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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Purchasing greenstone rings, and the Maori Ticki (their good luck charm) carved boxes and other articles made from para shells, the crew found the shop keepers showing the half penny with the Maori ticki em- bossed on it. These cut out, made bracelet charms. Several of the many restaurants were serving the evening meal. A five course dinner could be purchased for thirty-five cents. The wait- resses always asked the sailors if they wanted lettuce and tomato. Des- sert and beverage always came extra. The room space in all shops was small. The restaurants were crowded with minute tables, and the waitresses had to do a great deal of careful maneuvering. Carrying their trays of steak and eggs or fish and chips, they looked in complete bewilderment at the food desires of the Americans.