The beginnings of Roseneath

The beginnings of Roseneath

The Alexander Turnbull Library map collection has thousands of subdivision plans, from all over New Zealand. These maps are used by researchers for family history, research on land use, and reproduction in publications. Copies can also be made for framing and display.

This particular map, published around 1888, shows the beginning of the Roseneath suburb in Wellington, with the subdivision of 112 acres of land near Point Jerningham, which previously belonged to Jenkins Estate. By 1896 50 of the sections had been sold for ₤6500 and 27 houses had been built.

An article published in the New Zealand Mail on 16 April 1886 discussed the subdivision in some detail and noted the name Roseneath, without throwing any light on the origin of the name.

The article stated that surveyor Edward Beere was responsible for sectioning the land on behalf of a syndicate, which had purchased the block at the beginning of that year. It notes that Mr Beere had prepared "a very fine map now on view at Messres Williamson and Co.'s office, Lambton Quay".

At some point plans must have gone awry: the selling of the sections was dependant on the land coming under the Land Transfer Act, and in the event it was Thomas Ward who surveyed the land, and the sale was advertised by Baker Bros on behalf of a W.G. Browne of the Bank of Van Dieman's Land, Hobart. This is the map shown above.

Interestingly, in 1902 Edward Beere surveyed a further subdivision of one the larger blocks shown in the map. The Library also holds a copy of this map.

Thomas Ward, surveyor and engineer

Thomas Ward (1849-1934) who was born in Oxford, England, was a well-known Wellington surveyor who, in addition to laying out Northland and Highland Park, engineered the Karori Tunnel. He worked as an engineer on the Rimutaka Railway and as assistant engineer for the Wellington Corporation. After qualifying as a licensed surveyor Ward went to private practise, and continued surveying until well after turning 80.

Edward Beere, surveyor and engineer

Edward Beere (1843-1906) came to New Zealand from Ireland in 1866, and after surveying and mine engineering in the Thames goldfields set up in private practise in Wellington. Here he was engaged in surveying parts of Kilbernie, Lyall Bay and subdividing Miramar, Karaka Bay and Seatoun Heights.

More about maps at the National Library

More about the Cartographic Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

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