Waitangi at Ruapuke.
13 June The Kai Tahu chiefs, Karetai and Koroko, sign the Treaty of Waitangi at
Otakou. Balguerie & Co. to Decazes: We are sending letters to Langlois and
Belligny on a whaling ship from Le Havre [Manche, dep. 6 July?] [ALG, D12].
16 June The Legislative Council of N.S.W. extends the laws of N.S.W. to N.Z.
17 June Nohoroa signs the Treaty of Waitangi at Cloudy Bay. Major Bunbury declares
British sovereignty over the South Island on the basis of the agreement of South
Island chiefs to the Treaty of Waitangi.
23 June A British Foreign Office letter to the British Ambassador in Paris asks him to
ascertain whether the French government intends forming a penal settlement in
N.Z. The French whaler, Héva, Captain E. Lelièvre, is processing a whale off
Peraki.
25 June The Journal du Havre announces Hobson’s arrival in N.Z. and actions that
point to the imposition of British sovereignty.
26 June The brig, Speculator, arrives at Peraki from Port Nicholson with provisions.

28 June Major Bunbury reports on his expedition to the South Island: at Akaroa he
found a native village and some Europeans connected with whaling
establishments. He obtained the signatures on the Treaty of Waitangi of “a
brother of the late chief Temaiharanui” and “a very intelligent well-dressed
native, who spoke English better than any that I have met with in this colony”.
Captain Rhodes has bought land there from Taiaroa, and resold some to Captain
Leathart, who has left 2 stockmen to look after about 30 head of horned cattle.
30 June The Colonial Secretary writes to C.B. Robinson, asking him to take up his
office as magistrate at Kororareka as soon as possible [IA4 Misc./1].
1 July Decazes writes to Lavaud, saying that the new government is less keen on
colonising and on penal settlements. The Colonial Secretary writes to
Robinson, instructing him to treat Maoris according to their own customs as far
as British law allows [IA4 Misc./1].
4 July The N.Z. Journal quotes, with disdain, an article from the Journal du Peuple on
the French colonisation of Banks Peninsula.
7 July In the House of Commons, Lord Eliot blames the French expedition to the
South Island on Russell’s denial of British sovereignty over N.Z.
11 July The French whaler Rubens, Captain Rogerie, begins whaling in Pegasus Bay
[CC5 611]. The Aube arrives at the Bay of Islands, anchoring off Kororareka at
8 a.m. The French whaler, Jonas, Captain Ratau, is in port.
17 July The French landowners of Kororareka write to Lavaud asking for his
protection. Mrs Delarbre writes to Lavaud from Kororareka, asking to be
allotted a section in Akaroa. Lavaud writes to Hobson asking him to explain his
policy with regard to the land titles of the French settlers. A letter from the Bay
of Islands (published 28 July in Australian newspapers) reports that the French
are taking possession of the Middle Island and that three emigrant ships are
ready to leave France. Hobson instructs C.B. Robinson to proceed to Port
Nicholson to assist M. Murphy, who has been appointed Chief Magistrate of
the Southern District of the Northern Island [IA4/305].
18 July Hobson writes to Lavaud, saying that Lavaud must first recognise Hobson as
Lieutenant Governor before he can answer his questions.
19 July Lavaud writes to Hobson saying that he cannot pre-empt the French
government’s right to recognise British claims of sovereignty over N.Z.
Lavaud’s dispatch: Aimable Langlois has been unwell. There has been discord
among his missionary passengers. Lavaud was welcomed by Stanley. He
visited Pompallier. He found out that British sovereignty had been declared
over N.Z. Thierry has visited him. Langlois will occupy the land he has bought
on Banks Peninsula. Only Banks Peninsula, not the whole South Island, can
now become a French possession, but Lavaud will not declare French

sovereignty unless instructed to do so. Dupetit Thouars’s idea to colonise the
Marquesas seems a better plan. If the colonists are to be sent to the Chathams, it
may be necessary to take the islands by force. Enclosed: Gipps’ proclamation
and Hobson’s proclamations of 21 May.
c.20 July Lavaud writes to the French settlers at Kororareka, explaining his negociations
with Hobson.
