FIGHTING FOR PIRATE’S GOLD.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16719, 2 May 1925, Page 10

FIGHTING FOR PIRATE’S GOLD.

THREE HUNDRED HEIRS OF ITALIAN BUCCANEER CLAIM HIS ESTATE. RULED MADAGASCAR. GIKGENTI, Italy, March 7 A strange story of an eighteenth century Italian pi Tate who carved a kingdom in an African isle has come to light, hero With a content over the estate of Francesco Claudio, one-time buccaneer extraordinary and Ring - of Madagascar. The estate is valued at more than eight billion lire. It is claimed by upwards of <IOO heirs of the Girgenti district. - The fact that Francesco Claudio was a pirate, and a somewhat bloody pirate at that, lias nothing to do with the pride of his descendants in his achievements. king acquired wealth. In the days when warfare was a profession and piracy a recognised .means of winning wealth and fame, Francesco Claudio whs born in this Countryside. In 1795, after lie had become a pirate of parts, his fleet captured the wealthy island of Madagascar and Francesco was crowned king. He developed vast estates, the ownership of which has been contested through the years. Finally eight Sicilian families of the Bonetti group, of winch Francesco was the leader, have established tlieit claims clearly and the members now hope to obtain the fortune. The Pirandelli claim one-eighth of the estate and probably will receive it. The remainder goes to seven other families, all descendants of the pirate sfca rover. /