The members and their friends assembled, under the direction of the captain of the club (Mr A. E. McDougall) and the committee, at the Central Railway Station at 2.15 p.m.
They proceeded, under the lead of the president (Mr J. A. Roberts) by way of Castle, Frederick, and George streets to their destination.
A large number of persons assembled en route to view the procession, in which over 30 motor cars, 20 cycles with side cars, and numerous motor cycles took part.
The extent of the procession may be judged when the leading car arrived at the Octagon the last cycle was at Frederick street, a space of 10 yards between each.
The Brighton Domain was reached at 3.30 p.m., and the president, in addressing the members, drew their attention to the advantages to be derived by increasing the membership.
The club had assisted borough and county councils, by means of monetary grants, to improve their roads.
By the opening of the Portobello and Brighton roads (previously closed to motor traffic), and the erection of danger signs where needed, many benefits were derived by all motorists.
Legislation in the way of a motor tax affected all, and by joining the club their interests would be guarded and grievances rectified.
On behalf of the club, he thanked the members of the Brighton Improvement Society, especially Messrs J. Gray and Aslin, for their invitation.
Mr J. Gray said that on behalf of the Brighton Improvement Society, he was very pleased to welcome the motorists on their first official run, and to see such a large number present.
He trusted they would enjoy their visit.
With the facilities now offered at Brighton - a new pavilion on the pleasure grounds, improvements to the beach, splendid house accommodation, and easy means of reaching this seaside resort - it should become popular with week-end visitors and others desiring a beneficial holiday.
The Motor Club had assisted them by granting sums to improve their roads, and he hoped that in the near future they would consider further assistance to enable the society to erect a shelter shed.
• The official opening of the Ravensbourne Boating Club's season took place on Saturday afternoon, when the waters opposite the pretty seaside suburb wore quite an animated appearance, what with the white-sailed yachts and the motor launches manoeuvring in front of the boatshed.
The day was fine, with the wind blowing from the north-east-in fact, there was a nice full sail breeze, and not much jobble.
A number of yachts and motor craft were present from Dunedin, and, so that the children should remember the occasion, the launches were engaged during a large part of the afternoon taking the little ones for short jaunts on the water.
Shortly after 4 o'clock the people gathered in the boating shed, and the season was officially declared opened by Mr J. Blackie (Mayor of West Harbour).
The ladies of the district had provided refreshments in ample quantity, and these were then handed round.
During the afternoon the local brass band (under Mr Carl Ball) played several selections in first-rate style.
Everybody appeared to experience a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, and the official opening for 1914 was quite a successful little function. - ODT, 2.11.1914.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
