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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Walks

Walks.

Walking is not a “strong weakness” with the people of Auckland, with whom “What time does the next 'bus start?” is always an important question, even when only a very short distance has to be covered. Certainly the distances between the places of special interest are great enough in most cases to encourage the habit of patronising trams and 'buses; and the impossibility of moving about without hill-climbing also tends to weaken the habit of walking in a climate which, though very agreeable, is not distinguished for its bracing qualities. Almost the only thing which could make walking popular in Auckland—the accessibility of the beaches of the harbour—seems to be just what the people of Auckland cannot secure. At Ponsonby and Remuera, the beaches may be approached in a few places, but the majority of Aucklanders find it more convenient to go by ferry boat to the North Shore or St. Helier's. There is absolutely nothing anywhere near Auckland which for accessibility, cleanliness, and near-ness to the homes of the people, will at all compare with the Thorndon Esplanade or Oriental Bay in Wellington. A Marine Parade like that which makes Napier so famous is beyond the scope or the wildest dreams of Aucklanders, who do not seem to realise what they lose in pleasure and health through the want of seaside walks. There is, certainly, what may be termed a commercial frontage—and a very good one it is—along the harbour from Mechanics' Bay to Freeman's Bay; but though the dusty 'bus worn road is a great convenience, there is nothing inviting about it as a promenade. On the contrary, these bays at present are places to be shunned, for in each there is an intake which is being slowly filled up with
Art Gallery.

Art Gallery.

page 58 matter highly disagreeable to a clear majority of the senses. Beyond these bays beach roads might be made with wonderful advantage, but it would be unsafe to promise them to the present generation. Beach road formation in Auckland has, so far, progressed at an average rate of about twenty-five yards per annum, and the prospects of accelerated speed are clouded with that special darkness which only sometimes is nearest the dawn.

The favourite walks of the Auckland public are the Main Wharf, Queen Street, and Karangahape Road—the wharf on Sunday evenings, and the business thoroughfares named on Saturday evenings. The parks are, of course, not wholly neglected; but the first thing to surprise the visitor is the beauty of the parks, and the next, the lack of public appreciation.