NORTH SHORE.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 34, 26 January 1884, Page 3

NORTH SHORE.

There are mahy Auckland people who have not for some years visited the North Shore, and who would be agreeably surprised with the many improvements to be seen throughout the district. First of all is the neat and very useful waiting-room, so weleoir.e as a resting place for wearied toavellers, or as a place of shelter in bad weather. It certainly adds greatly to the appearance of the wharf, as well as being highly appreciated. On stepping ashore, we notice that Mr Jackson is making good progress witji the reclamation works between Calliope Dock and Victoria Wharf; this, when finished, I will add considerably to the appearanceof the foreshore, besides advancicg the value of property in +his locality. Signs of progress and vitality are equally noticeable in the neighbourhood of Devonport. Mr OBrien, the contrac or for building the new wharf, having made a fair start, substantial timbers are lying ready for use, and as fine weather should now be experienced, rapid progress will no doubt be made with the building of the same, which is so much requiredj the old one being perfectly usele's?, having last winter been partially destroyed by a gale, since which time the residents have, been compelled to travel to and from the Victoria Wharf, the inconvenience of which has .alone been mitigated by the excellent line of coaches which convey passengers at a very moderate charge. A substantial concrete wall or pier has b< c i built at the joint expense of the Harbour Board and residents, and as the District Board have decided to v idea the bridge approaches to 100 feet, it will, when finished, be a great improvement. The racecourse is one of the prettiest in the colony, and at the meeting which takes place on the 2!) th of January spectators will be enabled to watch the, races and Jtegatta by turns— one minute admiring the performance of some favourite horse, and the next gazing on the broad bosom of the deep, and noting tho maimuivres of the crack sailing vessels ot the port. The North Shore is at all times a healthy and pleasant resort, but particularly is it so on Anniversary Day, when our magnificent harbour is the scene of so much lite and enjoyment, with our unexcelled fleet of Auck-land-bnilt vessels, so superior in their build and performances as to enjoy the highest reputation throughout the colonies; and when we associate the names of the North Shore builders ot many of their vessels it shows the sympathetic feeling which residents must feel in the events Amongst other feigns of advancement observable, we must not omit to mention that there is a sawmill close to the Devonport Wharf, which has about 300 feet frontage to the harbour, and similar to the street. The machinery comprises engine with 2in. cylinders, hauling gear, breakdown, a large circular saw, and another small one, and Tays planing machine (American.) There are excellent facilities for hauling up loads of timber, as a whole cargo can bo put on a carriage and by means of appliances drawn from the vessel's side into the y aid in about fifteen minutes, at a total cost of about £1, while to do the work by means of the ordinary trucks would entail an outlay of some £8 or £10. The frontage is about the only available one for the purpose. An important auxiliary for the convenient supply of material for building pux'poses are the brick-yards of Messrs Duder Bros., which are admirably situated near the Gas Works. Vessels can be loaded at the yards, aftbrding cheap means of conveying bricks to any landing place on the Waitemata. The proprietors have completed such arrangements as will enable them to keep pace with the local demand, while in a short time they will probably be able to supply the city, and prevent any future scarcity of bricks in Auckland. While referring to the Devonport portion of the district, we should mention the improvements effected by Host Pearce to the Masonic Hotel, which now possesses the most excellent accommodation. There aie 2-i available rooms. f ihe kitchen, — detached from the main building --is thoroughly well-fitted with ranges and all the most modevn appliances. Tliere are suites of apartments specially designed for newly-married couples or visitors requiring comfort and retirement. The private sitting-rooms are nicely furnished, and the bedrooms particularly inviting, beinyfchieily new, and all newly fut ni»>hed. The sanitary arrangements throughout the establishment are excellent. The billiard room is 28 x 21, with everything new and first-class. It is lofty, well lighted, and also well ventilated. As a means of rapid exit in case of fire, there is an outside staircase connecting with the upper landing. From the balconies visitors can obtain an unrivalled view of the harbour, and on llegatta Day gentlemen can drop into the numerous easy chairs, smoke their cigars, and watch the competing vessels in ease and comfort. Before closing these notes on the Noith Shore we must not omit to mention that the triangular reser\e ceded by the Admiralty will form a very convenient resort, and when put in order will be highly appreciated as a public promenade. The general extension of the town has been very marked during the year, upwards of a hundred houses having been built, and others are in course of erection at the present time. The connecting link between the city and the North Shore is the splendid ferry service, ably conducted, and which has done no much towards advancing the district and inducing people to take up their abode in this beautiful, healthy, and fashionable locality.