1848: The Acheron Survey
February 28, 2019
By AHNZ
7 November, 1848: HMS Acheron arrived in New Zealand under Captain John Lort Stokes.
Between 1848 and 1851 she made a coastal survey of New Zealand, the first such survey since Captain Cook.
Earlier in the 1840s, as acting captain of Beagle, he had visited New Zealand (and Australia) and his surveys led to his 1846 book (volume 2) which says very little of NZ, sadly.
Earlier still, in the 1830s, Stokes served on Captain Robert FitzRoy’s Beagle and shared the cabin with Charles Darwin. Ref. 1835: The Voyage of the Beagle, AHNZ
Must have been of great service to Grey and the colony. Although, from a more cynical view, Governor George Grey was here having a stocktake of New Zealand performed. A Doomsday Book from the sea. That’s how he could know the population of industry of New Zealand in order that he could boss it around and tax it. Politicians don’t build New Zealand they add to its parasite load! For example, in 1852 Grey visited Doubtless Bay, on HMS Calliope and was “thunderstuck” to witness a large fleet of American whaling ships making themselves at home! Ref. Alexander (2013)
“Captain Stokes (later promoted) did a great deal for New Zealand in the service of the/our Royal Navy. His Star Trek-like four year mission: To chart our coasts, settle disputes with Maoris and settlers, and to boldly record New Zealand’s natural resources.” – 1848: Admiral John Stokes
“The Governor as well as the English officers were thunderstruck at the sight of so large a fleet of American shipping…expressed determination to commence a settlement here forthwith.” – p12 Whaleship Arrivals, Alexander (2013)
“7 November 1848. This time he was aboard the impressive HMS Acheron which along with sail had a lovely paddle-wheel making it a fitting craft to update the surveys of Captain Cook.” – 1848: Captain Stokes: On Maori Language
Northcote in Auckland was re-named in the 1880s but prior to that had the name given it by the Acheron Survey: Stokes Point. The point itself is still there under Auckland Harbour Bridge and is a wonderful place to visit.
Ref. Whaleship arrivals and departures on the north-east coast of New Zealand; Alexander (2013)
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