Auckland in 1852, showing Queen Street and corner of Shortland Street, the Wesleyan College and the Windmill which graced Karangahape Road until recently. The two uniformed men in the foreground are ‘native’ policemen. (Photo: Turnbull Library) THE MAORI PEOPLE AND THE CITY OF AUCKLAND AN HISTORICAL SURVEY BY M. P. K. SORRENSON It was Hobson's choice of Horotiu, on the southern shore of the Waitemata “river”, for his capital which laid the foundation for the city of Auckland. Once Hobson's decision was made known there was a rapid influx of Europeans into the district, all anxious to acquire land for commercial sites, speculation or farming. They realised that the capital, situated on an admirable site for commerce, would quickly become a major European settlement. Moreover they anticipated the benefits of Government expenditure and the posibilities of trading with the Maoris. Their judgment was vindicated and even the loss of the capital to Wellington in 1865 did not prevent Auckland becoming New Zealand's largest city. In 1840 the Maori population on the Tamaki isthmus was sparse, mainly as a result of the preceding generation of deadly musket wars. The few Ngatiwhatua living at Orakei welcomed the Lieutenant-Governor as a protector against their Ngapuhi foes. They were willing to sell land and trade with the European merchants who followed in the footsteps of Hobson. Thus they too contributed towards the foundation of Auckland; but they did not realise they would ultimately lose the benefits accruing from its development. They traded land for European commodities; they lost the substance for the shadow.

SOLD FOR A MESS OF POTTAGE Government officials had little difficulty purchasing the land needed for European settlers. In October 1840 George Clarke purchased the block fronting the Waitemata needed for the township. This was a triangular block, of about 3,000 acres, extending along the foreshore from Hobson Bay to Cox's Creek and inland to Maungawhau (Mt. Eden). The land was sold by Ngatiwhatua—the deed was actually signed by Apihai te Kawau,