702 i Transactions. 
precipitous mountains.” There is no doubt that at the time Hobson 
made his choice North Auckland was the most important part of 
New Zealand, and the Waitemata district, with its double harbour, was 
considered a strategical position. T 
When Captain Hobson and the Colonial Secretary did visit Port Nichol- 
son, although they were badly received, they gauged the position very 
fairly. Willoughby Shortland, Colonial Secretary, who came to Welling: 
ton to suppress a rumoured rebellion, in a report to Governor Hobson 
(10th October, 1840) says (3, p. 119): “ A beautiful and extensive harbour, 
in which there are no dangers of any consequence; the anchorage in 
Lambton Harbour is extremely good, but the one off the beach of Petone 
is by no means safe. A lighthouse and good pilots would in a great 
measure obviate any difficulties in entering the harbour.” During the next 
year Governor Hobson paid his long-expected visit to Port Nicholson. He 
had written to th 
(3, p. 127): “ The port is certainly most spacious, and is free from danger 
as a commercial port, second both to the Bay of Islands and the Waitemata 
(Auckland)." After his visit to the port he reported (13th December, 1841) 
to the Secretary of State (4, р. 183): “ As to the capabilities of the port, 
m of opinion that few places can surpass it, but the entrance is 
rather difficult to distinguish, and appears very dangerous to a stranger. 
A more general knowledge of the coast, however, and a lighthouse on 
one of the heads, will obviate these difficulties. If any objection to.the 
harbour exists, it is that the estuary is too extended, and the violent 
winds which prevail occasion a most turbulent sea at the anchorage. 
Owing to the approach to the shores being shallow, rather long wharves 
would be necessary." Felton Matthews, Surveyor-General, who came with 
Hobson, forecasted (4, p. 185) that the best situation for the Customhouse 
would be between Pipitea and Te Aro, and in front of Lambton Quay. 
which must be recovered from the water. There it was placed in 1862, 
twenty-two years after. 
will not always reason right or be unanimous in opinion ; but there will 
always be activity of thought and promptness of action in this battlefield 