20 July Lavaud informs Hobson of his intention to settle French colonists at Akaroa.
22 July In the presence of Captain Stanley, Hobson and Lavaud agree on face-saving
measures for the French Akaroa settlement. Hobson issues instructions to
Stanley to sail to Akaroa on the Britomart to exercise civil authority there.
23 July Hobson writes to Lavaud, thanking him for the courteousness and directness of
his public communications, but, consequent upon their previous night’s
conversation, informs him that Banks Peninsula is also claimed by British
subjects. H.M.S. Britomart, Captain O. Stanley, leaves the Bay of Islands for
Akaroa. Hobson writes to Willoughby Shortland, telling him that French
emigrants are reported to be already at Akaroa, which would mean that
Robinson would remain in Akaroa instead of replacing Shortland at Port
Nicholson [IA4/305].
24 July Lavaud’s dispatch: Other people have very strong claims to Banks Peninsula,
pre-dating Langlois’s purchase. There are so many Englishmen in the South
Island that it can no longer be bought from the Maori. The most France can
hope for is an independent South Island under French protection.
The Governor of New South Wales reports that d’Urville made no indication of
forming a settlement on Banks Peninsula.
25 July Lavaud writes to the Duke Decazes: The British have declared their sovereignty
over the whole of N.Z. Lavaud has kept quiet about the French government’s
role in the proposed colonisation of the South Island. British sovereignty over
the South Island is based rather dubiously on Cook’s discovery. There is
therefore a good chance of the South Island being recognised as independent
under French protection. During the Aube’s voyage, all the animals died.
Aimable Langlois is discussing land titles with a rival claimant. Captain Ratau
shows Lavaud Clayton’s titles to Banks Peninsula.
Lavaud writes to his friend, Captain Buglet of the Thétis, stationed in
Valparaiso, explaining his situation and asking for naval assistance.
27 July The schooner, Hannah, Captain Davis, anchors at Peraki. The Héva ends its
whaling season at Peraki and leaves [CC5 611]; the Pauline remains there. The
Colonial Gazette quotes a letter from Bordeaux published in the Journal des
débats which mentions two expeditions setting out, one to Abyssinia, the other

to N.Z., financed by Raba and Balguerie from Bordeaux, and Toché, Noguet
and Arnous-Rivière from Nantes.
28 July The Australian Chronicle reports a rumour of a considerable number of French
emigrants arriving at Port Nicholson.
29 July Bishop Pompallier writes that he is sending 2 priests and 1 catechist to the
Middle Island.
30 July The Grétry finishes whaling from Port Cooper [CC5 611]. Fathers Pezant and
Comte embark on the Aube, which sets sail from the Bay of Islands at 7 a.m. for
Akaroa.
2 Aug. The Comte de Paris sights New Zealand.
9 Aug. The Ernest finishes whaling at Peraki and heads for Otago [CC5 611]. The
Comte de Paris arrives at Pigeon Bay at 5 p.m. During the night, Langlois goes
to Port Cooper and invites the chiefs to a meeting on board the Comte de Paris.
10 Aug. The Britomart enters Akaroa harbour in the late afternoon. Notification is given
that courts will be held the next day. Langlois sends his second-in-command
from Pigeon Bay to Akaroa to see if the Aube is there. Langlois and the Port
Cooper chiefs meet and determine the limits of the French purchase. The
Pauline finishes its whaling season at Peraki [CC5 611] and, with the
Speculator, leaves the bay. The Héva lies off Peraki.
11 Aug. At Pigeon Bay, Port Cooper Maori sign a confirmation of the sale of Banks
Peninsula to Langlois. Stanley, accompanied by M. Murphy and C.B.
Robinson, goes ashore at the two places where there are houses, Green’s Point
and Onuku, and hoists the British flag. The magistrates hold court sittings. The
Cosmopolite finishes whaling at Peraki, having harpooned 6 whales [CC5 611].
12 Aug. At Pigeon Bay, Port Cooper Maori sign a further document selling most of
Canterbury and the West Coast to Langlois. The Aube speaks the French
whaler, Pauline, Captain Billard, which has just left Peraki. Billard tells Lavaud
that the Britomart is at Akaroa and that the Herald had called there “two
months” previously to advertise Hobson’s proclamations and take possession in
the name of Queen Victoria.
