THE FLAGSTAFF, NORTH SHORE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2639, 2 January 1866, Page 4

THE FLAGSTAFF, NORTH SHORE.

Notwithstanding the counter attractions of the races, the Lake, and Kemps G-arduus, during the whole of yesterday Mr. Hohnes's boat for the North Shore was ciowded with pka<niie seekcrg, who sought in the North Shore Home change from the daily routiue of business and Auckl md life. During the early part of the day many might be seen climbing the Flagstaff hill, and enjoying the splendid prospect there presented' to them ot Tiritiri, Itangitoto, the Barrier Island, and the Waitemata, on whose bosom might be occasionally seen the little steamer of that name wending her way to and from the Lake, crowded with pleasure-seekers, who seemed to be taking ample advantage of the provision made for their amusement. The chief attraction at the North Shore was undoubtedly Mr. Williamsons tea-gardens, which were all day crowded to excess. Mr. Williamson has erected in his gardens a splendid platform, covered over with an awning, and on which a good band performed a choice selection of dance music during the afternoon. Mr. Williamson has leased a piece of ground adjoining his premises, and intends greatly enlarging his grounds. During the evening Mr. Holmes' s boats were employed in conveying back to town the large concourse of people who had. been taken over in the morning, and ib was pleasurable to observe the univeisal good order that prevailed amongst all the numerous parties who made the North Shore the sceue of their amusements yesterday.

Mr. Thorpton, the millionare, it is Baid, narrowly escaped marriage in early life. In those days he proposed for a lighterman's daughter, but, pecuniarily speaking, he was not considered good enough, albeit the lighterman was by no means a rich man. If that daughter be now living and the lighterman, with what iuterest they must have perused the will of the late Bichard Thornton !