Small Business Opportunities - Early Auckland History

In particular it is dedicated to my own ancestors who were early settlers in Auckland and helped create the early history of Auckland. New Zealand, this site is on the early history of Auckland and is particularly dedicated to those early auckland settlers and pioneers who made the dangerous voyage from the other side of the world to settle in Auckland.

Pre-1840.

Few would have predicted that Auckland would become the pre-emienant city in New Zealand with only 2 white settlers in the Waitemata at this time. 1600) where a settlement was established by the New Zealand Company and in Northland at Russell (about 600) and around the Bay of Islands. Prior to 1840 most Europeans settling in New Zealand lived in the Wellington area (approx. The crown would later overturn these land deals for its own benefit. In fact some local Maori invited and sold land to Europeans in the hope of obtaining protection from further violent wars from tribes of the North. By 1840 these no longer existed and the area was relatively vacant. Terracing and other signs of what were once substantial hill pahs (forts), just walking around the many volcanic cones of the city one can see the many kumura pits. Auckland had a substantial Maori history and settlement prior to white settlement.

Hobson's Choice.

At first living in raupo huts and tents these 'mechanics' (tradesmen) and officials (government bureaucrats) began to build the beginnings of a town. Both ships fired their guns and Auckland was founded, also a chief Magistrate raised the Union Jack, at 1:00pm on Friday 18th day of September 1840 Captain Symonds. House (Mannning Frame House) and 3 days later the Anna Watson from the Bay of Islands arrived with the first group of internal settlers. Shortly the first ship the Platina arrived from Wellington with Hobsons pre-fab. The irony is not lost on this writer), (not a bad profit and this same 'crown/state' expects the tax payer today to fork out to settle Maori land claims. 275, 24, just 44 acres of that land was resold by the Government to settlers for £ six months later. 341 for the original land handed over for the settlement (3000 acres); the Crown paid £. 3000 acres were brought from the local Maori chiefs - the Ngati Whatua. Rivers to the North and South and a good climate it was an inspired choice, twin habours, with fertile volcanic soils. William Hobson chose the isthmus as the site of his future capital. All that was to change when in 1840 Governor Lt.

The other side of the world.

On arrival only hard work awaited, not only would the trip be dangerous. Perhaps now we should have a greater respect for those early white settlers. I don't think many of us would get on a 747 if given those odds), ships sunk on a regular basis and even if the vovage was without incident you had a 1 in 15 chance of not making it to your destination (given on average on a ship of 300 persons approximately 20 died on the way. To get there you will have to spend at least 3 months on a sailing ship and you have no guarantee you will get there. New lands with man eating natives, you hear of the opportunities that exist on the other side of the world. There are now large overcrowded slums, and increasing birth rate, the throwing of people off lands, thanks to the combination of many factors including industrialisation. You decide you are sick of living in crowded impovised conditions in Scotland. Imagine now if you will you are on the other side of the world.

Along with the fact these early immigrants themselves had large families, )
These were the first of many more overseas immigrants who would help swell Aucklands population. He would die in 1925 aged 92 during which time he had lived to see Auckland become New Zealand's major city. (On the Duchess of Argyle a young 10 year old Robert Laing had arrived with his mother Anne McDonell Laing COX and his step-father to begin a new life and so one of my ancestors became a first settler and helped build Auckland. People with the neccessary skills to create a useful economy, labourers and artisans, farmers, hard working tradesman, average plebs, in truth these were just the kind of people Auckland needed, despite Sir Logan Campbells view that these new arrivals with not of the rich capitalist class Auckland needed for investment. With the arrival of the first overseas immigration ship the settlement really took off. It wasn't until the following day with the high tide that the Duchess of Argyle's passengers made landfall, the Duchess of Argyle arrived first but got stuck on a sandbank and the Jane Gifford sailed past. They arrived in Auckland 16 weeks later on the October 8th 1842. Despite this 306 settlers got onto the Duchess of Argyle and 255 onto the Jane Gifford and left Greenock Scotland for Auckland and an uncertain future.

What was early Auckland like?

