_Prosperity and Expansion: 1901-1920_
The last twenty years of Auckland's history have continued the
prosperity which commenced in the late 'nineties, with the recovery
from the slump. The rise in the population illustrates this clearly.
The increase was slow, but steady, in the first decade; in the next
it reached almost a record rate. At the 1901 census the population
of the city was 34,213, a small increase of 2789 over the figures of
1896. Ten years later the numbers had risen to 40,536, and in 1916 to
64,951. At the recent enumeration, taken at the opening of the present
year (1921), the city's population totalled 83,467, an increase in the
last ten years exceeding 100 per cent. The recent increase is partly
attributable to the amalgamation of contiguous local bodies with the
city, the details of which are given on p. 239, but the main cause of
the city's prosperity is due to the position which Auckland holds as
the principal city of the large and wealthy pastoral districts which
surround it. The agricultural industry has made wonderful progress in
these years, and the city, being the natural medium of exchange between
the producer and the oversea markets, advanced rapidly as an important
commercial centre. Auckland's prosperity has been built upon its
advantageous commercial position, and the present ratio of progress is
a happy augury of the future.
The Twentieth Century opened auspiciously with the visit of the Duke
and Duchess of Cornwall and York, who arrived in Auckland--their
first port of call in New Zealand--on the 10th of June, and remained
here until the 12th. The heir to the throne and his princess were
welcomed to the Dominion and the city by the Governor, the Earl of
Ranfurly, the Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Prime Minister, other ministers
and members of Parliament, Dr. (afterwards Sir) John Logan Campbell,
Mayor, and members of the City Council, the Chairman (Mr. Alfred Kidd)
and members of the Harbour Board. The city was lavishly decorated,
the illuminations at night being a feature. On their journey from the
wharf to Government House Their Royal Highnesses received a welcome,
characterised by unparalleled enthusiasm, from the citizens, which
included some 2500 school children, who formed a living Union Jack in
Wellesley Street East. During his stay in Auckland the Duke was present
at a military review at Potter's Paddock, where he distributed medals
to men who had served in the Boer War.
Two interesting events were associated with the Royal visit, the
principal one being the presentation by Dr. John Logan Campbell of a
park of 230 acres, which the donor invited His Royal Highness to accept
on behalf of the people of New Zealand, and requested him to name it
Cornwall Park, in commemoration of the visit; the other was the laying
of the foundation stone of the Queen Victoria School for Maori Girls,
Parnell, which the Duke performed on behalf of the Duchess.
The gift of Cornwall Park by the venerable doctor was the "crowning
glory of his life," as the donor himself said. Logan Campbell arrived
in New Zealand in 1839, and, pending the choice of the capital on the
Waitemata, he settled temporarily on Motu Korea (Brown's Island). As
soon as the site had been fixed he moved over to the mainland, and was
amongst the original buyers of land at the first Auckland land sale.
He became Superintendent of the Auckland Provincial Council, 1855-56,
and at different times represented Auckland and Parnell in the House of
Representatives. He was associated with practically every movement to
develop Auckland's commercial interests, and every organisation which
had for its object the social advancement of the city obtained his
willing assistance. In 1901, prior to the Royal visit, he was appointed
Mayor of Auckland, and no more suitable person could have been found
than this pioneer, who had helped to build the city from its inception.
The following year he was knighted. He died June 22nd, 1912, and was
buried on the summit of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), the funeral being
the most largely attended in the history of the city. Business was
suspended, and thousands of persons lined the route as the funeral
_cortége_ passed, bearing the mortal remains of the aged pioneer to its
last resting place.
His benefactions during his life included the Kindergarten, the Crèche
and the Nursery, all of which bear his name, and at his death he
bequeathed to public institutions a total of £76,000.
Cornwall Park was formally opened on August 26th, 1903, the donor
leading a procession of carriages, containing the public men and women
of the city and district, through the new drive from Manukau road to
the Huia Lodge. The Drive to the hilltop was completed and opened on
January 29th, 1907, and the park was vested in a domain board. With
a view to commemorating the gift of Cornwall Park and Sir John Logan
Campbell's other services to the community, it was decided to erect a
statue of him at the entrance to the park. The work was entrusted to
Mr. Fred Pegram, an English sculptor. The unveiling was performed by
the Governor, Lord Plunket, on May 24th, 1906, Sir John himself taking
part in the ceremony.
Later in the same year (1901) the distinguished Scottish general, Sir
Hector Macdonald, who had risen from the ranks, visited Auckland on
November 8th, and remained in the city until the 11th. He was welcomed
by the Mayor, Mr. Alfred Kidd, and citizens, the Scottish community
in particular showering hospitality upon him. He spent a busy time
in Auckland, and, amongst other things, inspected the cadets at the
Domain. As a memorial of his visit, the Scotsmen of the city endowed a
cot at the Hospital, which bears the name of this famous soldier, whose
career closed a few years later under tragic circumstances.
Eleven years later two other famous generals, Earl Kitchener and
Lieutenant-General Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, visited Auckland. The
former reached the city on March 1st, 1912. The object of his visit
was of a military character, as he had been invited by the Government
to prepare a scheme of defence for the Dominion. Lord Kitchener was
received with enthusiasm, and during his brief sojourn he inspected the
harbour defences, and reviewed 4000 cadets in the Domain.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder and Chief of the Boy Scouts, came to
Auckland in connection with this movement. He arrived on May 28th,
1912, and received a civic welcome from the citizens, the Mayor, Mr.
C. J. Parr, presiding. The hero of Mafeking spent a busy day, which
included a review of 2500 cadets and 500 boy scouts at the Domain, the
Governor, Baron Islington, taking the salute. In the evening Sir Robert
delivered a lecture at the Town Hall.
Two years later Sir Ian Hamilton, Inspector-General of the Overseas
Forces, came to New Zealand in an official capacity. He arrived in
Auckland on May 12th, 1914, for the purpose of inspecting the military
stations in the district, and the day following reviewed 4000 senior
cadets at the Domain. He was accorded a civic reception, Mr. A. J.
Entrican, Acting-Mayor, officiating.
During the same year two Australian statesmen visited the Dominion
on official business. Mr. W. A. Holman, Premier of New South Wales,
arrived in Auckland on February 9th, and Mr. Andrew Fisher, Premier of
the Commonwealth of Australia, on December 28th, 1914.
[Illustration: View of Auckland's Harbour Frontage taken from a
sea-plane, showing the wharves]
In the last twenty years the Waitemata has received a number
of visits from various navies, the first of which was made by the
Australian Squadron, which arrived in the harbour on February 28th,
1903, under the command of Vice-Admiral Arthur Dalrymple Fanshawe. The
warships comprising the squadron were the _Royal Arthur_ (flagship),
_Ringarooma_, _Wallaroo_, _Phoebe_, _Archer_, _Karrakatta_, _Sparrow_,
_Lizard_ and _Penguin_. The fleet remained for a week in the harbour,
and during its stay the annual fleet regatta took place. While on this
visit, Admiral Fanshawe declined the offer of the use of Admiralty
House, which had been erected by the Harbour Board at a cost of over
£8500, including land.
The visit of the United States Navy, in 1908, was one of the gayest and
most spectacular events in the history of Auckland. The fleet reached
Auckland on Sunday morning, August 9th, and the Admiral and his men
were welcomed by crowds estimated at 100,000 persons, who utilised
every vantage point on the harbour front. The city and harbour were
decorated in a most extensive manner, the illuminations, in which
electricity was used for the first time, being particularly elaborate.
The official landing of Rear-Admiral Sperry and his officers took
place on Monday, when they were received by the Prime Minister, the
Rt. Hon. J. G. Ward; members of the Legislature; the Mayor (Mr. Arthur
M. Myers), and members of the City Council; the chairman (Hon. E.
Mitchelson), and members of the Harbour Board, and others.
Thereafter a week of festivities, the like of which the city had never
previously indulged in, took place, including banquets, receptions on
land and aboard the ships of the fleet, reviews, race meetings and
sports, both general and aquatic. Public and private organisations
vied with each other in the entertainment of both officers and men.
The population joined in all these proceedings, and made the occasion
memorable for the visitors and a pleasure to themselves. "Fleet Week,"
the name by which the event is now generally referred to, ended on
August 15th, on which date the fleet steamed out of the harbour.
H.M.S. _New Zealand_, a battle cruiser of 18,800 tons, which was
presented by the Government of New Zealand to the Home Government,
arrived, on a visit, in Auckland Harbour on April 29th, 1913, with
Captain Lionel Halsey in command. The vessel and its crew received a
great welcome from the citizens, and while in port she was visited
by 94,616 persons. In the Great War the ship took part in the sea
fights of Heligoland, Dogger Bank and Jutland. After the close of the
war the battle cruiser revisited Auckland, on September 23rd, 1919,
with Admiral Lord Jellicoe, who was engaged upon a report on Empire
defence, in command. Another great welcome was accorded both ship
and the distinguished sailor, who the year following returned to New
Zealand as Governor-General. He made his first visit to Auckland in a
gubernatorial capacity on October 30th, 1920.
During the war period two Japanese warships, _Iwate_ and _Azuma_
visited New Zealand, arriving here on July 9th, 1916. Admiral
Matsumura, his officers, and the cadets who manned the ships, were
received by the civic authorities, and were entertained during their
stay in port. Both ships had seen service in the Great War, but were
now being used as training ships.
Fires are the commonplace events of a city's history, and every city's
records are full of these occurrences. During the twenty years under
review large fires alone, _i.e._, those causing damage to the extent
of £10,000, destroyed property to the value of over half a million
sterling. The first of these took place on January 13th, 1901, and
completely destroyed three large buildings in Commerce and Customs
Streets, and damaged two others. The principal losers by the fire
were Messrs. Bond and Bell, L. D. Nathan and Co. (bond store), and G.
W. Owen and Co. The origin of the fire was unknown, but owing to the
inflammable nature of the goods in stock, the flames soon obtained a
firm hold of the buildings, and in three hours had entirely consumed
them. The loss sustained in the fire amounted to £90,000 (estimated).
The Fire Brigades were unfit to cope with so large a conflagration,
on account of the inadequacy of their appliances, although the water
pressure was all that was required.
A characteristic of the fires which had occurred in Auckland up to
this time was that, with one exception, no lives had been lost. The
Grand Hotel fire of May 31st, 1901, was unfortunately responsible for
the death of five persons--three children and two adults. The building
was burned out, only the walls remaining. The damage was approximately
£12,000.
A disastrous outbreak of fire took place on 4th May, 1904, in the
warehouse belonging to Messrs. T. and S. Morrin, High Street,
practically gutting the building and destroying a valuable stock of
ironmongery. The damage was estimated to be in excess of £50,000. A
number of firemen were injured by the collapse of a wall. After this
fire had been brought under control, another outbreak in the retail
premises of the same firm, which stood on the other side of High
Street. Fortunately, it was confined to the roof.
The City Chambers, situated at the corner of Queen and Victoria
Streets, was destroyed by fire in the early part of the evening of
June 21st, 1906. All the storeys except the first were destroyed. The
damage to the building amounted to considerably over £10,000, and the
loss on stock was also considerable, but difficult to ascertain, as the
Chambers were rented as offices and occupied by many people.
