Auckland Early History

This site is the first history of Auckland and is particularly dedicated to those early settlers and pioneers of Auckland who have made the perilous journey across the world to settle in Auckland, New Zealand. In particular, it is dedicated to my ancestors who were early settlers in Auckland and has contributed to the early history of Auckland.

Pre-1840.

Auckland has had a remarkable history and Maori settlement prior to White Settlement. Just around the many volcanic cones of the city you can see the many pits kumura, terracing and other signs of what were once substantial hill of PAHs (strong). In 1840 they no longer existed and the area was relatively vacant. In reality, some invited and local Maori sold land to Europeans in the hope of obtaining protection from further violent wars of the tribes of the North. The crown would then reverse these offers of land to their advantage. Before 1840 the majority of Europeans who settle in New Zealand, has lived in the Wellington area (ca. 1600), where a settlement was established by the Company of New Zealand and Northland Russell (about 600) and around the Bay of Islands. Few could have predicted who would become the pre-emienant city Auckland in New Zealand with only 2 white settlers in the Waitemata at this time.

Hobson's Choice.

All that was to change when in 1840 the Lieutenant Governor William Hobson chose the isthmus, as the site of his future capital. With fertile volcanic soil, habours twins, the rivers to the north and south, and a good climate has been an inspired choice. 3000 hectares were brought by local Maori chiefs - the Ngati Whatua. The Crown paid £ 341 for the original land given to the resolution (3000 hectares). Six months later, only 44 acres of land that was sold to settlers by the government for £ 24,275. (Not a bad profit, and this same 'Crown / State' now expects the taxpayer to pay to settle claims Maori land, the irony is not lost on this writer). Just before the ship arrived in Wellington with Hobsons Platina pre-fab. days at home (Mannning Frame House) and 3 later by Anna Watson Bay of Islands has arrived with the first group of settlers inside. At 01:00 of the day Friday, September 18, 1840 Captain Symonds, a judge raised the Union Jack, both ships fired their weapons and Auckland was founded.
At first living in huts and tents raupo these 'mechanical' (merchants) and officials (government bureaucrats) began to build the beginning of a city.

The other side of the world.

Now imagine if you're halfway around the world. You decide you're tired of living in crowded conditions impovised in Scotland. Thanks to the combination of many factors including industrialization, launching people off land, and birth rates increasing, there are now large overcrowded slums. He feels the opportunities that exist across the world, new land with man eating natives. To get there you must spend at least 3 months on a sailing vessel and you have no guarantee you will get there. Sunken ships on a regular basis and although the vovage was no accident you have a 1 in 15 chance of not making it to the destination (as averaged over a vessel of about 20 300 people killed on the road, I do not think many of us get on a 747 if given those odds). Perhaps we should now have a greater respect for those early white settlers. Not only the dangerous journey, only to 'hard work expected arrival.

Despite this 306 colonists boarded the Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford and 255 on the left Greenock, Scotland, for Auckland and an uncertain future. They arrived in Auckland 16 weeks later, on 8 October 1842. The Duchess of Argyle arrived first, but got stuck on a sandbar and the Jane Gifford sailed past, it was not until the following day at high tide and the Duchess of Argyle passengers made landfall. With the arrival of the first ship overseas immigration settlement really took off. Despite having Sir Logan Campbell that these newcomers do not the rich capitalist class Auckland needed for investment, in reality these were just the sort of people Auckland needed, average populace, merchant hard work, farmers, laborers and artisans, people with the neccessary skills to help create an economy. (On the Duchess of Argyle a young 10 years, Robert Laing had arrived with his mother Anne McDonell Laing COX and his stepfather to start a new life, and so one of my ancestors has become a first settler, and has helped build Auckland. Would died in 1925 at the age of 92 years during which he had lived to see Auckland become a great city of New Zealand.)
These were the first of many foreign immigrants who have helped swell Aucklands population, together with the fact that these early immigrants themselves had large families.

What was soon Auckland like?

In 1852 Auckland was a city with its own society. A population of 4500 in the same city and another 3,500 of which are common in the surrounding farmland.

