LA

NEW ZEALANDNEW 7471 RANGIORA 1 RD SWANNANOA RD CHAINTWO 975 CLARK M R to Return

GAZETTE

Issue # 21 NOVEMBER 2006

Libeau Descendants Inc. New museum in Paris. COMMITTEE – CONTACTS BIRTH

Chairman, Vaughan McEwen First grandchild for Heather Libeau- La Gazette No 21. The Musée du Quai Branly has Ph (03) 352 5272 Dow. Sarah and Paul Clifford recently opened in the heart of Paris. Mobile 025 340 872 Christchurch announced the safe arrival of This newsletter was planned for issue This museum will have a significant Samuel William on March 20th, early September but a few technical global impact as it is devoted to Secretary , Patricia Stoneman. 2005 at Christchurch Womens' and personal difficulties delayed showcasing the arts and civilizations Ph (03) 323 5111 665 Main North Rd Hospital. He is now a lively toddler production. My apologies to all who of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Belfast who loves to visit Gran and feed the have been inconvenienced by this. Americas. The many objects and Christchurch 8005. NZ ducks. works that make up the museum’s e-mail [email protected] collection include photography by Photo center pages. My thanks go to John Coleman for his Treasurer, Norman Clark last minute assistance. New Zealand artists Fiona Ph (03) 327 5552 DEATH Pardington and Michael P O Box 185 Parekowhai. Kaiapoi 8252, NZ Ian McGowan (1921-2006) died Richard Clark (Editor.) For further information about the Newsletter Editor, Richard Clark suddenly at Christchurch Hospital Contents. museum, visit: Ph (03) 312 6133 on Monday 27th March. He was a http://www.quaibranly.fr/index.php Fax. (03) 381 6472 wonderful man who is greatly Willows and Wine 975 Two Chain Rd missed by Winsome and his family. Visit of Jean and Joelle Eteveneaux Swannanoa RD1 French Connections (Landing Rangiora 8154. NZ 'French Akaroa' e-mail [email protected] MARRIAGE Day/French Fest) Cameron Parsonson married Heidi James Dick Clark North Island rep, Aileen Sharp Have you been trying to locate a Marie Himsell at St Mary's Merivale Website Ph (09) 576 7179 copy of Peter Tremewan's book Auckland. April 8th, 2006 on a beautiful President’s update 'French Akaroa' which was autumn day. AGM South Canterbury rep, published in 1990? 2007 Reunion Desiree McKenzie Ph (03) 689 8872 As there have been requests for this Clark Timaru / Waimate Phillip Andrew married ……….. ………….……. plans are underway to have this Emma Samantha Hedley at Cantley reprinted. However, a run needs to <> House Hotel, Wokingham UK on SeasSeasonsons Greetings be more than 200 copies if this is to Our aim is to keep in touch, and keep you Saturday 10 June 2006. proceed. informed on what is happening within the Phillip is the son of John Robert family generally and / or present items with a Clark and grandson of Neville And Best wishes Should you be interested in French flavour. James Clark, Joseph jnr line. purchasing a copy please contact To do this, we need your input, includes Phillip and Emma live in Hayes, Patricia Stoneman. photos, of info. on births, deaths, marriages For the festive season West London. and family stories which can be sent to: R Clark - details above. Photo center pages.

From the Committee Annual General Meeting held at St Joseph's Church Centre on Sunday 27 May 2006

The meeting this year was held at a later time of 1:30pm. This was to avoid conflict with those folk who attend church services. Comments on the change would be appreciated as this would have been the smallest number at any meeting. However, withstanding this, the enthusiasm, sharing of ideas and discussion on heritage and preservation of heritage houses by Pam Wilson from the New Zealand Historic Trust gave us food for thought. Joseph and Clemence’s house in Rue Grehan has just been sold. It had been owned by the Daley family since 1960’s.

