No. 43—Mr. Israel Rhodes.

Another man who came to the Peninsula in the early days was Israel Rhodes. He followed a seafaring life, and sailed from Hull, England, for New Zealand, arriving in Wellington in 1842. He came out with the intention of farming, and worked for a Mr. Wright at the Hutt for a year. He then left for Akaroa under an engagement to Messrs R. H. Rhodes and Geo. Rhodes to work on the Flea Bay sheep station. He was in charge of the Flea Bay and Stoney Bay properties for a number of years, while Mr. W. Birdling looked after the Long Bay station for Messrs Rhodes Bros. In 1852, when Messrs Rhodes Bros, bought their Timaru property, Mr. Israel Rhodes, who, by the way was no relation, bought the Flea Bay proproperty. He carried on dairying for some years, when, his health breaking down, he come into Akaroa to live. This was in 1867, and he bought the house now occupied by Mrs, Jesson, where he died in February, 1871. Mr. Rhodes left a widow and a family of eight children—five sons and three daughters. There are a large number of his descendants on the Peninsula now, and the Flea Bay property is subdivided among three of his grandchildren. The Stoney Bay property was purchased some years ago by the late Mr. Geo. Armstrong, and is now occupied by Mr. Jos. Armstrong, who owns a large portion of the Bay. Mr." Israel Rhodes always contradicted the story that Flea Bay was called after the troublesome insect, and said the correct name was "Flee," which was altered by error on title deeds and chart to "Flea." Mr. Rhodes made an excellent farmer, his knowledge of stock being very great, and it was all the more wonderful, as he spent his early life as a sailor.