Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/116



Captain George Armstrong arrived between 1840-50, Mrs. Armstrong, George, Junr., Joseph (sons), Nellie, Andileau (daughters), John (son), Minnie (daughter), Frank, James, Fred, Luke (sons). Captain Armstrong came from New Bedford, U.S.A., and landed at Stewart’s Island on February 19th, 1846, from the ship Phoenix. Thence he went northwards and landed at The Nuggets, Napier. From Napier he travelled down the coast on foot to Wellington, staying with the Maoris en route. When he reached Wellington he ascertained that the Government were advertising for a competent man to run the blockade to the Wanganui river. Mr. Armstrong applied for the post, and, being successful, got command of the Edward Stanley on August 2nd, 1847. Whilst in command of this vessel in the river he one day saw a settler running for the bank, pursued by a Maori armed with a rifle. On reaching the bank the fugitive plunged into