MOUNT EDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18017, 16 February 1922, Page 3

MOUNT EDEN.

Sir,— In 1884 I visited Auckland from America with my family, and a run to the top uf Mount Eden was a most pleafaint experience and long remembered. The trip was made in a cab, which cost £1, and it was well worth the money. I arrived on my third visit by the Niagara recently, and remembering the magnificent views from Mount Eoen, I took tho opportunity ot' ( making another visit, and, although liiy age is near the thre6 score and ten limit. I essayed to climb to tho top. My exertions were fully repaid. ' I epenttlwo hours on the summit enjoying to the full the lovely panorama and tho cool refreshing air. What I desire to emphasise is the disheartening fact that people here do not appear to appreciate the wondrous liberality with which nature has endowed these parts. If Mount Eden were in Europe or America it wouJd be famous, and every effort would be made to make the ascent one of enjoyment to visitors as well as inhabitants. To my great surprise no improvement has been made since my last visit 38 years ago. Indeed, there is one garden se»t at the I top, and for the moment I am not sure if this was there then. Why not have a belter road and footpath, provided with ample and comfortable shady seats en route, then the same at tin summit, with proper conveniences. The road up the mountain to-day seems to be in the same condition as 38 years ago. No doubt in somo distant future an electric car or perhaps an escalator will be installed, when tired women and children will be enabled to enjoy the refreshing air from the oceans cheaply and comfortably. A. F. Sr\ws.