MORE CAVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1926, Page 2

MORE CAVES.

DISCOVERY NEAR KAAVHI A. AUCKLAND, September 23. Considerable interest has been aroused by the discovery of caves oil a portion of the Moerangi Block, within a few miles of Kawliia. I lie area is Maori land, and the owners are jealously guarding their property from possible vandalism on the part of explorers. A number of Europeans who have investigated these subterranean chambers are loud in their praise of the beauty of the fantastic formations of stalactites and stalagmites in the passages and grottoes. It is believed that the main passage is well over a mile in length. Exploration' work has been carried out under many difficulties, as Nature has not provided continuous pathways, but it is stated that a small amount of labour would render the whole distance from the mouth to the extreme end readily accessible. The caves are situated near Kawaroa road, about five to six miles from Knwliia., only about eight miles of bush separating the mouth from a formed vehicular road. Just inside tho mouth the high roof is supported by polished pillars, varying in thickness from the size of a pencil to about 9in., some white, some cream-coloured, and some translucent. A stream eventually disappears down a narrow dilute, too small to admit of investigation, but penetrating far into the interior of the hill until his progress is arrested by a huge block of limestone, which has apparently dropped from the roof. LIGHTED 15Y GLOAY-AYORAIS. Here the subway expands to a chamber about 40ft square, and of unknown height. Through the gloom a galaxy of gleaming .glow worms is revealed, making a beautiful and impressive picture, well worth the weary walk. Deep and dark recesses on all sides yet to be explored are lighted only by glow worms. Attached to the ceiling are stalactites, depending in single or pillars, or massed Jme friezework with delicate interlacing, some so fragile that they snap with the slightest touch. AYith a view to the Government taking steps to preserve the natural beauty of the area, the Kawliia Town Board and the Chamber of Commerce have already communicated with the Tourist Department and other authorities. MAORI BURIAL PLACE. In no way connected with the caves, but in the same locality, is a deep shaft, to the bottom of which the only access is by means of a yope. After descend- , ing about 30ft the floor of a fairly A large '.chamber is reached, and (here in the gloom the first explorer was startled by a weird spectacle. In a capacious niche on one side are heaps of human bones, yellow with age, which have evidently lieen, laid in their last , resting-place by -Maoris of many years ago. A peculiar feature is that the skeletons have been assorted in anatomical arrangement, but there was an apparent absence of skulls. Of course , none of the explorers, has touched the collection, nor does any Maori offer an >, explanation of how or when the skeletons were placed there. Every detail, both in cave and catacombs, has been left pending the arrival of a Government official.