That is very interesting and I will sure to let Rob know about this too.

In the town I was much more aware of the ‘French’ influence than the German. But if as you say the Frenchification is recent then that is perhaps not surprising.

Now, can you be Maggie H? Another friend is also called Maggie and shall ask her to be Maggie L. The I shall know just which Maggie to talk to.

Good to see you last night and thank you for a very interesting evening.

Best. Ann

Although you mention that it can be seen that Akaroa was French from the old street names it was never very obvious in the 1940s and 50s. The streets became signposted as Rue Balgerie and Rue Jolie etc in about 1963 when it was decided to make the town look French. Until then it had been Jolie Street etc.
It was a shock to arrive in Akaroa from Europe and suddenly everything was Rue this or that, and the petrol station was L’essence or something similar – and shutters had been put on so many windows. At first it felt terribly false.
Earlier than that Akaroa had seemed just another colonial town with a notable German presence as well as French, although the French arrived first. But in the early 20th century there was a predominantly English feel to it.
One of the nearby bays, Takimatua (can’t spell that – someone can correct it) was originally called German Bay because of all the Germany families there, but it was changed to a Maori name during World WAr I.

I guess your guide will have told you much of this. But it is strange to see the old house, where I used to call with a billie early every morning to get fresh milk, transformed into a splendid French colonial home.

Maggie