NEWLY DISCOVERED OAVES NEAR OTOROHANGA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2131, 10 May 1889, Page 2

NEWLY DISCOVERED OAVES NEAR OTOROHANGA.

(New Zealand "Herald )

Ji'd.eMair has been on a visit to tbe newly-diaoovered caves about two hours' ride from Otorohanga. He entered them m a canco, a subterranean river flowing alo!>g their base.- The Judge is enraptured wiih them, and considers they (will provo a great source of attraction to tourists whon fully known. They ferra a miniature Ouvo of Kentucky, being 1 a a_riea of chambers, Borne of them 50 feet high, adorned with stalaotites from the r .of, and alao rising from the floor, while tho glowworms far overhead give tho idea of a firmament above. There are ohambors on an upper leyel, and the visitor finally oomes' out again Into the light of day, on the faoe of the cliff, through a olef t ln the rooks, 40 feet above the river entrance. The Jadge Intends to write a paper desorlblng these wonderful oaves, of whloh there are a aeries m the distriot, to be read before tbe Auokland Institute. He spent an hour and a half In exploring their weird and mysterious beauties, and has posted notloes and given itrlot Injunctions to the natives to protect tho oaves from iojury. Thla haa been found neoeaa ry through Vandals scribbling tbelr Ci....i>s on the walls. Mr Mltohelson returns to Otorohanga next week to talk over the land question wi'h the leading ohiofe, and he lutonda taking np a photographer to bave the Intorlor of the oaves photographed, aa there ia likely to be a large tourist traffic, owing to the aoooealblllt of Hu oaves by vail, being only about six milea from Kultl station, or two hpnra' ride from Otorohanga. The Maori owners are now fully alive to the value of the discovery to them, as bringing tourists to tbe district.