FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS AGO

SUBURBAN EXPANSION GROWTH OF ST. HEUERS BAY Optimism as to the future of tfce St. Heliers Bay district apparently prevailed fifty years ago, as shown In the following extract from the New Zealand Herald of February 28, 1885: " Nothing is more remarkable or more pronounced than the rapid growth of the population of the city of Auckland, and in consequence the gradual extension of her suburbs. " On the Ponsonby side house-build-ing is pushing on .to Cox's Creek; further southward on to Arch Hill, on the old Great North "Road, and on the new Great North Road to Mount Albert and Avondale. " Away to Mount Roskill and around Mount Eden a numerous suburban population is springing up, while the Kemuera district, but a few years ago so sparsely settled, is now fast filling up, and will shortly be a closely settled suburb, like those nearer town. " Probably within the next decade or two the city of Auckland and its suburbs will only be bounded by the Waitakere Ranges, on the one hand, and the line of the Tamaki River on the other, while the townships of Onehunga, Otahuhu and Panmure will have joined hands with the old provincial capital. It is our belief that the St. Heliers Bay estate is destined before long to become a second Remuera. The distance from Auckland by land, via Remuera and St. John's College, is about eight miles, but by water the trip can be accomplished by a good ferry steamer in 30 minutes. At present there is communication with Auckland twice daily, a wharf having been run out 1500 ft., at a cost of £2500. "As a place for picnics and residences for summer use, St. Heliers Bay bids fair to have a premier place in the affections of the recreation-lov-ing public."