AUCKLAND BELLES.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 78, 11 March 1882, Page 409

AUCKLAND BELLES.

A Belle of the Past. — Mbs Burton (Miss Hobson).

Twenty years ago — that is to say in quite another generation — moved the lady young and fair -who was then the pretty Miss Hobson. Her father, an auctioneer, built that blook of buildings at the foot of Shortland-street, which still bears the name of " Hobson's Buildings." And of that father she was so intensely fond, that when a tall, fair young ensign of the 40th Regiment fell hopelessly in love, she could only reply that, not liking him as well as her father, she would never consent to leave her father for him. And she never did. But the _p ere Hobson, even then in ill-health, died on the voyage Home in search of renovated life. Meanwhile the young officer had never forgotten the fair badge of his love. His regiment also had been ordered Home, and he managed to find out the place of her abode. The charms of her tall, slight figure, her lovely long brown her, dark eyes, and marble skin, had by no means lessened in the interval. He pleaded his cause again, and this time successfully.. They were married, and, as the storybook says, "lived happily ever afterwards." About seven years ago Captain and Mrs Burton returned to Auckland, and during their stay here were universally liked. Being in ill-health, Mrs Burton did not go much into society, but the captain, by his good nature and bonhommie, made himself a general favourite. Many a child in Auckland missed and mourned the amiable couple when they again returned to England.