MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES.

LAND VALUES. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) In 1841 Auckland was selected as the site of New Zealand’s capital, and approved by the Queen. The removal of the seat of Government from Russell was a blow to the aspirants for fame. Poetic reference to the new capital compared it to Corinth for commerce and Naplies foi' beauty, the commercial view from Mount Eden, and the beauty from the lake above the Manakau Harbour. Even in that early day they had visions of a canal from Manakau to Waitemata. This may yet eventuate as a centenary celebration, and would create a revolution in the shipping facilities of this Dominion. Many speculations have arisen as to the origin of the name Manu kau and Wai timata, usually misspelt Waitemata and one may venture to say they mean respectively "Without control” and "Waters of shining surface.” ■ In April 1841 the first sale of crown lands was held by auction in the embryo city of Auckland. It created great interest and excitement in Wellington and Sydney. Forty town acres realised an average of £6OO each, suburban lots £45. and small farms £3 an acre. These values have increased a thousand fold and are all closely hidden under the busy city streets. Before its loss as a capital site, a narrow neck of land was eagerly I bought by the Government for £15,000 at Korora reka (sweet shellfish) and named Russell. In 1840 all Crown Lands were sold under the sign manual at a uniform price. Today as then, their real values vary as 50 to 1. Half the amounts realised were devoted to public works and half to immigration. The Maoris who had received a Is an acre, looked on with gathering resentment. The original owners were more deeply incensed when those lands realised ten times as much by auction.