Another serious fire, causing damage estimated at £100,000, destroyed
the four-storeyed building in Queen Street, known as the Strand Arcade,
on August 16th, 1909. So intense were the flames that in two hours
the building, which had only been erected eight years, was reduced
to a heap of ruins. It was due to the energies of the Fire Brigades
that the hotels on either side of the Arcade were not involved in the
conflagration.
One of the biggest fires ever experienced in Auckland broke out a few
minutes before eleven o'clock on November 16th, 1911, in the premises
of Messrs. Macky, Logan, Caldwell and Co., Elliott Street. The outbreak
was first observed at the Darby Street end of the building, but in a
very short time the whole front, from Darby Street to Victoria Street,
was in flames. As a spectacle, it was one of the grandest fires seen
in the city. It burned so fiercely that fears were entertained that
the whole block, which is bounded by Queen Street, would be involved. A
right-of-way in Darby Street, combined with the efforts of the firemen,
however, stayed the course of the fire, and in less than three hours
the outbreak was under control, but not before damage estimated at
£150,000 had been caused.
On 29th March, 1913, Endean's Buildings, at the corner of Queen and
Quay Streets, were destroyed by fire. The damage was estimated at
£35,000.
A fire which took place on October 23rd, 1915, at the stables of
Messrs. J. J. Craig Ltd., Parnell, totally destroyed the building, and
caused the death of more than two hundred horses. So speedily did the
fire spread that only two animals escaped alive.
The fire on February 6th, 1917, which occurred in Gleeson's Buildings,
High Street, was peculiar in respect of the amount of damage to goods
in relation to the damage which the building sustained. Cinematograph
films, stated to be worth £28,000, belonging to the Amalgamated Film
Exchange of Australia (whose representatives occupied floors in this
building), were destroyed. The damage to the building did not exceed
£1000.
Two outbreaks of fire took place at Messrs. Bycroft Ltd., Shortland
Street within a month of one another. The first occurred on February
6th, 1919, gutting the part of the building fronting Shortland Street,
and causing damage estimated at £15,000. The second fire broke out
on March 8th in the rear portion of the building, destroying it and
causing injury to the machinery. The damage on this occasion was about
£12,000.
Another fire, which had fatal results, was the Thames Hotel blaze of
February 19th, 1919. Two storeys were gutted, and one of the guests
was burned to death. Others received injuries while escaping from the
burning building.
[Illustration: Albert Park, formerly the site of Albert Barracks
_J. H. Kinnear, Photo._]
The most serious wreck of this period connected with the Port of
Auckland was the disaster which overtook the Huddart-Parker steamer
_Elingamite_ (2585 tons), which was totally wrecked on the Three Kings,
while on a voyage from Sydney to Auckland, on November 9th, 1902. The
vessel, which was travelling slowly on account of a very thick fog,
had no warning of her danger, and when she struck, the engines were
reversed without delay, but she had stuck fast. The boats and rafts
were immediately launched, and all aboard, except the captain and chief
steward, were taken off. Only one boat, however, reached the mainland,
while others managed to make the Big King and the Middle King. The
survivors on these islands underwent some hardships, until rescued by
the steamer _Zealandia_, which had been intercepted by the master of
a whaling boat, who conveyed the news of the disaster to the captain
of that vessel. Later a raft was picked up by H.M.S. _Penguin_, but
only eight out of sixteen found on it were alive. The survivors had
undergone four days of terrible sufferings. One boat load of passengers
was completely lost without trace. The total number of lives lost
through the wreck was forty-nine.
A shipwreck of a more local character was the disaster which overtook
the _Kapanui_ inside the Heads on December 23rd, 1905. About nine
o'clock in the evening the coastal steamer _Kapanui_, on its homeward
voyage from Waiwera, was rammed by another coaster, the _Claymore_,
outward bound, between Devonport wharf and North Head. The _Kapanui_
sunk in a few minutes, five persons being drowned. The collision was
due primarily to the _Kapanui's_ port light becoming extinguished, but
the Court of Inquiry also found fault with the captain's handling of
the vessel.
Another coastal steamer, the _Kia-Ora_, while voyaging to Onehunga, was
wrecked at Kawhia, on June 13th, 1907. Captain J. C. Blacklock and two
passengers were drowned.
An unusual shipping accident occurred in the Calliope Dock on November
27th, 1906, during the docking of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's
steamer _Mamari_ (7062 tons), which resulted in the death of two men by
drowning, and the injuring of thirty others. The accident was caused by
the vessel lurching suddenly while there was still six feet of water in
the dock. This unexpected movement of the ship sent the water swirling
in the dock, taking men and loose timber with it, and causing the
casualties stated. The ship had to be refloated without delay, as the
position she had got into was extremely dangerous.
Another Huddart-Parker liner, the _Wimmera_ (3021 tons), was sunk on
June 26th, 1918, off North Cape, after striking a submerged mine. At
the time of the disaster she was on a voyage from Auckland to Sydney.
After the explosion the life-boats were lowered, and five of them got
safely away. One of the boats (No. 4) was stoved in against the ship,
and most of its complement perished. Altogether, ten passengers and
sixteen of the crew, including Captain R. J. Kell, were drowned.
The city's municipal progress in the last twenty years has been most
marked. The Corporation's motto, "Advance," appears to have been kept
in mind and lived up to, and in no direction was this activity more
noticeable than in the city's streets. In 1902 Auckland possessed
only one paved street; there are now thirty-three streets laid in
either asphalt, wood blocks, or concrete, as well as a large number
of macadamised roads. The failure of a supply of good road metal
retarded Auckland's progress in road making, but the substitution
of concrete has had successful results, and the Council has given
authority for a large number of streets to be laid in this material,
and the work is now being proceeded with. Another project which has
engaged the attention of the Corporation was the widening of narrow
streets, in order to carry the increased traffic which now passes over
them. The improvements are most apparent on the waterfront, where the
co-operation of the Harbour Board was obtained, and the largest and
most costly undertaking of this class of work was the scheme known
as the eastern outlet. This work necessitated the purchase of all
properties between Beach Road and Jermyn Street, the widening of the
first named from 66 feet to 110 feet, and the laying down of a new
thoroughfare, named Anzac Avenue, 84 feet wide, from Beach Road to
Lower Symonds Street. The making of this new highway was commenced in
1915, and the trams commenced running on it in February, 1921.
[Illustration: Auckland, from the North Shore]
[Illustration: Auckland from the Ferry Buildings looking Eastward
Showing the wharves, Quay Street and Kings Drive (recently reclaimed).
Devonport and Rangitoto on the left]
The opening, in 1910, of the Grafton Bridge, which is constructed in
ferro-concrete, and is notable as having the longest three-hinged arch
in the world, was another important undertaking, which provided
easy access to the Hospital and Domain, and linked up Parnell and
Newmarket with the western districts of the city.
The provision of parks in, and adjacent to, the city was another
feature of this time. At the beginning of the period the only parks
in the city were the Domain (194 acres), Albert Park (14 acres), and
Western Park (6 acres). In 1901, on completion of the reclamations,
Victoria Park (18 acres) was leased from the Harbour Board, and has
been formed into an excellent sports and recreation ground, containing
a children's playing area, which has recently been equipped by Mr. John
Court. Point Erin Park, Ponsonby (12 acres) was acquired ten years
later, and soon after the amalgamation of Parnell with the city, the
Corporation acquired the Gillies property and "Kilbryde," formerly the
residence of the late Sir John Logan Campbell, which adjoined. These
two properties united were opened in 1915 and named Parnell Park (9
acres). In the same year Myers Park (6 acres) was opened. This park,
which was presented by Mr. (afterwards the Hon.) A. M. Myers in 1913,
was originally an unsightly gully, overgrown with weeds; it has been
transformed into a delightful and useful reserve, where one was much
needed. At a later date Mr. Myers erected in the park (which has been
equipped especially for children's play) a free kindergarten. The
building, which was designed by Messrs. Chilwell and Trevithick, and
built by Messrs. Johns and Sons, was formally opened by the Governor,
Lord Liverpool, on November 15th, 1916. Its cost, exclusive of
equipment, was £5666. Three other parks, which lie outside the city
boundary, on the shores of the Manukau Harbour, were also added to the
city's reserves by the generosity of various donors. Cornwallis Park
(1927 acres) was bequeathed under the will of the late J. Mitchell
McLachlan in 1911; Atkinson Park (30 acres) was the gift of the late
H. W. Atkinson, two years later; and Kaiterakihe Park (761 acres) was
presented by Mr. Wesley Spragg in 1918. Waiatarua Park (156 acres)
is another large reserve, undeveloped at present, which the Council
acquired by purchase, with a view to the future needs of the city.
Another form of recreation which the city has made provision for is
swimming, and up-to-date outdoor baths have been erected at Shelly
Beach (150ft. × 60ft.), and at Point Resolution, Parnell (194ft. ×
149ft.). The former was opened in 1912 and the latter in 1914. The
Hobson Street Tepid Baths, which are indoor baths, were constructed at
a cost of £10,673 by Messrs. J. T. Julian and Sons, and were opened on
December 17th, 1914. There are two ponds (100ft. × 50ft. and 60ft. ×
30ft.), as well as private baths, dressing rooms, laundry, etc.
Some large engineering works have also been carried out during these
years. The Waitakere dam, which stores 220,000,000 gallons of water,
was finished in 1906. Two other reservoirs are under construction at
Nihotupu, the upper designed to contain 69,000,000 gallons of water,
and the main dam 540,000,000 gallons. The smaller dam is expected to be
completed shortly, and the large one in 1923. A comprehensive scheme
of drainage and sewerage for the city and suburbs was started on 25th
October, 1909, and the main outfall works were opened on March 25th,
1914. The work of linking up other districts has proceeded during the
following years. Electrical supply for power and lighting was taken
in hand by the Corporation in 1906, and the first supply was given
from Freeman's Bay in 1908. Since that date the department has grown
considerably, although the war interfered with the supply of material
and delayed the development of the scheme. An idea of the present
extent of the undertaking may be formed from the fact that for the year
ending 31st March, 1921, 10,496,060 units were sold, the revenue being
£108,734. The electric tramway system was inaugurated on 24th November,
1902, powers having been given to a company for this purpose. The City
Council took over the concern on July 1st, 1919. There are at present
twenty-seven miles of lines and 154 cars in commission. For the year
ending 31st March, 1921, the cars carried 45,820,939 persons.
Other activities which engaged the attention of the Council were the
erection of new abattoirs at Westfield (opened in 1909), and large new
city markets, which were completed in 1917 and 1918. The Corporation
also entered the fish trade, opening markets and providing trawlers to
catch fish, and, besides supplying the trade, it retails this food at
its own shop. The figures of last year's working indicate the extent of
this business. The total weight of fish received from all sources was
1040 tons, the sales amounting to £49,758.
The provision of houses by the municipality was commenced in 1915, when
six houses were erected in Ponsonby. A larger scheme of dwellings, to
be erected on the old abattoir site at Grey Lynn, was proposed in 1918,
but, owing to financial difficulties, it could not be carried out. As
an instalment of the proposal, ten cottages have been built on this
site up to the present.
