Jump to content

Mount Victoria (Wellington hill)

Coordinates: 41°17′46″S 174°47′46″E / 41.296056°S 174.796083°E / -41.296056; 174.796083
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For Mount Victoria, Auckland, see Mount Victoria (Auckland).

Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria seen from Oriental Bay
Highest point
Elevation196 m (643 ft)
Coordinates41°17′46″S 174°47′46″E / 41.296056°S 174.796083°E / -41.296056; 174.796083
Geography
Map
LocationNorth Island, New Zealand

Mount Victoria, also known as Matairangi and colloquially as Mt Vic, is a prominent 196-metre (643 ft) hill immediately to the east of central Wellington, New Zealand. About 4 kilometres due south is a spur named Mount Albert and the two are linked by a ridge. Mount Victoria gives its name to the suburb of Mount Victoria to the west. It is bounded by the suburbs of Oriental Bay to the north, Roseneath and Hataitai to the east and Newtown to the south of the suburb of Mount Victoria.

History

[edit]

Mount Victoria's original Māori name is Tangi Te Keo,[1] though Matairangi is also used.[2] The first name derives from a legend in which two taniwha tried to escape from Wellington Harbour which was then an enclosed lake. One taniwha became stranded and died, and its spirit turned into a bird named Te Keo, which flew to the top of the mountain and mourned (tangi).[1] The second name translates as "to examine the sky".[3]

New Zealand Company - Town Belt

[edit]
Main article: Wellington Town Belt

Mount Victoria is within the area of land set aside when Wellington was laid out in 1840 by the New Zealand Company to form access to green areas for all the towns citizens. It was intended to be a broad belt of land, the Wellington Town Belt, which ... the Company intends to be public property, on condition that no buildings ever be erected upon it.[4]

In May 1877 a letter from a Wellington resident was published in the New Zealand Times which pointed out that lessees of the Town Belt, including Mount Victoria, did not have the right to lease the land, and fencing should not be erected by them on the land as it was open to the public. This appears to have ignored by the Council as in June it was announced that some almost 900 acres of the Town Belt were to be leased for 14 years, including almost 70 acres on Mount Victoria.[5][6]

Recreational use

[edit]

Mount Victoria was used for casual and organised walks from the early days of Wellington's settlement.[7] The view of Wellington and its surrounds was already notable by 1846.

From that elevation, the scenic effects are superb; hill, dale, and water are spread out in infinite variety and majesty. Wellington is completely commanded from this sublime birdseve view; the full extent of the valley of the Hutt, with its clustering tiers of lordly mountains, lies open to your ken. Evans' Bay, with the adjacent sheet of Burnham water, glanced blue and beautiful in the glorious sunlight; whilst,. harbour-wards, the towering spars and square I yards of the men-of-war appeared to be diminished to mere whip-sticks. It was, truly, a heavenly day.

— Voyager, "From North Cape to the Bluff - 1846", New Zealander, volume XIX, issue 1863, page 3 (11 April 1863)[8]

The first event recorded on Mount Victoria was a running race from the summit to The New Zealander, Mr Jenkins public bar, on Te Aro Flat in January 1844. A harrier club, the Wellington Beagles, in 1886 used the ridge from Kilibirnie to the top of Mount Victoria as part of their long distance run.[9][10][11]

Roads and tracks

[edit]

The was a track in use from Pirie Street, across Mount Victoria's southern ridge to Kilbirnie in 1892.[12]

Vegetation

[edit]

In 1880 the Council began plantings of pines on the western face of Mount Victoria.[13] By 1888 gorse had become a significant problem in the areas of Mount Victoria that were used for grazing prompting requests for it to be brought under control due to it being a fire hazard.[14] In 1895 comment was made about the barren slopes of Mount Victoria and suggested Australian Wattle should be planted on it.[15]