500 listed in the borough in surrounding farmlands, 500 in the town itself and another 3, a population of 4. By 1852 Auckland was a town with its own society.

One should remember at this time in history churches still had a tremendious influence over the lifes of people and had large resources at their disposal to support missionary work throughout the pacific. Including Bishopricks of N.Z (Church of England) and of Rome (Catholic) and the Seat of the Missionary society's pacific operations and the Wesleyan Mission as well, as the seat of government it had numerous government officials as well as the seat of most of the churches. Despite its relatively small size it considered itself as having a considerable society.

And Otahuhu, panmure, onehunga, fencible villages included Howick. They were brought to Auckland to help defend it against a possible Maori invasion from the strong Waikato tribes. They are now estimated to have over a quarter of a million descendants), 500 settlers between 1847 - 1852 (these were retired soliders (721 in total) who volunteered for New Zealand on the condition they gave part-time army service in return for a 2 room cottage and an acre of land, at this time the New Zealand fencible settlers were arriving in Auckland bringing in another 2. Engineers, artillery, as well as these there was the army with its officers.

One of his sons would follow the solider tradition and fight in the Waikato War), auckland and so began another branch of my family tree, (On the Inchinnan which arrived on 27th May 1852 was a John McNeil and his family who settled in Howick.

One of the problems being with the lack of females in the colony they were constantly poached away by getting married and taking on new domestic duties. One of the problems for 'ladies' was the difficulty in getting and retaining trained servants. Despite this servants were in great demand. " This was going to be a city where who you were and what you did and achieved mattered more than inherited wealth and titles. Receive but small respect, public spirit or liberality, ability, unless supported by character, family connection, fortune, station, rank. And valued at their worth, consider this quote from the New Zealander "Pretension and assumption are quickly seen through. Not they had fully realised this yet, a classless society that the whole of New Zealand was growing into, in fact there was the beginning of a new society. And no old settled families and less formality as had been in England, not alot of old persons, there was no landed gentry. Merchants and others who travelled the world, visiting ships and sailors, others who 'cleared out' deciding Auckland was not for them, new settlers, soliders posted to elsewhere in the British empire. In this small society there were many comings and goings.

Which were published twice weekly, the New Zealander and the Southern Cross, and that any dispute could be aired in the two local newspapers, auckland was said to have no religious or political bickering.

Few stone buildings of note yet existed and transport was by boat or horse. Or raupo huts, houses were small wooden cottages. It must have been difficult to keep clean with all the roads being dirt. With other changes like straw hats, ireland and Scotland), and the clothes whilst the same designs tended to be made out of lighter fabrics like cotton due to New Zealand's warm climate (remember most of these people had come from England, fashion was very much as it was in England though 'delayed' somewhat.

Etc, people, supplies, auckland only 12 years old and was seen as a watering hole to replenish ships, aucklanders didn't see a great city taking shape before them at this stage.

But finding that it is "neighbour's fare" - that it is no respecter of persons - thats its equal pressure in all directions destroys its force - they soon become almost as unconscious of its existence as of the air they breath". Are struck with the prevalence of "gossip", in small communities, all the world over, common, especially those who have had no experience of the "tittle-tattle", in such a small town one of the greatest activities was 'gossip' as this quote from the New Zealander 2/6/1852 states "New comers.

And one for unlimited numbers, one for no more than 12 natives, there was even a races for native canoes, of great importance was the Auckland Regatta (still going strong) in which sailing craft of all types took part. For the sporting minded there was an annual race meeting and cricket matches. And stitcheries, lectures, also popular were school feasts. Or to the the Waikato and the lakes of Rotorua awaited, and for the more adventuress trips to the Island of Kawau, horse riding being the favourite outdoor activities, bush walking, with boating, families went on picnics. The Governor would throw a ball and invite 200 of the most important people, and once a year to celebrate the Queens Birthday (Victoria). Society had 3 to 4 balls. In Summer once a week the Regimental Band played on the well kept lawns of government house (now site of Auckland University) for a couple of hours.

