Observations of the Harbour of Auckland by William Powditch (an Overview)

William Powditch was approximately 35 years old when, in the early 1830s, he arrived

in New Zealand from Australia, and, with his wife and daughter, initially settled at

Kororareka (later renamed 'Russell') in the Bay of Islands.

As will be noted from the Chronology of William's life, he was a prolific letter-writer,

a champion of many causes and a denigrator of others.

A 'Pioneer' in every sense of the word, he wasn't afraid of speaking his mind, of living

in remote areas, of getting involved in local and further afield 'politics', and for

experimenting with various types of vegetables, fruits and cereals to see whether

they would successfully grow in the soils and climate of his adoptive Countries.

Whilst the Chronology follows him from 'cradle to grave', it is thanks to a booklet that

he wrote and had published in 1865, that we are able to have more of an insight into

the man's journey through life and reflect on what he has to say about himself.

By 1865, William was aged 75 years old, yet here he is, still having strong views on

what should (and shouldn't) be undertaken - and providing a very good argument

on the subject of Auckland Harbour, and after all, hadn't he many years' experience

of the world's harbours and their economy?

Although William Powditch's "Observations of the Harbour of Auckland" is of great

historical importance for illustrating to us how the Harbour could be developed as a

successful trading port, it is in his "Supplementary Remarks" on page 23 of the

booklet that he provides a 'Memorial' (or autobiography) of his life from the time he

was a boy, right up until 1865. There might be periods and events he chose to omit

for want of space or brevity? (refer to the Chronology for the omitted items) but in

the space of just 5 pages (pp23-27) we are provided with a taster of his life, and of

how he saw himself.

Whilst I would prefer you to work your way through the whole of the booklet, following

the links provided at the bottom of each page, may I suggest that should you want to

have a sneak preview as to what William wrote about himself, if you click here you will

be taken straight to the relevant page(s).