Despite its relatively small size, which considers itself to have a society substantially. As the seat of government has had numerous government officials as well as the headquarters of most churches, including Bishopricks NZ (Church of England) and Rome (Catholic) and the seat of the peaceful operations of the company mission and mission Wesleyan as well. We must recall at this moment in history had an influence tremendious asked again about the lives of people and has great resources at their disposal to support missionary work throughout the Pacific.

Besides these there was the army with its officers, artillery, engineers. At this time the settlers of New Zealand fencible were arriving in Auckland to bring in another 2,500 settlers from 1847 to 1852 (these were retired soliders (721 total) who volunteered for the New Zealand provided gave part-time military service in exchange for a 2 bedroom Cottage and an acre of land, are now estimated that over a quarter of a million descendants). They were taken to Auckland to defend against a possible invasion of the strong Waikato Maori tribe. Fencible villages included Howick, Onehunga, Panmure and Otahuhu.

(On Inchinnan who arrived May 27, 1852 was a John McNeil and his family who settled in Howick, Auckland, and so began another branch of my family tree, one of his sons would follow tradition and combat soldier in the War Waikato).

In this small society there were many come and go. Soliders sent to other parts of the British Empire, new settlers, others 'cleared' deciding Auckland was not for them, visiting ships and sailors, merchants and others who have traveled the world. There was no landed gentry, not a lot of elderly people, and old families settled and less formality as it was in England. In fact there was the beginning of a new society, a society without classes throughout New Zealand has been growing, had not yet fully understood. Consider this quote from New Zealand "claim and the presumption are quickly seen through, and assessed their value. Rank, station, fortune respect, family ties, unless supported by character, ability, public spirit or liberality, receive, but small. " This was a town where who you were and what you did and had reached more than inherited wealth and titles. Despite this, the employees were very popular. One of the problems for 'ladies' has been the difficulty in obtaining and retaining employees trained. One of the problems are the lack of females in the colony were constantly poached away from getting married and taking on new household chores.

Auckland was told to have no religious or political bickering, and that any disputes can be aired in two local newspapers, the New Zealander and the Southern Cross, which were published twice a week.

The fashion was very much like it was in England when 'delayed' somewhat ', and clothes, while the same designs tended to be made of lighter fabrics like cotton because of the warm climate of New Zealand (remember most of these people had come from England, Ireland and Scotland), with other changes, such as straw hats. It must have been difficult to clean all the streets being dirty. The houses were small log cabins, or huts raupo. A few stone buildings of note still existed and transport by boat or on horseback.

Auckland has not seen a big city taking shape in front of them at this stage, Auckland only 12 years and was seen as a trough to supply ships, supplies, people, etc.

In such a small town one of the greatest activity was 'gossip' as this quote from New Zealand says 02/06/1852 "New comers, especially those who have had no experience of" gossip ", common, all the world, in small communities , are affected by the prevalence of "gossip" But finding that it is "do next" -. that is not respectful of people - Thats the pressure equal in all directions destroying its strength - will soon become almost as unconscious of its existence as the air we breath. "

In the summer once a week, the regimental band played on the manicured lawns of Government House (today the University of Auckland) for a couple of hours. The company has from 3 to 4 balls. And once a year to celebrate the Queens Birthday (Victoria), the Governor would have thrown a ball and invite 200 of the most important people. The family went on a picnic, with boating, hiking, horseback riding as you prefer outdoor activities, and for more adventurous trips to the island of Kawau, or the Waikato and Rotorua lakes expected. They were also popular celebrations of the school, conference and stitcheries. For the sports minded there was a race meeting and the annual cricket match. Of great importance was the Auckland Regatta (still going strong) where sailing craft of all kinds have taken part, there was also a competition for native canoes, one for no more than 12 indigenous people, and for an unlimited .

