MR. FRANCOIS LELIEVRE, AKAROA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 29, 16 July 1903, Page 20

MR. FRANCOIS LELIEVRE, AKAROA.

On July 12 Mr. Francois Lelievre, the oldest French settler in Bank's Peninsula, died in his 94th year at his residence, Akaroa. In spite of his great age Mr. Lelievre enjoyed excellent health until within a few days of his death. The deceased was a nati\eof Normandy, and after an adventurous career went to sea on board a whaler and arrived in Akaioa in 1837. After a short stay he returned to France and came out again in 1840 in the ' Comte de Paris,' which brought 82 French pioneers to found a settlement on the peninsula. They were granted five^acre sections each by the British Government, and it was in the house built on the section allotted to Mr. Lelievre in 1840 that he passed away, he being the last of those to whom the grant waß made. Four sons and three daughters survive him, Mr. Lelievre leaving 105 descendants in all, including many great-grandchildren. The late Mr. Lelievre was a good settler, an excellent neighbor, and highly respected by all who. had the privilege of knowing him. — R.I. P.