RELICS OF PIONEERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19195, 8 December 1925, Page 7

RELICS OF PIONEERS.

Sir, —May I briefly reply to V.A.W.'a query of December 1, as to the reason of Cleveland Road, Parnell, being once, known as The Folly: It arose through Joseph Strange, the elderly chairman of the Road Board, making such a dreadful mess of the two flights of steps cut in the steep clay bank on the left, that it was then known as Strange's Folly—so far being nameless. The land on the right was called Conquest Place, more often " the Conquest," presumably denoting the victory achieved in getting there! It was the most romantic of tracks prior to Joseph's onslaught. The goree flourished thereon, and seemed to be in flower all the year round. The glorious sea view that opened out when you got on the level was a reward for the- up-hill approach. Cleveland Road was so named in compliment to the Shakesperian actress playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre while the certificated Mrs. Robert Heir was at the Theatre Royal—later on the Duke of Edinburgh, W.E.M.