Reunion in 2007 For those members who are planning to go to the Reunion in 2007 the information has been distributed and definite commitment needs to be made if you wish to travel as part of the block booking for flights and accommodation while in Rochefort. The programme at this stage will commence on Friday 14 September 2007. Planning is underway and will possibly begin with a walk down to the Corderie Royale and the banks of the Charente River and a visit to l'Hermione, a boat under construction. It is very similar to the Comte de Paris. There will be a dinner in the evening for all those attending. On the Saturday a trip on the Charente following the voyage of the Comte de Paris out to the Ile d'Aix where a picnic may be held. As it is a heritage weekend for Rochefort there will be many organised activities. These will be confirmed later as numbers are confirmed and events in Rochefort are finalised. On Sunday trips around sites of interest will be organised. For those who wish to stay /come back to Rochefort the following weekend a more leisurely Libeau family weekend will be held. This is only an outline but may be helpful. The family in France are excited about the gathering and have been a great help in planning. For those wishing to free-lance there are websites where further ideas are available. There are some brochures available that we brought back from the Tourist Office in Rochefort who are aware of our group and will be organising some of the events .They are able to provide English speaking guides for those of us who need a little help. You will be guaranteed a wonderful time as the whole of the town celebrates this weekend.

For further information - http://www. ville-rochefort.fr Presidents Update

The last months since our AGM have been a hectic time of the year for your committee and myself, attending quite a few functions such as Bastille Day celebrations, the Ambassadors function in Christchurch, the fantastic Comte de Paris Ball and the visit of the Eteveneaux family to Christchurch. These are great events and are well supported and part of our annual calendar. To all parties involved in them felicitations and merci beaucoup for the invitation and great company provided let alone exquisite French cuisine. Of course the vin was flowing and always enhances the environment. Then in late August visited the North Island delegates in Hamilton. This event was really significant as it allowed good robust discussion on how we plan to work with the North Island members and in the next edition I will inform you all of the outcomes and what is planned. A special thank you to Julie Hurst and her partner for making their residence available and to those who attended. It is always a pleasure to meet family members and it certainly encourages and drives your committee to listen and communicate as we move forward. One thing I would like to alert you all to is our plan to hold a function in May / June in Wellington next year. We plan either a Special meeting / AGM (to be confirmed) and to use this event as the focus for assembling all who are planning to go to France in 2007. To date 45+ persons have indicated their intention to make the trip and as always late additions will be accepted on a case by case basis up till 3 months before departure. Also of real interest to you all is Kevin Clark planning to publish a book and the intention to getting Peter Tremewan's 'French Akaroa' book reprinted. If anyone has information or photos relevant to Kevin's focus of the first 2-3 generations of family (100 years ago +) then please contact him direct.

Post – K J Clark PO Box 14203 Kilbirnie Wellington 6241 Email [email protected] Fax – 04 3892705

Well, things are very busy now for us all in New Zealand as we enter Spring and Summer and the need to manage our gardens and lawns. For me I am having regular French lessons with the local Alliance Francaise and recommend this organisation to anyone attending France next year who want to speak French to our French famille in the Charente-Maritime. Do hope you have an enjoyable summer and look forward to communicating with you all soon. By the next La Gazette publication we hope to have the members page open on our website and reports from John Coleman and Patricia Stoneman to inform you on their trips to France this year in preparation for 2007.

Seasons Greetings 'Bonne Annee'

A bientot! , Au Revoir

Vaughan On a recent trip to Europe John Coleman presented to Michèle and Michel in Rochefort a copy of the Family Book. It was a gift from the committee to them in appreciation of their enthusiasm on behalf of the wider family. dismay he learnt that the British had beaten him to it and that the Treaty of French Connections Waitangi had been signed five months earlier.