[Illustration: The Town Hall, with the Sir George Grey Statue]
The erection of the Town Hall, which commenced in 1908, was significant
of the position which the municipality had now attained. The question
of a Town Hall had been under consideration from 1880, but until this
time the Council had not been in a position to do anything. Prior
to the opening of the Town Hall, the Council's staff had no settled
headquarters, the first Council offices under the present constitution
being located in rooms over Messrs. Upton and Co.'s book shop, Queen
Street. As the Council's affairs increased, further accommodation was
found necessary, and the old Magistrate's Court, at the corner of High
and Chancery Streets, was obtained to meet the requirements. After the
opening of the Public Library and Art Gallery, the Council utilised
some of the rooms in this building as municipal chambers, and here
the Council's work was carried on until the Town Hall was ready for
occupation.
The foundation stone of the Town Hall was laid by the Mayor, Mr. A.
M. Myers, on the 24th February, 1909, and the building was opened by
the Governor, Baron Islington, on the 14th December, 1911, Mr. C. J.
Parr, Mayor, presiding at the ceremony which took place in the large
hall. The festivities connected with the opening continued for a week,
concerts, organ recitals, oratorios, and the annual reunion of the
Old Colonists' Association being held in the new hall. The building
was designed by Messrs. J. J. and E. J. Clark, of Melbourne, and the
contractors were Messrs. Ferguson and Malcolm, of Auckland, whose
contract for the work was £87,565.
The building is divided into two portions, one being devoted to
administrative purposes, including the Council Chamber, and the other
comprising the halls, of which there are two, with a supper room and
ante-rooms. The large hall has seating accommodation for 2700, and the
orchestral platform and chorus galleries can seat 350 performers. The
Concert Chamber has seating capacity for 880 persons.
At the opening ceremony the Mayor formally acknowledged two splendid
gifts, which had been made to the citizens and erected in the Town
Hall. These were the pipe organ, the gift of Mr. Henry Brett, and the
clock, which was presented by Mr. A. M. Myers.
The finances of the city show clearly the present position of municipal
affairs, and the development which has been made in the last two
decades. The city's annual valuation in 1901 was £349,765; to-day
it stands at £1,497,095. The Council's revenue at the same date was
£1,077,047, compared with £82,657 twenty years ago.
The spirit of civic progress was not confined to the municipal
authority for the Harbour Board also embarked upon a huge programme of
work, which is still going on, and which has completely transformed the
waterfront, making it one of the most up-to-date ports in Australasia.
It even permeated to individuals, as the record of benefactions amply
demonstrates. Some of these benefactions have already been mentioned,
but others remain to be described.
Mrs. E. A. Mackechnie, who died on November 7th, 1902, bequeathed by
direction of her deceased husband, to the Auckland Institute and Museum
the sum of £2500, of which £2000 was to endow a library and £500 to
purchase cases of animals. A similar amount, £2500 was left to the
Auckland Society of Arts to erect a gallery. The Institute received
also by this bequest the late Mr. Mackechnie's library.
The Leys Institute was founded by the will of the late William Leys,
who died on the 5th October, 1899. The funds available being inadequate
for the early realisation of the testator's benevolent purpose, Mr.
Thomson W. Leys, a brother of the deceased, and one of his trustees,
offered to defray one-half of the entire cost of erecting and equipping
a building, and to furnish the institution with a library, on condition
that the Corporation provided a suitable site. This condition was
readily agreed to by the City Council, and on the 29th March, 1905,
the institution was officially opened by the Mayor, the Hon. E.
Mitchelson. Mr. R. M. Watts was the architect, and the cost of erecting
and equipping the building, exclusive of books, was £3234. The Leys
Institute consists of a reference library and reading room, a lending
department, boys' room and recreation rooms. The course of winter
lectures and entertainments has been a feature of its work since the
commencement. The gymnasium has recently been converted into a large
boys' hall, probably the largest boys' institute in the Dominion. Mr.
T. W. Leys has been president of the institute since its inception, and
its success is due mainly to his personal interest and benefactions.
Charitable institutions were also fortunate in the assistance they
received from benefactors. By the will of the late William Arrowsmith,
who died in 1902, a sum of about £23,000 was bequeathed, in equal
parts, to the Orphans' Home and Mrs. Cowie's Women's Home.
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Smith presented in March, 1907 to the Hospital Board
a property at Russell Crescent, Ellerslie, containing over three acres
and a two-storey dwelling, formerly the home of the donors, for the
purpose of founding a convalescent home for women and children, which
was named the Alexandra Convalescent Home. At the time the gift was
made the estate was valued at about £5000.
A number of Auckland institutions benefited by the will of Mrs. Knox,
widow of the late Charles Knox, both pioneers, who arrived in New
Zealand in the 'forties. Mrs. Knox died on the 19th October, 1908,
bequeathing £70,000 to charities, including £20,000 for the erection of
a building for the treatment of poor people suffering from incurable
diseases. This institution, which bears the donor's name, is situated
at Tamaki.
The Leslie Presbyterian Orphanage was opened on the 21st October, 1911,
although the bequest of £3485 of Mr. James Leslie, the founder of the
institution, was made known at his death on 15th November, 1888. For
some years after the date of the bequest the trustees did not feel
justified in erecting a building, on account of the small sum at their
disposal, but with the addition of £1000 bequeathed by Mrs. Birrell,
and the bequest of Mrs. Knox of £500, they decided to carry out the
original testator's will. The home, which is situated on the harbour at
Meadow Bank, was designed by the late E. Bartley, the builder being Mr.
O. E. Farrow.
The Auckland Exhibition of 1913, which was officially opened on 1st
December, 1913, by the Governor, the Earl of Liverpool, was a striking
proof of the commercial and industrial advancement of the city and
province. The opening ceremony was attended by a most representative
gathering, including the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey),
members of Parliament, and mayors and municipal representatives from
the whole Dominion. On the Governor's arrival at the Exhibition
grounds, he was received by Mr. George Elliot, chairman, and members
of the Exhibition Executive, the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. C. J. Parr),
and others. In the evening the Corporation gave a banquet to the
distinguished visitors, at which the Mayor presided. In this manner the
exhibition was inaugurated. The exhibition grounds occupied an area
of 48 acres of the Domain, and the cost of erecting the buildings and
laying out the grounds was £30,000.
Generally, the exhibition was run on conventional lines, being
principally of an industrial and commercial character. Special features
were introduced as far as Auckland was concerned, the principal one
being the engagement of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Artillery
of 45 performers, under the command of Captain N. P. R. Preston, with
Mr. C. E. Stretton, musical director, this being the first occasion on
which one of the great regimental bands of the British Army had visited
New Zealand. The enterprise shown in bringing out the Royal Artillery
Band was repaid by the financial success which resulted, due in great
measure to this attraction. The amusements provided in the exhibition,
while not new to Auckland, were on a larger scale than had hitherto
been attempted, and occupied 15 acres, named Wonderland Park. The art
section contained a collection of 600 paintings, etc., collected and
brought out to New Zealand from London by Mr. John Baillie, formerly
of Wellington. The illumination by electricity of the buildings and
grounds by night was another interesting and beautiful feature.
The exhibition remained open till April 18th, 1914, and during the four
and a half months of its life it was estimated that 870,000 people
visited it. From the social and business aspects the exhibition was
a great success, and after expenses had been met a sum of £21,758
remained as profit. It had previously been decided that any surplus
accruing from the exhibition should be used in beautifying the Domain,
and this sum of money has since been expended on improvements carried
out on the outer Domain, including the laying-out of paths, flower
beds, playing areas, and the erection of the winter-garden, which
stands on the site of one of the exhibition buildings. The tea kiosk
and the bandstand, near the main drive, are permanent survivals of the
exhibition.
The principal officials were: Mr. George Elliot, chairman of executive;
Messrs. Bamford and Pierce, architects; Mr. E. A. Pearce, supervisor
of buildings, etc.; and Mr. W. R. Holmes, manager. Mr. Holmes, it is
interesting to note, had filled the same position in the exhibition of
1898-9.
Another banking establishment was added to the number of these
institutions in 1913, the Commercial Bank of Australia opening a branch
in Shortland Street in October of that year, but later the business was
removed to premises in Queen Street.
The principal overseas shipping of the port was brought up to 1909 in
the previous section. For the two following years Auckland did not
receive much consideration as a port of call for the trans-Pacific
steamers, but in 1911 the Union Company reinstated Auckland as the way
port in the Sydney-Vancouver service, the _Marama_ (6437 tons) taking
up the run, and arriving at Auckland on August 5th. The _Makura_ (8200
tons) and the _Zealandia_ (now the _Paloona_, 2771 tons) were also
commissioned for this service. In April, 1913 the _Niagara_ (13,415
tons) replaced the _Zealandia_, and the _Marama_ was withdrawn in July,
1914, since when the _Niagara_ and _Makura_ have maintained the running
between Australia and Canada.
The P. & O. Company established a service to New Zealand _via_ Suez
Canal in 1910, the Mongolia arriving in Auckland on November 23rd. With
the sailing of the _Macedonia_, on April 12th, 1913, the service was
discontinued.
The latest line of steamers to inaugurate a New Zealand service is the
Canadian Government Merchant Marine, Ltd., the first steamer of this
line to reach Auckland being the _Canadian Raider_, which arrived on
3rd April, 1920. The undertaking is interesting, having been created by
the Canadian Government with the purpose of extending the commerce of
that dominion. The steamers, which are designed to carry general and
refrigerated cargo, number seventy, and trade to all parts of the world
_via_ the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, monthly calls being made at
Auckland, where the head office for Australasia is situated. The marine
service is worked in conjunction with the Canadian National and Grand
Trunk railway systems.
The inter-colonial service has been carried on regularly by the
Huddart-Parker and the Union lines, while the latter has practically
gained a monopoly of the inter-provincial and the Island services.
[Illustration: Photograph of Auckland taken from a seaplane, showing
the City's position between the two harbours, the Waitemata in the
front and the Manukau in the background
_W. A. Waters, Photo._]
An industrial disturbance, which ended in a general strike, paralysing
the trade of the Dominion, occurred at the end of 1913. The trouble
began with the miners in 1912, but the strikes of the Wellington
shipwrights and the Huntly miners, which took place simultaneously
in October, 1913, brought out other trades, including the waterside
workers, and for some weeks the commerce and industry of the Dominion
were at a standstill. Even the city trams ceased running. After a
fortnight, free labour became available and rapidly grew in extent.
Within a month the city became normal. One of the features of the
strike was the introduction of special police, who were enlisted to
protect the free labourers. The Auckland special police included
over 800 mounted men, who camped in the Domain. Although feeling
between the unionists and the strike-breakers ran high, there was no
conflict at any time.
During the following years there were a number of industrial disputes,
but in the war period strikes were not resorted to. The "go-slow"
policy was, however, introduced during the later stages of the war, and
caused considerable inconvenience. In 1919 the strike reappeared and
coal supplies became so short that public conveniences, such as gas
and electricity, were affected, and their curtailment became frequent.
