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Illegal forays on to the harbour bridge are nothing new, but the bike and pedestrian protest last weekend faced much more resistance than a group of teenagers did four decades ago.
In 1962, before the bridge was fitted with clip-ons, a group of Milford teenagers took advantage of the quieter flow of traffic on the bridge at night. They set up a card table and chairs on the bridge, and had their photographer friend capture them playing, smoking and drinking nearly 50 metres above the Waitemata Harbour.
The photograph was sent to the North Shore Times, which published the tongue-in-cheek scene.
But despite the efforts of local policeman Sergeant Andy Tolich, the identity of the boys remained secret. Pleased with their success, the group planned a second trip on to the bridge on a moonlit night, with towels and bathing suits. They spread the towels out on one of the lanes, lay down on them and had the photographer take a picture, which they called "Moonbathing".
This picture was also published in the North Shore Times. Despite appearing in two newspapers, the group were never found by police.
Do you know the teens in the photo? Email newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz
* Auckland Harbour Bridge: 50 Years of a City Icon
The New Zealand Herald covered the bridge story from the beginning.
Today its rich photographic store of the bridge's moods, its construction, and its striking presence is celebrated in a new book, Auckland Harbour Bridge: 50 Years of a City Icon .
Author Renee Lang delved into the treasure trove and brings to life a fascinating history with more than 100 images.
The book is available at most bookstores, $24.99 (Random House) or you can contact the New Zealand Herald photosales department to order a copy: email, photosales@nzherald.co.nz or phone 09 373 6093.
