The City of Auckland, New Zealand, 1840-1920Barr, John
History
The City of Auckland, New Zealand, 1840-1920
Barr, John
Auckland (N.Z.) -- History
The gift of Cornwall Park by the venerable doctor was the "crowning
glory of his life," as the donor himself said. Logan Campbell arrived
in New Zealand in 1839, and, pending the choice of the capital on the
Waitemata, he settled temporarily on Motu Korea (Brown's Island). As
soon as the site had been fixed he moved over to the mainland, and was
amongst the original buyers of land at the first Auckland land sale.
He became Superintendent of the Auckland Provincial Council, 1855-56,
and at different times represented Auckland and Parnell in the House of
Representatives. He was associated with practically every movement to
develop Auckland's commercial interests, and every organisation which
had for its object the social advancement of the city obtained his
willing assistance. In 1901, prior to the Royal visit, he was appointed
Mayor of Auckland, and no more suitable person could have been found
than this pioneer, who had helped to build the city from its inception.
The following year he was knighted. He died June 22nd, 1912, and was
buried on the summit of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), the funeral being
the most largely attended in the history of the city. Business was
suspended, and thousands of persons lined the route as the funeral
_cortége_ passed, bearing the mortal remains of the aged pioneer to its
last resting place.
His benefactions during his life included the Kindergarten, the Crèche
and the Nursery, all of which bear his name, and at his death he
bequeathed to public institutions a total of £76,000.
Cornwall Park was formally opened on August 26th, 1903, the donor
leading a procession of carriages, containing the public men and women
of the city and district, through the new drive from Manukau road to
the Huia Lodge. The Drive to the hilltop was completed and opened on
January 29th, 1907, and the park was vested in a domain board. With
a view to commemorating the gift of Cornwall Park and Sir John Logan
Campbell's other services to the community, it was decided to erect a
statue of him at the entrance to the park. The work was entrusted to
Mr. Fred Pegram, an English sculptor. The unveiling was performed by
the Governor, Lord Plunket, on May 24th, 1906, Sir John himself taking
part in the ceremony.
Later in the same year (1901) the distinguished Scottish general, Sir
Hector Macdonald, who had risen from the ranks, visited Auckland on
November 8th, and remained in the city until the 11th. He was welcomed
by the Mayor, Mr. Alfred Kidd, and citizens, the Scottish community
in particular showering hospitality upon him. He spent a busy time
in Auckland, and, amongst other things, inspected the cadets at the
Domain. As a memorial of his visit, the Scotsmen of the city endowed a
cot at the Hospital, which bears the name of this famous soldier, whose
career closed a few years later under tragic circumstances.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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