13 Aug. The Danish barque, Concordia, Captain Sødring, leaves Peraki.
14 Aug. The Pauline arrives at Port Cooper [CC5 611]. Murphy and Robinson visit
Peraki whaling station, arriving by boat at 12.30 p.m. and leaving for Ikolaki at
3 p.m. The Comte de Paris leaves Pigeon Bay for Akaroa [?].
15 Aug. Saturday. The Aube enters Akaroa harbour. Its passengers include Father J.-B.
Comte, Father J. Pezant and Brother Florentin. Murphy and Robinson visit

Ikolaki and Goashore whaling stations. Langlois, learning from the Pauline that
the Aube is at Akaroa, sets sail from Pigeon Bay [?].
The Rubens finishes whaling in Pegasus Bay, after catching 4 whales [CC5
611].
16 Aug. Sunday. The Aube anchors off Onuku, next to the Britomart. Lavaud visits the
Maori village. The Maori are singing prayers from little books printed in Maori.
The Maori men go on board the Aube. They deny selling land to Langlois. At
5.15 p.m., when Stanley is dining on the Aube, a canoe announces the approach
of the Comte de Paris. The Aube sends a boat out to meet it. A fine day, 11.4°
C. at 4 p.m., but a cold southerly blows up in the evening. Murphy and
Robinson call at Peraki at 9 a.m. on their way back to Akaroa. The 30-ton N.Z.
schooner, Surprise, Captain McGregor, arrives at Peraki. The Héva calls at Port
Cooper for provisions [CC5 611].
17 Aug. Monday. At 11 a.m. the Comte de Paris enters Paka Ariki Bay with its 57
colonists, and anchors at 3.30 p.m. After heavy rain in the morning, an overcast
afternoon; 9° C. at 4 p.m. The Hannah, Captain Barker, arrives at Wellington
from Banks Peninsula.
18 Aug. Tuesday. Rain and snow in the early morning, 7.4° C. at 4 p.m. The Surprise,
Captain McGregor, arrives at Akaroa. An officer and sailors from the Aube
erect two sail-cloth tents for the colonists.
19 Aug. Wednesday. Overcast, 8° C. at 4 p.m. The Aube sends five carpenters on board
the Comte de Paris and other men on shore to find a replacement mast. The
colonists disembark from the Comte de Paris. Families are placed in one tent,
unmarried men in the other. Lavaud informs Langlois that the Nanto-Bordelaise
Co. wants its agent, Belligny, not Langlois, to be in charge of the colonists.
20 Aug. Thursday. The French whaler, Gustave, Captain Desclos, arrives at Akaroa.
Father Comte writes to Father Colin, recounting his arrival at Akaroa on the
Aube and his intention to cross the snow-covered hills to Port Levy, where there
are more Maori than at Akaroa. Lavaud chooses the site for the colonists’
houses.
The Pauline arrives at Port Levy and the Asia ends its whaling season in
Pegasus Bay [CC5 611].
Lavaud’s dispatch: Lavaud records the arrival of the Aube and the Comte de
Paris. Langlois’s 1838 land title was not signed by the Akaroa Maori. The
colonists are on shore in tents. The Comte de Paris needs considerable repairs.
A store will be built on shore for the colonists’ supplies. Akaroa is cold and not
a particularly good harbour. C.B. Robinson’s appointment as police magistrate
in Akaroa is made public. French colonisation is not possible in the South
Island or the Chathams. Two French colonists died during the Comte de Paris’s
voyage, and one girl died at Port Cooper.

21 Aug. Fine day, 14.2° C. at 4 p.m. The Adèle, Captain J. Walsh, leaves Peraki.
22 Aug. Captain J. Ratau sells a half-share in his Banks Peninsula title to Eugène Cafler
in the Bay of Islands. The Comte de Paris gives sail-cloth to the Aube in return
for repairs to its sails. The N.Z. Gazette and Britannia Spectator reports that Mr
Bernard, a French subject, has asked Governor Gipps about the status of N.Z.
land titles held by the non-British; that a French frigate has arrived at the Bay of
Islands and that the Britomart has sailed to Banks Peninsula to warn the French
that the territory has been proclaimed British.