Reproduced, with thanks from: “Heritage Matters” magazine. www.heritagematters.co.nz Although Lavaud went to Akaroa hoping that French claims could still be made on Banks Peninsula, he later had to recognise this was not possible. By Erika Currie (Editor/Publisher) A period of great uncertainty followed for the French and German settlers as they were placed under British law. But they decided to stay. While the Akaroa – a charming seaside settlement with French street names, French Germans were allocated land at German Bay, now Takamatua, the French family names on letterboxes and quaint cottages with old-fashioned proceeded to build homes and establish gardens at Akaroa. By 1850, when gardens. Squeezed between the hills and Akaroa harbour, the picturesque the settlers from the first four ships of the Canterbury Association arrived town exudes a cultural and historic charm unique to New Zealand. to build Christchurch, Akaroa was already flourishing. Today’s tranquil atmosphere belies a turbulent past that nearly succeeded Some of the British migrants found their way to the French settlement and in claiming French sovereignty over at least the South Island, if not all of eventually become part of that community. Early industries in the area New Zealand. Although it was only a small group of French settlers who included timber milling, fishing, dairying and cheese making, sheep arrived amid hopes of forming a French colony, their descendants take farming and the exporting of cocksfoot grass seed. pride in keeping their history alive. Known as the Riviera of Canterbury, tourism also played an important part. In the early 1800s, French settlers were among the first Europeans to populate Akaroa, on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula. The first visitors to the sheltered harbour were mostly whalers, some of which had jumped ship and made their homes among the Maori. Although they generally kept a low profile, by 1839 Akaroa was destined to become a service town for whaling ships – under the French flag. French whaler, Captain Langlois, entertained grand ideas of establishing a French colony. He made dubious land deals with local Maori before returning to France to entice French and German families into following him to the other side of the world. While he was there, and after lengthy negotiations, the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. was formed on 8 November 1839 amid efforts to secure Government support for the scheme. On 11 December 1839 King Louis-Philippe approved an agreement whereby the Government undertook to provide transport for 80 colonists who would found a French settlement at Akaroa. The town was to be renamed Port Louis-Philippe. The 1920s era Fox II, standing in for the migrant ship Langlois left France in the “Comte de Paris” with French and a few Comte de Paris arrives for the re-enactment. German migrants on board. After a stormy, drawn-out voyage the weary new settlers finally came ashore at Akaroa on 19 August 1840. They were Lavaud’s departure from Akaroa in April 1846 ended the formal filled with anticipation for a new life in a new France. But they were too connection between France and the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. settlement but late. Also too late was the other French vessel, L’Aube, captained by C.F. the distinct French flavour the settlers gave to Akaroa prevails to this day. Lavaud, which arrived at the Bay of Islands on 10 July 1840. To his dismay he learnt that the British had beaten him to it and that the Treaty of French Connections Waitangi had been signed five months earlier.

