6. 1864 Mr Frederick Whitaker, Allot 6

Frederick Whitaker, Son of a magistrate, became a lawyer in England and had an extensive career in New Zealand. Arriving in New Zealand circa 1840, his career ranged from a County judge to a Member of Parliament in the Domet ministry, N.Z Premier 1863 – 864. He was a Director of the BNZ, and the Auckland Gas Company. In 1862 he was the Superintendant of Auckland1865 -1867. Known as a land speculator he also invested in timber and coal. A commitment Freemason, he was voted to the role of Grand Master. 

Whitakers sale in occurred in1864 after purchasing the land off Archdeacon Maunsell. An old surveyor, Thos Florence had, in 1862, condemned the sales of the gully if ‘Messrs Laurie, Morrin and the buyer of Archdeacon Maunsel’s land (Whitaker)’ did not provide alternative roads that would by pass Upper Symonds St and Karangahape Road’.

Mr Whitaker heeded Mr Florence’s advice. He bought the allotments that were previously sold by Ashton ensuring that 

Pitt St could continue from Karangahape Road through the gully to join Newton Road. These roads weren’t levelled so that they could not connect until years later.

Whitakers part of West St was also connected to Upper Queen St, Edwin St (Dacre) to Dublin St (Cobden St) and Montague St was extended so that it would join West St as the base of the gully.