23 Aug. Sunday. A Catholic Mass is held in Akaroa at 10.15 a.m. Hempleman goes to
Akaroa from Peraki. The surveying of sections being completed, they are drawn
by lots, first by the married colonists, then by the single men. Seven Germans
agree to set up in the next bay, and two other colonists decide to settle on the
hill between the two bays. The Héva leaves Port Cooper [CC5 611].
Lavaud’s dispatch: The Akaroa Maori did not sign Langlois’s 1838 deed.
French colonisation of the South Island or the Chathams is impossible.
24 Aug. Akaroa Maori sign the 12 August Pigeon Bay document and receive an
instalment of the sale price. A letter from F. Molesworth, Wellington, says that
the decision to send the Britomart to Akaroa has revived the spirits of the
British colonists.
25 Aug. The barque, Eleanor, Captain W.B. Rhodes, arrives at Akaroa. Joseph Ratau
writes to Lavaud, outlining his claim to Banks Peninsula and informing him
that J.A. Duvauchelle is going to Akaroa as his representative.
26 Aug. The Duc d’Orléans stops whaling off Port Cooper and calls into Port Cooper
itself [CC5 611]. The brig, Speculator, Captain Faher [Fisher?], arrives at
Akaroa.
27 Aug. The Britomart attempts to leave Akaroa at 10.30 a.m.
28 Aug. The Angélina ends its whaling season in Pegasus Bay [CC5 611]. The
Britomart leaves Akaroa at 6.15 a.m. Maori chiefs received on board the Aube
in the morning. Hempleman returns to Peraki from Akaroa.
29 Aug. The Britomart visits Pigeon Bay. The schooner, Success, Captain Catlin, arrives
at Peraki. The N.Z. Gazette and Britannia Spectator reports that a French
frigate and two ships, with 300 French emigrants, have arrived at Banks
Peninsula; Captain Munro of the French whaler, Cosmopolite, cautions the
Wellington public against giving credit to his crew. The N.Z. Journal hopes that
the N.Z. authorities will naturalize the French settlers and encourage them to
grow olive and vines.
30 Aug. Rain. The French whaler, Héva, Captain E. Lelièvre, arrives at Akaroa [cf. 1
Sept.]. The Britomart visits Port Levy and Port Cooper. Langlois writes to

Lavaud protesting against Belligny’s claim to seniority over Langlois in the
administration of the colony. Langlois cites a number of documents in support
of his claim to precedence.
The French whaler Cousin, Captain Lemasson, ends its bay-whaling season at
Port Cooper [CC5 611].
31 Aug. Lavaud writes to Langlois, saying that, as the validity of Langlois’s purchase of
Banks Peninsula is very questionable, it is no longer a question of carrying out
the original agreement, but of salvaging what one can. This is why Lavaud has
put Belligny in charge of the colony, leaving Langlois in charge of whaling.
1 Sept. Hail. Langlois writes to Lavaud, saying that Lavaud already has the passenger
list for the Comte de Paris. Statements of stocks of food, repairs required to the
ship, etc., are being prepared.
Langlois writes another letter to Lavaud expressing surprise and pain at
Lavaud’s angry response to his letter. In Rochefort, Belligny had expressly
denied that he would be in charge of the colony. Langlois’s claim to Banks
Peninsula is on the same footing as everyone else’s for the moment. He has
followed Lavaud’s advice in getting as many Maori signatures as possible.
The Héva arrives at Akaroa to repair damage caused by bad weather [CC5 611,
cf. 30 Aug.].
2 Sept. Six men from the Gustave, Captain Desclos, are put in irons on the Aube at the
request of their captain.
3 Sept. A Council of Justice on board the Aube judges the case of the men from the
Gustave. Heavy rain. The Britomart arrives at Wellington with Michael
Murphy and Dudley Sinclair as passengers.
4 Sept. More hail. Father Pezant writes to Father Colin (via the Gustave), describing
the Aube’s voyage to N.Z. The few Maori at Akaroa have already been
indoctrinated by the Protestants.
5 Sept. The N.Z. Gazette and Britannia Spectator reports the arrival of the Aube and
Comte de Paris, with 50 agricultural emigrants, at Banks Peninsula. “It is
presumed that France intended to proclaim the Middle Island [French], but in
consequence of the British proceedings, that intention may be considered to be
abandoned. Everything appears to have been conducted in a most amicable
manner.”
