EARLY TARANAKI

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 80, 28 December 1937, Page 11

EARLY TARANAKI

Gift of Historic Documents to New Zealand A collection of .documents of great interest in connection with the early settlement of Taranaki has been handed to the High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, by Mrs Arminel Werring, F.E.G.S., daughter of tbe late Dr. Henry Weekes, who was isurgeonsuperintendent of the ship William Bryan, which sailed from Plymouth on November 12, 1840, for the New Plymouth settlement. The names of 56 passengers include some whose families are among the foremo'st settlers to-day. Dr. Weekes became the first settler on an island in the Manukau Harbour. The island is still named Weekes' Island, and was included in the Manukau eleetorate when first represented by Mr W. J. Jordan, -now High Commissioner. A full account of the voyage of the William Bryan in the handwriting of the doctor, as well as other most interesting documents, comprise the collection. A prospeetus issued by the Plymouth Company of New Zealand oft'ers a quarter-acre in the proposed town of New Plymouth and 50 acres of rural land for £75, to be paid for in instalments. If a person bought six of the double land orders and took to the colony furniture and stock to the value of a further £300, the company would advance £60 in cash as an allowanee for passage money.