The railway services were also affected, only the briefest time-tables
being carried out. In 1920 complete suspension of both trams and gas
supplies occurred, owing to lack of fuel. On two occasions the trams
ceased running--from January 31st to February 13th, and from September
25th to October 11th. Almost simultaneously with the second suspension
of the trams the gas supply was entirely stopped, the period being from
September 30th until October 14th.
Another strike, which was not appreciated by the public, was the
butchers' strike, which lasted from November 15th to December 6th, 1919.
The jockeys' strike, which took place at the Avondale races on April
10th, 1920, was a small affair in itself, and would not merit mention
if it were not for the events which followed it. On June 3rd the
tramwaymen detailed for duty on the race cars refused to run the "race
specials" and were suspended. The other tramwaymen, out of sympathy
with these men, ran their cars into the depôts. The City Council, which
had taken over the system from the Auckland Tramway Company, considered
that the men had struck, and the service was not resumed until June
8th, when the dispute was settled.
Between the jockeys' strike and its sequel--the tramways dispute--the
railwaymen came out, on account of dissatisfaction with their
conditions. The strike commenced on April 27th, and the dispute
threatened to be a most serious affair. It lasted for less than a week,
the men returning to duty on May 2nd. If the dispute had not been thus
speedily settled, the results, both economic and commercial, would
have been disastrous to the community. This event took place when the
Prince of Wales had just commenced his tour of New Zealand. He was then
at Rotorua, but the men on the train agreed to bring the Royal visitor
back to Auckland. This unscheduled hold-up of the tour was taken in a
philosophic spirit by His Royal Highness.
The European War, which fell on the world with such suddenness,
soon became felt on this side of the globe. The report at first
brought consternation to New Zealanders, with which was mingled the
usual display of patriotic ardour. Bands of youths and young men
paraded Queen Street, singing patriotic songs and demonstrating. To
many business people the idea of war spelt ruin, and many of them
immediately curtailed their staffs. Within a very short time--a
fortnight at most--these extreme expressions of the public mind settled
down, and the true feelings of the community found vent. The New
Zealand Government at once offered Great Britain its assistance, which
was as speedily accepted. On August 10th the first portion of Auckland
volunteers for overseas service left for Wellington, to join the other
units which formed the advance party of the N.Z.E.F. for the Samoan
expedition. From this onwards there were regular concentrations of men
for the forces, and at intervals the troops left for the seat of war.
The embarkations were usually made from Wellington, but in the earlier
days of the war the troops sometimes left from other ports, including
Auckland. One of the most memorable send-offs to outgoing troops took
place on September 23rd, 1914, when 2000 soldiers paraded at the
Auckland Domain, and were ceremonially farewelled by the citizens,
the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) and the Mayor (Mr. C.
J. Parr, C.M.G.) addressing the men. A similar event took place on
the occasion of the embarkation of the Second Maori Reinforcements,
on 17th September, 1915. This departure was an impressive spectacle,
as the older Maoris and their women-folk carried out the ceremony in
traditional manner. The Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) presided at the
ceremony, which took place outside the Town Hall.
In the first months of the war a training camp for local recruits
was located at Epsom, but as the Dominion's military organisation
developed, this camp was abandoned, and the Auckland recruits went
direct to Trentham or one of the other concentration camps. The only
permanent camp in the Auckland district was at Narrow Neck, Devonport,
where the Maoris and recruits from the South Seas underwent their
course of training.
Apart from the unusual number of men in khaki, and the economic
conditions brought into being by the war, New Zealand was scarcely
disturbed. The economic factors have been mentioned in another part of
this narrative, and, although serious while they lasted, they could not
be described as hardships, such as were experienced by people living
nearer the war zones.
The most exciting event which occurred near Auckland during the war
was the escape of Commander von Luckner and ten other German prisoners
of war on December 13th, 1917, from internment at Motuihi. They
seized the motor launch belonging to the camp commandant, and then
commandeered the scow _Moa_ at sea. They were recaptured near the
Kermadec Islands on December 21st and brought back to Auckland on
Boxing Day, on board the cable ship _Iris_.
The discovery of a submarine minefield between North Cape and Cape
Maria van Diemen was another incident, which was followed by fatal
results. Shipping was notified on June 11th, 1918, to avoid the
locality. Unfortunately, the steamer _Wimmera_ neglected to observe the
instructions, and became a victim, as related elsewhere in this section.
Apart from the number of soldiers which New Zealand sent to the war,
the people of the Dominion entered with enthusiasm into the work
arising out of the war and the relief of the sufferers thereby.
Associations, in which both young and old laboured with good results,
were formed. The dull days of war were enlivened from time to time by
carnivals and special days for the Red Cross, Blue Cross, the Servian
and Belgian relief funds, and other patriotic purposes. In connection
with the Belgian fund, Mr. H. E. Partridge presented, in March 1915,
the collection of Maori paintings by Mr. G. Lindauer, to the Auckland
Art Gallery, on condition that the people of Auckland district
subscribed £10,000. The condition was fulfilled within a very short
period. On October 14th of the same year the Auckland Queen Carnival,
organised by the Auckland Patriotic and War Relief Association, was
started. The respective supporters of the twelve queens worked with
great assiduity, and by November 29th, when the coronation of Mrs.
Bollard (Queen of the South), the winner, took place, the proceeds from
this effort totalled £264,547.
The Auckland Patriotic League, which afterwards became the Auckland
Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association, was formed in the
first month of the war, the Mayor of Auckland being chairman _ex
officio_. Mr. C. J. Parr was the first chairman, occupying the position
from August, 1914, to April, 1915, when he was succeeded by Mr. J. H.
Gunson, who has held the position up to the present. In recognition of
his services to this and other patriotic endeavours, including the
work which he did on the National Efficiency Board[29] he was made an
officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1918, and in the
following year was elevated to the commandership of the Order (C.B.E.).
The Mayoress (Mrs. Gunson) was also made an officer of the same Order,
in acknowledgement of her patriotic work.
The total funds collected by the Patriotic and War Relief Association
from the 10th August, 1914, until the end of September, 1921, including
interest, amounted to over half a million sterling.
The official peace celebrations were held on July 19th, 1919. A
universal holiday was observed, and the city wore a gala appearance,
bunting and decorations being everywhere in evidence. The official part
of the proceedings commenced with a procession, which formed at the
foot of Queen Street, and travelled to the Domain. In the procession
the men who had served in the war took pride of place. The official,
consular and civil life of the city was also represented. Next to the
soldiers, in point of interest, were the various local organisations
which had taken part in the work connected with the war and patriotic
endeavour. Many of these associations were represented by members
who wore symbolic costumes and were conveyed in tastefully decorated
vehicles, adding a picturesque touch to the procession.
At the Domain the troops, of which some 5500 were on parade, marched
past the saluting base, Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.G., officer
commanding the district, taking the salute. At the conclusion of the
military function the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. A. J. Entrican) read the
King's message, after which a salute of twenty-one guns was fired.
The returned soldiers were then entertained to lunch by the Peace
Celebrations Committee.
At night the city was transformed into a carnival. Bonfires were lit,
and the spirit of revelry was abroad, but owing to the coal shortage
only limited illuminations were permitted.
The welcome accorded to the soldiers returning to New Zealand after
hostilities had ceased was usually of a private character, being
confined to relatives. The civic heads and other officials were
present, and on behalf of the citizens welcomed the soldiers home.
An exception to this, however, was made on the return of the Maori
Battalion, numbering 1000 strong, on April 6th, 1919. The occasion was
made a great festival by the natives, and representatives from every
tribe in New Zealand were congregated at Auckland to take part in the
welcome, which was conducted in accordance with Maori custom. The
gathering was held in the Auckland Domain, and the day being a Sunday
a great assemblage of the public collected there to take part in the
welcome home. It was the greatest Maori ceremonial gathering which had
been held in New Zealand since the Maori ceremonies attending the visit
to Rotorua of the Duke and Duchess of York, in 1901. Native dances
were performed, and speeches of welcome made by the chiefs of the
various tribes. On behalf of the white people of New Zealand, the Maori
soldiers were welcomed home by Sir James Allen, Minister for Defence,
Mr. J. H. Gunson, Mayor of Auckland, Hon. Sir James Carroll, K.C.M.G.,
M.P., and others. After the formal reception, the Maoris partook of a
feast in native fashion.
Shortly after the conclusion of hostilities a French mission,
representative of the national, economic and commercial interests
of France, with General Pau, the famous soldier, who had served in
the war, at its head, visited New Zealand, and arrived at Auckland
on December 27th, 1918. The object of the visit was to thank the
Government and people for the services rendered by New Zealand in the
war, and to study how inter-commercial relations could be extended.
On the mission's return to Auckland from the South, the members were
accorded a civic reception on January 24th, the Mayor (Mr. J. H.
Gunson) presiding.
During 1919 and 1920 two distinguished soldiers, who were intimately
connected with the New Zealand forces which had served overseas, were
given cordial welcome to Auckland. The first to arrive in the city
was Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, who had held the position of
Commandant of the New Zealand Forces in England, during the period
that the New Zealanders served in France. He reached Auckland on May
5th, 1919, and his reception was in the nature of a welcome home, as he
had been connected with the New Zealand Forces for many years before
the outbreak of hostilities.
General Sir William Riddell Birdwood, who commanded the Australian
and New Zealand Division on Gallipoli, and gained a great reputation
among the troops under his care, arrived in Auckland on July 6th, 1920.
He was given an enthusiastic reception by returned soldiers and the
general public. The city tendered him a reception at the Town Hall, at
which the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) again presided.
The Soldiers' Club was opened on September 13th, 1915, in rooms of the
Y.M.C.A., which were loaned by the directors. As larger numbers of
repatriated soldiers came back to Auckland, the accommodation at the
Y.M.C.A. became insufficient, and new premises for the club were found
in Albert Street, which were opened on 20th October, 1920.
The most serious epidemic of disease ever experienced in Auckland
was the outbreak of influenza, which occurred in October, 1918.
The account of the epidemic given in the "Auckland and Charitable
Aid Board: a History" is the best account the writer has seen, and
he therefore makes no apology for quoting from it. "Influenza in a
somewhat unusual form was prevalent in the city from the early part
of October ... but the worst phases dated from a fortnight after the
arrival of the R.M.S. _Niagara_ from Vancouver, on the 12th of the
month.... On the berthing of the vessel in Auckland, twenty-eight men
were removed to the Hospital and placed in an isolation ward. Within
a few days the disease was communicated to members of the Hospital
staff. Simultaneously it spread to the community.... The insufficiency
of the ordinary hospital accommodation to meet the demands of such
an extraordinary emergency were early apparent. Temporary hospitals
were accordingly established at the Seddon Memorial Technical College,
"Kilbryde" (Point Resolution), the Sailors' Home, the Avondale
racecourse buildings, Myers Kindergarten, the Y.W.C.A. hostel, Vermont
Street schools, and St. Joseph's schoolroom, Grey Lynn. The Auckland
Racing Club's buildings at Ellerslie were converted into a temporary
convalescent home.... Rigorous measures were taken at the beginning of
November to limit the spread of the disease. Business in the city was
brought almost to a standstill. Places of amusement and worship, banks,
schools, hotel bars, and many warehouses were closed; public meetings
... were forbidden; such facilities as the telegraphic, telephonic,
railway and shipping services were curtailed, and all classes of
the community united in the supreme work of meeting [combating] the
scourge.... The visitation was at its height in the first two weeks of
November.... By the middle of November it was evident that the progress
of the disease had been stayed, and from that time onward it gradually
diminished in severity until by the end of the month only isolated
cases remained."