Reproduced, with thanks from: “Heritage Matters” magazine. www.heritagematters.co.nz Although Lavaud went to Akaroa hoping that French claims could still be made on Banks Peninsula, he later had to recognise this was not possible. By Erika Currie (Editor/Publisher) A period of great uncertainty followed for the French and German settlers as they were placed under British law. But they decided to stay. While the Akaroa – a charming seaside settlement with French street names, French Germans were allocated land at German Bay, now Takamatua, the French family names on letterboxes and quaint cottages with old-fashioned proceeded to build homes and establish gardens at Akaroa. By 1850, when gardens. Squeezed between the hills and Akaroa harbour, the picturesque the settlers from the first four ships of the Canterbury Association arrived town exudes a cultural and historic charm unique to New Zealand. to build Christchurch, Akaroa was already flourishing. Today’s tranquil atmosphere belies a turbulent past that nearly succeeded Some of the British migrants found their way to the French settlement and in claiming French sovereignty over at least the South Island, if not all of eventually become part of that community. Early industries in the area New Zealand. Although it was only a small group of French settlers who included timber milling, fishing, dairying and cheese making, sheep arrived amid hopes of forming a French colony, their descendants take farming and the exporting of cocksfoot grass seed. pride in keeping their history alive. Known as the Riviera of Canterbury, tourism also played an important part. In the early 1800s, French settlers were among the first Europeans to populate Akaroa, on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula. The first visitors to the sheltered harbour were mostly whalers, some of which had jumped ship and made their homes among the Maori. Although they generally kept a low profile, by 1839 Akaroa was destined to become a service town for whaling ships – under the French flag. French whaler, Captain Langlois, entertained grand ideas of establishing a French colony. He made dubious land deals with local Maori before returning to France to entice French and German families into following him to the other side of the world. While he was there, and after lengthy negotiations, the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. was formed on 8 November 1839 amid efforts to secure Government support for the scheme. On 11 December 1839 King Louis-Philippe approved an agreement whereby the Government undertook to provide transport for 80 colonists who would found a French settlement at Akaroa. The town was to be renamed Port Louis-Philippe. The 1920s era Fox II, standing in for the migrant ship Langlois left France in the “Comte de Paris” with French and a few Comte de Paris arrives for the re-enactment. German migrants on board. After a stormy, drawn-out voyage the weary new settlers finally came ashore at Akaroa on 19 August 1840. They were Lavaud’s departure from Akaroa in April 1846 ended the formal filled with anticipation for a new life in a new France. But they were too connection between France and the Nanto-Bordelaise Co. settlement but late. Also too late was the other French vessel, L’Aube, captained by C.F. the distinct French flavour the settlers gave to Akaroa prevails to this day. Lavaud, which arrived at the Bay of Islands on 10 July 1840. To his FrenchFest is now an annual event celebrating the town’s unique history. This year it was held on 22 April and began with the re-enactment of the landing of the first settlers, followed by all-day festivities, entertainment and frivolity with a French flavour. The day began early. On shore and on the beach, descendants of early French and German settler families holding banners and placards bearing their names, gathered to welcome the ketch Fox II, standing in for the migrant ship Comte de Paris. Standing close to the water’s edge also awaiting the landing was the “Admiral” – and officers of Alf ’s Imperial Army with their homemade field gun, “just to defend British sovereignty”. All eyes were on the magnificent ketch with red sails as she came across an almost calm harbour. Anticipation grew as the “settlers” disembarked into the cutters and raised their French and German flags respectively. In The new settlers are brought ashore in small cutters. In this historic re-enactment, John contrast to the original settlers, passengers in the re-enactment arrived to a Stuart readies himself to carry Stephen warm welcome from the crowd and the weather. But spectators were LeLievre, a descendant of a Comte de Paris reminded to cast their minds back to 1840 when the migrants on the Comte passenger, ashore. Passengers in the cutter de Paris arrived to freezing conditions with snow, sleet and stormy seas on the right represent the German migrants. and no friends, family or shelter on shore. Following the re-enactment, descendants of the Comte de Paris headed the parade to the Akaroa Recreation Grounds for a day of entertainment, The British and the French together: “Major Sutton” and Heather Libeau-Dow. Petanque demonstrations and in true French style, food and wine. First up on the entertainment programme was the Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka Group, captivating visitors with their illustrations of Maori history with haka, poi and waiata. Other entertainment, which continued into the evening and included, among others, Cancan dancers, French café music, blues, jazz and country boogie performances by various artists. There was also entertainment for the children, an antique road show and, of course, French cooking demonstrations and wine tasting. Just in case anyone forgot that they were still on “British” soil, Officers of Alf ’s Imperial Army and Morris Dancers ensured a British presence. Some

French “citizen” even claimed they had their hand stamped with “British citizen”. But peace prevailed and the only shot fired was for the rubber- Also on the beach and ready “to defend band propelled sweets for the kid’s lolly scramble. Leading the parade and carrying the British sovereignty” are members of Alf’s Imperial Army with their home made field Comte de Paris Descendants Group gun Horrible Horrace. (Some photographs have been omitted from the original article, Editor). banner are Eileen Woolf, left, and Angela Kelly.

