Manukau's journey - a Manukau timeline uses information from a wide variety of sources, including local histories, newspapers, periodicals, Government publications, theses, oral histories and manuscript and archival sources. In some cases these sources may conflict over details, dates and the interpretation of events.
The compiler takes the view that the facts of historical events can usually be established within a degree of probability by comparing ranges of sources. Minor errors in existing sources have therefore mostly been silently corrected. However, where errors are persistent, significant, or occur in sources that are usually regarded as definitive, their source and origin has been identified. See, for example, the items relating to Waiuku's first store (April 1854), Otahuhu's first store (24 April 1952), and the findings of the Sim Commission (29 June 1927).
In some cases, stories and anecdotes that have attained an almost mythical status have been questioned. See, for instance, the generally accepted account of the arrival of the Fencibles at Otahuhu (15 May 1848). Stories of this nature will doubtless continue to circulate (as all good stories should).
Regarding controversial issues, Manukau's journey - a Manukau timeline attempts to present all points of view, along with lists of sources for further research. However, in some cases assertions or statements made in published sources but unsupported by reliable documentary evidence have been challenged.
Readers who find errors or perceive bias in Manukau's journey - a Manukau timeline should contact the compiler.
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