NANTO-BORDELAISE COMPANY

This was a company that was set up in France to facilitate the creation of a French
colony on the middle island (South Island) of New Zealand in 1840 at what is now   
known as Akaroa. A French whaler had "purchased" Banks Penisula from the Maoris in 
1838 and had sailed back to France to convince the government of France to back his
idea of a colony there. Captain Jean Langlois eventually pursuaded King            
Louis-Philippe to support the idea and the French government provided a transport  
ship for 80 colonists and sent a French warship in advance for their protection.   

Unfortunately for the disappointed French settlers, Britain had finally, after much
dithering, claimed New Zealand during their voyage to the other side of the world  
and they landed in circumstances somewhat different from that which they had       
envisaged.                                                                         

Agreement was achieved between the British representatives and the French settlers 
that allowed them to continue their project and thus they founded a small piece of 
France in New Zealand. The French company's remaining interests were sold to the   
New Zealand Company in 1849 for £4,500.                                            

Ships which carried French settlers to Akaroa included:                            

Comte de Paris - 1840
Monarch        - 1850

If you have further information on this immigration scheme feel free to send it  
to webmaster "at" yesteryears.co.nz, You will be acknowledged as the contributor.










Further Reading
Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Vol 1 pg 28. 1966
The French at Akaroa by T.K. Buick. 1928
French Akaroa by Peter Tremewan. 1990

Compiled by Corey Woodw@rd


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