FrenchFest is now an annual event celebrating the town’s unique history. This year it was held on 22 April and began with the re-enactment of the landing of the first settlers, followed by all-day festivities, entertainment and frivolity with a French flavour. The day began early. On shore and on the beach, descendants of early French and German settler families holding banners and placards bearing their names, gathered to welcome the ketch Fox II, standing in for the migrant ship Comte de Paris. Standing close to the water’s edge also awaiting the landing was the “Admiral” – and officers of Alf ’s Imperial Army with their homemade field gun, “just to defend British sovereignty”. All eyes were on the magnificent ketch with red sails as she came across an almost calm harbour. Anticipation grew as the “settlers” disembarked into the cutters and raised their French and German flags respectively. In The new settlers are brought ashore in small cutters. In this historic re-enactment, John contrast to the original settlers, passengers in the re-enactment arrived to a Stuart readies himself to carry Stephen warm welcome from the crowd and the weather. But spectators were LeLievre, a descendant of a Comte de Paris reminded to cast their minds back to 1840 when the migrants on the Comte passenger, ashore. Passengers in the cutter de Paris arrived to freezing conditions with snow, sleet and stormy seas on the right represent the German migrants. and no friends, family or shelter on shore. Following the re-enactment, descendants of the Comte de Paris headed the parade to the Akaroa Recreation Grounds for a day of entertainment, The British and the French together: “Major Sutton” and Heather Libeau-Dow. Petanque demonstrations and in true French style, food and wine. First up on the entertainment programme was the Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka Group, captivating visitors with their illustrations of Maori history with haka, poi and waiata. Other entertainment, which continued into the evening and included, among others, Cancan dancers, French café music, blues, jazz and country boogie performances by various artists. There was also entertainment for the children, an antique road show and, of course, French cooking demonstrations and wine tasting. Just in case anyone forgot that they were still on “British” soil, Officers of Alf ’s Imperial Army and Morris Dancers ensured a British presence. Some

French “citizen” even claimed they had their hand stamped with “British citizen”. But peace prevailed and the only shot fired was for the rubber- Also on the beach and ready “to defend band propelled sweets for the kid’s lolly scramble. Leading the parade and carrying the British sovereignty” are members of Alf’s Imperial Army with their home made field Comte de Paris Descendants Group gun Horrible Horrace. (Some photographs have been omitted from the original article, Editor). banner are Eileen Woolf, left, and Angela Kelly.

Akaroa FrenchFest 2006 And Landing Re-enactment Akaroa FrenchFest 2006 And Landing Re-enactment Samuel William Clifford

B. 20 March 2005

First Grandson of Heather Libeau-Dow

Emma (nee Hedley) and Phillip Clark Married 10 June 2006 Article and photos from The Press Real Estate pages, published circa 2004. THE LIBEAU FAMILY TREE BOOK

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Send Orders to : Your Address EVAGEAN Publishing P O Box 199 Te Aroha New Zealand Phone & Fax (07) 884 8783 Phone A/h (07) 884 8594 WEBSITE correct age in 1865 sailing on the ship Resolute from Glasgow to Auckland, but it cannot be ascertained if this is our James or not. Our Libeau website can be found at www.libeau-family.org or by typing Either way, James ended up in Little River, Banks Peninsula as a bullock Libeau into Google. This will bring up the website as the number one team driver, ferrying the loads of native trees to the busy timber mills of listing. the time. He is also mentioned as being one of the men who worked the Google currently gives the site a PageRank of 3 which isn't too bad. On punts and rafts ferrying timber across Lake Ellesmere. From here the average the site is getting 80 hits a month which is reasonable. The highest timber was carted to the Great Southern Railway, the Rakaia railway number of hits is coming from the US followed by NZ. France was bridge, or to Christchurch. There are books on the history of the area that featuring well when the site was first launched back in February at a peak mention his name at the small museum at Little River. of 115 hits. James married Marie Libeau (1857-1958) two days after Christmas of The members' area is getting close to being finished and will hopefully be 1876 - James being 35 at the time, and Marie 19. At some stage they launched early 2007. Logins will be based on e-mail addresses therefore it farmed 40 acres at Little River that was taken up from the Crown by is critical that we have your e-mail address in our records so that you can Francois Libeau. He had gained title to it on 14 Oct 1884. It seems that access this area. This can be e-mailed to [email protected]. James was dairy farming in the area along the new coach road to Akaroa beforehand though, as he is mentioned as farming in the area in the late Regards, 1870s on the fertile farmland of the area that was cleared of bush, stumps and scrub. There were 8 children to the couple, with Albert James Clark Webmaster arriving first in 1877, and the youngest James Dick Clark (junior) being ………………………………………. born in 1891 - four months after his father's death on 5th March 1891. James succumbed to Pneumonia at the age of 49 and is buried in the far JAMES DICK CLARK northeast corner of Addington Cemetery, Selwyn Street, Christchurch in plot 1489B. I wonder if the news made it back to his father William, still It's been 115 years since the passing of James Dick living in Falkirk on the other side of the world? Clark, so it's probably fitting to remember him with My thanks go to the family members who have erected a lovely bronze a short note on his life. plaque on James's grave.

