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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Professor E. Potocki De Montalk

Professor E. Potocki De Montalk, Lecturer on Modern Languages to the University College, Auckland, was born at Paris on the 14th of February, 1836. He is a son of Comte Joseph Potocki de Montalk, who was an officer in the Spanish Army under the celebrated General Prim. M. de Montalk saw active service in Italy in 1859, under General Garibaldi. He left for New Zealand in 1868, and arrived at Wellington per ship “Mataura,” receiving the appointment soon after arrival of professor of modern languages at Nelson College, where he remained three years. He subsequently became lecturer on French and Italian to the Otago University, which post he most ably filled, but resigned to become a special settler at Jackson Bay, Okura. A year later he went to Christchurch as French and German master to the Boys' High School and Christ's College. In 1891 he came to Auckland, where he now occupies the post of lecturer on modern languages at the University College. M. de Montalk also instructs a number of private pupils in French, German, and Italian, many of whom have taken N.Z. University
Professor E. P. De Montalk.

Professor E. P. De Montalk.

and Home degrees. He is the author of a work entitled “The elements of French Literature.” Professor de Montalk possesses a choice and varied library, and is a most diligent student of literature. The professor who is a Knight of the military order of Savoy, and Officier d'Academie Francaise, is the founder and president of L'Alliance Francaise of Auckland, which has superseded the Societé Literaire Francaise. He is also very musical, and is a cousin of Count de Kontski, the renowned pianist, who visited New Zealand a few years ago. Professor de Montalk was married in Wellington in 1868 to Miss Alexandrina Withelmina Sutherland Macalister, a descendant of the Macalisters of Ascog, Buteshire, who was born at Clyth House, Caithness; and has seven sons and five daughters, all born in New Zealand.