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Scattered Bits of Paradise

By now, land to us has come to symbolise scattered bits of paradise—dreamy isles drowsily happy with song and laughter and mellow sunshine.

Auckland changes that conception completely with a sudden return to bustling, metropolitan thoroughfares, mile upon mile of trim, red-topped, white-walled houses, impressive public buildings, and magnificent parks. Sailing across island-dotted Hauraki Gulf into the harbour of New Zealand's chief city is a succession of scenic thrills. Mingling with her busy, highly cultured, progressive people, is a delightful experience in courtesy and open-hearted friendliness… .

Geysers and boiling springs—glaciers and snow-capped peaks—forests and crystal lakes … jagged, storm-battered coasts, deep caves lit with glow-worms, and broad expanses of meadow land, green the entire year! New Zealand has everything to delight a visitor—scenic marvels and beauties in most startling contrasts, an inexhaustible mine of tradition and folk lore, a civic and economic life of fascinating interest.

Touring Auckland reveals a charming national characteristic—a devotion to flowers. The abundance of sunshine and the genial climate make it possible to grow them in profusion, and the people take advantage of it to the utmost degree. Auckland has fifteen public parks and reserves, adorned by a wealth of flowers. We make special note of Albert Park, for it rivals the fine parks of Europe in the beauty of its flowers and landscaping.

A point of fascinating interest is the War Memorial Museum, with its cenotaph erected to the fallen heroes of the World War, and housing magnificent collections of Maori buildings, canoes, art treasures, and war trophies.

Our visit to New Zealand merely serves to whet an appetite that will never be satisfied until we return for a much longer stay.—Peter B. Kyne, in the New York Saturday Evening Post.

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