James was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland on the 8th of May 1841. His parent were William Clark (1810-1892) a local merchant, and Jessie 'Janet' (nee Dick b. circa 1811-1887). James was the 4th of six children in the family, with records showing siblings John (b1836), William (b1838) Ann (b1839) Lillias (c1844) & Andrew (c1846). All the children were named after their parents, uncles, or grandparents. Little is known of James's early life in Scotland, or how and when he came to be in New Zealand. One shipping record has a James Clark of the Aaron Clark, Kensington Dve, Rangiora 7400 North Canterbury WEBSITE correct age in 1865 sailing on the ship Resolute from Glasgow to Auckland, but it cannot be ascertained if this is our James or not. Our Libeau website can be found at www.libeau-family.org or by typing Either way, James ended up in Little River, Banks Peninsula as a bullock Libeau into Google. This will bring up the website as the number one team driver, ferrying the loads of native trees to the busy timber mills of listing. the time. He is also mentioned as being one of the men who worked the Google currently gives the site a PageRank of 3 which isn't too bad. On punts and rafts ferrying timber across Lake Ellesmere. From here the average the site is getting 80 hits a month which is reasonable. The highest timber was carted to the Great Southern Railway, the Rakaia railway number of hits is coming from the US followed by NZ. France was bridge, or to Christchurch. There are books on the history of the area that featuring well when the site was first launched back in February at a peak mention his name at the small museum at Little River. of 115 hits. James married Marie Libeau (1857-1958) two days after Christmas of The members' area is getting close to being finished and will hopefully be 1876 - James being 35 at the time, and Marie 19. At some stage they launched early 2007. Logins will be based on e-mail addresses therefore it farmed 40 acres at Little River that was taken up from the Crown by is critical that we have your e-mail address in our records so that you can Francois Libeau. He had gained title to it on 14 Oct 1884. It seems that access this area. This can be e-mailed to [email protected]. James was dairy farming in the area along the new coach road to Akaroa beforehand though, as he is mentioned as farming in the area in the late Regards, 1870s on the fertile farmland of the area that was cleared of bush, stumps and scrub. There were 8 children to the couple, with Albert James Clark Webmaster arriving first in 1877, and the youngest James Dick Clark (junior) being ………………………………………. born in 1891 - four months after his father's death on 5th March 1891. James succumbed to Pneumonia at the age of 49 and is buried in the far JAMES DICK CLARK northeast corner of Addington Cemetery, Selwyn Street, Christchurch in plot 1489B. I wonder if the news made it back to his father William, still It's been 115 years since the passing of James Dick living in Falkirk on the other side of the world? Clark, so it's probably fitting to remember him with My thanks go to the family members who have erected a lovely bronze a short note on his life. plaque on James's grave.

James was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland on the 8th of May 1841. His parent were William Clark (1810-1892) a local merchant, and Jessie 'Janet' (nee Dick b. circa 1811-1887). James was the 4th of six children in the family, with records showing siblings John (b1836), William (b1838) Ann (b1839) Lillias (c1844) & Andrew (c1846). All the children were named after their parents, uncles, or grandparents. Little is known of James's early life in Scotland, or how and when he came to be in New Zealand. One shipping record has a James Clark of the Aaron Clark, Kensington Dve, Rangiora 7400 North Canterbury Willows, Wine, Marguerite and Mussels. Visit of Jean and Joelle Eteveneaux, July 2006.