6 Sept. Fine day. All the crew of the Aube are sent ashore.
Lavaud’s dispatch (via the Gustave): Langlois is not at all happy that Belligny
is the the Nanto-Bordelaise Co.’s official representative at Akaroa. The

colonists have been put ashore near the Aube, which is acting as their store until
a proper store is built.
Lavaud reports on the distilling equipment: 43 kg. of coal produce 200 litres of
fresh water per day, half the ship’s consumption.
7 Sept. The Gustave leaves Akaroa [cf. 8 Sept.]. Patrick Byrne submits his claim for
20,000 acres at Port Levy.
8 Sept. The Gustave ends its whaling season at Akaroa and Peraki [CC5 611, cf. 7
Sept.]. Several boatloads of Maori go on board the Aube.
9 Sept. Father Comte marries Pierre and Louise Benoît. Belligny informally agrees to
sell 5 acres in Akaroa to C.B. Robinson.
10 Sept. J.A. Duvauchelle writes to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, in support of Ratau
and Cafler’s land claim.
13 Sept. Continuing good weather. Some of the crew given time off ashore. Fathers
Pezant and Comte baptise Isidore Libeau, Mary Robinson Clough, Abner
Robinson Clough, Mary Ann Woods and Thomas Green.
14 Sept. A boat from the Aube gets the rest of the colonists’ stores from the Comte de
Paris: biscuit, bacon, beef, salt, coffee, cooking oil, beans and brandy.
16 Sept. The Aube is down to 18 kilos of flour.
17 Sept. The Aube’s Council of Justice meets to judge the cases of Lagarde and Vautrin.
Flour is transported from the Comte de Paris. Father Pezant writes to Father
Colin (via the Héva), criticising Lavaud and supporting Langlois. He encloses
a letter for Marshal Soult. The missionaries are living in a grass house they
have built themselves and are receiving a food ration from the Aube.
Captain Stanley writes his report to Hobson on his expedition to Akaroa: He
arrived at Akaroa on 10 August, landed the next day, hoisted the flag and held
courts. Murphy and Robinson visited the whaling stations. The Comte de Paris
brought 57 emigrants (30 men, 11 women, 16 children): carpenters, gardeners,
stone-masons, labourers, a baker and a miner. Lavaud promised to do nothing
hostile to the British government.
19 Sept. The Eleanor arrives at Akaroa.
20 Sept. Sale of the possessions of St. Jalmes, a sailor on the Aube, who had died on the
outward voyage, and Fuzin, who had deserted.
21 Sept. The Eleanor leaves Akaroa.

23 Sept. The Launceston schooner, Essington, Captain Archer, arrives at Akaroa. The
Héva, Captain Lelièvre, leaves Akaroa to go whaling [CC5 611]. The Governor
of New South Wales reports to Lord John Russell that Captain Stanley
preceded the French to Akaroa and that Lavaud has pledged that nothing shall
be done that can be considered as an attempt to take possession of the country
for the French government.
27 Sept. Sunday: crew from the Aube are given shore leave. The Essington passes the
Peraki heads.
28 Sept. The Aube’s Council of Justice judges Magué and Rouzeau, two sailors from the
Comte de Paris. The Journal du Havre, quoting the Morning Chronicle, reports
Hobson’s declarations of British sovereignty over N.Z. on 21 May and laments
the fate of the proposed French colony.
30 Sept. Lavaud is promoted ‘capitaine de vaisseau’.
1 Oct. Vessels that have entered the port of Akaroa between 1 January and 1 October
1840 are, according to Robinson: the American whalers Thule, Thames,
Golconda, Octavia, Chariot, Concordia, Ninus [the trader Nereus?], Thomas
Dickason, George, France, Washington, Neptune, and Heroine [?]; the British
men-of-war Herald and Britomart; the colonial vessels Surprise, Speculator,
Eleanor, Essington, Hannah, and Sancta Maria; the French whalers Héva, Ville
de Bordeaux, Avenir, Narwal, Pauline, Rubens, Gange, Cosmopolite, Gustave,
and Comte de Paris; and the French men-of-war Astrolabe, Zélée and Aube.
