Auckland Waterfront, 1890, The Ferry ‘Victoria’ departing for Devonport

The scene depicts early morning looking from Queens Wharf towards the town and waterfront. The New Zealand Shipping Company barque ‘Rangitiki’ is at Quay Street jetty working her cargo and the ferry ‘Victoria’ is departing the Devonport Steam Ferry Company jetty on the right. The Northern Roller Flour Milling Company building is highlighted by the morning sun. The wake of another vessel can be seen bottom left.

The painting highlights Auckland’s dependency on her harbour and shipping during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The vibrant waterfront was a place of social gatherings where ships became house hold names and ships masters and owners were among the social elite.