4. 1862 Laurie clan, Allot 8
The Scottish-born Lauries’ eleven acres of land had been bought for eighty pounds in the early 1850’s. For over eight years the Laurie men had manufactured bricks on their block of land. In 1862 an article in the Herald stated that this sale was touted as the ‘most attractive’, resulting that every lot was sold to ‘eager buyers at truly satisfying figures’. The front sections fronting onto Karangahape Road and opposite St Keven’s were keenly contested while the south sections on East St reached more than expected prices. In total, their land had sold for six thousand nine hundred and seventy two pounds and eleven shillings. It’s worth repeating, they received a whopping gain of over 8600 per cent! (14 May 1862 New Zealander Issue 1677 page 2)
In 1864 the NZ Herald remembered the Lauries’ 1862 sale was the ‘most attractive’, resulting in every lot sold to ‘eager buyers at truly satisfying figures’. One thousand feet of Karangahape Road, opposite St Keven’s House, were a part of the 100 lots that were keenly contested, while the south sections on East St reached more than expected prices. Bought for 80 pounds in the early 1850’s their 100 allotments sold for six thousand nine hundred and seventy two pounds and eleven shillings in total. A whopping gain of over 8600 per cent! (14 May 1862 New Zealander Issue 1677 page 2)
1862 : Photo - Looking west from Partington’s windmill along Karangahape Road (in the center), to Waitakere ranges. Queen St is not formed.
- Right hand side of the road, in front, is St Keven’s house. Had been Auckland Boys Grammar, now the military headquarters for Lieutenant General Cameron Duncan
The Naval Hotel is on the corner of Pitt St.
On the left side of Karangahape Road, at the front, is Messrs Laurie’s land, 100 lots sold in1862. Their Auckland Steam Brick Factory and water can be seen.
Behind Laurie’s land is Mr Starks subdivision, Newtown. East, West, North and South St’s were subdivided in 1858, and built on. Note that the washing lines are full!