The official statistics of the deaths for the Auckland registration
district during the period of the epidemic was 1013, or 7.57 per
thousand of the population. The largest number of deaths recorded in
one day was 56.
On November 8th an announcement of the signing of the Armistice was
received in Auckland, which later proved to have been premature.
Despite the epidemic, which was then at its height, the city went wild
with joy, and never were such scenes enacted as on that morning. When
the official intimation was received, four days later, there was no
demonstration.
Sporting events have not found much space in these pages, as it would
have been difficult to know where to draw a line on such a subject.
Such an international event as the Davis Cup Challenge Round, which
commenced on December 30th, 1920, is of such an exceptional nature as
to justify its mention. The choice of New Zealand as the scene of the
final round was in the nature of a compliment to the brilliant New
Zealand exponent of the game, Anthony Wilding, who lost his life in the
Great War. The games were contested on special courts prepared in the
Auckland Domain.
The year 1918 was remarkable for the weather. There were three severe
gales, the first occurring on February 14th, the next on March 18th,
and the last on June 20th. In the latter the wind blew at the rate
of 440 miles in 24 hours; in the two former the velocity reached 520
miles. The temperature during July was extremely low, and in the last
week of the month it dropped to 30 degrees, which was the lowest
temperature recorded for over thirty years. The severe frost which
covered the ground was an unusual sight for Aucklanders. June, 1920,
was another cold month, and on July 1st the thermometer at Albert Park
registered 29 degrees.
[Illustration: Reception of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales at the Town
Hall, April 24th, 1920]
The event which opened this section of Auckland's annals was the visit
of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, who are now the reigning
sovereigns. It is fitting, therefore, to close it with the visit of
their son and heir, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, in 1920. The visit was
the outcome of a promise made by His Majesty the King that the Prince
would visit the Dominions as a token of appreciation of the spirit of
loyalty and unity displayed by the whole Empire during the war.
H.M.S. _Renown_ (26,500 tons) conveyed the Royal visitor on his tour,
and arrived in the Waitemata Harbour on April 24th. The voyage from
North Head was a wonderful water pageant, craft of every sort and
size taking part in it. The Prince first set foot on New Zealand at
Auckland, and was welcomed by the Governor-General (Admiral Lord
Jellicoe), the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C.), the
Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson), and the Chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr.
H. D. Heather). He then paid an official call on the Governor-General,
and later made a triumphal journey along Queen Street to the Town Hall,
where the Mayor and citizens formally welcomed His Royal Highness to
the city and delivered to him a loyal address. In the afternoon a
military review was held in the Domain in the presence of the Prince.
The following day was Anzac Day, and the 1920 commemoration will be
long remembered on account of the Prince joining in the service to
honour the heroes of the Gallipoli expedition.
On Monday His Royal Highness attended the Auckland Domain, where the
school children of the city were marshalled into groups, forming the
word "Welcome" and a living Union Jack, and as the Prince passed among
the children the enthusiasm was unprecedented. In the afternoon the
Royal visitor attended a race meeting at Ellerslie, specially arranged
in honour of his visit, and at night he was present at an "At Home" in
the Town Hall, where he was again received with enthusiasm. Thus ended
the official part of the Prince's visit, but owing to the railwaymen's
strike he spent a few days privately in the city.
_Postscript_
The task which the writer undertook has now been accomplished. Its
imperfections are such as inevitably accompany a first attempt to write
a local history. Other hands, he hopes, will repair what omissions
he has made. In spite of its shortcomings, he feels some little
satisfaction in having had the opportunity of contributing a stone to
the building of Auckland's history.
Looking back over the brief period which comprehends the city's career,
no citizen of Auckland but should be proud of the progress--social,
economic and commercial, which has been made; it is a record of
difficulties successfully overcome, and of advancement, despite many
handicaps.
Appendix I
_The Name of Auckland_
The City of Auckland is generally stated to have been named after
Lord Auckland by Governor Hobson, but, as a rule, no authority for
the statement appears in any of the books relating to the subject. As
already shown from Hobson's despatch, dated 10th November, 1840, the
Governor chose the name himself. So far, so good. What was his reason
for doing so? I exhausted every possible source of information at my
command, and failed to obtain any satisfaction. Learning from Mr.
Horace Fildes, of Wellington, that Dr. Guy H. Scholefield had, while in
England, been given access by the Hobson family to the late Governor's
papers, and from these had written a biography (which, unfortunately,
is still in manuscript), I communicated with him on the question of
the naming of the city, and specifically inquired if he had seen any
document or paper giving in Hobson's own words his reasons for the name
which he bestowed upon the capital. Dr. Scholefield courteously looked
through his MS. and replied as follows:--
"I have come across the volume and looked carefully through it for what
you want. Here it is, roughly. Having been idle for some years after
returning from the West Indies, Hobson applied to the First Lord (Sir
James Graham), recounting his services and asking for employment. This
was shelved, but in June, 1834, Lord Auckland came to the Admiralty,
and in December he gave Hobson command of the _Rattlesnake_, with
orders to proceed to the East Indies (the cruise which brought
him first to New Zealand). Hobson wrote thanking Auckland for his
patronage, and Auckland replied a few days later:--
"'I am glad to know from you that your appointment to the _Rattlesnake_
is so satisfactory to you, and can assure you that it was highly
pleasing to me to give the service the advantage of having you again in
active employment.' (_Private letter in possession of Hobson's family_).
"While Hobson was on the East Indies station Auckland was himself
appointed Governor-General of India. Troubles with Burma for months,
and even for years, made it seem that an expedition would be necessary,
and both before and after the Australian cruise, Hobson had been
instructed to be ready for this, as he would be senior naval officer
on the station. Finally, Hobson's time came to return to England, and
the instructions were handed over to another captain. In his letters to
his wife at this period, which I have copied, but cannot find just now,
Hobson frequently refers in terms of gratitude to Auckland's kindly
interest. At one time he expected a naval appointment at Bombay worth
£2000 a year, which he compared with a 'factorship' in New Zealand or
a governorship of Port Philip, which he surveyed. His conclusion was
rather in favour of the latter.
"In my chapter on Hobson's character, I refer to his frequent
acknowledgments of the kindly interest of three men, Sir Lawrence
Halsted, Lord Auckland and the Duke of Clarence. He has commemorated
them and others in the nomenclature of Australia and New Zealand,
wherever he had a chance. 'Believe me,' he writes to his wife in 1836,
regarding the kindly interest of Lord Auckland, 'many a valuable
officer pines in obscurity merely because he has no friends to bring
his merits into notice.' The friendship of Lord Auckland was well
recognised, for an acquaintance once asked him to exert his influence
on behalf of his own son-in-law. 'It would gratify me beyond measure,'
he writes to Mrs. Hobson in reply 'to be the means of pushing his
son-in-law forward, but to write to Lord Auckland, as ---- wishes me to
do, to ask his Lordship's interest on behalf of another, merely because
he befriended me, is so absurd a thing that I cannot help wondering how
any rational man could propose it.'
"I hope that this may be sufficient to fix the responsibility for the
name of Auckland. There can be no historical doubt as to its origin,
and the reason for it."
Appendix II
_Population of the City of Auckland_
YEAR. POPULATION.
1840 --
1841 1,500 (estimated)
1842 2,895
1843 2,522
1844 2,754
1858 6,283
1861 7,989
1864 12,423
1867 11,153
1871 12,937
1874 12,775
1878 13,758
1881 16,664
1886 33,161
1891 28,613
1896 31,424
1901 34,213
1906 37,736
1911 40,536
1916 64,951
1921 83,467
The population of the City and suburbs in 1921 was 158,000.
Appendix III
_Table Showing Imports and Exports at the Port of Auckland: 1853-1920_
YEAR. IMPORTS. EXPORTS.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
1853 253,926 12 8 148,724 19 0
1854 336,697 19 4 156,645 3 11
1855 358,540 13 11 146,593 19 6
1856 259,294 9 5 100,380 2 4
1857 314,327 6 2 81,052 18 4
1858 334,386 2 1 74,382 2 4¼
1859 399,972 0 0 72,012 0 0
1860 454,311 0 0 78,164 0 0
1861 591,468 0 0 57,673 0 0
1862 815,205 0 0 72,354 0 0
1863 959,219 0 0 195,228 0 0
1864 2,219,287 0 0 329,243 0 0
1865 1,842,416 0 0 292,802 0 0
1866 1,092,399 0 0 215,393 0 0
1867 777,667 0 0 291,557 0 0
1868 799,926 0 0 398,974 0 0
1869 1,357,326 0 0 736,086 0 0
1870 1,296,940 0 0 861,675 0 0
1871 937,655 0 0 1,601,763 0 0
1872 1,190,008 0 0 740,234 0 0
1873 1,422,395 0 0 832,997 0 0
1874 1,546,438 0 0 633,656 0 0
1875 1,558,355 0 0 695,418 0 0
1876 1,232,881 0 0 674,003 0 0
1877 1,136,316 0 0 734,336 0 0
1878 1,408,823 0 0 544,112 0 0
1879 1,476,325 0 0 551,849 0 0
1880 1,242,871 0 0 758,271 0 0
1881 1,490,124 0 0 813,113 0 0
1882 1,911,606 0 0 975,301 0 0
1883 1,916,241 0 0 1,067,326 0 0
1884 1,978,945 0 0 835,424 0 0
1885 1,857,655 0 0 1,035,125 0 0
1886 1,720,898 0 0 581,881 0 0
1887 1,401,379 0 0 986,712 0 0
1888 1,403,664 0 0 933,958 0 0
1889 1,363,131 0 0 1,042,087 0 0
1890 1,385,959 0 0 1,237,600 0 0
1891 1,595,036 0 0 1,218,321 0 0
1892 1,642,686 0 0 1,214,878 0 0
1893 1,487,827 0 0 1,256,450 0 0
1894 1,562,434 0 0 1,174,920 0 0
1895 1,592,558 0 0 1,302,075 0 0
1896 1,960,570 0 0 1,276,035 0 0
1897 2,132,477 0 0 1,365,040 0 0
1872 1,190,008 0 0 740,234 0 0
1898 2,187,128 0 0 1,676,152 0 0
1899 2,211,719 0 0 1,860,604 0 0
1900 2,617,329 0 0 2,068,361 0 0
1901 3,023,566 0 0 1,922,792 0 0
1902 3,087,460 0 0 2,091,016 0 0
1903 3,167,185 0 0 2,501,605 0 0
1904 3,248,163 0 0 2,512,938 0 0
1905 3,156,470 0 0 2,643,495 0 0
1906 3,591,342 0 0 3,168,927 0 0
1907 4,533,999 0 0 3,472,405 0 0
1908 4,671,295 0 0 2,900,551 0 0
1909 4,333,857 0 0 3,371,407 0 0
1910 4,741,326 0 0 3,960,655 0 0
1911 5,650,734 0 0 3,280,878 0 0
1912 6,398,533 0 0 3,381,938 0 0
1913 6,610,745 0 0 4,024,740 0 0
1914 6,548,880 0 0 4,062,530 0 0
1915 6,494,462 0 0 5,407,074 0 0
1916 7,362,778 0 0 5,894,787 0 0
1917 6,413,477 0 0 5,712,467 0 0
1918 7,217,732 0 0 6,022,514 0 0
1919 9,567,409 0 0 9,847,296 0 0
1920 18,732,082 0 0 9,383,603 0 0
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Known also as Toi-Kai-rakau.
