A CENTURY AGO.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 222, 18 September 1940, Page 8

A CENTURY AGO.

FOUNDING OF AUCKLAND. PURCHASE OP TOWN SITE. One hundred years ago to-day on the promontory known as Point Britomart the Union Jack was hoisted on a staff which had been erected, and was saluted by the barque Anna Watson with the firing of 21 guns and by the barque Platina by the firing of 15 guns. In August oi 1840 the Anna Watson was loaded at the Bay of Islands with building materials and stores, and when she arrived at Auckland with a party of Government officials and many workmen work commenced on the erection of a Government store on the site now occupied by the South British Insurance building. On September 18 the occupation of the site was celebrated bv the hoisting of the Union Jack and the 'firing of the salutes by the two barques, the ceremony concluding with a regatta of three events, one being an event for Maori canoes. On October 13 the Colonial Secretary, Lieutenant Willoughby Shortland, arrived and four days later Captain Hobson. On October 20 the deed of sale of the original town site of about 300 acres was signed by four Maori chiefs, the consideration being £50 in money and a quantity of goods. «?