Leila wrote on Sunday, January 14, 2001 2:50 AM | Hi to all for the first time: | | I am interested in BLANC name from Co. Laois, Port Arlington ,Ireland. | My gt gt grandfather was Robert BLANC brn:1834 Port Arlington Ireland he married Jane GIBSON brn: 1844 Stradbelly Co.Laois Ireland. They immigrated to New Zealand around 1860.Robert worked the gold fields in the South Island, there were 8 siblings all together.There oldest son John Damer BLANC - my gt grandfather. | Roberts parents I think were Richard & Susan BLANC. | | Thanks,hope to hear from someone soon. | Leila This may be a bit of a long shot but the name Le Blanc appears in the publication "Sunbury Echoes from the Past" and it will appear in the next batch of names to be issued. I mention it because the book does indicate a link with Portarlington in that mention is made of an Anthony Hullin D'ORVAL, who died on 14th March 1739 and is buried in Portarlington, and a daughter Francoise who it states was Esther Le Blanc's niece. Not sure if this helps but if it does there is lots more information concerning both the D'ORVAL and LE BLANC names in the book. Roy Day.