HISTORY OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17966, 16 December 1921, Page 9

HISTORY OF AUCKLAND.

PUBLICATION AUTHORISED. CHIEF LIBRARIAN'S WORK. A history of Auckland and a municipal handbook are to be issued by the City Council. Reporting on the matter to the council last evening, the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gun&on, said that with Miss E. Melville, chairman of the Library Committee, be had considered the material which the chief librarian and director, Mr. J. Barr, was preparing for the two publications, which it was now recommended should be authorised. The history was now ready for the press, and it should be possible to publish this in February, and the handbook iix ApriL Miss Melville moved the authorisation of publication, and explained the characteristics of the history and handbook as contained in the manuscripts. Mr. Barr said the historical sketch of Auckland, which it was originally proposed to incorporate with the municipal handbook, had grown to Buch dimensions as, in the opinion of the editor, made it advisable to issue the history as a separate publication. The history was the first attempt that had been made to write a connected history of the city. It had entailed months of research among original papers, official papers, and the newspapers of the time. It embodied a clear and connected account of the progress of the city from its foundation, in 1840, until the end of 1920, and made available the events which had marked the progress of the city's development. The writer had concentrated his attention in ascertaining correct information and data relating to the city, which would serve as a book of ready reference on all matters pertaining to the citv and its institutions. It also provided in succinct form a readable account of the important events associated with the city. It was proposed to incorporate a Maori history of the Auckland district, prepared by Mr. G. Graham, whose knowledge of native history was perhaps unequalled by any other person. The book would contain a full index, which would render the information contained in it easily accessible. It would also be provided "with a number of illustrations of a historical and descriptive character, which would add to it* usefulness and make it more attractive.