Gooseberries and cherries could be grown easily, pears, plums, melons, apples and figs, strawberry, for the gardener peaches. (This trade was brought to a crushing halt by the Waikato wars). Kumera and peaches, cabbages, as well as corn, over 100 tons of potatoes, vegetables were abundant and Maori Natives brought in huge quantities of produce via canoe - 20 tons of onions. Bread and Butchers meat were about the same price as in England. Not having refined their english tastes to our local varieties yet), (although they complained about the quality, fish was plentiful and cheap. Spirits and groceries were cheaper, but wine, clothing was more expensive. ). ! Taxes or dues of any kind (what happened, there were no rates? Particularly servants wages which were double, however wages were somewhat better. Regarding living standards Auckland was considered an expense place to live with rents being double of a similar sized place in England.

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

If accident befell them their neighbours would pitch in to help. Life had become much better than back 'home', for the average settler. In fact Auckland was considered a good place to live with no beggars and the average citizen eating meat at least twice a day.

Capital punishment was still available but rarely needed. Would be a standard weeks matters, one for parking their cart as to block a road, one for swearing, two persons charged with being drunk. e.g, crime was considered rare and on reading the papers they regularly published the results of 'police court'.

Past battles and deaths were seen as a thing of the past (how wrong they were). " (THE NEW ZEALANDER). And always appearing self satisfied and contented, and a laugh, ever ready to enjoy a joke, maori were seen to be "Good humored. It was not uncommon to see numerous maori canoes in either habour. Further they provided a source of cheap labour. Flour mills being brought in turn by the Maori, imported goods, boats, and horses, food as mention before brought from Maori farmers (normally communal farms), being a healthy trade between the two peoples, local relationships with the Maori were considered excellent at this stage.

Tin and whale products, in particular wheat and wood to Sydney, further with the ships came necessary imported goods and in turn goods were exported to the world. Such was this anticipated that a large crowd would wait outside the post office for it to open. With the coming of a ship came the much appreciated letters from home and news of the world (abet already 3-6 months old). Auckland habour was a center of trade and of vital importance to the growth of the city. One of the most important events was the arrival of a ship.

Imports and exports continued to grow as did the importance of the habour and surrounding industries. Merchants grew and with the finding of Gold in Victoria and then in Thames wealth was brought into the region and back by gold miners. 000 in the metropolitan area, 000 in the city and 68, by the turn of the century those numbers had doubled again to 38, by 1880 both those numbers had doubled, 000 in the surrounds, 000 in the city and 14, from the original settlers by 1860 there were 8. With the arrival of further immigrants Auckland continued to grow.

Clippers and even the new steam ships made regular calls to auckland, barques, brigs, sailing ships of all sorts.

Though eventually railways and tramways were laid, most internal transport was on dirt or metaled roads via horse and cart.

Post office and others were made of stone and were multi-storied and gave Auckland the feel of a large town, important structures like the customs house.

(Another early ancestor of mine). Mining and much more, boat transport, merchants such as Samuel Cochrane who had immigrated from the United States of S.Cochrane and sons build up business and spread into auctioneering.

Likewise electricity began in 1908. But it wasn't until the first dam was established in the Waitakere's in 1907 that the first reliable and quality water began to flow though the pipes, early water came from what is now the duck ponds in the Auckland Domain and then western springs. Funding problems and a lack of basic planning meant some of the basics we take for granted today were not available, ineffective local government. As can be seen in the above picture roads were dirt. As Auckland continued to grow a multitude of problems emerged.

Particularly after the second world war, roads and Motorways would turn Auckland from a city into an urban spawl. Soon would come motor cars would come and they would change the face of Auckland.

Buildings such as the town hall and the customs house make more sense in their original context for which they were built. The Aotea square now fills most of this picture and the street going up the other side of the town hall is gone. Everything else in the picture has changed greatly. Take this view of Queen Street with the Town Hall taken in 1923. In fact much of old Auckland would be unrecognisable to the modern Aucklander. Old businesses went and new ones started, old Auckland continued to grow and to change over the years.

