The predominantly French European population of what…

The predominantly French European population of what is known officially as New Zealaad's Akaroa district (comprising not only Akaroa but the whole of Banks Peninsula and the adjacent plains) has remained almost static for several years.

From a total of two hundred and forty-five in 1844, it had increased only to two hundred and sixty-five in 1848.

Most of this small growth was accounted for by natural increase, with some slight drift of sailors and others to the village of Akaroa.

Of eoighty-eight men whose occupations were listed in 1848 only eighteen were land proprietors, the remainder comprising forty-two farm workers (shepherds, cattle-keepers, etc.), five sawyers, and thirteen seamen and fisherman.

In April 1850, Akaroa receives its first large accession of British settlers, when the ship Monarch, carrying emigrants bound for Auckland, is forced to put into Akaroa to repair a damaged rudder.

Forty one of the Monarch's passengers decide to remain at Akaroa.