Mysteries and oddities

[edit]
  • In 1852 some children playing near the top of the hill came across a human skeleton. It was believed to have been that of a Maori lady and to have been there many years.[16]
  • On what is now Brougham Street, there was an estimated 20 foot deep hole called locally Drans-feldts Lug or the Devils Ear. It was reported in the paper in 1870, but had been there for many years prior.[17]
  • In 1878 a Roman coin from Julius Caesar's time was found buried about two feet under the ground on Mount Victoria. Its origins were unknown.[18]
  • In the 1893 New Zealand general election, on being challenged as to his sincerity and fitness to stand, William Thomas Locke Travis challenged his opponents who were over 30 years age to walk with him up the steepest track to the top of Mount Vicotris. The story of this challenge was picked up in numerous newspapers throughout New Zealand. Travis lost the election to Robert Stout and came last overall. As to the Mount Victoria challenge, no mention of it being accepted was made in the papers.[19][20]

Farming

[edit]

Sheep and cattle were casually farmed on Mount Victoria for a number years from the 1850's. In December 1864 the Town Board sought tenders to rent some 70 acres of the Mount Victoria Reserve for 14 years.[6] In 1880 an almost 27 acre block around the Signal Station was put up for pastoral lease with a 14 year term.[21]

Military

[edit]

Under the Militia Ordinance of 1845 a Militia was formed in Wellington. It undertook occasional training and on one occurrence had to drag a heavy cannon up to the summit of Mount Victoria.[22] Soldiers of the 65th Regiment were stationed at Mt Cook barracks in Wellington. They were involved in fire fighting around the township while stationed there, including a bush fire on Mount Victoria in 1851.[23] The eastern side of Mt Victoria was used by the Militia for target practice in 1860.[24] By 1863 the Militia was also joined by Volunteers who practiced skirmishing on Mount Victoria under Major Edward Gorton's instruction.[25]

In 1884 and 1885 the Signaling Squad of the Wellington Guards used Mount's Victoria and Albert for signalling practice.[26]

The installation of a couple of heavy cannons and machine guns on the Mount Victoria overlooking the inner harbour were suggested in 1886. This suggestion arose out of the Russian scares of the 1870-1880 period. At the time this article was published the Russian cruiser Vestnik was visiting Wellington. A focus at the time was also on the defense of Wellington in case of landings on the south coast. Major-General Henry Schaw, CB (1829—1902), Royal Engineers, stated in a lecture on cities defense that Mount Victoria would be a strategic target for any such invading force.[27][28]

Gold

[edit]

In 1863 a Mr Haybittle reported finding gold on Mount Victoria and on the beach below.[29] Nothing further was published until 1870 when the Wellington Independent reported that a drive of 100 feet had been driven in on the Evans Bay side of Mount Victoria in the hope of finding a gold bearing quartz reef. This was hoped to be linked to the one at Ngauranga.[30]

Signal station

[edit]

In 1866 a signal relay station was set up on the summit by the Wellington Harbour Master on 5 acres of land vested in the Harbour Board. It had previously been located on Mt Albert. Mrs Ruth France was appointed its keeper. Later notices that same year had Frederick France who had married an Isabella Ross as being the keeper. Frederick France was not appointed as keeper until August 1873, replacing Ruth France.[31][32][33][34][35]

In April 1877 a suggestion was made by the Venerable Archdeacon Stock to place a time gun on Mount Victoria, to be managed by the keeper. This was in replacement of the time-ball as it was no longer generally visible due to the development of the City. The matter was discussed by the Council with it being suggested that the gun and ammunition be supplied by the Council if the Government gave consent. This the Government, through the Customs Department, agreed to ordering the signal keeper to fire the gun. Because of this the City Surveyor was tasked with obtaining the time gun. A gun, an old 24 pounder from Fort Britomart, was shipped on the Stella to Wellington, arriving in October.[36][37][38][39][40]

