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French Settlement In New Zealand.

Havre Journal, December 31, 1839, reports:—The steamer Havre is now taking on board in our port all the fishing apparatus destined to complete the equipment of the Compt de Paris, whaler, at present at Rochefort. Sixty emigrants whose destination is New Zealand, go on board at Havre, in order to embark in the Compt de Parris, Captain Langlois, who commands the expedition.

Sydney Gazette, April 1, 1840, reports:—That an intention exists on the part of the French Government to establish a penal settlement in New Zealand. A company has been formed at Havre for the purpose of colonising New Zealand, and has obtained from the Government a grant of money, a number of picked men from the royal navy, and a commission to reserve, as the site for a penal settlement, a fifth of any land which they may obtain.

August 1, 1840, the same journal writes:—Reports received from New Zealand state that a French frigate had arrived at the Bay of Islands, 103 days out from France; and that three ships with emigrants fom Germany and Switzerland were expected daily to reach the Middle Island.

A New Zealand record relates that the armed vessel L'Aube, in charge of Commodor Lavand, sent from France in anticipation of the arrival of immigrants by the Compt de Paris, which sailed from Havre, March 19, 1840, arrived at Akaroa, August 17. They found L'Aube lying there and the British flag flying—Commodor Lav and had gone to Auckland. Governor Hobson entertained him right royally, and, meantime, finding out his purpose, anticipated him by dispatching a small armed brig, named the Britomart, with one Robinson on board, to take formal possession. When the Commodor reached Akaroa he found Robinson had just arrived a few hours before. He and Robinson agreed to keep their proceedings secret, and it was not for a langth of time the French emigrants knew they were not under French rule.

The Frenchman supplied his Government with the following information relating to Banks Peninsula:—

Piraki—There are twenty European men, two women, and five native women; nine houses; fifteen square miles of this land are claimed by Captain Haupleman, owner of the whaling station. No cultivation Station has been four years established. The soil is good. Since established, it has been visited by five French, one Danish, and one American, whalers. The land claimed is alleged to have been bought from one, Bloody Jack.

I-Kolaki—There are twenty-nine European men, four Maori men, and six Maori women; ten houses built. The bay and six miles back country is claimed by William Price, owner of a whaling station. The station has been nine months in existence. The soil is good. The purchase said to have been made from Bloody Jack and Pyroa (Tairoa).

Akaroa (Takobinik).—There are four European men, one European woman, and one house. The bay and sixteen square miles alleged to have been purchased by Captain Rhodes. Bullocks and cows are grazing on the land. Two acres are under cultivation in vegetables. Have been nine months in occupation. The soil is good. Title signed Pyroa (Tairoa).

Oishew.—There are twenty-four men, four Maoris, and six European women. Sam Brown and William Woods, owners of the whaling station. Have been six months in occupation. Land good, but hilly. No cultivation. Wood claims sixty acres in Otazi, in respect of the Maori woman, with whom, he lives.

Rouncataki.—There are two men, one Maori woman, and two houses. One acre claimed by Angus and Clough, who are simply squatters. Have been four years in occupation. The soil good. Clough has generally deserters residing with him from whalers. About forty natives also reside there.

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Port Levi.—There are two Europeans and three Maoris. Europeans numporarily employed as coopers. The soil is good. A considerable quantity of flat land is said to exist westward of Port Cooper. Weller, merchant, Sydney, is said to have had some surveyors employed measuring it.