Tales of Banks Peninsula

Preface To First Edition

Preface To First Edition.

When I began to compile the following collection of Peninsula narratives, I never for a moment thought that they would assume such dimensions as to warrant their being published in book form, and I merely wished to collect some information that might be interesting to the readers of the "Akaroa Mail," and also be of use to some future historian of New Zealand.

Banks Peninsula is one of the few places in this Island that has a history, and many of the original settlers are passing away, so that it was desirable to procure their records without loss of time

It has been a most pleasing task, and the universal kindness and sympathy shown to me by all to whom I have gone for aid has been deeply felt by me.

The Rev. J W. Stack's Maori History is a most important part of the book, and no other European could possibly have collected so full and accurate an account It was from papers in the possession of Mr. J. Aylmer and Mr. A I McGregor that the story of Hempleman and his claims and diary was written. The description of the French Settlement was principally furnished by Mr. Waeckerle, one of the original settlers; and Mr. S C Farr wrote the voyage of the Monarch. To Mrs. Brown I was indebted for much of the narrative of the Early Days, and Billy Simpson's tale was told by himself. Mr. G. J Black gave most of the information regarding Robinson and Walker, but "Chips" was the narrator of his own autobiography. Mr. J. D. Garwood assisted in many of the articles, and wrote the Loss of the Crest; and the Rev. R. R. Bradley, Mr. F. Moore, Mr. T. Adams, Mr. W. Masefield, and others, gave the information from which the other articles were prepared.

It will thus be seen that my task has been comparatively an easy one, aided as I have been by so many kind friends, and I can truly say, in conclusion—"Here is only a nosegay of cut flowers, and nothing is my own but the string that binds them"

H. C Jacobson.