The gun was initially taken to the Council depot while the Council tried to find a way to get it to the top of Mount Victoria. After tenders were called for the task and declined Council decided to ask the Artillery Volunteers to undertake the task. This they agreed to do for the sum of £25, well below the lowest tender of £60. The Volunteers began to move the gun on 24 November, reaching the top of Marjoribanks Street that day. The local paper quipped that at this rate of progress it should be in place for the 1900 new years celebrations. The gun was in place by 1 December. Mount Victoria to its top from Majoribanks Street is very steep, with the Volunteers using block and tackle to raise the gun up this slope.[41][42][43][44][45]

The guns first use as a time gun was on 2 February 1878, although it had been fired on at least three occasions prior, when first placed on Mount Victoria, on New Years Eve, and to celebrate the return of Major Pearce to Wellington. Later that year a wire was run from the Telegraph office to the gun so it could be remotely set off. By July 1879 it was reported the gun, while used on special occasions, was no longer in use as a time gun. Whether this was correct is unknown as in April 1880 the Council had voted to continue its use. By 1888 the gun had fallen into disuse and a local firm J Robinson and Foley approached the Harbour Board to ask if they could use it. Robinson and Foley used the gun to indicate the start of the 1889 new year.[46][47][48][49][50]

The time ball was also in use throughout this period. In 1882 a mariner suggested that it should be moved up on to Mount Victoria as well. Its then location on the Customs Building was difficult to see. After deliberation by the Harbour Board and the an investigation by the Marine Department the Department decided in 1884 that a time ball on Mount Victoria was impractical. The Harbour Board Engineer, in June 1885, reported that either Mount Victoria or the hill behind the Terrace School were the best sites.[51][52][53]

In December 1883 the keeper, France, tendered his resignation due to ill health. Mr Luman, the Chief Signalman at Beacon Hill, replaced him. At some point between 1866 and 1885 a residence had been built next to the Signal Station for the keeper as approval was granted to add an extra room to it in 1885. In 1891 a tender was accepted for a new house for the signalman on Mount Victoria. The tender was from T O'Laughlin for £240 13s 11d.[54][55][56]

Quarry

[edit]

In 1867 R M Skeet, City Surveyor, noted that there was suitable metal (gravel) for streets on Mount Victoria. This was used by the contractor, a Mr Tonks, for work on metalling Cuba Street.[57][58] By July there were probably several quarries operating on Mount Victoria. Dr Hector advised the Town Board that the material quarried there was very suitable for roading. An issue arose in 1875 with Council workers blasting the rocks in the quarry adjoining Marjoribanks Street. Rocks and debris rained down on residential properties nearby.[59][60]

By 1880 a writer to the Evening Post complained about the immense excavation destroying Mount Victoria. This prompted similar letters along the same lines. These complaints must have had sufficient backing because Councils Public Works Committee sought to have the quarries closed.[61][62]

Tunnels

[edit]

Transport

[edit]

The first suggestion of a tunnel through Mount Victoria from the suburb to Evans Bay was in 1876. James Crawford raised the issue again in 1884.[63][64]

In 1931, the Mount Victoria Tunnel was opened,[65] connecting the suburbs of Mount Victoria and Hataitai.

Railway

[edit]

In 1889 the Railways Department was considering putting a branch line from its Wellington Station across Te Aro flat to the base of Mount Victoria. As part of this, thought was being given to extending the line as far as Kilbirnie by way of a tunnel through Mount Victoria to Hataitai.[66]

Sewage

[edit]

A Council meeting in January 1977 received a report from Daniel Climie, City Engineer, for the disposal of sewage from the city by way of a tunnel through Mount Victoria to Evans Bay. At Evans Bay, Coutts Crawford, the owner of all the land on the Miramar Peninsula, intended to use it for fertilizer.[67]

Broadcasting transmitters

[edit]

Television broadcasts began in Wellington on 1 July 1961, broadcast from a transmitter atop Mount Victoria. In 1967, the Mount Victoria transmitter was replaced with a more powerful transmitter at Mount Kaukau.[68]

Amenities

[edit]

Mount Victoria is a popular walk for tourists and Wellingtonians alike, as from the summit one can see most of Wellington. There are numerous mountain bike and walking tracks on the hill.

