Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 20 December 1900, Page 3

Notes.

* On a Tour of the North Island of N.Z., (October-November igoo) including the HOT LAKES DISTRICT. (The Wonderland of New Zealand.) By Chas. Austin. , (Continued.) All that is necessary to test the immense power which is continuously going to waste; is to throw in some sticks or sods, which are immediately ejected to a great height. Were it ' possible to prevent this large column of steam escaping, there would probably be' some very serious disturbances caused by the enormous pent-up torces finding some other means of reaching the surface. About one mile further along the road and three miles before we reach Taupo, we see the grand and beautiful Huka falls, which are beyond description. The Waikato river becomes narrowed between two walls of solid rock, forming rapids for about «oo yards, at the end ot which it takes its plunge into the large swirling pool below. The waters of the Waikato are of a beautiful blue colour, and being lashed into snow-white foam on the surface as it rushes madly down the falls, with a pretty rainbow reflected through the rising spray is a magnificent sight. A splendid view of the torrent of waters may be seen from the suspension bridge erected over the rapids, the swiftness of which almost snakes one giddy to watch. At cna time there was a ladder by which the adventurous tourist could descend and view the falls from beneath, with the deefening roar of the waters ; but it has been removed as it was considered too risky an undertaking to be allowed to be made. TAUPO. Soon after leaving the Huka falls behind, we arrive at Taupo, which, with the large expanse of water in Lake Taupo in the back ground, presents a most picturesque and charming appearance. It is not long before we reach our stopping place while in Taupo — The Spa — which is most pleasantly situated with its beautiful gardens, plantations, hot springs and baths. The Spa hostelry, which is conducted by Mr J. Gallagher, has been erected at considerable cost under modern principles, and is an idenl stopping place, where every comfort is obtained. Hell's gate, not far distant from the Spa, is an interesting place where the waters of the Waikato are confined between high banks. The j Crow's Nest geyser, which is about Bft high, has the appearance of having been formed by sticks which have become petrified with the silica-impreg-nated water from the geyser. Although not so large as Pohutu or Wairoa, Crow's Nest, it is considered, gives the most brilliant display as it spouts forth its large column of water to a height of 60 to 80ft into the air. The Crow's Nest geyser is a great public favourite i (although the display does not last long), as it becomes active every 35 to j 40 minutes. We next saw the Witch's Cauldron which is about 20ft x 30ft, and continuously in a terrible state of 1 turmoil, as its boiling waters rise some- j times to a height of two feet. The j Mirror Pool is close by, and a little | further on is to be seen Satan's Glory, ; which is a large boiling cauldron j in a cave situated on the side of the j cliffs and is at once suggestive of the \ name it has received. After having ; visited all the interesting sights at j Taupo, we leave by the s.s. Tongariro, a smart little vessel, en route to ( Tokaanu. The weather was perfect, aad the trip across Lake Taupo was ■most enjoyable. The beautiful blue \ waters of thafake, which is about 262 square-miles in extent, with the snow- i clad mountains JRhuapehu, Tongariro ■ and Ngahuroa preseated a very pretty

I scene. Tokaanr. is noted for its hot springs and natural baths, and it was here we had our last bath in natural hot mineral waters in the Hot Lake district. Having spent a day at ! Tokaann, after having visited almost j every sight in the Thermal spring disI trict'of much importance we leave at '■■ 7 a.m. by coach for Pipiriki. ! THK W.VNGANI'I RIVIiR. ■ Wr reached Waioru at 4-jo p.m. ! and obtain comfortable quarters at j ; " half way house," which is thoroughly ; ! appreciated after the long coach ride | through a vast expanse of somewhat ! ' uninteresting pumice country. Heie ! the climate is very " bracing," with J 1 snow-covered Rhuapehn in close prox- t ! inriiy. Rising early next morning, aud j having breakfast early, we start punctually at 7 a.m. for the last stage of the coaching. Raetihi was our stopping place for luncheon, after which we j continue, and arrive at Pipiriki the j I same evening, having passed through j about 15 miles of most beautiful scenery. We rose early next morning and proceeded a considerable distance I above Pipiriki on the Wanganui river jin the powerful steamer " Ohura." This enables us to witness some of the most superb scenery on this beautiful river, which has justly been named " New Zealand's Rhine." No description can do justice to the richness of ■ the magnificent scenery in the upper i reaches of the Wanganui, which must ; be seen to be appreciated in all its j splendour. After having steamed as ; far as time would permit to allow us to ; I return to Wanganui the same day, the ' j steamer is turned and we soon arrived lat Pipiriki once more, whpre some j [ more passengers embark and the ; steamer is headed for Wanganui— a ; distance of over 50 miles. The wind-! ing river, with its sharp bends and ( furious rapids, its high cliffs on either j side, chid in the richest and most i luxurious ferns and foliage which ' nature can provide, together with the : double shadow cf the scenery which is, at times, depicted on the smooth surface of the water, makes a scene which is most enchanting and will live long in the memory. Wanganui, one of the prettiest towns on the West Coast, is j reached at 4.30 p.m., and, after ppend- ; ing a day visiting the most interesting places. I left by train for Foxton, which is my destination. The tour occupied five weeks and was one of the most enjoyable, interesting and beneficial character. (Concluded.)