CHAP. XX.] AT AUCKLAND. 287 



long. Such is the equalizing influence exercised on 

 the climate by the insular position of the country 

 and the proximity of Auckland to the coasts. 



The usual rise and fall of the tides in Auckland 

 is ten feet ; but they are influenced by the easterly 

 winds, which sometimes raise them to twelve or 

 even thirteen feet : the time of high water at full 

 and change is about 6 h . 45 m . 



The variation of the compass is 14, the dip of 

 the needle 61 7'. 



There are other harbours between the Gulf of 

 Hauraki and the Bay of Islands, in all of which 

 Europeans are settled, but very few natives. It 

 would be tedious to do more than briefly mention 

 them. 



1. The harbour of Mahurangi is situated at a 

 distance of twenty miles from Waitamata. It is 

 of easy access, the depth of water is sufficient for 

 every description of vessels, and there is secure 

 anchorage. It has a southern and a northern pas- 

 sage, of which the former is the best, and has from 

 seven to fifteen fathoms water. A division of the 

 surveying department has been sent there, to lay 

 out a town ; but the place, though possessed of 

 some timber, has no particular advantage for a 

 township. 



2. Matakana, a small harbour, a little to the 

 northward of Mahurangi. It has two fathoms 

 water at the entrance, with some kauri-timber on 

 its shores : several Europeans live there. 



