Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/185

 their lives returned to France. Another few, becoming successful farmers, and acquiring large estates, have proved excellent pioneers, and their descendants are now taking a keen interest in the welfare of the country, and are represented on all the local bodies. Those French settlers were, as a community, a great acquisition to New Zealand, commanding the respect of our own pioneers, who esteemed them for their rectitude and honesty. They were excellent neighbours, quiet and homely in their ways, obliging, and generous in their hospitality, always extending a cordial welcome and a good meal to travellers.

Mr. Waekerle, who was one of the German immigrants, represented Banks Peninsula in the Provincial Council of Canterbury for two years. He was an enterprising settler, and brought to his district the famous Ka-Ka pony, the sire of the celebrated Akaroa ponies, so famous for their hardihood, activity, and surefootedness on the hills and in rough country.

John McFarlane, Mrs. McFarlane and family, 1850. Mr. McFarlane landed in Wellington in the early ’forties, and came to Canterbury a few months before the first four ships. He managed a property known