Regarding the standard of living Auckland was considered a place to live with spending income to be double that of a place of similar size in England. However, wages were a bit 'better, in particular salaries were double agents. There were no rates and taxes of any kind (what happened?). Clothing was more expensive, but the wine, spirits and groceries were cheaper. Fish was plentiful and cheap, (even if you have complained about the quality, having refined their tastes in English to our local varieties yet). Bread Butchers and meat were about the same price as in England. Vegetables were plentiful and the native Maori has resulted in enormous amounts of goods over the canoe - 20 tons of onions, more than 100 tons of potatoes, as well as corn, cabbage, Kumera and peaches. (This trade was brought to a halt by crushing Waikato wars). For the gardener peaches, strawberries, apples and figs, melons, plums, pears, gooseberries and cherries may be grown easily.

Living in the country was considered cheap, but living standards were basic, a raupo hut (brought to 10 pounds), a couple of pigs and chickens, wheat, potatoes, pumpkins and a cow house was considered sufficient to live .

Auckland was actually considered a good place to live, no beggars and the average citizen to eat meat at least twice a day. For the average farmer, life became much better than 'home' back. If an accident happened to them they would step in to help neighbors.

Crime was rare, and the reading of newspapers are regularly published the results of 'police', for example, two people accused of being drunk, for an oath, one to park the truck to block a road, would be a matter of standards of weeks. The death penalty was still available, but rarely necessary.

Relationships with Maori were considered excellent at this stage, having a healthy business between the two peoples, food, how to say, first brought by Maori farmers (usually municipal enterprises), and horses, boats, imported goods, mills be taken in turn by the Maori. Also provided a source of low-cost labor. It was not uncommon to see several Maori canoes in either habour. Maori were seen as "good mood, always ready to enjoy a joke and a laugh, and always seems happy and content with himself." (New Zealander). Past battles and deaths were seen as a thing of the past (as they were wrong.)

One major event was the arrival of a ship. Auckland habour was a center of commerce and of vital importance for the growth of the city. With the arrival of a ship came much appreciated letters from home and news of the world (abet already 3-6 months). It was anticipated that a large crowd waiting outside the post office for its opening. In addition, the ships were needed imported goods and in turn have been exported goods to the world, particularly wheat and wood in Sydney, Tin and whale products.

With the arrival of more immigrants Auckland continued to grow. From the original settlers of 1860 there were 8,000 in the surrounding towns and 14,000 in 1880 both numbers are doubled, at the turn of the century these numbers had doubled again to 38,000 in the city and 68 000 in the metropolitan area. Traders grew with the discovery of gold in Victoria and then in the Thames was brought wealth to the region and back by gold miners. Imports and exports continued to grow as did the importance of the habour and the surrounding industries.

Sailing ships of all kinds, brigs, Barques, nail clippers, and even the new steamships made regular calls to Auckland.

Most of the inland transport was dirt roads metaled via horse and wagon, although eventually railways and tramways were laid.

Important structures such as the customs house, post office and the others were of stone and were more floors, and Auckland has the feel of a big city.

Traders such as Samuel Cochrane who had immigrants from the United States of S. Cochrane and sons build businesses and spread auction, boat transport, mining, and much more. (Another of my ancestors).

How Auckland has continued to grow a multitude of problems emerged. As can be seen in the streets image referred to above were dirty. Ineffective local government, funding problems and lack of a basic planning meant some of the basics we take for granted today were not available. At first the water came from what is now the Auckland Domain duck ponds and then springs Western, but it was not until the first dam in the Waitakere was founded in 1907 the first reliable and that water quality has begun to flow even if the tubes. Similarly electricity began in 1908.

Soon cars would come would come and that would change the face of Auckland. Roads and Highways would become a city of Auckland in an urban spawl, particularly after World War II.

Old Auckland continued to grow and change over the years, old and new companies went running. In fact, most of the old Auckland Aucklander would be unrecognizable to the modern. Take this point of view of Queen Street with the City taken in 1923. All the rest of the picture has changed considerably. The square is filled Aotea now most of this photo and the road going up the side of City Hall is gone. Buildings like City Hall and the customs house more sense in their original context for which they were built.

