Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/245



The Port of Auckland is situated in the lower reaches of the Waitemata Estuary, at the head of the Hauraki Gulf. The estuary has a total area of 73 square miles and a water frontage of 194 miles. It is completely sheltered by an outlying chain of islands and by the peninsula at the northern entrance. Its geographical position (observation spot) is latitude 36deg. 49mins. 56secs. S. and longitude 174deg. 47mins. 57secs. E. In the inner harbour the anchorage is of the very best description, with water from 5 to 12 fathoms, and good holding ground. The tide rises and falls from 5ft. 6in. to 12ft. The whole of the harbour and approaches are well lighted, and the channels, shoals, etc., are clearly marked by buoys and beacons, so that at any hour the port may be entered with perfect safety.

The Auckland Harbour Board was constituted under "The Harbour Boards Act, 1870," and held its first meeting on June 1st, 1871, the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. P. A. Philips) presiding. At a subsequent meeting Captain W. C. Daldy was elected chairman, a position he occupied for six years, and Mr. John Ogilvie was appointed to the office of secretary and treasurer.

Prior to the constitution of the Harbour Board, the Port was under the control of the Provincial Council. Some reclamation had been carried out by that body,