Mount Vernon (AP 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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Following the sweeping curve around the island mountain guarding the entrance of the Auckland Bay, the outskirts of the city could be seen. Woods grew in clusters between residential areas, and reached down to the swimming beaches. The Grecian architecture of the Art Museum belonged on the hillside overlooking the bay, and the graceful arches of a bridge ended near Victoria park. There was the city. The brick houses, tight against each other, covered the hills, their countless chimney pots giving Auckland a domestic and homey atmosphere. Docking by the ferry building with its tall clock tower, the crew of the Mount Vernon found themselves strategically located at the foot of the city ' s principal throughfare. The shops were crowded together, suggesting genteel poverty. Eliza- beth street branched to form a Y , and to the right the King ' s Place theatre was next to the roller skating rink where the Mount Vernon boys were to be found.

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real characteristics of the country became apparent. Beyond the sand beaches was nnud and the boiling humidity of the air with the constant danger of malaria and fungus infection in the jungle. Troops were de- barked on the beach and the ship steamed away from the area. For- tunately, the stay had not been a long one.

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