A SKETCH OF THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND.
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A SKETCH OF THE TOPOGRAPHY
OF THE
PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND,
BY CHARLES HEAPHY, C.E.
Area of Province of Auckland ......17,000,000 Acres
" " Hawke's Bay... 2,816,000 "
" " Taranaki ...... 2,399,360 "
" " Wellington..... 7,473,120 "
" " Nelson........... 6,700,000 "
" " Marlborough... 2,900,000 "
" " Canterbury.....13,152,000 "
" " Otago............15,670,400 "
The length of the Province of Auckland from Cape Maria Van Diemen, on a bearing of S. E., by S. 1/2 S., to the southern boundary near Lake Taupo is 364 statute miles.
The greatest breadth is between Tolaga Bay, East Coast, and Tirua Point, West Coast, on a bearing of East and West, and is 198 miles.
Auckland the capital, is as the bird would fly, 199 miles from Cape Maria Van Diemen. Russell is 112 miles from Auckland.
A characteristic feature of the country of the Province of Auckland is the very great extent of sea-board which it possesses. Afforded as this is by numerous deep-water harbours and navigable creeks, it constitutes an element of immense importance in relation to the means of the future wealth of the country, and its capability of supporting a vast population.
From Auckland to the North Cape there is scarcely a spot on which the traveller may place himself that shall be ten miles removed from a navigable creek or the sea.
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Of so evident a value is this--whether as affording the easy means of transit from timber, agricultural, grazing or mining districts, or of giving root to a hardy and brave coast population--that it may not be inappropriate to notice, in classified order, the various anchorages and harbours and to review the capabilities of their respective districts.
Of deep-water Harbours there are the following, each of sufficiently clear entrance, secure holding ground, and capacity for the reception and shelter of a fleet of the largest vessels, viz.:--
Bay of Islands, Auckland, Wangarei,
Mahurangi, Wangaroa, Kawau,
Port Fitz Roy, Port Abercrombie, Waiheki Sound.
Of Harbours capable of giving good shelter for medium sized vessels,--
Rangaunu, Wangaruru, Wanga-para-para.
Tauranga.
Of Harbours with deep-water entrances, but shallow holding ground, or with sufficient depth for only a few ships in the stream, there are,--
Mongonui, Coromandel, Manaia,
Te Koumu, Mercury Bay, Gt. Mercury Id. Hr.
Of deep water Roadsteads, partially protected, or safe during certain winds; and of safe anchorages but with inconvenient landing, there are,--
Rangitoto, Cavallo Island,
Shoe and Slipper, Kikowhakarere,
Thames Gulf, various parts, Howick,
Ponui, Doubtless Bay,
Kawa Kawa, East Coast, Cabbage Bay,
Hicks' Bay, Turanga, or Poverty Bay,
Wangaparoa, Wharau, on the West Coast,
Rangiawhia, Kennedy's Bay,
Tolaga, Awatere.
Of Harbours with capacity for the shelter of a large fleet and with deep entrance, but with a winding channel and of critical navigation,--
Kaipara,
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Of Harbours with extensive deep-water anchorages, but with bar-entrances, accessible with the flood tide only,--
Manukau,
Hokianga,
Kawhia,
Of deep-water Harbours for smaller vessels,--
Omaha Cove,
Wanga Mumu,
Tofino or Tryphena Bay,
Tutukaka,
Catherine Bay, Gt. Barr. Id.
Great Barrier Island.
Of ordinary Bar Harbours,--
Wangape,
Whaingaroa,
Mangawhai,
Weite,
Piako,
Herekino,
Aotea,
Ngunguru,
Taiaruru,
Parengarenga,
Waikato,
Mokau,
Matakana,
Waiho,
Wangateau Whangamata.
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No. 33.
Table showing the Number and Tonnage of Registered Vessels, belonging to Ports in New Zealand, on the 31st December, 1861, and the Number of Men and Boys by whom they are usually navigated.
No. 34.
Summary of the Quantity and Value of Gold exported from New Zealand, during the year 1861.
The value of Gold has been calculated in the above Table at the rate of three pounds, seventeen shillings and six pence per ounce.
The estimated Quantity of Gold exported previously, (to the 31st December, 1860,) was 35,844 oz., 12 dwts., 5 grs., of the value of £138,898 2s. 3d., making the General Total to December 31st, 1861,
| QUANTITY.
|
VALUE.
|
| oz. dwts. grs.
|
£L s. d.
|
| 230,078 12 5
|
891,555 2 3
|
Besides a considerable quantity exported privately, the amount of which cannot be ascertained.
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[COPY.]
Return showing Area of Land in possession of Province available to meet the requirements of Immigrants who have not yet exercised their Land Orders.
|
|
ACRES.
|
| Land open for Sale
|
77,689
|
| Good Land not divided
|
212,515
|
|
|
290,204
|
| Total good Land
|
290,204
|
| Inferior Land
|
383,255
|
| Total Provincial Country Land
|
673,459
|
(Signed) CHARLES HEAPHY,
Deputy Waste Lands Commissioner.
LAND OFFICE,
Dec. 22nd, 1862.
True Copy,
JAMES SIMPSON.
|
|
ACRES.
|
| Later additions to the Provincial Estate
|
206,000
|
| Total
|
879,459
|
CHARLES HEAPHY,
Deputy Waste Lands Commissioner.
4th June, 1863.