2 Oct. Bishop Pompallier arrives in Akaroa on the Sancta Maria, Captain Michel, with
Mr J.A. Duvauchelle and Father J.A. Tripe. Hobson’s proclamations of British
sovereignty over N.Z. is formally recognised in Britain by an Act of State
published in the London Gazette.
3 Oct. The N.Z. Gazette and Britannia Spectator publishes reports from Sydney that it
was rumoured at the Bay of Islands that the British government had
relinquished its claim to the middle Island in favour of the French, and that the
arrival of two French vessels with emigrants was daily expected
7 Oct. Rev. J. Watkin of Waikouaiti writes in his diary: “if the French are allowed to
vomit their moral filth into this land it will only perpetuate and enlarge the
curse already inflicted upon it”.
9 Oct. A close friend of Lavaud’s [Fellissier?] writes from Brest with family and
political news, and congratulations on Lavaud’s promotion.
10 Oct. The Journal du Havre reports that H.M.S. Arabella has been sent from Sydney
to prevent the French seizure of Banks Peninsula.
12 Oct. Men from the Aube begin work on the Sancta Maria.

13 Oct. Langlois writes to Lavaud, thanking him for allowing the colonists to use one
of the Aube’s boats. Because of the damage done to his own boats, Langlois
would rather not lend one to the colonists yet. J.A. Duvauchelle writes to
Langlois inviting him to a meeting at 3 p.m. the next day on the Aube to discuss
land claims.
14 Oct. Robinson engages men as constables.
15 Oct. Robinson’s report gives the population of Akaroa as 57 French, about 40 Maori
and about 11 English. The French “have cultivated very extensively” and have
planted vine and tobacco. Warrants have been issued against men from the
African for kidnapping and ill-treating Maori.
Lavaud writes to the Duke Decazes: A path has been made between Paka Ariki
Bay, where the French are settled, and German Bay. Temporary housing has
been erected and some crops planted. Those who were ill were helped by the
crew of the Aube. Belligny and the crew of the Aube have established
experimental gardens. It being too late for wheat, barley is being sown. It is
very difficult clearing the ferns. The crew of the Aube has been working from
dawn until dusk. The Comte de Paris has been unloaded. Its new fore-mast is
ready to put into place. Its crew is demoralised because they are not out
catching whales: Lavaud has had to punish some deserters severely. Langlois’s
jealousy of Belligny is being disruptive. Three weeks earlier, the colonists had
held a meeting to declare their support for Langlois. Lavaud put the ringleader
in irons on the Aube.
19 Oct. Birth of Charles Joseph Marie Malmanche in Akaroa.
21 Oct. Meeting between Duvauchelle and Belligny and Langlois, in the presence of
Lavaud, to discuss their land claims.
24 Oct. Bishop Pompallier confirms Adolphe Victor de Lalande at Akaroa.
25 Oct. Sunday: Bishop Pompallier conducts Mass at 9.30 a.m. Duvauchelle writes to
Belligny, arguing for the validity of the land claim of Ratau and Cafler, as
opposed to that of the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. Their purchase was made, via
Clayton, from Tuauau, the brother-in-law of Tamaiharanui. The signatories of
the Nanto-Bordelaise deed include former slaves (John Love) and people not
born on the peninsula (Iwikau). Other deeds are even more recent and
questionable.
26 Oct. The Speculator arrives at Akaroa. J.A. Duvauchelle writes to Lavaud, asking to
be assigned somewhere to live.
29 Oct. A British three-master arrives at Akaroa. In France, another Soult Ministry is
formed. Marshal Soult is the President of the Council; Guizot is Foreign
Minister and the real leader of the ministry; Duperré is Minister of the Navy
and Colonies.

31 Oct. The N.Z. Gazette and Britannia Spectator reports that the French at Akaroa are
putting in crops; that, if they are allowed possession, twenty thousand French
emigrants are to arrive over a period of five years; and that their port is to be
free for twenty years. It estimates the European population of Banks Peninsula
to be 100.