[2] One-taunga (Mooring's beach)
[3] Subsequently the first Maori king.
[4] The marriage of Kati with Matere Toha, brought about in accordance
with ancient Maori custom, was designed to perpetuate the peace made
between the Northern and the local tribes. The high rank of both Kati
and Matere Toha, and their personal influence and worth, made the union
a great success from the diplomatic standpoint. The marriage was one
of the epoch-making events of local Maori history, and was a happy
consummation to all the events that had gone before. Kati and his wife
lived and died at Mangere. At their death they were interred in the old
cemetery near by the venerable church which was erected by the Maoris
on the Mangere hillside in those far-off days as a token of the advent
of Christianity among their people.
[5] He was made an archdeacon in September, 1844.
[6] See Appendix I _re_ name of city.
[7] Captain William Cornwallis Symonds;
[8] John Johnston, M.D.;
[9] Captain David Rough;
[10] William Mason;
[11] George Clarke, jun.;
[12] Felton Mathew. (Captain Rough states in his
reminiscences--published in the Supplement to the _New Zealand
Herald_ of January 11, 18 and 25, 1896, that Mr. E. Williams, Native
Interpreter, was also of the company of officials).
[13] "Poenamo," p. 316.
[14] "Poenamo," pp. 337-40.
[15] This house, known as Acacia Cottage, was built by the late Sir
John Logan Campbell with his own hands, and was occupied by him for
many years. It has now been removed to Cornwall Park.
[16] P. 157.
[17] At the Old Colonists' Reunion, which takes place annually, the
oldest survivor of the passengers by this ship is presented with a gift
of five pounds.
[18] He was not made a knight until 1848.
[19] "Auckland, the Capital of New Zealand and the Country Adjacent,"
1853. Pp. 28-30.
[20] The gaol was moved to the Mount Eden location in 1856.
[21] Albert Barracks occupied the area bounded by Kitchener Street as
far as Victoria Street, then followed an irregular line to Symonds
Street at the point where Grafton Road now intersects, thence along
Symonds Street to O'Rorke Street, and back on a line bordering
Wellesley Street to the starting point at Kitchener Street. In 1871 the
Barracks were transferred from the Government to the City Corporation.
[22] The actual area was 21 acres 1 rood 27 perches.
[23] "Further Papers Relative to New Zealand," 1854. P. 243.
[24] Coromandel.
[25] "Auckland ... and the Country Adjacent" [Swainson], P. 87.
[26] _Ibid._ P. 89.
[27] I am indebted for much of the information in this section to Will
Lawson's "Steam in the Southern Pacific." 1909.
[28] Originally The Auckland College and Grammar School.
[29] The National Efficiency Board consisted of Messrs. W. Ferguson
(Wellington), Chairman, W. D. Hunt (Otago), James Frostick (Canterbury)
and J. H. Gunson (Auckland).
Index
ABATTOIRS, 204
ACACIA Cottage, 51
ADELAIDE, Melbourne and Otago S.N. Co., 118
ADMIRALTY House built by Harbour Board, 189
ADMIRALTY House, old, used as University College 162
AFRICA, _Russian Cruiser_, visited Auckland, 157
AGRICULTURE, State of, in early '50s, 89;
Progress of, 183
AHURIRI, _steamer_, 116
ALAMEDA, _steamer_, 169-70
ALBERT Barracks, Description of, 82-3;
Used as Grammar School, 129
ALBERT Cars used for city and suburban travelling, 105
ALBERT Street Congregational Church, 138
ALDINGA, _steamer_, 119
ALEXANDRA Convalescent Home, 210
ALEXANDRA Street P.
Methodist Church, 138
ALFRED, Prince. _See_ Edinburgh, Duke of
ALHAMBRA, _steamer_, 119
ALL SAINTS Church, Ponsonby, 134
AMALGAMATION of suburban districts with city, 182
AMUSEMENTS in early 'fifties, 84-5
ANNA, proposed township of, 53
ANNA WATSON, _ship_, 38-9
ARAWA, _steamer_, 170
ARCHER, _H.M.S._, 189
ARCH HILL amalgamated with city, 144
ARMISTICE, 1918, 231
ARROWSMITH, W., bequeathed £23,000 to Orphan Home and Mrs. Cowie's
Women's Home 210
ART Gallery. _See_ Public Library, Art Gallery, etc.
ATKINSON, H. W., presented park to city, 202
AUCKLAND Chronicle and N.Z. Colonist, _newspaper_, 62
AUCKLAND (city), Founded by Captain Hobson, 35-42;
Named by Captain Hobson, 37, 236-8;
Boundaries, 1840, 43;
1851, 80;
1871, 144;
1921, 145;
In 1842, 47-8;
First plan made by Felton Mathew, 50;
Its features, 51;
Threatened by Maoris, 57;
In early '50s, 80-90;
Threatened invasion by natives in 1851, 90-2;
Takes defensive measures at outbreak of Maori trouble, 98;
Adult male population conscripted, 100;
Blockhouses for defence erected during Maori wars, 101;
Militia ordered on active service, 101;
Amalgamated with adjacent districts, 144-5;
Population, 239.
_See also_ City Council.
AUCKLAND City Council. _See_ City Council; Municipal Government.
AUCKLAND-ONEHUNGA Railway line opened, 103
AUCKLAND Provincial Council, 96;
Library transferred to Public Library, 147
AUCKLAND Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association, 223-4
AUCKLAND Railway Station, 103
AUCKLAND Standard, _newspaper_, 62
AUCKLAND Star, _newspaper_, 66-7
AUCKLAND Steam Packet Company, 117
AUCKLAND Timber Company's mill burned, 167
AUCKLAND Times, _newspaper_, 62-3
AUCKLAND Vaudeville Employee's Association equip Children's Hospital
as a War Memorial 73
AUCKLAND Weekly News, _newspaper_, 65
AUCKLAND-WELLINGTON railway inaugurated, 104
AUSTRALIAN Squadron, Visit of, 189
AUSTRALIA, _steamer_, 169
AZUMA, _Japanese warship_, Visit of, 191
BADEN-POWELL, Lt.-Gen., Sir R. S. S., Visit of, 187-8
BALCLUTHA, _steamer_, 117
BANK of Auckland, 109
BANK of Australasia, 110
BANK of New South Wales, 108
BANK of New Zealand 108-9, 143
BANKS, 70-1, 108-10, 174, 214
BAPTIST Church, 136-7
BATHS, 203
BERESFORD Street Congregational Church, 138
BIRDWOOD, Gen. Sir W. R., Visit of, 228
BLOCKHOUSES erected around Auckland for defence, 101
BOER War. _See_ South African War.
BONITE, _French warship_, crew of, assist at fire, 1865, 121-2
BOOM, 141
BOROUGH of Auckland incorporated, 77-8
BOUNDARIES of the city, 43, 80, 144-5
BOWEN, Sir G. F., welcomed Duke of Edinburgh to Auckland, 127
BOYS' Institute, 177
BREAKWATER, 152
BRETT, H. M. presented pipe organ to Town Hall, 207
BRITISH KING, _steamer_, 170
BRITOMART Barracks, 82-3
BRITOMART, _H.M. Brig_, visited the Waitemata, 43
BRITOMART Point, named after H.M. brig _Britomart_, 43;
Demolition of, 153
BUILDINGS, Early 44-5, 81-2, 120
BUSSES used for city and suburban travelling, 105
BUTCHERS' strike, 218
BYCROFT'S fire, 196
CALIFORNIA Line, 168
CALLIOPE Dock opened, 155;
Disaster in, 198
CALLIOPE, _H.M.S._, 155
CAMPBELL, Sir J. Logan settled on the Waitemata, 42;
His pioneering experiences, 44;
Describes the social and economic conditions of the '40s, 45-7;
Welcomed Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, 183;
Presented Cornwall Park, 183;
Resumé of his life 184-6
CANADIAN Government Merchant Marine, 215
CANADIAN Raider, _steamer_ 215
CAPITAL, Auckland selected as site of, 35-42;
N.Z. Company's opposition, 38;
Removed to Wellington, 38, 107
CENSUS. _See_ Population.
