SURFDALE ESTATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 96, 24 April 1922, Page 6

SURFDALE ESTATE.

NEW WHARF OPENED. _m_iDAY _ cmmsosY. HUNDREDS OF VISITORS. NEED FOR NEW SEASIDE RESORTS. (Extended Report by Arrangment.) Surfdaie was en fete on Saturday, when a further link was added to the chain of progress which binds '"the Key to Waireke" to Auckland. * At 12.30 p.m. the Northern Company's Wakatere, in cliarge of Captain Parris, left, the King's wiiarf with nearly 600 citizens and children, bound for the Surfdaie Estate. A high wind was blowing from the west, and showers were frequent through the morning, but the luTe of the seaside drew this fine gathering. Burnnand's Band was on 'board, and provided an enjoyable musical programme, As if to justify the optimism of the visitors, the sun shone, the wind dropped, and the all-too-short journey of an hour, amid the glorious scenery of the Hauraki Gulf, was almost a summer trip.

.Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, M.P., with Mrs. Mackenzie, was on board. Among others present were Sir Frederick Lang, M.P., Speaker of the House of Representatives, Messrs. .1. S. Dickson and F. X. Bartram, M.P.'s, Messrs. Geo. Knight, J. A. Warnock and F. W. H. Brinsden (city councillors),' Messrs. R. D. Duxfield (president of the Farmers' Union), H. B. Burnett (secretary Auckland Harbour Board), J. S. Brigham (town clerk, Auckland), Mr. Pagni (Italian Consul), Mr. Carter (manager Union Steam Ship Company), Captain Hammond (manager Northern Steamship Company), Mr. Mortimer (Devonport Steam Ferry Company), Messrs. F. E. Powell, G. M. Fowlds, H. T. Garrett (chairman Ostend 'Road Board), Pilkington (chairman Tamaki Boad Board), W. E. Bichardson (Mayor of Northeote), W. E, Jones, J. 3. O'Brien, J." Heaton Barker (editor "Bakers' and Grocers' Review.")

Handled skilfully by the captain (who was born on Waiheke) and his officers, bhe Wakatere lay across the end of the new wharf at Surfdaie as easily as if berthed in Auckland, with the gangway at the entrance to the wharf.

EXTENDING THE KING'S DOMINIONS.

•Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, who is member for the district, including Surfdaie, declared the wharf duly opened. He stressed the importance of this structure to settlers and the general public, and said that it was an earnest of the improvements the company owning the estate would make in the future. It certainly showed that energy and enterprise were not confined to America, but were here evidenced in our own city. He then cut the ribbon which spanned the entrance to the wharf, and the band played the National Anthem.

The visitors filed off to see and to admire the estate. Very many requests had been made for plans, and these, with a handsome booklet in colours, had been Che subject of earnest attention from •would-be purchasers. The wharf was found to be 304 ft long, *<f good, substantial construction, and so built that with necessary alterations from time to time it will serve the growing needs of Auckland's latest seaside resort. Leading from the wharf is an excellent road, straight through to Oneroa Beach, on the other side of the island. Owing to Surfdaie being on a narrow neck of land at the back of a large bay, only ten minutes' walk separates the two beaches, and pivrohasers on Surfdaie can therefore choose for their bathing smooth water on the harbour side, or the surf of the open ocean.

A huge marquee had been erected, and here the occasion was fittingly celebrated •by as interesting a function as the gulf has seen. The tables •we/c provided with an abundant light luncheon, and although there was seating accommodation for nearly 300, several relays were necessary, especially as many had wandered off over the estate in preference to anything else.

Mt. Mackenzie presided, and after luncheon had been fully appreciated, he proposed the health of "The King." In supporting this loyal toast the chairman said that the occasion was one in which His Majesty would be interested did he but know of it. They .were engaged in extending His Majesty's dominions by making more available to the public a Deauty spot which bad been inaccessible although so near the city. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. POPULARITY OF WAIHEKE ISLAND. The next toast was that of "The New Wharf." Mr. J. J. O'Brien, in proposing it, asked the visitors to drink success not only to the wharf remaining intact for many years, but also to the successful development of this great enterprise, that these pioneers of Waiheke, as they could call them, had taken up. They all had the greatest respect for New Zealand's pioneers. He was the son of a pioneer and proud of it. (Applause.) The wharf was a very fine one, ample for the needs of Waiheke for many years. . For many years Waiheke had been a popular resort. He himself had been spending his holidays there for 40 years, and he hoped that in the populous Waiheke of the future he would spend another 40 years. (Loud applause.) If Waiheke had been popular in the past, what would it be now that such enterprising men were here to develop its resources? He was sure that when Auckland doubled its population Waiheke would be one of the most popular resorts they had. They knew how Auckland .was advancing, and he predicted that within 25 years there would not be enough land on Waiheke to put the people who wanted sections there. He asked them to drink the toast, coupled with the name of the engineer (Mr. F. E. Powell).

