A DAY’S JAUNT.

Putaruru Press, 19 January 1928, Page 4

A DAY’S JAUNT.

ON ARAPUNILAKE. - Scenery Beats Wanganui. (Contributed). Descending the steps alongside the ropeway we boarded the sturdy looking launch which has been very much in evidence during the last three years between the landing and Muku quarries. The ropes were cast off, and in a few seconds we were on our first trip up the A rap uni lake. The day being of the best we ranged ourselves in places of vantage in order to take in the scenery as it was unfolded. The big dam and high cliffs in the vicinity were soon left behind, and after passing the point where the old Putaruru-Te Awamutu road now enters and leaves the lake we reached the widest part. Away on the right can be seen the old landing and what is left of the roadway leading to it, the lake having brought down huge portions of the cliff at this point. From here the lake con- 1 tinues in a straight course for some 1 four or five miles through bare country which reminds one very much of Ficton Sounds after passing through Toru Channel, the only difference being the absence of the sound of the surf beating on the shores. On looking back an excellent view of Maungatautari is to be had. As we proceeded we came across occasional submerged pine trees only a few feet of the tops showing above water—also three of the ropeway standards—Faith, Hope and Charity —completely surrounded by the waters of the lake. Shortly after passing the standards we ax-rived at Muku quarry, with its huts, canteen and stone crushing plant. The canteen, which at one time was well above the level of the water, is now almost surrounded, customers ha\ ing to walk on a series of planks to gain admittance, while a short distance out can be seen the ridge pole of a Maori v hare tenantless now for all time. After spending an hour or so inspecting the quarry, bathing and lunching, we proceeded on our way. From che quarry onward the scenery becomes more interesting. Native bush comes right down to the water’s j edge and in many places runs well, into it, leaving the trees partly submerged, making our course a much narrower and winding one. Here ducks are quite plentiful, and an occasional swan is to be seen, but there appears to be absence of smaller birds, with the exception of stray tuis. Native bush now abounds, manuka, kewhai, rimu and ponutakawa being very much in evidence. Here the scenery is quite equal to that on th.e Wanganui. Occasional waterfalls are to be seen coming down the hill sides, but, owing to the dry spell, not a great deal of water was descending. Very few streams flow into the lake, but those that did appeared to be navigable and well worth exploring.

During a poi-tion of our trip we took in tow one of the old-timers in his home-made boat. This old

“ white beard,” seventy-three years of age, after 59 years of prospecting, still considered himself young enough to face the hardships of the beyond, and, with a month’s supplies, was heading for the hills some miles above where the lake commences, to prospect for gold. The party ianded in the upper reaches and went for a x-amble in the bush. Here plenty of evidence of wild pigs was to be seen,

and there was little doubt in our * minds thac before long Lake Arapuni and its surroundings will become a veritable spoi-tsman’s paradise. Short- ‘ ly after this we passed the mouth of the Waipapa river. 1 After travelling seventeen or eighteen miles the launch was headed for home, though there still appeared to be enough water to take us a considerable distance further on. On the way home one of xhe members of the party gave quite a successful exhibition of aqua-planing or the top of a packing case lid. On nearing Ai-apuni we passed several boats, home-made and otherwise, the nucleus of the pleasure craft of the near future. At 6 p.m. we arrived back at Arapuni, sunburnt, but happy, after one of the most enjoyable days spent in the district.