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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Government House

Government House. Aucklanders have many reasons for revering the memory of Captain Hobson, the first governor of this colony, and certainly his ample provision in the matter of public reserves alone entitles
Photo Standish & Preece.Capt. H. D. O. Ward.Lord Ranfurly.Hon. C. E. Hill-Trevor.Capt. Dudley Alexander.

Photo Standish & Preece.
Capt. H. D. O. Ward.
Lord Ranfurly.
Hon. C. E. Hill-Trevor.
Capt. Dudley Alexander.

him to a more prominent place in the history of the Northern Capital than has hitherto been accorded him. Those who are familiar with the sufferings of Wellington through the land-grabbing propensities of her founders, have some idea of the incalculable service rendered by Governor Hobson in his determined opposition to the land-sharking, which, as soon as it became known that Auckland was to be the capital of the new colony, was so audaciously attempted. Of the many reserves which have been kept from the hands of the spoiler, few are more beautiful than the grounds surrounding Government House. The area is about ten acres, with an extensive frontage on the north to Waterloo Quadrant, the east and west sides fronting respectively Symonds and Princes Streets. The house faces about north-east, and between it and the Quadrant are beautiful flowers, a splendid lawn, and heavy clusters of oak trees and native evergreens. page 10 At the rear are the stables and a fine grass paddock of about three acres, separated from the road beyond by the only remnant of the old “Barracks” wall. These beautiful grounds are, by permission of His Excellency, and subject to the control of the custodian, thrown open to the public on Mondays. Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This privilege is, needless to say, not vouchsafed when Government House is occupied by his Excellency's family. Making reasonable allowance for the age of Government House, and the conditions of the colony at the time of its erection. It is a most creditable structure. The main entrance is from the centre of the front, and from the spacious hall are reached, on the right and left respectively, the drawing and dining rooms. Both of these are exceedingly large, lofty, and well lighted, and the ball room at their rear is nearly fifty feet wide by a length of 100 feet. The principal bedroom is also very fine, as are many of the other apartments. There are in all some thirty-five rooms, from the majority of which very beautiful views are obtainable. This is particularly remarkable in the case of the principal bedroom, from which Rangitoto, the North Shore, and the Intervening waters are in full view. It may be mentioned that Auckland has always been a favourite place of residence with the governors of the Colony, and this is by no means surprising to those who are familiar with the past and present capitals. Though the Auckland house is greatly inferior to the more recent establishment, this is much more than compensated for by the vastly more beautiful grounds and the very favourable contrast in the matters of climate and scenery. It is quite natural that Auckland should have what seems to be more than a fair share of attention. Auckland is the only town except the capital that possesses a Government House, and, Wellington being the theatre of action, relaxation must be sought else-where. When Auckland was the capital, and therefore the scene of action, Sir George Grey instituted his island home for relaxation, and there were not wanting those who complained that His Excellency of those days spent rather too much time at Kawau. For those who are not obliged to climb the hills on “Shanks' ponies,” and who may pass the heat of midsummer days in the cool shade of spreading oaks and sycamores, Auckland, with its beautiful yachting harbour and otherwise charming surroundings, possesses wonderful attractions almost unknown in the other parts of New Zealand. Successive governments are, therefore, to be complimented on their unanimity, as to the wisdom of preserving intact the Government House at Auckland.
Government House, Auckland.

Government House, Auckland.