Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 571, 25 January 1929, Page 14

Books Reviewed

THE FRENCH IN NEW ZEALAND tpiIERE is no phase in our early -*■ history more Interesting than the efforts made by the French to establish a colony in New Zealand. Much 'lias been written of the Baron de Thierry and his claims in the North and of the activities of the NantoBordelaise Company in the South. Much that is erroneous lias been written (and even carved in stone) concerning a legendary race between Captain Lavaud, of the'Frencli frigate I.’Aube, and Captain Stanley, of the British sloop-of-war Britomart, for the possession of Bank’s Peninsula. Mr. T. Lindsay Buick, who has already accomplished much In creating an interest in New Zealand history—his “Treaty of Waitangi” is a standard work —has now produced "The French at Akaroa,” an absorbingly interesting and very complete thesis on a picturesque period of our colonisation. It was in the days of King Louis Philippe that France began to consider a scheme propounded by Captain Laiiglois, a whaler, for the settlement of a slice of France on the gentle slopes of Akaroa. Langlois had persuaded/ a number of Maoris to affix their mokos to a deed under which, upon delivery of certain'goods, much valuable land on the peninsula should be his. Mr. Buick shows us that M. Langlois was not altogether overburdened with scruples in his dealings with the Maori, nor in the subsequent representations lie made in France, but at ail events a company was floated and a party of French emigrants left for New Zealand: Captain Lavaud, who had sailed front France with certain orders from his Government, arrived in New Zealand to find Captain Hobson established at Kororareka as lieutenant-governor. This, of course, altered the whole complexion of his mission, which was to afford the property of the NantoBordeiaise Company—once the titles were definitely secured—the protection of the French flag. One-fourth of tfie estate was, in return for this service, to be vested in the French Crown. A penal settlement might possibly have followed, but although such project had been discussed “no decision had been reached before the debdcle came.” Mr. Buick emphasises the masterly manner in which this diplomatic Frenchman steered his difficult course under circumstances that might have perplexed an ambas-

sador who had been accredited to a dozen foreign Courts. He definitely explodes the pretty story of the dance on the French frigate from which British officers silently stole away to sail for Akaroa, leaving a discomfited French commander to follow as best he might. Apparently Captain Lavaud knew of the intention of Captain Stanley. “There was no race, because there was no need of one.” Perhaps the most interesting portions of the book are those dealing with the life of the French pioneers in Akaroa; the work of the artist Merryon; the rivalry of hot-headed Langlois and M de Belligny as to who should be recognised as the company’s agent on shore; the tactful intercession of Lavaud and the skating on thin ice that both he and the resident British magistrate performed that harmonious relations might be preserved. For it was not until some time had elapsed after his arrival that Captain Lavaud received advice that persuaded him to recognise Captain Hobson as the representative of British sovereignty in New Zealand, and his position was indeed difficult both before and after receipt of this information. In 1849 the Nanto-Bor-delaise Company sold its entire property and interests to the New Zealand Company for £4,500, and that terminated the historic venture. The French became assimilated with the British stock. The last of the original colonists, M. Joseph Libeau, died as recently as 1919. He lived to welcome the French mission of goodwill

headed by General Pau. In Akaroa, lovely little town dreaming beside tranquil blue waters, there are, today, many things that remind us of i the early French settlers. One meets I citizens who carry names of French | origin, a street in the township bears j the honoured name of Lavaud, here ! and. there are .quaint houses that rei mind one of sleepy towns in the Midi. Across the Bay is French Farm, where once vegetables were grown for the meii-o’-warsmen. And in a quiet cemetery (consecrated by Bishop Pompallier) one may still read such inscriptions as: Fille cheric, Anffe bien aimee Repose dans les deux Souviens-toi de nous. All over the Akaroa settlement is an atmosphere that is a joy to those who delight to reconstruct history. Those who cannot engage in this pleasant pastime would clo well to purchase Mr. Buick’s book and let him do the reconstructing. His work has necessitated much patient research and he has made no inconsiderable contribution to New Zealand history with this well-stored volume. “The French in Akaroa.” New Zealand Book Depot, SO Willis Street, Wellington. Our copy from the publishers. Biblical Precepts and Proverbs Under the title “God’s Promises,” Dr. Charles M. Sheldon, D.D., has crystallised and classified the’ best of the precepts, maxims and proverbs the Bible holds within its 66 hooks. A glance through Dr. Sheldon’s little anthology would doubtless astonish the man who Is inclined to shyness when Scriptural passages are mentioned. In "God’s Promises” he will find snippets and sayings and proverbs he himself frequently uses but of the origin of which ire had never been quite certain. Apart from its undoubted value to the Chyrchman this collection would be by no means out of place oil the desk of i.he writer, or in the pocket of the public speaker. “God’s Promises," by Charles M. Sheldon, D.D. Methuen and Co., London. Our copy direct from the publishers. A Boon to “Free-Lances” Contributors to the New Zealand and I Australian Press in the past have often expressed regret at the lack of a reliable directory which would indicate the best markets for their literary

and artistic efforts. The need of such a guide, until the publication of “The Australian and New Zealand Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book,” at the end of 1927, proved a severe handicap to thousands who wrote or drew, either for their living or as a profitable sideline. Without a complete knowledge of editorial requirements of principal newspapers, as well as smaller publications, they were often in a quandary where to dispose of their work to the best advantage. In very mar.y cases rejected M.S.S., drawings, photos, etc., which might have found ready acceptance elsewhere were destroyed. Edited by Mr. Cecil Ringstad, a Sydney free-lance journalist of wide experience, and Mr. William Fitz Henry, a member of the staff'of “The Bulletin,” “The Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book” has found a welcome place on tile bookshelves of free-lance and working journalists and artists. The 1929 edition which has just been published, has been enlarged by 16 pages, thorougly revised and brought up to date. The editors have now inaugurated a free Service Bureau, the purpose of which is to enable ail readers to secure promptly and without charge, advice and enlightenment upon many vexed problems confronting Press contributors. The Year Book is on sale at all newsagents and booksellers for 2s 6d a copy. Messrs. Gordon and Gotch (Australasia), Ltd., are sole wholesale distributors. It is published by C. V. Ringstad, Box 2876 N, G.P.0., Sydney, from whom we have received our copy. CONRAD ADMIRED IT “A Free Lance of To-day” is the rather curious title of Sir Hugh Clifford’s exciting tale of Malay. This title gives the prospective reader no idea of the excellence of the story, which is one of treachery and revenge, gun-running, love and hate—set in the Malayan jungle. One of the author’s greatest admirers was the late Joseph Conrad who wrote enthusiastically of the hook when it made its first appearance in 1903. “A Free Lance of To-day” is full of colour and incident and is told in masterly style by Sir Hugh, who is an authority on Malaya and its people. The story deals with the adventures of Maurice Curzon, a bank clerk, who threw over his job and joined the Malayans in their encounters with the Dutch. The story is well worth reprinting and should find many admirers among tfie present generation of readers. “A Free Lance of To-day.” Our copy comes direct from the publishers, Methuen and Co., Ltd., Essex Street, London. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED “Samoa at Geneva: Misleading the League of Nations.”—A commentary by the Hon. O. F. Nelson. 24pp. National Printing Co., Ltd., Auckland.