CHALLENGER, _H.M.S._, 126
CHORAL Hall, 176;
Incorporated in University College, 161-2
CHURCHES, 67-9, 133-40
CHURCH of England 67-8, 133-4
CHURCH of S. Francis de Sales, 135
CHURCH of the Holy Sepulchre, 134
CIRCULAR Saw Line, 113-4
CITY Chambers burned, 193
CITY COUNCIL. Auckland made first borough in N.Z., 77-8;
Its history, 1851-70, 77-9;
Its history, continued, 1900-20, 199-207;
Constituted under Municipal Corporations Act, 144;
Finances and valuation, 207
CITY, of, Melbourne, _steamer_, 118, 169
CITY of New York, _steamer_ 169
CITY of San Francisco, _steamer_, 169
CITY of Sydney, _steamer_, 169
CLARK, A., elected first Mayor of Auckland, 78
CLAUD Hamilton, _steamer_ 118
CLAYMORE, _steamer_, rams _Kapanui_, 198
COACHES, Travel by, 104
COAL discovered in the Waikato and Kawakawa, 102
COASTAL Steamer Service, 115-7
COLIMA, _steamer_, 169
COLONIAL Bank of Issue, 70
COMMERCE, 70, 89, 174-6, 183
COMMERCE Street Fire, 1901, 192
COMMERCIAL Bank of Australia, 214
COMPULSORY, military service of adult male population of Auckland, 100
CONGREGATIONAL Church, 138
CONSTITUTION Act passed, 95
CORIO, _steamer_, 116
CORNWALL and York, Visit of Duke and Duchess of, 183-4
CORNWALL Park, 184, 186
COROMANDEL Goldfields 93-5
COROMANDEL Steamship Co., 171
COSTLEY, E., Bequest of, 177
COSTLEY Home, 74, 177
COST of Living, 1841, 48-49;
1851, 86-7
COURT, J., equipped children's playground, 201
CRAIG, J. J. (Ltd.), Stables burned, 195
CUSTOMS Street Fire, 1901, 192
CYPHRENES, _steamer_, 169
DACOTAH, _steamer_, 168
DAVIS Cup Contest, 1920, 231
DEVONPORT Steam Ferry Co., 105
DIAMOND, _H.M.S._, 155-6
DILWORTH, J., Bequest of 177
DISTRICT Court utilised by Grammar School, 129;
Used as University College, 162
DOMAIN improvements made from Exhibition funds, 213-4
DRAINAGE, 203
DRIVER, _H.M.S._, first steamer to arrive at Auckland, 75
DUCHESS of Argyle, _ship_ 53-4
DUKE of Edinburgh, _steamer_, 116
EASTERN Outlet Scheme, 200
ECONOMIC Conditions of the '40s described by Dr. J. Logan
Campbell, 45-7;
In the early '50s, 87-90
EDEN Terrace amalgamated with city, 144
EDINBURGH, Visit of Duke of, 125-9
EDUCATION, 157-164
EIGHT Hours' Demonstration, 176
18TH (ROYAL IRISH) Regiment leaves Auckland for England, 107;
Formed Guard of Honour to Duke of Edinburgh, 127
ELAM, J. E., Bequest of, 150
ELECTRICITY for lighting and power, 204
ELINGAMITE, _steamer_, wrecked, 196-7
ELLIOTT Street Fire, 1911, 194
ENDEAN'S Buildings burned, 194
ENTERPRISE, _ferry steamer_, 105
ENTERPRISE No. 2, _ferry steamer_, 106
EPSOM, Cultivation at, 48;
Proposed township of, 52-3;
First race meeting held at, 71;
Amalgamated with city, 144;
Military training camp located at, 221
EPSOM Girls' Grammar School, 131
EUROPEAN War, 1914-9, 219-26
EVENING News, _newspaper_, 66
EXECUTION, First, 72
EXHIBITIONS, 1873, 159;
1898-9, 175-6;
1913, 211-4
FAIRFIELD Shipbuilding Co., 169
FAVOURITE, _steamer_, 117
FERRIES, 105
58TH REGIMENT, 96;
Assisted at fire, 122
FINANCES of City, 207
FINANCIAL Crisis, 141-3
FIRES, 75; 120-4; 135; 164-7; 192-6
FISHER, A., Visit of, 189
FITZROY, Governor R., absorbs unemployed on road making, 55;
Visited Maori Festival, 59;
Recalled, 57
FLAGSTAFF Hill, original name of Point Britomart, 43
FLEET Week, 189-90
FLY, _H.M.S._, 92
FORT Street Fire, 164-5
FRANKLIN Road P. Methodist Church, 138
FRENCH Mission, Visit of, 227
GALATEA, _H.M.S._, 126
GALES, 1866, 124;
1874, 167-8;
1918, 232
GAOL, 82
GAS Lighting introduced, 124-5
GILLIES, Judge T. B., endowed two scholarships at University
College, 164
GIRLS' College united with Grammar School, 130
GIRLS' Grammar School, 130-1
GLEESON'S Buildings, Fire in, 195
GOLD discovered in Auckland Province, 89, 93;
First sale of, 94
GOLDEN Crown, _steamer_, 117
GORE-BROWN, Sir T., makes arrangements for defence of Auckland at
outbreak of Maori dispute, 98
GORE Street Wharf 152, 154
GOVERNMENT Buildings destroyed by fire, 165
GOVERNMENT House burned, 76
GOVERNMENT Officers, First, 40-1
GOVERNMENT Records lost by wreck of _White Swan_, 118
GOVERNOR Wynyard, first steamer built in New Zealand, 112
GRAFTON Bridge, 200-1
GRAFTON district amalgamated with city, 144
GRAFTON Road Wesleyan Church, 137
GRAHAM, Robert, his description of Auckland in 1842, 47-8
GRAMMAR School, 129-31
GRAND Hotel Fire, 193
GREY, Sir G., Resumé of his life, 58;
Statue unveiled by Lord Plunket, 59;
Suppressed threatened invasion of Auckland, 90;
Opened new Grammar School, 130;
Presented his collection of books, etc., to citizens, 145-6, 147;
Introduced denominational schools, 158
GREYHOUND Hotel burned, 1863, 122
GREY Lynn amalgamated with city, 144
GUNSON, J. H., opened additions to Art Gallery building and Old
Colonists' Museum, 150;
Received O.B.E. and C.B.E. 224
GUNSON, Mrs. received O.B.E., 224
HALL, Mr., runs steamer service, 169
HAMILTON, Sir Ian, Visit of, 189
HARBOUR Board 143, 151-5, 207
HARRIER, _H.M.S._, 120
HEKE, Hone, proposes to attack Auckland, 60
HEKE'S Rebellion, 57
HELPING Hand Mission 137
HENDERSON and McFarlane's Fires, 1865, 123;
1873, 166
HIGH Street Fires, 1858, 121;
1904, 193
HOBSON, Captain W., founded City of Auckland, 35-42;
Gave name to Auckland City, 37 and 236-8;
Took up official residence in Auckland, 41;
Became Governor, 41;
Died and buried at Auckland, 41;
Laid foundation stone of St. Paul's Church, 67
HOBSON Street Wharf, 154
HOLMAN, W. A., Visit of 189
HOSPITAL, 72-4, 177, 187
HOUSE, First wooden, built in Auckland, 51
HOUSE of Representatives. _See_ Parliament.
HOUSING, Municipal, 205
HUDDART Parker Company, 215
IMMIGRANTS and Immigration, 53, 54, 55, 142
IMPERIAL Regiments leave Auckland, 107
INDUSTRIAL Disputes, 216-9
INFLUENZA Epidemic, 1918, 229-31
INSTITUTE and Museum. _See_ Museum and Institute.
INTER-COLONIAL R.M.S. Co., 117-8
INTER-COLONIAL Steamer Services, 117
INTER-PROVINCIAL Steamer Service, 118
IRIS, _H.M.S._, 99
IROQUOIS, _ship_, Crew of, render help at fire, 167
ISLINGTON, Baron, opened Town Hall, 206
IWATE, _Japanese warship_, Visit of, 191
JACOB'S Ladder, 151
JANE Gifford, _barque_, 53-4
JELLICOE, Lord, 191
JERVOIS, Sir W. F. D., opened Savings Bank's new premises, 71;
Opened Calliope Dock, 155;
Opened University College, 162
JOCKEYS' Strike, 218
JUBILEE Institute for the Blind, 177-8
JUNO, first merchant _steamer_ to reach Auckland, 75
KAPANUI, _steamer_, wrecked 198
KARANGAHAPE Highway District amalgamated with the city, 144
KARRAKATTA, _H.M.S._, 189
KENNY, Lieut.-Col., mentioned in Governor's despatch in connection
with Maori invasion, 1851, 92;
Placed in command of settlement at Onehunga, 99
KIA-ORA, _steamer_, wrecked, 198
KITCHENER, Earl, Visit of 187
KNOX, Mrs., bequeathed £70,000 to charities, 210, 211
KOHIMARAMA Conference, 1860, 98
KORORAREKA, Destruction of, 57
LABOUR, 176
LABOUR Day Demonstration, 176
LAND Sales, 50-2, 88
LAND, Speculation in, 142-3
LEGISLATIVE Council. _See_ Parliament.
LESLIE Presbyterian Orphanage, 211
LEYS, T. W., and University College, 163;
LL.D. conferred by McGill University, Toronto, 163-4
LEYS Institute, 208-9
LIVERPOOL, Earl of, opened new Grammar School, 131;
Opened Myers Kindergarten, 202;
Opened Exhibition, 1913, 212
LIZARD, _H.M.S._., 189
LUCKIE, D.M., printed a fictitious report describing the capture of
Auckland by a Russian man-of-war, 156
LUCKNER, Commander von, and other German prisoners escaped from
Motuihi, 221-2
MACDONALD, Sir Hector, Visit of, 186-7
MACEDONIA, _steamer_, 215
McKECHNIE, E. A., bequeathed books to Public Library, 148
McKECHNIE, Mrs. E. A., Bequest of, 207
MACKELVIE, J. T., presented books to Public Library, 148;
Bequeathed his art collection and funds to establish a Museum of
Fine Art, 149
MACKY, Logan, Caldwell and Co.'s Fire, 194
McLACHLAN, J. M., bequeathed Cornwallis Park to the city, 202
MAKETU Hanged, 72
MAKURA, _steamer_, 215
MALCOLM, Messrs., Fire starts in premises of, 1866, 123-4
MAMARI, _steamer_, Accident to, 198
MANUKAU Steamship Co., 171
MAORI Battalion welcomed home, 226-7
MAORI Chapel utilised by Grammar School, 129
MAORI Festival, Remuera, 59
MAORI Police, 92
MAORI Traders, 86, 89, 115
MAORI Wars, 1860-64, 97-101
MARAMA, _steamer_, 214-5
MARAROA, _steamer_, 169
MARIPOSA, _steamer_ 169, 170
MARITIME Strike, 1890, 176
MARKETS, 146, 204
MASON, W., Bequest of, 178
MATHEW, F., Surveyor-General favoured Tamaki for site of capital, 35-6;
Selected site for settlement on the Waitemata, 39;
Made first plan of city, 50
MAYOR--A. Clark elected first, 73
MECHANICS' Institute and Library, 75, 146;
Conducted courses of lectures and classes, 159;
Promoted an exhibition, 159
MEREDITH, Mr., and his son murdered, 100
METHODIST Church of New Zealand, 138
MIKADO, _steamer_, 169
MILITIA, Auckland, ordered on active service, 101
MOA, _scow_, 222
MOA, _ship_, 112
MOANA, _steamer_, 170
MONGOL, _steamer_, 169
MONGOLIA, _steamer_, 215
MONOWAI, _steamer_, 170
MOORE, J., printer of early newspapers, 62
MORNING News, _newspaper_, 66
MORRIN & Co.'s fire, 1858, 122
MORRIN, T. & S., Warehouse of, burned, 193
MOSES Taylor, _steamer_, 168
MUNICIPAL Government.
Auckland made first borough in New Zealand, 77-8;
Urgency of, 145.
_See also_ City Council.
MUSEUM and Institute 132-3, 208
MYERS, Hon. A. M. presented park and kindergarten, 201-2;
Presented clock to Town Hall, 207
NATIONAL Bank of N.Z., 174
NATIONAL Efficiency Board, 224
NEBRASKA, _steamer_, 168
NELSON, _steamer_, 118
NEVADA, _steamer_, 168
NEWSPAPERS, 61-7
NEWTON Congregational Church, 138
NEW Ulster, Province of, abolished, 95
NEW Zealand Banking Co., 70
NEW Zealand Company oppose choice of Auckland as capital, 38
NEW Zealander, _newspaper_ 64
NEW Zealand Herald, _newspaper_, 64-6
NEW Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, _newspaper_, 61-2
NEW ZEALAND, _H.M.S._, 190-1
NEW Zealand Insurance Company, 110-1
NEW Zealand proclaimed independent of New South Wales, 41
NEW Zealand Shipping Company, 170-1
NEW Zealand Steam Navigation Company, 118
NGAKAPA, Threatened invasion of Auckland led by, 90
NGAWIKI apprehended for theft, 90
NIAGARA, _steamer_, 229
NIGER, _H.M. steam frigate_ 99
NIHOTUPU Dam, 203
NIXON, Lieut.-Col., placed in command, Otahuhu, 99
NORTHERN Steamship Co. 171
NOVELTY, _barque_, built by Mr. Niccol, 113
OCEANIC Company, 169
OLD Colonists' Association 54
OLD Colonists' Museum. _See_ Public Library, Art Gallery and Old
Colonists' Museum.
