UGLY AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 63, 14 March 1924, Page 4

UGLY AUCKLAND.

The provincial selfishness, jealousy and parochialism that have cost New Zealand so dearly have their humorous skies, though it is not always clear whether the humour is conscious or unconscious. The "Lyttelton Times" to hand to-day publishes an article on (hristchurch and Auckland- by 11. Tillman, which, besides amusing- Auckland, will excite its curiosity. Is it a joke attempted as an elaborate piece of irony or ioolcry, or a serious combination of a panegyric on Christchurch and a criticism cf Auckland? Jt opens by saying that "too long has Christchurch cultivated that meekness of spirit that we are told will bring us the ownership of the earth; too lon-,' have we been humble.'' Christchurch is advised to cpy Auckland's self-confidence. We must say we 'havexnever noticed that'humility was a Canterbury characteristic. Christchurch, like Dunedin, always seems to be well pleased with itself. Then there develops one of the most absurd criticisms of Auckland we have ever seen. The writer thinks that as "a city to brag about" Auckland is the most unfortunate choice that could be made. "Auckland has no beauty. What is it but inartistic shops and houses, with here and there an area of discouraged grass they call parks?" As for the harbour, the chief pride of Auckland, "What is it but sea water nut nearly so clean and pine as the glorious miles of it we have got off Xew Brighton beach l" Also, "a place whose beauty consists of water, and salt water at that, is finding a difficulty in propping up a superstructure of delusion." Ciiristchui'cli is superior in every way, hut the people "are content to take tiie cnimbi that fall from Auckland's table." We are not going to discuss the relative beauties of Auckland and Christchurch. Auckland has some kinds of beauty and Christchurch others, and we do not quarrel in the least with those who prefer the view from Dyer's Pass or the

lovely avenue by the Museum to the views from Mount Eden, One Tree Hill. or the YVaitakeros. God gave to men all earth to 'o-e. But since our hearts are small. Ordained for each one spot should prove Beloved over all. The New- Zealander brought up within sight of the Canterbury Alps probably will never love our Northern beauty as he loves the Southern scene. To say. however, that Auckland is not beautiful is really too silly for word--—urle-s, of course, the whole of this attack is a joke.