In responding, Mr. Powell said he knew they could find no fault with the work, because they had good contractors (Messrs. Heffernan and Davidson), who did excellent work under trying circumstances, as must be expected in wharf construction. The wharf would serve the purpose of getting the people to Surfdaie, and the management had left nothing to chance in that regard. A month ago few would have thought that the Wakatere would be bringing down loads of over 1-200 people, but it was so, _nd it was an augury of the success that he wished the venture.

Sir Frederick Lang, who was received with applause, proposed the toast of "Surfdaie." He congratulated the promoters on the way they did the work, upon the way they advertised, and upon the very excellent idea of bringing the people down to see the place itself. The up-to-date, well-illustrated pamphlets told the story completely, and it was no wonder that, although the subdivision was only opened last October, considerably over 400 sections had been sold. The plan was to make Surfdaie an ideal week-end resort for the people of Auckland, and as it was only, an hour from Auckland wharf there was no doubi ghaut i_ future.

MODEL SUBURB OF THE FUTURE. It was very convenient now, because the three-days-a-week service and an hQur's run could not be complained of, said Sir Frederick. He had had the honour and pleasure of representing Waiheke in Parliament for many years, and he was sorry to say it was not in his elec—rate now. He (Sir Frederick) knew Waiheke well; he had ridden over every part of it, and he considered it had everything in its favour —near ta Auckland, an easy, pleasant trip, ana beautiful surroundings when they arrived.

Mr. Dunne, general manager of the Oneroa Beach Estate Company, in responding, said that to have been able to induce so many of the public of Auckland to come down and inaugurate ?. newseaside resort showed that they had "the goods to sell." (Loud applause.) And he could say further that the company's ambition was to make Surfdaie the biggest and best resort Auckland ever had. In this, so far, they had received the hearty support of the public: since October last they were well on the road to selling 500 sections, which they could claim as a marvellous record for these times, especially as they had to bring the earlier buyers down in launches, land them on the beach, and tramp them over the paddocks.

They needed seaside resorts, their present ones were practically overcrowded, besides being small and built down to the water, therefore, people spent an uncomfortable time on them. But. beside--Surfdaie Beach, purchasers had the use of Oneroa, which alone would accommodate 10,000 people in comfort. He wanted them to go and see the Oneroa Beach while they were there. It was only ten minutes from the wharf. The company was endeavouring to lay out the whole estate on modern lines. It was the promoters' own property, so that they dealt direct with the buyers and could make and carry out their own plans, besides giving.buyers the easiest of terms. They intended to road the whole estate so that every road could give direct access to the beach and to the wharf. Next season they expected to have a daily steamer service, and in a few years a ferry service. (Applause.)

They had gone down that afternoon in exactly an hour. This time cculd be cut down with faster steamers. If the people who had nought and were to buy would help them they wo_d soon get this improved service, and make Surfdaie one of the premier suburbs of Auckland. The company intended (and his remarks could be taken as official) to heln the residents of Surfdaie in every possible way, to put down lawn tennis courts and bowling greens and provide proper places for bathing, and recreation.

THE FUTURE OF SURFDALE. They would note in the booklet a view of "Surfdaie of the future," and this ideal could be very easily attained with the assistance of the general public in supporting the company's efforts and by purchasing sections. This, said Mr. Dunne, would provide the population to use these facilities. They believed they had something the public wanted. Their easy terms had been well advertised, eightpence a day was within the means of everybody. He did not get them there to s-11 them sections, but to see for themselves. They saw the place under adverse conditions, but if they would go over the estate and on to Oneroa and could tell him that the latter was not the best beach they had ever seen, he would be inclined to give them the sections. (Applause.)

