SUMMER AT LAST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 24, 29 January 1934, Page 3

SUMMER AT LAST.

PERFECT WEATHER. AUCKLAND IN THE SUN. FINE HARBOUR SPECTACLE.

Aucklandcrs to-day enjoyed almost the first perfect day this summer. Since the beginning of the year typical summer weather has been impatiently awaited, and it was opportune that it arrived to-day, when holiday makers celebrated Anniversary Day. The radiant sunshine wae tempered by only the mildest of north-easterly breezes, when thousands packed their ba.skets and set out to the play grounds about the gulf. The breeze strengthened a I little in the forenoon, and was just strong enough for the traditional Anniversary Day Regatta. Thousands of people early made their way to the beaches about the harbour foresihoro and. to the pleasure spots in the gulf to bask in the sun. Quay Street, devoid of any commercial traffic, provided a particularly animated scene between nine and ten o'clock. Lighthearted and lightly-dressed people made their way to the craft, which were running excursions in the gulf and in the harbour. There was a continuous stream

to the Northern Company's wharves, and tho steamers were crowded with adults and children as they set off down the placid harbour. Waiheke, perhaps, was the destination of the bulk of these picnickers, for there was an additional attraction there in the thrills of the New Zealand tourist tropin- motor cycle race. Other island pleasure spots like Rangitoto and Motuihi were well patronised, too. The Duchess, after landing part of her big complement at Oncroa, took many more to Kawau. Tho "rev lines of H.M.s. Diomede. anchored between Stanley Point and Prince's wharf as flagship for the regatta, were lit by the brilliant sunshine early in the morning. Within a few hours'the white wings of the sailing -raft were fluttering around hpr a waitin R the start of the regatta, for which •eeord entries had been received. Overseas vessels at the wharves drassed ship 'or the occasion, and their bunting waved railv in the breeze. The German barrjue Vinnen looked especially licturesqiic. The harbour held undismtcd honour in the attractions of the lav, and vantage points on both shores vere thronged by people watching a spectacle which has no rival in Zealand. , . , There was heavy traffic on ferries and •chieular boats durlnsr the day. for the l-akapuna Racing Club's fixture was eld at Dcvonport, Thousands bound •or this popular fixture sot an cany brill a* the ferries wended then- way regatta craft, and. m appreciation of the spirit of the day. went ,ut of their way to facilitate the com,etition of the sailing craft. The dav was almost too perfect for ocT- atio,7and sport on land. *.f there .- as a hi" attendance to watch the n a als a of "the Auckland lawn tennis hampionship tournament at tl.e StarilCJ Street courts.