“On certain projected Street Improvements in Auckland,”

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 3, 1870, Page 90

6. “On certain projected Street Improvements in Auckland,” by R. W. Dyson. The author proposed to take advantage of the site of the Albert Barracks, when handed over to the province, for the forma-

tion of a boulevard from Shortland-street to the Grafton-road, with branches to Wellesley-street East, and to Princess-street; he proposed that it should be formed 150 feet in width—the roadway to be 100 feet, and the footpaths 25 feet each; trees to be planted at the verge of the footpaths, at a distance of about 25 feet apart. He suggested the weeping willow as being specially adapted for this purpose, and easily procured. It would be necessary to have each house form a part of a grand architectural design, but it would be unnecessary to interfere with internal arrangements. The author also suggested the desirability of cutting down Waterloo- crescent and Princess-street, the waste material from which could be utilized in filling up the low ground at the back of Shortland-crescent. This paper was illustrated by an elaborate plan showing the proposed boulevard, and met with almost entire approval. In the discussion that ensued, the scheme itself was warmly supported, although suggestions for improvement on certain points were elicited. It was stated with regard to planting the verge of the footpaths, that the Oriental and occidental plane, the Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), the lime, and the indigenous “ribbon-wood” (Plagianthus betulinus), were much better adapted for the purpose than the weeping willow. The President stated that negotiations had been opened with the Executive Committee of the Mechanics' Institute, with a view to co-operative action for the erection of suitable buildings, and for other objects in which both bodies were equally interested. The various steps that had been taken were fully explained and met with hearty approval. This terminated the Session of 1870.