ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4047, 2 November 1874, Page 3

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

•The private enterprise of an old and -wellknown colonist -is now providing for the citizens' of'Aiickland 'a place of resort which they may visit on high "days and holidays, and both amuse themselves in an innocent manner and profit by the contemplation of the artificially improved works of nature spread before them. Heretofore, there have only been the Domain, the Acclimatisation Gardens, and the leased Domain Gardens in which people intent on an afternoon's enjoyment could ramble. The former is as yet in far too rough a state, and the two latter, although kept in good order, are of too limited an extent, both an to their area and to the means of keeping them thoroughly supplied with animals and plants of a choice and rare description. Besides, the locality is not of the easiest access, particularly during si i1I])cry weather, and the approaches have been utterly neglected, rendering it work of penance to reach the delights above. In consideration of these deficiencies in existing means of affording relaxation, amusement, aud botanical instruction to the burgesses during their days of ease, Robert Graham, Eso L ., determined upon setting apart a portion of his extensive estate at Ellerslie for the purpose. He has spared no expense in carrying out the design, and the gardens and recreation grounds bid fair to rank among the very best ill the colony. Situated, as the entrance gate is, within fifty yards of a railway station, the difficulty of reaching the locality will not bo one-hundredth part so great as that of toiling upwards towards the other places open for public inspection; and the expense of a return ticket is so small as not to be worthy consideration against the good that "a run into the country" may do. In the very short space of time a great deal has been done, and what was in many parts an irregular mass of scoria rock has been reduced to an undulating piece of ground, all the inequalities of which have been skilfully appropriated in rendering the whole remarkably picturesque. Altogether the grounds contain about forty acres of the richest volcanic soil, and have been laid out by ill-. Purday, to whose judgment and taste must be ascribed the good effect produced, aud the work lias been superintended by Mr. Brown, to whoso courtesy our reporter was indebted for an inspection of the grounds. From the gate opposite the railway station, a carriage drive of thirty feet in width curves completely through the grounds. On each side of this there is a pathway, on both sides of which there are planted umbrageous trees. This way extends through to the grounds of the Jockey Club, and there is to be a gateway leading to the grandstand of the racccourse, which is only two or three hundred yards distant. From this main drive others branch right and left. They arc similarly accompanied by shaded foot-walks, and encircle the principal part of the area. At the right of the entrance gate there is a large aviary and enclosure for animals. Some of the more rare descriptions are here, and the proprietor is importing many others. The same may be said of the greenhouse adjoining it, which is fully stocked with the many choice and expensive specimens of the vegetable kingdom. A little further on, to the right of the entrance, there is an elegant fountain standing in the middle of a large artificial basin or pond lined with concrete, which is fed by a winding streamlet which meanders from an artesian well on the slope above. Over this creek there are several elegant rustic bridges, and on the right bank of it a croquet ground has been formed, which is also surrounded by very ingeniously constructed rustic seats. Close by this there is a roomy pavilion commanding a view of the whole place, and liavingsix sides with two windows in. caeli. This is to be covered witli creepers. A little further on we come to a la'ge corner of the estate, which has been planted with nut trees procured from various countries, and w itli quinces and figs. This is to be thrown open to the public. A little' further on five acres of strawberries have been planted, and an area of four and a-half acres stocked with fruit trees of various descriptions. On the left of the principal drive is the cricket ground. This has been laid out in the most convenient manner, and is in every respect one of the highest class. Altogether it contains about seven acres, and is surrounded by a turfed bank to serve as seats for spectators. In the centre two chains square have been carefully turfed, and the whole made "as level as a bowling green." Round it a shady walk is being formed, with a laurel hedge outside. Between the cricket ground proper and the walk a rink of 20 feet in breadth has been made for pedestrian exercise, and this will be edged with box. Our cricketers may now congratulate themselves that they v 111 be in possession of a very superior ground. In different parts large bowers and pavilions are in course of erection, and many of smaller rank, will bo sprinkled about. Swings will be hung, and everything provided to render a day passed at Ellerslie really one of innocent pleasure. .Among other things there is a dancingsaloon 70 by 20 feet, having at one end a stage and other convenience;;, so that it can be used for theatrical representations, concerts, S:c. All the roads and walks have been bordered, flower beds laid out in a most judicious and artistic manner and stocked with choice plants, obtained not only from the gardens in these islands but from the most noteworthy in the adjacent colonies. We may say, in conclusion, that the whole undertaking redect3 the greatest credit on the projector, the designer, the superintendent, and the thirty men who have '.been under his charge. Close by the entrance is the large hotel erected for Mr. Graham. This is of the most commodious description. Mr. Wrigley is the architect, and Messrs. McConachie and Piatt the contractors. The building is of two stories, and measures 42 feet by >14 feet, having a balcony of 48 feet by G feet, and is fitted up with every convenience and comfort. The whole of the adjacent ground has been surveyed, and formed into a township, many of the allotments of which have a splendid view of the new gardens . aud some of them on the higher ground command Oneliunga and the Manukau on the one side, and the whole of the country as far as the Tamaki on the other, affording a series of magnificent views. These lots are now advertised to bo sold by public auction, while the grounds will be opened on the 9th instant, the Prince of Wales' Birthday, with a first-class programme of sports, which for some time has been advertised, and for which the entries close on Friday.