1 Nov. Sunday. Bishop Pompallier baptises Charles Malmanche. Some of the crew of
the Aube attend Mass. J.A. Duvauchelle writes to Lavaud, presenting arguments
in support of Ratau and Cafler’s claim to Banks Peninsula. Robinson reports
that he summarily convicted one European and discharged another in
September; and that, in October, he discharged two Europeans on
misdemeanour charges and one European on a felony charge.
2 Nov. 78 kilos of potatoes brought on board the Aube.
? Nov. Lavaud writes to Duvauchelle, giving him permission to live temporarily on a
small amount of land on the Pointe du Débarcadère. A British Land
Commission will make a definitive decision on land claims.
5 Nov. Belligny arrives in Wellington as a passenger on H.M.S. Favorite, Captain
Dunlop, from the Thames.
6 Nov. Dumont d’Urville’s ships, the Astrolabe and Zélée, arrive back at Toulon.
Heavy rain and hail in Akaroa.
8 Nov. Bishop Pompallier confirms John Joseph Cochran at Akaroa.
Robinson’s report: the English population of Akaroa has increased by about 20.
3 of Robinson’s boat crew and 1 of the deputy constables resign. Messrs
Weller, Duvauchelle, Rhodes and Wood wish to open stores. 20 of 25 types of
vegetable planted by the French are flourishing.
9 Nov. Work begins on the building of a gaol and a house for Robinson.
10 Nov. Jean Pape, a sailor on the Aube, dies of pulmonary phthisis in the ship’s
hospital. The Speculator arrives at Akaroa on its way to fit out a fishery at
Motunau. Bishop Pompallier confirms Andrew Joseph Jordan and Jean-Baptiste
Éthevenaux at Akaroa.
11 Nov. Father Tripe conducts the burial service for Jean Pape.
12 Nov. The Aube delivers 2 months supplies (biscuits and salted meat) for 16 people to
the Sancta Maria. The Journal du Havre describes how two Frenchmen with
land in the Bay of Islands have just returned, ruined, to France as a result of the
British turning the Maori against them.
14 Nov. The Sancta Maria leaves Akaroa at 7 a.m. for Otakou, with Pompallier, Pezant,
Comte and Duvauchelle on board.

15 Nov. H.M.S. Favorite leaves Wellington for Akaroa.
16 Nov. H.M.S. Favorite, Lieutenant Dunlop, enters Akaroa harbour, bringing a
personal letter to Lavaud from Hobson. Letters Patent issued under the
authority of the British Parliament make N.Z. a colony in its own right, separate
from New South Wales.
17 Nov. The Aube replies to the Favorite’s salute.
20 Nov. The repairs and the unloading of the Comte de Paris completed.
23 Nov. Father Tripe agrees to teach French to a constable in return for English lessons.
Father Tripe writes two letters to Father Colin: Father Comte is away visiting
the Maori on the peninsula. Very few people come to Mass. Lavaud and
Belligny attended, but only when Pompallier was present. A wooden chapel
will be built. The mission whale-boat has been extensively damaged. Tripe is
critical of Pompallier.
24 Nov. Father Tripe marries Louis Jules Véron and Marie Célestine Éteveneaux.
Perrigault, a sailor on the Comte de Paris, is punished. Timber for the Catholic
chapel is brought in. Lavaud draws up a list of the work done by his sailors on
the Comte de Paris. The London Gazette gives formal notification that N.Z. is a
distinct and separate colony under Governor Hobson.
25 Nov. H.M.S. Favorite leaves Akaroa.
27 Nov. Rain and hail in Akaroa in the morning.
30 Nov. Sale of the effects of Jean Pape. Robinson writes to Lavaud, requesting
assistance to make some arrests and permission to place the arrested men in
custody on the Aube. 28 armed men sent ashore at 9.15 p.m. At 11.20 p.m. they
return on board the Aube with two Englishmen, who are put in prison.
Lavaud’s dispatch (sent on the Victoria): A French colonist has had a fight with
an Englishman. After discussion with Robinson, Lavaud dealt with the case.
Pompallier spent 6 weeks as Lavaud’s guest on the Aube. Robinson, who had
already been living on the Aube for two months is now living on shore with
Belligny. Land titles are very confused. The repairs to the Comte de Paris were
recently completed. The colonists are now all in houses with wooden frames,
cob walls and roofs made either of planks or rushes. The colonists suffering
from Rochefort fever have recovered. A store and a hospital have been built.
