WAIHEKE ISLAND.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 335, 8 February 1911, Page 6

WAIHEKE ISLAND.

A CHEAP HOLIDAY RESORT

Sixteen miles out in the Hauraki Gulf it lies—one of the many barelooking islets which stud the approaches to Auckland. The steamer runs three times a week, and the fare, during the December to April months, is 6s return. It first attracted our j attention through the enthusiastic j recommendation of a friend, who j spoke in glowing terms of Awaroa j Bay, and the hostess, Mrs Gordon, j We were told children were welcomed, j and to a father of a family, however j small, this is a consideration of first importance. We were further told the expenses of staying in the island would be found to be very modest. This again apppeals to the benedict in a day when pretty nearly everything has risen, or is rising, in price. And so one tine day we left Te Kuit', to be carried in the "Rotomahana" to the island. The sail is one of a couple of hours, and in the pleasant summer time the smooth passage reminds one of crossing the surface of some large lake. We were met at the pier by Miss Gordon, and transferred our belongings to the motor launch which quickly ran us almost up to the front door of "Awa-Awaroa." The house is a long, low-lying structure, facing on to a sheltered inlet, and is conducted by the various members of the clan Gordon, whose brusque exterior is found to be but the outer covering of a set of as generous, warm-hearted human beings it has ever been our good fortune to come across The rooms are scantily furnished, but are scrupulously clean, and the beds most comfortable. Shortly after arrival tha children's tea bell went, and this reminds me of the excellent system in force for guaranteeing the comfort of both adults and the younger generation. All children get their meals in a separate room, half an hour before their parents and other elders get theirs. After their tea or whatever meal it is, is over, the youngsters play at Ihe rear of the house until the older people are served. Thus all are comfortable. The food is beautifully cooked and served, and whilst plain, is appetising, and suitable to the hot weather. A sample menu would be as follows:--Breakfast: Porridge, fish, eggs and bacon,, toast, scones, tea or coffee. Dinner: Roast mutton or beef, puddings of various kinds and tea. For tea one gets fish or cold meat, pickles, tomatoes, cucumber, scones, sweets and tea or coffee. The island is about eleven miles long and five or six across, so is quite big enough for the athletic visitor. There is rabbit shooting for the sportsman, and oysters on the beach and sebnapper and other fish in the bay. Two or three pleasure boats are always available and the fine motor launch goes out almost daily on delightful trips round the island or along the mainland. The other day an excursion was made up the Wairoa river. For the fisherman the place is an idea! one. Fur the mother of many or few children it is a safe, salubrious resort. And for the average adult, whether man nr woman, it offers an economical means of spending a restful holiday. The term are: Adults £1 a week, children 5s to 10s according to age.