Joseph Libeau must have been a notable citizen in Akaroa’s early days. He Jean, Joelle and Terrance Broche rie was the first to operate a dairy in Akaroa and was prosecuted for letting his outside the Akaroa Museum. cow stray. The cow, Marguerite (French for Daisy) was later exchanged with Guillaume David for 2.5 acres of land south of Rue Balguerie (1851). Some time ago I was forwarded an The LeLievre family claim that their ancestor, Francois, brought the email from Jean Eteveneaux who was Canterbury willows from cuttings near Napoleon’s grave, but Joseph trying to contact family in New Libeau may have had a similar, although less obvious, impact. Zealand. He is an author and historian in Lyon, where he lectures Joseph had a vineyard in German Bay which was visited by Charles in French History at the University. Torlesse, a surveyor for the Canterbury Company, in September 1850 and Jean and his wife Joelle came to is recorded in his diary, “The Torlesse Papers”. The Akaroa Museum and NZ recently with a group of pilgrims including a Cardinal and Bishop Lincoln University have DNA tested the ubiquitous Canterbury black grape from Lyon. They were tracing the footsteps of Suzanne Aubert and the “Black Hamburg” (aka “Albany Surprise”) and the original plant comes French Marist Missionaries with the intention of having Suzanne from Takamatua. Was this where Joseph had his vineyard? recognised as the first NZ Saint. Jean edits a mission newsletter and the next issue will focus on NZ. Does anyone have any information about the mussel farm which Several Libeau and Comte de Paris folk met Jean and Joelle for a meal at is attributed to Joseph Libeau in the book “La Belle Cuisine”? the Oxford Tavern and I took them to Akaroa the next day. An additional benefit is that Jean’s email made contact with several members of the Eteveneaux family, all descendents of Melanie and Jean Baptiste. They are keen to meet up with the Libeau family too. La Belle Cuisine, . A culinary memoir from Akaroa By: Janet Hedgecock I am sure they won’t mind me including their email addresses, in case anyone nearby wants to make contact. Another book which gives some interesting information on this subject is Yvonne Dennis [email protected] Dairy farming in Southland Cherie Eteveneaux [email protected] Dairy farming in “Pioneers of New Zealand Wine” by Dick Scott. This is currently on Pukeatua, Waikato special around the bookshops. One unresolved question. Does anyone know where the John Coleman Eteveneaux graves are located in Akaroa?

John Coleman

Willows, Wine, Marguerite and Mussels. Visit of Jean and Joelle Eteveneaux, July 2006.

Joseph Libeau must have been a notable citizen in Akaroa’s early days. He Jean, Joelle and Terrance Broche rie was the first to operate a dairy in Akaroa and was prosecuted for letting his outside the Akaroa Museum. cow stray. The cow, Marguerite (French for Daisy) was later exchanged with Guillaume David for 2.5 acres of land south of Rue Balguerie (1851). Some time ago I was forwarded an The LeLievre family claim that their ancestor, Francois, brought the email from Jean Eteveneaux who was Canterbury willows from cuttings near Napoleon’s grave, but Joseph trying to contact family in New Libeau may have had a similar, although less obvious, impact. Zealand. He is an author and historian in Lyon, where he lectures Joseph had a vineyard in German Bay which was visited by Charles in French History at the University. Torlesse, a surveyor for the Canterbury Company, in September 1850 and Jean and his wife Joelle came to is recorded in his diary, “The Torlesse Papers”. The Akaroa Museum and NZ recently with a group of pilgrims including a Cardinal and Bishop Lincoln University have DNA tested the ubiquitous Canterbury black grape from Lyon. They were tracing the footsteps of Suzanne Aubert and the “Black Hamburg” (aka “Albany Surprise”) and the original plant comes French Marist Missionaries with the intention of having Suzanne from Takamatua. Was this where Joseph had his vineyard? recognised as the first NZ Saint. Jean edits a mission newsletter and the next issue will focus on NZ. Does anyone have any information about the mussel farm which Several Libeau and Comte de Paris folk met Jean and Joelle for a meal at is attributed to Joseph Libeau in the book “La Belle Cuisine”? the Oxford Tavern and I took them to Akaroa the next day. An additional benefit is that Jean’s email made contact with several members of the Eteveneaux family, all descendents of Melanie and Jean Baptiste. They are keen to meet up with the Libeau family too. La Belle Cuisine, . A culinary memoir from Akaroa By: Janet Hedgecock I am sure they won’t mind me including their email addresses, in case anyone nearby wants to make contact. Another book which gives some interesting information on this subject is Yvonne Dennis [email protected] Dairy farming in Southland Cherie Eteveneaux [email protected] Dairy farming in “Pioneers of New Zealand Wine” by Dick Scott. This is currently on Pukeatua, Waikato special around the bookshops. One unresolved question. Does anyone know where the John Coleman Eteveneaux graves are located in Akaroa?

