An exhibition showcasing the life and times of Sir John Logan Campbell known as the father of Auckland and the donor of Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill is currently running at the Auckland office of Archives New Zealand.
The Passing of a Patriarch features Sir John’s will and other heritage documents, coincides with the Auckland Heritage Festival which runs until 14 October. One of the Festival themes is Sir John and his heritage, as this year marks the centenary of his death.
![ZAAC A786/1117/ao].](http://archives.govt.nz/sites/default/files/webfm/John_Campbell.jpg)
Sir John Logan Campbell from the
NZI Corporation records
[Archives reference: ZAAC A786/1117/ao].
Sir John died on 22 June 1912. In his will, after making provision for his wife and daughter, he directed his executors to devote the bulk of his residuary estate to assist social, educational and charitable activities that he himself would support if he were still alive.
His residuary estate is administered by the Cornwall Park trustees and continues to benefit the people of Auckland. He reserved money for an obelisk to be erected on the summit of One Tree Hill to honour the achievements and character of Māori; and there are various scholarships and charities still operating in his name, 100 years after his passing.
Aside from the will the Archives exhibition showcases items from Auckland High Court files to the Customs correspondence, from Lands and Survey maps to Ministry of Works files, from the Auckland Provincial papers to Education Department records.
Visitors are most welcome to view the exhibition at the Auckland Archive, 95 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.00pm.