THE QUEEN CITY OF THE NORTH,

Mr. Duxfield, before asking them to accept the toast of "'The Queen City of the North," thanked the executive for extending the courtesy of an invitation to be present. It was one of those little acts which helped to build up a camaraderie between town and country. (Applause.) He came to Auckland 33 years ago, and he became enamoured of it, although he had lived in and knew other parts of the Dominion. He had adopted Auckland as his city. It had been called the "Queen City of the North," They considered a queen as one surrounded with precious things, and certainly Auckland was in that position. It could not be kept back. He wished to pay a compliment to those enterprising gentlemen who were developing this island of Waiheke, and they should show their confidence in the project, and in the future of Auckland by each purchasing a section before they left. (Loud applause.) - "BEAUTIFUL JEWEL OF THE GULF."

Mi-. George Knight, in responding, said they were there ta fall in love with Waiheke and buy a portion of it- Such seaside resorts as this contributed very greatly to the health of the people of Auckland. He went to Waiheke 40 yeaTS ago, and he hoped that as the years went by greater and greater interest would be taken in this beautifully situated "Jewel of the gulf," and people would avail themselves more and more of the splendid beaches and walks.

Mr. J. A. Warnock said the toast lent itself to statistics, but-he was not going to use them. Mr. Duxfield arrived in Auckland 30 years ago, Mr. Knight 40 years ago, and though he was the youngest he arrived 48 years ago—a little bit young and unable to talk abont the queen city. (Laughter). He would ask them to accept his few words as expressive of what he thought—that Auckland was a beautiful city, and of its future and that of its suburbs there was no doubt whatever. (Applause.)

Mr. Dunne briefly proposed "Seaside Municipalities." coupled with the name of Mr. H. T. Garratt, chairman of Ostend Road Board. The speaker said that others had led the way, and Surfdale could be depended upon to. strive to make use of all the ideas that were available. VALUE OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES. Mr. Garratt, in responding, said he could assure the Surfdaie people that they had the best wishes of Ostend for their continued success. The management deserved great credit for the way they had pushed the development along. Such enterprise would help Ostend, because with the advancement of Surfdaie the shipping company would give them a more frequent service, although at present they had nothing to complain of. The people of Ostend and Surfdaie should combine to help others to make up their minds and buy. He hoped that Surfdaie would have the success it deserved.

The next toast, that of ''The Northern Steamship Company," was in the hands of Mr. Dunne. He said that but tor the energy and enterprise of the company Surfdaie would not have existed in its present form. This was in keeping with the great work they had done for the north of the island, not making money, but developing the country by giving the early settlers transport facilities. They had given Surfdaie a three days' service, and in the summer they were going to give a daily service.

SURFDALE, THE MANLY OP AUCKLAND. The toast having been duly honoured. Captain Hammond said the ceremony _ opening the wharf was another "link between the beaches of Auckland and the city. He wished to put it on record that they appreciated the enterprise of the directors in providing another ttA. side resort. As far as his company was concerned, they always had a belief that Waiheke was destined to become one of the greatest seaside resorts and a suburb of Auckland. Manly w«g t suburb of Sydney, and there was no reason why Surfdaie should not be a similar suburb of Auckland, with a boat not every three days, but a boat every hour. (Loud applause.)

Mr. -T. H. Pagni proposed that august assembly to which the chairman beloneed. that of "Parliament." coupled with the names of Messrs. Dickson and Bartram. M.P.'s.

Mr. Dickson, in replying, said the last loan was a criterion of success. This money would be largely spent on electrical development in the North Island, and thnt in turn would assist Auckland, and incidentillv Surfdaie. which was having its christening to-day. (Laugh, ter.) CONCLUDING TOASTS HONOURED. Mr. Bartram said that if the Govern, ment had had the keen enterprise of tie Oneroa Beach Estates Company, such a p_ce as Surfdaie would have been opened long ago. Auckland was a very beautiful place, and deserved the title of "Queen City," and this little island of Waiheke was one of tbe jewels of her raiment. (Loud applause.)

The toast of "The Chairman" was pro. posed, also that of "Mrs. Mackenzie." The National Anthem was then sung, and the gathering dispersed for an hour or two on the estate. Then at 5.15 pa. the Wakatere returned with its hundreds of happy excursionist*, the baud playing as a finale "The End of a Perfect Day." •