Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/170

 George (sons), Emily (daughter). Mr. Lelievre came originally to New Zealand in a whaling vessel under command of Captain L’Anglois in 1836. On his arrival at this time the Maori pa at Onawe Peninsula (Akaroa Harbour) had just been completed. On his return in 1837-8 he found it destroyed. Mr. Lelievre was present on the momentous occasion of Captain L’Anglois’ purchase from the Maoris of that portion of Banks Peninsula which secured to the French a foothold in New Zealand. The details of this transaction were conducted at Port Levy, and the price finally agreed upon was £500, one half of which was due on completion of the bargain. This deposit was represented by two old whaleboats, some old muskets, military clothing, and sundry articles, which were handed over to the Natives by Captain L’Anglois. The remaining £250 was paid over when the emigrants arrived in 1840.

When Mr. Lelievre for the third time arrived in New Zealand, he was regarded as having forfeited his claim to a grant of land (possessed by each emigrant), through having been employed as blacksmith on board the Comte de Paris. However, when he decided to remain in Akaroa, the same privilege was