THE ATTENDANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 25, 31 January 1890, Page 5

THE ATTENDANCE.

AN IMMENSE CONCOURSE.

The crowds of people who visited the North Shore vastly exceeded in numbers any congregation of visitors ever witnessed there before. The racecourse was black with people, the Flagstaff Hill had crowds of people everywhere, and every point of vantage was occupied by people anxious to witness tbe war-dance. In returning to the North Shore wharf to embark on the ferry boats for town, the crush was something terrible. For over two hours the wharf was as densely packed with people as ib could possibly be, from the Flagstaff Hotel rierht down to the end of the tee, tired, hot, dusty, and disappointed, tbe majority of bhe assemblage were in no very amiable frame of mind. Those who had the misfortune to be in the midst of the great crowd were in a very unenviable position, and for a long time there was no appreciable diminution in tho number of the throng. The ferry steamers took the people away for town as fast as they possibly could, and many of the boats were crowded exceedingly. It is indeed remarkable that no accident occurred. In the crowd on the wharf quite a number of women fainted, and no wonder. One man had a fit, and it was some time before he was brought to. The lightfingered gentry were also ab work, for more than one man and woman complained of having had their pockets picked of money and valuables. An accident happened to the wharf which might have been much more serious. A pile at one side of the tee gave way, and sank bodily several feetdeeperinto the water. The crash was heard by bhe people, and all near rushed like sheep to the side of the wharf to see what ib wa3. Ib is wonderful thab no casualties occurred on the b-9-