THE FRENCH IN NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume I, Issue 14, 11 July 1840, Page 4

THE FRENCH IN NEW ZEALAND.

We translate the following from the " Journal dv Havre :" —

"The expedition which the transport "Le Corate de Paris " carries out to New Zealand is .the first operation of a Company which, having become the proprietor of a large tract of land in that country, has formed the plan of expediting and founding an establishment there. Its aim is to take possession of Bank's Peninsula, of which it has acquired the proprietary right, and to plant there the first foundation of aColony.

"This peninsular is situated on the eastern coast of Avai Poenamoo (the Southern Island) in lat. 44 deg. S., and long. 171 deg. E. Its extent is about ten myriametres (about 65 miles) and it is . almost entirely separated from the main land to which it is joined only by a narrow isthmus of about two myriametres (13 miles) in length. The peninsular is consequently in an excellent position considered in relation to defence as well as to climate.

" A mere attempt at colonization is not the only object of this expedition. It is said that it has received from Government authority to examine whether the nature of the locality is adapted to the carrying into effect a project concerning the transportation (deportation) of convicts and persons condemned to a certain period of reclusion, in which case the company would cede to the Government such, portion of its territory as might be required for the purpose. "

As a mere colonizing association, the objects of the French New Zealand Company have in them nothing that need meet with opposition at our hands in the nineteenth century; but beyond this the French Company cannot be permitted to proceed.

Cook took formal possession of the New Zealand group in the name of Great Britain, and made accurate surveys of every part of the coast. Even the spot chosen for the operations of the French Company is named after Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied Capt. Cook. Great Britain, therefore, in whatever relation she may stand towards the native chiefs, has a "prior right" against every European nation. The right of sovereignty has been long exercised. Magistrates were appointed "in and for the islands of New Zealand," nearly a quarter of a century ago ; so that the expedition which was despatched last summer by the New Zealand Company did not go to take possession, but simply to occupy in virtue of an ancient and well recognised right.

But even if the right depended on recent 'acts, the French Company is too late by several months. The expedition under Col. Wakefield was quite sufficient to enable us to assert a right prior to that of the French, and the first colony, by this time we trust planted in New Zealand, is of force sufficient to maintain it.

A few years ago, and the landing of the settlers would have been opposed, but in the nineteenth century, men have grown wiser and more liberal. A more enlarged policy would point out the expediency of a law to facilitate the naturalisation of foreign settlers. New Zealand is adapted to the culture of the grape, the olive, and the mulberry, of the management of which we are ignorant ; hence, we shall actually want French, German, and Italian cultivators, and every possible facility should be given to them — every inducement held out to them to become subjects of Her Majesty.

The last clause of the extract now demands notice. It will be observed that nothing is to be done as yet, but the expedition is merely to " examine," and if that examination prove favourable to the project, part of the territory is to be occupied by the French Government, as a penal settlement. All this reads very like what in this country is called "a feeler," and we think we can understand something of the nature of the "projet" here alluded to.

To certain offences, the punishment of deportation is still affixed. Formerly, persons condemned thereto, were sent to French Guiana ; but now there is no place to which they can be transported. At this moment the prisons of France are crowded with political offenders who may be dangerous to France, and whom it would be convenient to get out of the way. Under these circumstances, the "projet" in question has probably been generated in the mind of some French official — and to see how it is likely to be taken in this the present feeler is put forth.

If the French Government should send her political prisoners to British New Zealand, let it be clearly understood, that they are free the instant they set foot on British land. France can exercise no jurisdiction over them there, and supposing the "projet" should ever ripen into action, which is very improbable — should the sons of France accept the hand of friendship, which we are quite sure will be held out to them ; the New Zealand community will be the better of their peculiar intelligence and skill. We shall shortly return to the subject. — New Zealand Journal, Feb. 22.