MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1931, Page 2

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

r NEW MARINE CAVES. I “ Borne publicity has been given dur- ’ ing the last few weeks to the fact tLait new caves, at first reported to 5 1 lival in beauty the already worlds famed Waitomo Caved, have- been discovered near the entrance it.o Tory ; Channel, the gateway to the beautiful sound.-, situated jusif across Cook ,St rail. A visit of inspection was made to ; | these- caves recently by Afr C. At. Bay, who commenced his journey by launch ’ from Te Alabin, it lie starting point in ! Pelorus Sound. As a result of his inspection a report has been fonvard- ‘ yd to tlie general manager of the .Department of Industries and Commerce, Tourist, and Publicity (Air G. AV. Clinkard), which providers some idea of the appearance of the new caves. It appeal(s thivt, while they ar e regarded as very beautiful, they are not considered fo approach the AVaitoino group for grandeur or wealth of decorative effect. They are true sea cavers and their roc-k sculpture- consists more of great columns and arches, stalactite and stalagmite formation, ns found in limestone I country, being entirely absent. While they are bound to become popular with visitors to the sounds, they possess tin) drawback of being accessible duty iff smooth weather a factor Which Cililndt be belied upon with aiiy certainly ill those wffterM. fin tlie latent visit the party hud been waiting several days before an opportunity offered, and then had to make the trip at a moment’s notice. The party proceeded by launch to Okukari, where Air J. Perano and his two sons, who originally discovered tlie caves, took charge of proceedings. The entrance to the first of the caves was made through a great corridor, or vestibule, formed by precipitous cliffs, which ended in a low doorway - overhanging the narrow channel. AA’ith rocks only a few indites away on either sidc’-of tlie launch, the passage through the cave proved somewhat thrilling, though not of very long duration. Emerging into daylight again, the party was confronted with the entrance to the second cavern, a high and narrow gap in the cliff face. Entering this, a deep channel was traversed for a length of about 200 feet, tlie cave- walls being composed of the usual coast l-ock formation. The third cavern had a wider entrance, and the party explored it for a distance of some 300 feet, when it was discovered that it split up into several smaller eaves, which appeared to run a long distance into the rock. At this point the interior formed an impressive sight, with its innumerable huge water-worn rock pillars supporting the shadowy roof, their bases dimly illumined by the rippling ol phosphorescent, waves against the sides of tlie cave. The last cave proved to be the most impressive of all, and brought forth expressions of wonder and admiration from members of the party. The walls of the cavern were softly tinted in various colours formed l>y the different minerals of which they are composed, while sharp pinnacles of the same material hanging from the- roof were no doubt what gave rise to the report of there being stalactites in the caves. These fortnaation are very like some of the AYaitomo stalactites at first glance-, but on closer inspection are found to lack the lovely creamy tones of limestone, while still possessing an elusive colouring of their own. Like the others, this “Fairy Grotto,” as it has been christened, is a true sea-worn cave cut from tihe solid rock by the action of theocean waves through ages lo'ng past. Apart from the uncertainty of access. there is mo doubt that these newly-discovered caves are- destined to become very popular with visitors to the sounds during (the holiday -season of the year, and will add yet another attraction to the many for which the Dominion is becoming famous in all parts of the world.