Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/136

 brig of war, H.M.S. Britomart, in command of Captain Stanley, R.N., who had sealed orders to proceed to Akaroa at once, and hoist the British flag before the arrival of the French corvette. They reached Akaroa on August 14th, none too soon, for next day L’Aube arrived, and almost simultaneously Comte de Paris, with the emigrants. Governor Hobson had appointed two Magistrates, Messrs. Robinson and Murphy, for the southern parts of New Zealand. These gentlemen were sent down with Captain Stanley in the Britomart, and had instructions to hold a court at each port of call to establish British authority. Their first duty was to erect a pole and hoist the Union Jack, which was flying gaily from Green Point when L’Aube and Comte de Paris sailed up the harbour on August 15th, 1840. Mr. Murphy returned in the Britomart, but Mr. Robinson remained in Akaroa as chief Magistrate, holding that position until 1846, when he resigned, and soon afterwards went to England. Mr. Robinson was specially fitted for his position in Akaroa, being a remarkably clever lawyer and a good linguist. His knowledge of French enabled him to render great assistance to the French and other