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

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.