[edit]
  • Mount Victoria in 1885
    Mount Victoria in 1885
  • The New Zealand National Memorial to Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd
    The New Zealand National Memorial to Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd
  • The Mount Victoria Transmission Tower
    The Mount Victoria Transmission Tower
  • View of Wellington City from Mount Victoria
    View of Wellington City from Mount Victoria

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Keane, Basil (24 September 2007). "Taniwha – Taniwha of the sea". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  2. ^ Wellington City Council (1 September 2016). "Mount Victoria / Matairangi Master Plan".
  3. ^ Wright + Associates (June 2015). "Mount Victoria – Matairangi Master Plan – June 2015" (PDF). Wellington City Council. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  4. ^ City Parks and green spaces, Te Ara the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Quoted in Walter Cook, 'Wellington's town belt – a people's park and a heritage for everyone. The 1991 Ian Galloway Memorial Lecture.' Horticulture in New Zealand 2, no. 2 (Winter 1991), p.15. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand accessed 17 February 2016
  5. ^ "Sale of town belt leases". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXII, no. 5048. 29 May 1877. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  6. ^ a b "The town belt". Evening Post. Vol. IV, no. 131. 6 June 1877. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  7. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XLIV, no. 7373. 13 January 1885. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  8. ^ "From North Cape to the Bluff". New Zealander. Vol. XIX, no. 1863. 11 April 1863. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  9. ^ "Advertisements". New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator. Vol. VI, no. 315. 13 January 1843. p. 1. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  10. ^ "Anniversary fete". New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator. Vol. I, no. 16. 25 January 1845. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  11. ^ "untitled". Evening Post. Vol. XXXI, no. 85. 12 April 1886. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  12. ^ "A Ministerial fix". Evening Post. Vol. XLIII, no. 141. 16 June 1892. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  13. ^ "Town belt improvements". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXV, no. 6069. 11 September 1880. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  14. ^ "Gorse". Evening Post. Vol. XXXV, no. 31. 8 February 1888. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  15. ^ "Wellington Musings". Wairarapa Daily Times. Vol. XVI, no. 5052. 15 June 1895. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  16. ^ "Editorial". New Zealand Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian. Vol. VIII, no. 705. 5 May 1852. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  17. ^ "A natural curiosity". Wellington Independent. Vol. XXV, no. 3030. 9 August 1870. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  18. ^ "untitled". Evening Post. Vol. XVI, no. 271. 15 November 1878. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  19. ^ "Advertisements". Evening Post. Vol. XLVI, no. 117. 15 November 1878. p. 3. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  20. ^ "Fought and won". New Zealand Times. Vol. LV, no. 2068. 29 November 1893. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  21. ^ "Advertisement". Evening Post. Vol. XX, no. 254. 29 October 1880. p. 4. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  22. ^ "Wellington". Otago Witness. No. 538. 22 March 1862. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  23. ^ "Editorial". Wellington Independent. Vol. IV, no. 561. 26 February 1851. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  24. ^ "The Magistrates and the Militia". Wellington Independent. Vol. XVI, no. 1461. 9 October 1860. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  25. ^ "The Militia". New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian. Vol. XVIII, no. 1892. 30 September 1863. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  26. ^ "untitled". Evening Post. Vol. XXVIII, no. 130. 28 November 1884. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  27. ^ "Round the corners". Evening Post. Vol. XLVI, no. 7800. 5 June 1886. p. 4. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  28. ^ "The defense of Wellington". Evening Post. Vol. XXXV, no. 62. 15 March 1888. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  29. ^ "Wellington - gold". Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle. Vol. XXII, no. 6. 17 October 1863. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  30. ^ "Gold seeking at Evans Bay". Wellington Independent. Vol. XXIV, no. 2968. 17 March 1870. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  31. ^ "Harbour Masters Report". Wellington Independent. Vol. XXI, no. 2372. 7 June 1866. p. 6. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  32. ^ "Editorial". Evening Post. Vol. II, no. 119. 