ONSLOW, Earl of, opened Costley Home, 74
ORIENTAL Bank Corporation, 108
O'RORKE, Sir G. M., and University College, 162
ORPHAN Home bequeathed £12,150 by E. Costley, 177;
Bequeathed £11,000 by W. Arrowsmith, 210
ORPHEUS, _H.M.S._, wrecked on Manukau Bar, 119-20
OSPREY Inn burned, 1858 121
P. & O. Company, 215
PACIFIC Mail Company, 169
PALOONA, _steamer_, 215
PANAMA, N.Z. and Australian Line, 114, 117
PANMURE recommended as site of capital by Felton Mathew, 35
PARKS, 201-2
PARLIAMENT Building, 97;
Acquired by University College, 162
PARLIAMENT opens its maiden session at Auckland, 96
PARNELL originally designed for suburban allotments, 51-2;
Laid out as township, 52-3;
Amalgamated with city, 144
PARNELL Hill pierced by railway tunnel, 103
PARTRIDGE, H. E., presented Lindauer Collection to Art Gallery, 223
PAU, General, Visit of, 227
PEACE Celebrations, 1919, 224-5
PENGUIN, _H.M.S._, 189
PENNY Savings Bank inaugurated, 71
PENSIONERS, 91
PHILSON, Dr. F. M., first medical officer of Auckland, 72
PHOEBE, _H.M.S._, 189
PHOENIX Foundry burned, 167
PITT Street Wesleyan Church, 137
PLATINA, _barque_, 39
PLUNKET, Lord, unveiled statue of Sir Geo. Grey, 59;
Laid foundation stone of Technical College, 160;
Opened Jubilee Institute for the Blind, 178;
Unveiled statue of Sir J. Logan Campbell, 186
POINT Britomart. _See_ Britomart Point.
POINT Chevalier amalgamated with city, 145
PONSONBY amalgamated with city, 144
POPULATION, 1841-2, 53;
1851, 80;
1853, 87;
1861-67, 107-8;
1871-96, 141-2;
1901-21, 182;
Table of, 239
POST Office Fire, 165
POTATAU (Te Wherowhero) and other Maori chiefs decline to join Hone
Heke in attacking Auckland, 60-1
PRESBYTERIAN Church, 68-9, 135-6
PRESBYTERY of Auckland formed, 69
PRIMITIVE Methodist Church, 138
PRINCE Alfred, _steamer_ 116-7
PRINCESS Mary Hospital for Children, 73
PROVISIONS, 1841, 49;
1851, 86
PUBLIC Library, Art Gallery and Old Colonists' Museum, 115, 125;
Description of, 146-50, 177, 223
QUAY Street Jetty, 154
QUEEN Carnival, 223
QUEEN, _steamer_, 118
QUEEN Street Fires, 1866, 123-4;
1873, 165-6;
1876, 166-7
QUEEN Street Wharf 152, 153-4
QUEEN Victoria School for Maori Girls, Foundation stone of, laid, 184
RACE Meeting, First held in New Zealand, 71
RAILWAY Strike, 218
RAILWAYS, 103
RANFURLY, Earl of, opened Exhibition, 1898-9, 176;
Unveiled statue of Queen Victoria, 180;
Opened Veterans' Home, 181
RANGATIRA, _steamer_, 116, 117
RANGER, _revenue cutter_, 36
RECLAMATION of foreshores, 151, 152-3
REGATTA, First held at Auckland, 40
REMUERA, Maori Festival held at, 59;
Amalgamated with city, 144
RENOWN, _H.M.S._, 233
RENTS and Lodgings, 1841, 49;
1851, 86
RICHARDSON, Brig.-Gen. G. S., welcomed home 227-8
RING, C., discovers gold at Coromandel, 93-4
RINGAROOMA, _H.M.S._, 189
ROAD Making in the '40s 55-6
ROADS, 199
ROMAN Catholic Church 68, 134-5
ROUGH, Capt. D., appointed Harbour Master at Waitemata, 36;
Immigration Agent, 54;
Superintendent of Works, 55-6
ROYAL Albert, _steamer_, 116
ROYAL Arthur, H.M.S., 189
ROYAL Irish Regiment. _See_ 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment.
ROYAL Regiment of Artillery Band, 213
RUAPEKAPEKA, Capture of, 60
RUBY, _steamer_, wrecked, 173
SAILOR'S Home, 177
ST. ANDREW'S Presbyterian Church, 69
ST. ANDREW'S School used as Grammar School, 130
ST. BENEDICT'S Church, 135
ST. DAVID'S Presbyterian Church, 136
ST. GEORGE, _ship_, 54
ST. JAMES' Presbyterian Church, 136
ST. MARY'S Pro-Cathedral, 133-4
ST. MATTHEW'S Church, 133
ST. PATRICK'S Cathedral, 68
ST. PAUL'S Church, 67
SAVINGS Bank, 70-1;
Contributed £10,000 towards cost of Technical Col-building, 160
SCHOOL of Art established by will of Dr. J. E. Elam, 150
SCHOOLS, Primary, 158
SCOTTISH Element in Auckland traceable to the immigrants by the
_Duchess of Argyle_ and _Jane Gifford_, 54
SECCOMBE'S Well supplied city with water, 145
SEDDON Memorial Technical College. _See_ Technical College.
SELWYN, Bishop, arrived in Auckland, 67;
Consecrated St. Paul's Church, 67;
Dedicated St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, 134
SEWERAGE, 203
SHAW, F., presented collection of books to Public Library, 148
SHAW, H., presented collection of books to Public Library, 148
SHAW, Savill and Albion Line, 171
SHIPBUILDING, 111-12
SHIPPING 75, 88, 113-9, 168-71 214-6
SHIPWRECKS and Disasters, 116, 118, 119, 120, 172-3, 196-9
SHORTLAND Street Fire, 1919, 196
SIERRA, _steamer_, 170
SIXTY-FIFTH Regiment, 99
SLUMP. _See_ Financial Crisis.
SMITH, S. Hague, commenced a steamer service 116
SMITH, Mr. and Mrs. W. H., presented Convalescent Home, 210
SOCIAL Conditions described by Dr. J. Logan Campbell, 45-7
SOCIAL Life in the early '50s, 84-5
SOCIETY of Arts, Mrs. McKechnie bequeathed £2500 to erect a
gallery, 207
SOLDIERS' Club, 228
SONOMA _steamer_, 170
SOUTH African War, 180-1
SOUTH British Insurance Co., 174
SOUTHERN CROSS, _newspaper_, 63-4;
Printed fictitious report describing the capture of Auckland by a
Russian man-of-war 156
SPARROW, _H.M.S._, 189
SPECULATION precipitated financial crisis, 142-3
SPENSER, _brig_, 114
SPORT. _See also_ Amusements.
SPRAGG, W., presented Kaiterakihe Park to the city, 202
STAR of the South, _steamer_, 171
STOCKS for petty criminals, 45
STORMBIRD, _steamer_, 118
STRAND Arcade Burned, 194
STRIKES, 176, 216-9
SUBMARINE Minefield discovered between North Cape and Cape Maria van
Diemen, 222;
Wrecked steamer _Wimmera_, 199
SUPREME Court, 72
SWIMMING Baths, 203
SYMONDS Street Cemetery, 41
SYNAGOGUE, 138-9
TABERNACLE, 137
TAKAPUNA, _ferry steamer_, 106
TAMAKI suggested as site of capital by Rev. H. Williams, 35
TARTAR, _steamer_, 169
TASMANIA, _steamer_, wrecked, 173
TECHNICAL College, 160-1
TECHNICAL Education 159-61
TECHNICAL School, 160
TELEGRAPH, Electric, 101-2
TERRY, Charles, _quoted_ 48-9
TE WHEROWHERO. _See_ Potatau.
THAMES Hotel Fire, 1919, 196
THISTLE Hotel Burned, 1863, 122
TOWN Hall, 205-7
TRADES and Labour Council founded, 176
TRADE Unions, 176
TRAMS, Electric, 204
TRAMS, Horse, 146
TRAMWAYS Dispute, 218
TRANSPORTATION, 103-6
TRUST, Mr., Two sons of, murdered, 100
TYSER Line, 171
UNEMPLOYMENT, 55, 107
UNION Bank of Australia 71
UNIONISM, 176
UNION Sash and Door Co.'s Fire, 167
UNION Steamship Co. 169, 214-5, 216
UNITED States Navy, Visit of, 189-90
UNIVERSITY College acquired Old Parliament building, 97;
Historical note, 161-4
VALUATIONS, City, 207
VASCO de Gama, _steamer_, 169
VENTURA, _steamer_, 170
VETERANS' Home, 181
VICTORIA, _ferry steamer_, 106
VICTORIA, Queen, Diamond Jubilee of, 178
VIRAGO, _H.M.S._, 126
WAGES, 1841, 49;
1851, 86
WAIRARAPA, _steamer_, wrecked, 172-3
WAIRAU, Massacre at, 57
WAITAKERE Dam, 203
WAITEMATA, _ferry steamer_, 105
WAITEMATA suggested as site of capital by Rev. H. Williams, 35
WALES, Visit of Prince of, 219, 232-3
WALLAROO, _H.M.S._, 189
WATERFRONT, Original state of, 43-4
WATER Supply, 145, 203
WEATHER, 124, 167-8, 232
WEBB and Holladay, Messrs., 168
WELLESLEY Street Fire, 1873, 165-6
WELLINGTON, _steamer_, 118
WELLINGTON Steamship Co., 115
WESLEYAN Church, 69, 137
WESTERN Springs Purchased, 145
WESTMINSTER, _ship_, 55
WHARVES, 81, 151-4
WHITE Star Line, 171
WHITE Swan, _steamer_, 118
WILLIAM Denny, _steamer_ 117
WILLIAMS, Rev. H., recommended the Tamaki or Waitemata as site of
capital, 35
WILLIAMS, _steamer_, 117
WILL o' the Wisp, _ship_, 114
WIMMERA, _steamer_, wrecked, 199
WINDSOR Terrace, proposed township of, 53
WONGA WONGA, _coastal steamer_, 115-6, 120
WONGA WONGA, _Pacific steamer_, 118
WYNYARD Pier, 152
Y.M.C.A. 122, 139, 160
Y.W.C.A. 139-40
ZEALANDIA, _steamer_, 169, 215
ZINGARI, _steamer_, 118
[Illustration: Map of the City of Auckland 1921]
Transcriber's notes:
The following is a list of changes made to the original.
The first line is the original line, the second the corrected one.
collectively acknowledged the superior prestige of an Arika,
collectively acknowledged the superior prestige of an Ariki,
Hobsons' choice of the capital was strenuously
Hobson's choice of the capital was strenuously
According to the official "Gazette," only 116 allotmets were sold,
According to the official "Gazette," only 116 allotments were sold,
that of Auckand for the year ending June 30, 1852, amounting to
that of Auckland for the year ending June 30, 1852, amounting to
although such a step would have taken place in due cousre.
although such a step would have taken place in due course.
The Auckland Grammar School, which was a most unpretentions affair,
The Auckland Grammar School, which was a most unpretentious affair,
Miss Whitelaw retired from the the Head Mistressship in 1910,
Miss Whitelaw retired from the Head Mistressship in 1910,