THE FIRST WHITE SETTLEMENT

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21438, 2 April 1935, Page 18

THE FIRST WHITE SETTLEMENT

MEMORIAL AT PERAKI PROPOSED DISCUSSION BY PILGRIMS* ASSOCIATION Research into the date of the coming of Captain G. Hempleman, to whom is attributed the first permanent white man's settlement in Canterbury, wiH be made by the Canterbury Pilgrims' and Early Settlers' Association, so that a fitting memorial may be erected. At yesterday's meeting of the general committee of the association, over which Mr E. R. Webb presided, the subject was introduced by Mr E. M. Lovell Smith, who referred to the suggestion along these lines recently made by Mr W. A. Taylor. He said that Captain Hempleman, a German whaler, established a settlement at Peraki, on what was later called Banks Peninsula, the actual date apparently being in dispute. The year 1835 had been suggested, but it was stated by Mr J. O. Thompson, in his book, to bo 1837. Captain Hempleman was supposed to have pufchased the peninsula for 12 muskets, and. he subsequently petitioned the Government to have his claim allowed. It was thought fitting that on the hundredth anniversary there should be some memorial, perhaps a cairn, erected to commemorate the establishment of his settlement at Peraki. Mr Webb remarked that it was possible either Levy or Cooper had arrived first. Many presentations were received by the association, including two bricks, Supposed to have been the first pressed by machinery in Canterbury; photographs of the churches at Sumner ",and Burwood, of St. Mark's (Opawa), St. Mary's (Heathcote), and of the Anglican churches at Okain's and Pigeon Bays* a photograph of the Hon. Sir Pharles Bowen, presented by Mrs H. P- Ell; and numerous other photographs and views. ; A Saturday toward the end of June | was tentatively fixed for the next quarterly gathering. J • -"" i