28 June 1866. p. 2. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  33. ^ "Marrieages". Wellington Independant. Vol. XXI, no. 2388. 14 July 1866. p. 5. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  34. ^ "Correspondence". Evening Post. Vol. II, no. 269. 20 December 1866. p. 5. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  35. ^ "Correspondence". Evening Post. Vol. IX, no. 150. 8 August 1873. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  36. ^ "A time gun". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 99. 28 April 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  37. ^ "Public Works committee". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 144. 22 June 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  38. ^ "Public Works committee". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 156. 6 July 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  39. ^ "untitled". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 205. 31 August 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  40. ^ "Shipping". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXII, no. 5171. 18 October 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  41. ^ "Editorila". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 247. 20 October 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  42. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXII, no. 5178. 26 October 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  43. ^ "City Council". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXII, no. 5191. 10 November 1877. p. 3. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  44. ^ "Editorial". Evening Post. Vol. XV, no. 277. 26 November 1877. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  45. ^ "Talk of the week". New Zealand Mail. No. 304. 1 December 1877. p. 13. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  46. ^ "Editorial". Evening Post. Vol. XV1, no. 43. 2 February 1878. p. 2. Retrieved 4 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  47. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXIII, no. 5315. 8 April 1878. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  48. ^ "Wellington Gossip". Marlborough Press. Vol. XX, no. 1177. 4 July 1879. p. 3. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  49. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXV, no. 5941. 17 April 1880. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  50. ^ "New Years Day". Evening Post. Vol. XXXVII, no. 1. 2 January 1889. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  51. ^ "The Time Ball". Evening Post. Vol. XXIV, no. 25. 19 August 1882. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  52. ^ "Harbour Board". Evening Post. Vol. XXVIII, no. 70. 19 September 1884. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  53. ^ "Harbouor Board". Evening Post. Vol. XXIV, no. 119. 12 June 1885. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  54. ^ "Harbour Board". Evening Post. Vol. XXIVI, no. 152. 28 December 1883. p. 2. Retrieved 5 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  55. ^ "New Zealand Loan". Evening Post. Vol. XXIX, no. 107. 29 May 1885. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  56. ^ "Harbour Board". Evening Post. Vol. XLI, no. 14. 17 January 1891. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  57. ^ "Town Board". Wellington Independant. Vol. XXII, no. 2532. 15 June 1867. p. 5. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  58. ^ "Town Board". Evening Post. Vol. III, no. 116. 28 June 1867. p. 2. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  59. ^ "Town Board - Metal". Wellington Independent. Vol. XXII, no. 2550. 27 July 1867. p. 6. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  60. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXX, no. 4376. 30 March 1875. p. 2. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  61. ^ "Town belt". Evening Post. Vol. XIX, no. 90. 20 April 1880. p. 3. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  62. ^ "untitled". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXV, no. 6061. 9 September 1880. p. 2. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  63. ^ "A suggestion". New Zealand Times. Vol. XXXI, no. 4899. 4 December 1876. p. 2. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  64. ^ "Oriental Bay question". New Zealand Times. Vol. XLIII, no. 7231. 29 July 1884. p. 3. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  65. ^ O'Neil, Andrea (13 April 2015). "Wellington's Mt Victoria 'tooting tunnel' a tribute to murdered teen". Stuff. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  66. ^ "Railway Management". Evening Post. Vol. XXXVII, no. 67. 20 March 1889. p. 2. Retrieved 6 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  67. ^ "Wellington". Lyttleton Times. Vol. XLVII, no. 4974. 27 January 1877. p. 3. Retrieved 3 August 2024 – via PapersPast.
  68. ^ "Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)". Vol. 351. New Zealand Parliament. 28 June 1967. p. 1394.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Victoria_(Wellington_hill)&oldid=1238922057"