Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/42

 which are growing rapidly, will no doubt, in due time, be brought nearer to the City by means of a bridge across the Harbour.

Between these two harbours Auckland City stands, its northern and eastern boundaries mingling with the waters of the Waitemata. To the south and west its frontiers push across the isthmus. Salient features of the City's topography are the ridges and gullies which dissect it, and the many stretches of undulating land between. Another striking feature of the locality is the large number of hills, which are locally known as mounts, although the largest of them does not exceed 650 feet in height. They are, almost without exception, of volcanic origin, for many generations extinct. From sea level these mounts and ridges lend a pleasing and varied feature to the scene, and from their summit exceptionally beautiful views of land and sea can be obtained. Travellers of world-wide experience have expressed their pleasure and surprise at the views obtained from Maungawhau (Mt. Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). It is a pleasure to state that nearly all these vantage points have been reserved as domains and will belong for ever to the people.

The City is pleasingly laid out, although it might not call forth the encomiums of a modern expert in town planning. The early colonists seem to have followed the natural method of laying down streets, following the easiest routes. The main streets are