Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 8 December 1900, Page 2

Notes.

On a Tour of the North Island of N.Z., (October- November 1900) including the HOT LAKES DISTRICT. (The Wonderland of New Zealand.) By Chas. Austin. (Continued.) OKOROIRE is very pleasantly situated on the banks of the Waihou river, 8£ miles from the Okoroire railway station, and 131 miles by rail from Auckland. On arrival at the Okoroire railway station the visitor is carried, free of charge, in a splendid coach (with four-in-hand) to the Hot Springs Hotel, which is thoroughly enjoyed after the train-ride. The hotel — under good management (Mr P. CaJlaghan)— fe most comfortably furnished with all the modern appliances, and compares favourably with the best -appointed hotels in the colony. Soon after arrival, the genial host and family make the visitor feel " quite at home " in his pleasant surroundings. The sanatorium is situated immediately in front of the hotel, and the magnificent natural hot water baths of exceedingly valuable properties in rheumatic and dyspeptic comp'aints and skin diseases, are considered by many to be the finest in New Zealand. The hottest of the baths is No. 2, the temperature being 109 degrees. This is about as hot as most people can bear with anything like comfort, and, although the most valuable from a medical point of view, is not so great a public favourite as the No. 8 bath. A glass of water drawn from the spring which sup* plies the latter-named bath and taken before breakfast is said to be very beneficial to dyspeptics, but owing to its laxative properties should not be taken indiscriminately. A little further on, and nearer the i-iver, we approach the No. 8, riverbath. The water is the same as the previous-mentioned bath, but of a cooler temperature. This is named the river-bath, as there is a covered passage leading to the Waihou river, where a plunge into its cool waters may be indulged in. The " fairy " bath, which is an exceedingly delightful swimming bath for the healthy as well as the invalid, is of an agreable temperature, being 99 deg., and is very refreshing indeed after fatigue. This bath has a world -wide reputation for its beautji and curative virtues. It has been hewn out of the solid rock, with its sloping banks down to the waters

edge profusely covered with a variety of exquisite ferns and evergreens. The water which supplies this bath rises through a kind of pumice-sand, and is seen rising to the surface of the bath like a continuous artesian flow, and is felt oozing from the bottom by the feet. At night this bath presents a moist gorgeous appearance, with myriads of fireflies flashing their tiny lamps for the benefit of the bathers. It is impossible for me to give but a faint idea of this beautiful bath, which must be seen to be appreoiated in all its splendour. No less than 4,100 gallons of water pass through the " Fairy " bath per hour. All these baths may be used (free of charge) by the visitors staying at the Okoroire Hotel. The " Fairy " bath is a beautiful blue colour, while the others j are perfectly clear, and each bath is also provided with a shower. Close to the sanatorium are to be seen the Okoroire Falls and the natural bridge ' over the Waihou river. This bridge j is built of solid rock— but not by ; human skill. Here the waters of the r' Waihou are lashed into foam as they pass over the falls and .rush swiftly , through an opening in the natural ; bridge about four feet- wide, which • is a magnificent sight. Just below | the falls and close to the opening in • the natural bridge is to be seen a, large maori canoe on its side, level with the water's edge and wedged firmly in the rock each end. The legend in connection with this canoe is - " That in the early days of Maoriland, a great Maori gathering was held on the present site of Okoroire. ; Each " hapu," or tribe, trying to ; outvie the others in boasting of their canoeing capabilities, the Okoroire J tribes defied the visitors to shoot ! their celebrated and dangerous rapids. ; The challenge was accepted, 35 men i eagerly leaped into the canoe and • attempted the foolhardy feat. The ' voyage was soon over— none of the warriors boasted more. The canoe, • wedged in a cleft of rock, is the only survivor." Lovers of sport may have their wishes gratified at Okoroire, as there is an abundance of hares, pheasants, and quail, and the , rLrers contain a plentiful supply of trout. The climate and surroundings of Okoroire are delightiul, and the visitor to or from Rotorua should not miss the opportunity of spending a few days at such a pleasant place, which well repays, one for breaking the journey. While at Okoroire I a very pleasant evening at a social and dance at the Hall, which was given asa" send off " to one of the old settlers, who was very popu- ; lar and about to leave for the oldj country. During the evening a pre-'j sentation and illuminated address ! were given to the departing guest ; | and, altogether the function was of a most enjoyable character. (To be Continued.) j