THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLONY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4124, 1 February 1875, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLONY.

1 To the Editor of the Herald. | Sir, -In your last two impressions you speak of the 'J9th January as being the anni- ; versary of the province of Auckland. Allow 1 one whose memory carries him back thirtyfive years, to set you right iu the matter. On the 2!) th January, IS4O, was signed the Treaty of Waitangi, by which instrument New Zealand became a British colony, and that day was ordered to be observed yearly as a general holiday throughout the whole country, in commemoration of the event. It has no relation to Auckland in particular. Indeed, the existence of the Waitemata was unknown to Captain Ilobson until it was pointed out to him by Capt. W. C. Symonds, some weeks subsequent to the signing of the treaty. He was at once struck with the eligibility of its position for the seat of Government, and a furious gale having occurred whilst he lay here m the Herald, frigate, the value of the harbour was fully tested. The laud was then acquired, aud the surveyors were set to work ; and on the 19tli April, IS4I, the lirst land sale was held. This latter date may, then, be considered as that of the foundation of Auckland city. The establishment of the province is quite another affair. Other chief towns of the colony keep their anniversaries, but Auckland only commemorates the Treaty of Waitangi.—l am, &e., Alemokans. January 30, 1575.