WONDERFUL CAVES.

Shannon News, 6 November 1923, Page 3

WONDERFUL CAVES.

NEAR WAIKATO HEADS. SAID TO RIVAL WAITOMO. The'existence of a number of stalactite caves near the Waikato HeadsN stated to ,be superior to the • famous Waitomo Caves, is -reported by a party of Auckland motorists (says the Herald). Though probably discovered many years ago, the- secret of the caves appears to have been jealously guarded by the Maoris in the neighbourhood. Legend has it that they were an old burial ground of many of their tribal chiefs. , According to the visitors the caves are situated in. a- lonely locality seven .or eight miles inland from the Wai- - kato Heads. The country is of lime-stone-formation. About seven or eight caves were explored,, and numerous others are believed t° exist. In the , majority of cases the caves were large and spacious, ranging from'loft to 25, ft in height, and running back an un-' determined length. The stalactite formations in many instances are of remarkable grandeur, excelling in number and beauty the formations of those also numerous 'at Waitomo. Not only are there stalactites of great length, but also numerous stalagmites, in many cases meeting the.hanging deposits. Several of the caves are brilliantly ~illuminated by millions _ of glowworms. Curious stalagmite formations lend added interest to the caves, some of the formations taking the design of chairs and settees, and a host ol strange shapes and forms.