It should be remembered for much of the last century most of Auckland was farmland. As seen from this point of view 1912 by One Tree Hill passed Manukau Road towards Hillsborough. This same scene now would be a mass of houses. What will it look like in another one hundred years time? (See the original web page)

Brief bio of some of my early Auckland ancestors and pioneers -

Robert James LAING - arrived the first immigrant ship to the Duchess of Argyle, became a sailor, ropemaker, justice of the peace, lay preacher and 'gentleman'. Buried among the first settlers in the Symonds Street Cemetery.

John McNeil - It 'was recruited in 1823 at Inverness in Reg 91. 17yrs of age (a minor) for one year without pay. From 1824-1831 Reg. served in Jamaica, the conditions causing deaths from yellow fever constants. The reg. was raised and returned to England a month before the slave revolt in 1831. On January 5, 1835 John married Catherine nee McGRATH Colclough. Or was the corporal or sergeant at this time. After another move to St. Helena was promoted to corporal, was deployed but the court and reduced to the ranks. The charge was over the charge in the book of accounts Companys. In 1842, Reg. served time at the Cape of Good Hope, but John was not eligible because of his rheumatism and respiratory problems, so his return to England was recommended and was regularly discharged. Age. 39yrs his height 5'7 ", dark hair, gray eyes and an olive complexion. The couple settled in New Ross, Wexford, Ireland, where two children were born, Eliza.b.1839, Alexander b.1847. In 1851 came in New Zealand with the child John b. 1849 and settled in Howick in Waterloo Road. John was granted his land in 1858 in Howick, who has transferred his widow, his daughter Eliza STUART in 1879. John also purchase 6 arces mountains near pigeon which he later sold. Catherine went to live with her children to Coromandel until 1886, when she died.

SETTLERS WERE FENCIBLE.

Obituary Samuel Cochrane

Sunday morning at 3 o'clock Mr. Samuel Cochrane, the famous auctioneer breathed his last at the residence of his son, Remuera. Even if you do not belong to what may be regarded as the old identities of the founders of Auckland, Mr. Cochrane was very old resident in the district of Auckland. He counts among us about 21 years, and during this period was an active and useful man of business. He was born in New York for the year 1815 during a short residence of his parents in that city and was thus in the 6 years of age. At the back of his parents in Ireland had been brought up in the vicinity of Londonderry and was there to engage in the linen-trade. Later he settled in Montreal and not carried on business for a number of years. Hearing of the more genial climate of Auckland by some of his relatives who had settled here Mr. Cochrane was induced to cast his fate with us in 1858. During the greater part of his residence here has earned the business of auctioneer and land agent, and collected a large business, which his sons still continue.

From 1860-1863 Mr. Cochrane has a very active role in the development of mineral resources in the District of Coromandel, in connection with Mr. Keven, Michael Wood and others. With this object in view he purchased from the Government steamer phlebotomist, after better known by the name of the maid Tasman, who ran in the Coromandel trade for a number of years. He was also the principal owner of the Waitemata steamship company now known as the no. 2, which was at first intended for the purpose of opening a regular steam communication with the north bank, Whau, hobsonville, etc. His other company, and the last in connection with steam Jane was the SS, in the early days of Thames Goldfields. Mr. Concrane object in these various initiatives has been the promotion of the Auckland district and to secure the communications of steam fast and smooth between this city and various neighborhoods. In politics Mr. Cochrane took little part. For a brief period he ahd the hnour one seat in the provincial council, but he seemed to delight in more practical work of leading debates in the council chamber. On one occassion we think in 1863 he received a special vote of thanks of the Provincial Council for its offer to provide them with accommodation in which to exercise the activity of the province. He was chosen in connection with Mr. T. Cheeseman, as a commissioner to settle claims that have arisen in the Auckland and Drury railway.

In relation to the policy that Mr. Cochrane is busy can meintioned who was a member of the first port that was selected for Auckland. Advance of the coal mines of Drury. He also started a woolen factory of abrasive and whan the prince had alfed battery, Grahamstown. During a brief visit to Ireland was granted the post of migration NZ agent for the North of Ireland. NZ has selected for many settlers. He died of bladder cancer. The fund had great humor which was often exposed, and of his duties as an auctioneer. It was all an exemplary citizen and energetic ....