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

Short bio on some of my early Auckland ancestors and pioneers -

Buried amongst the earliest settlers in the Symonds Street Cementary. Lay preacher and 'gentleman', justice of the Peace, ropemaker, became a sailor, robert James LAING - arrived on the first immigrant ship the Duchess of Argyle.

Catherine went to live with her sons at Coromandel until 1886 when she passed away. John also purchase 6 arces near pigeon mountain which he later sold. Which he transferred to his widowed daughter Eliza STUART in 1879, john was granted his land in 1858 at Howick. 1849 and settled in Howick in Waterloo Road. In 1851 they arrived in NZ with baby John b. Alexander b.1847, Eliza.b.1839, ireland where two children were born, wexford, the couple settle in New Ross. Grey eyes and sallow complexion, dark hair, 39yrs his heigh 5'7". Age. So his return to England was recommended and he was duly discharged, served time at the cape of good Hope but John was unfit on account of his rheumatism and respiratory problems. In 1842 the reg. The charge was over charging in the companys account book. Helena he was promoted to Corporal but was court marshalled and reduced to the ranks. After another move to St. He was either Corporal or Sergeant at this time. On the 5th Jan 1835 John married Catherine ColCLOUGH nee McGRATH. Was relieved and returned to England months before the slave rebellion in 1831. The reg. The conditions resulting in constant deaths from yellow fever, served in Jamaica. From 1824-1831 the reg. At the age of 17yrs (underage) for one year without pay. John McNEIL - He was recruited in 1823 at Inverness into the 91st Reg.

THEY WERE FENCIBLE SETTLERS.

Samuel COCHRANE's Obituary

Which his sons carry on still, and gathered an extensive business, during the greater part of his residence here he has earned on the business of auctioneer and land agent. Cochrane was induced to cast in his lot amongst us in the year 1858. Hearing of the more genial climate of Auckland from some relatives of his who had settled here Mr. He subsequently settled in Montreal and there carried on business for a number of years. On the return of his parents to Ireland he was brought up in the vicinity of Londonderry and was there engage in the linen-trade. He was born in New York in the year 1815 during a short residence of his parents in that city and was thus in the 6th year of age. And during that time has been an active and useful man of business, he has reside amongst us about 21 years. Mr Cochrane was a very old resident in the Auckland District, though not belonging to what may be regarded as the old identities the founders of Auckland. Remuera, the well known auctioneer breathed his last at his son's residence, on Sunday Morning at 3 o'clock Mr Samuel Cochrane.

Cheeseman as a commissioner to settle the compensation claims which arose in regard to the auckland and drury railway. T. He was chosen in connection with Mr. On one occassion we think in 1863 he recieved a special vote of thanks of the provincial council for his offer to provide them with accomodation in which to carry on the business of the province. But he seemed to delight in more practical work than conducting debates in the council chamber, for a short time he ahd the hnour of a seat in the Provincial council. In political life Mr Cochrane took little part. Mr Concrane's object in these various ventures was the advancement of the auckland district and to secure fast and regular steam communication between this city and the various districts. In the early days of the Thames Goldfields, his other and last enterprise in connection with steam was the SS Jane. Etc, hobsonville, whau, which was at first intended for the purpose of opening up regular steam communication with the North shore, 2. He was also the principal owner of the steamer Waitemata now known as the enterprise no. Which he ran in the coromandel trade for a number of years, after better known by the name of the Tasman Maid, with this object in view he purchased from the goverment the steamer sandfly. Michael Wood and others, in connection with Mr Keven, cochrane took a very active part in developing the mineral resources of the Coromandel district. From 1860 to 1863 Mr.

He was altogether an exemplary and energetic citizen. The great fund of humour which he possessed was often times exhibited while discharging his duties as an auctioneer. He died of cancer of the bladder. He selected many colonists for NZ. During a short visit back to Ireland he was granted the post of NZ emigration agent for the north of Ireland. Grahamstown, he also started a wool-scouring establishment at the whan and he owned the prince alfed battery. Advance of the Drury Coal mines. Cochrane occupied it may be meintioned that he was a member of the first harbour board that was selected for Auckland. In reference to the political which Mr.