Venereal disease spread on the Comte de Paris. Each family has cultivated half
an acre of land. Many plants are growing well. The Aube has its own acre of
garden. There are no animals. Mr Raoul (surgeon and naturalist on the Aube)
has found kahikatea, matai, rimu, tawa and miro on the peninsula. Enclosed:
Bunbury’s declaration of British sovereignty over the South Island; the Treaty
of Waitangi; letters from Duvauchelle and Ratau.

1 Dec. Two further Englishmen brought on board by a constable are put in irons.
Belligny writes to the Duke Decazes: The French colonists are living under
French law. Belligny is Mayor and Justice of the Peace. Robinson is very
tolerant, Lavaud wise and benevolent. Most of the colonists have concentrated
on growing potatoes. Two have had to be moved from unproductive land. Of all
the animals brought out by the Aube and the Comte de Paris, only a hen, a duck
and a goose survived the voyage. Belligny has acquired some roosters and hens.
Great numbers of rats are attacking crops. Belligny’s cousin has gone to the
Bay of Islands. Pompallier’s views on N.Z., as expressed in a letter to Decazes,
are not reliable: there are no coal mines at Port Cooper. Langlois has apologised
to Belligny.
2 Dec. The English prisoners are taken ashore under guard. The Comte de Paris, the
Speculator and H.M. brig Victoria, Captain Crew, leave Akaroa. The Victoria
carries mail for transhipment to France. The English prisoners are brought back
on board the Aube.
3 Dec. The French whaler, Ajax, Captain Le Tellier, arrives at Akaroa. The four
English prisoners spend the day ashore.
4 Dec. At 8 p.m. a boat is sent ashore to put out the bush fire which was threatening
some houses.
10 Dec. The crew of the Aube sent off for a swim. J.A. Duvauchelle, a passenger on the
Sancta Maria, buys four pigs from Harwood at Tyaria (Taieri, Otago). A
British Foreign Office letter to the British Ambassador in Paris reports that
d’Urville made no indication of forming a settlement on Banks Peninsula.
12 Dec. Birth of a son to Pierre and Louise Benoît. The child is baptised the same day
by Father Tripe.
13 Dec. 40 men from the Aube either have shore leave or go swimming.
14 Dec. Pierre and Louise Benoît’s infant son dies and is buried in the Akaroa Catholic
Church cemetery.
15 Dec. The Ajax leaves Akaroa.
16 Dec. Thick early morning mist. The Sancta Maria arrives at Akaroa. Pompallier
visits the Aube at 11 a.m.
17 Dec. 2016 kilos of potatoes brought on board the Aube from on shore.
19 Dec. A ton of potatoes is brought from the Sancta Maria to the Aube.

20 Dec. The colonists complain to Lavaud of the high prices the Nanto-Bordelaise
Company is charging. The brig Theresa leaves Port Nicholson for Akaroa with
35 tons of flour.
21 Dec. Lavaud sends two officers to Port Nicholson on the Sancta Maria to buy
supplies.
Robinson’s report: A French carpenter has contracted to build the prison for
£50 and it is nearly finished. Only 2 (the Barrys) of 5 constables remain.
Robinson’s boat crew have all resigned.
22 Dec. The Speculator arrives at Akaroa and leaves the same day. The crew of the
Aube go bathing.
23 Dec. The Chilian brig, Theresa, arrives at Akaroa.
24 Dec. 32 quarters of flour from the Theresa are transported to the store on shore. The
brigantine Sancta Maria arrives at Port Nicholson from Akaroa with Bishop
Pompallier on board.
Lavaud’s dispatch: The Nanto-Bordelaise Company is charging colonists very
high prices. Each colonist has been issued with an account book by the
company. Lavaud has turned down Pompallier’s request for 5 or 6 crew
members from the Aube for the Sancta Maria.
25 Dec. The Theresa leaves Akaroa. At 10.30 a.m. some members of the crew of the
Aube attend Mass on shore.
26 Dec. The Aube officers in Port Nicholson call for tenders for biscuit, flour, coffee,
sugar, salt pork, vinegar and mustard grain.
31 Dec. Robinson records that he summarily convicted two Maori and four Europeans
in November.