The proprietor of the Waiwera Estate, whose portrait appears on the first page of this pamphlet, arrived in New Zealand on the 8th October, 1842, in the barque "Jane Gifford," the first vessel that cast anchor in the Auckland harbour direct from Great Britain. The "Duchess of Argyle" arrived the same day, both vessels having brought out many of the early settlers, who may be looked upon as the pioneers of Auckland. His attention was first drawn to Waiwera by a Mr. Johnson, who had suffered for sixteen years from a most painful and distressing skin disease on his ankle, which was pronounced incurable by some of the most eminent men of the medical profession in the mother country, yet, wonderful to relate, after four weeks' bathing, and drinking the mineral waters at Waiwera, he was completely cured, and during an acquaintance of over twenty years, had no return of his complaint. Mr. Graham was so astonished at this wonderful cure, he at once made up his mind to acquire the property if possible,—which was accomplished after great difficulty, and at considerable expense, in 1845; the purchase took two years to negotiate, consequently he has now owned this property about thirty two years; and, during the greater part of that time, has bathed and drunk freely of the water, with most beneficial results to his own health and constitution

Mr. Graham, with commendable foresight, as early as 1846, planted a great many fruit trees and vines, which now supply the establishment; and visitors get fruits, in their season, such as peaches, apples, pears, plums, cherries, figs, grapes, guavas, and strawberries; while with fine cows on the rich pasture land, the house is abundant'y supplied with milk.

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Can it be wondered at, that with a salubrious climate, health-restoring mineral springs, a plentiful supply of fruit, vegetables, and other luxuries, visitors enjoy, and derive great benefit from a visit to Waiwera.

In the early days of the Colony, the natives were much more numerous than at present, Mr. Graham having seen as many as 3,000 on the beach at one time; and witnessed many cures of the most obstinate character; and he firmly believes the Waiwera Springs will prove (when their virtues are better known) to be one of the most healthful and curative spots in the world.

Mr. John Anderson, an old settler, who still lives on the banks of the river, relates many amusing anecdotes of his sojourn at Waiwera, and the wonderful cures effected during his time. The first house built at Waiwera was burned down in 1856; some time afterwards a second was built, called Vine Cottage, managed by Mr. Alex. Wilson—now living near Stokes' Point, North Shore—where many patients, of whom no record has been kept, were restored to health. The first part of the present house was erected in 1865, and occupied at different times by Messrs. Sims, Seaman, Wrigley, and Webb; but it was not till 1875 that the establishment was made known by advertisement.

Mr. Graham seems never tired of making improvements. At the present time, he is fitting up a bath on the beach, with the intention of having another hot swimming bath; and erecting close to it a sea bath, so that visitors will be able to enjoy a hot mineral bath and a plunge in the sea, or can have a salt water bath alone—a want that has often been felt at Waiwera. In course of time other improvements are contemplated, such as erecting a wharf, obtaining a suitable steamer—to afford regular, cheap, and speedy daily communication with Auckland by water, also by coach overland, when the road is completed—building cottages for families, and separate accommodation for invalids, &c.; which will entail further expenditure.

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It is proposed, in the following pamphlet, to give those unacquainted with the wondrous healing powers of these natural springs, some information, commencing with—