John Coleman

Libeau Descendants Inc. New museum in Paris. COMMITTEE – CONTACTS BIRTH

Chairman, Vaughan McEwen First grandchild for Heather Libeau- La Gazette No 21. The Musée du Quai Branly has Ph (03) 352 5272 Dow. Sarah and Paul Clifford recently opened in the heart of Paris. Mobile 025 340 872 Christchurch announced the safe arrival of This newsletter was planned for issue This museum will have a significant Samuel William on March 20th, early September but a few technical global impact as it is devoted to Secretary , Patricia Stoneman. 2005 at Christchurch Womens' and personal difficulties delayed showcasing the arts and civilizations Ph (03) 323 5111 665 Main North Rd Hospital. He is now a lively toddler production. My apologies to all who of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Belfast who loves to visit Gran and feed the have been inconvenienced by this. Americas. The many objects and Christchurch 8005. NZ ducks. works that make up the museum’s e-mail [email protected] collection include photography by Photo center pages. My thanks go to John Coleman for his Treasurer, Norman Clark last minute assistance. New Zealand artists Fiona Ph (03) 327 5552 DEATH Pardington and Michael P O Box 185 Parekowhai. Kaiapoi 8252, NZ Ian McGowan (1921-2006) died Richard Clark (Editor.) For further information about the Newsletter Editor, Richard Clark suddenly at Christchurch Hospital Contents. museum, visit: Ph (03) 312 6133 on Monday 27th March. He was a http://www.quaibranly.fr/index.php Fax. (03) 381 6472 wonderful man who is greatly Willows and Wine 975 Two Chain Rd missed by Winsome and his family. Visit of Jean and Joelle Eteveneaux Swannanoa RD1 French Connections (Landing Rangiora 8154. NZ 'French Akaroa' e-mail [email protected] MARRIAGE Day/French Fest) Cameron Parsonson married Heidi James Dick Clark North Island rep, Aileen Sharp Have you been trying to locate a Marie Himsell at St Mary's Merivale Website Ph (09) 576 7179 copy of Peter Tremewan's book Auckland. April 8th, 2006 on a beautiful President’s update 'French Akaroa' which was autumn day. AGM South Canterbury rep, published in 1990? 2007 Reunion Desiree McKenzie Ph (03) 689 8872 As there have been requests for this Clark Timaru / Waimate Phillip Andrew married ……….. ………….……. plans are underway to have this Emma Samantha Hedley at Cantley reprinted. However, a run needs to <> House Hotel, Wokingham UK on SeasSeasonsons Greetings be more than 200 copies if this is to Our aim is to keep in touch, and keep you Saturday 10 June 2006. proceed. informed on what is happening within the Phillip is the son of John Robert family generally and / or present items with a Clark and grandson of Neville And Best wishes Should you be interested in French flavour. James Clark, Joseph jnr line. purchasing a copy please contact To do this, we need your input, includes Phillip and Emma live in Hayes, Patricia Stoneman. photos, of info. on births, deaths, marriages For the festive season West London. and family stories which can be sent to: R Clark - details above. Photo center pages.

From the Committee

LA

NEW ZEALANDNEW 7471 RANGIORA 1 RD SWANNANOA RD CHAINTWO 975 CLARK M R to Return

GAZETTE

Issue # 21 NOVEMBER 2006