IMPRESSED BY ROTORUA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 835, 2 December 1929, Page 11

IMPRESSED BY ROTORUA

AMERICAN TOURISTS ' VISIT WHAKA

DISOBLIGING POHUTU Special to THE SI'S ROTORUA. Today. The first party of American tourists left Rotorua today with pleasant impressions of a wonderful district. The party arrived by special train at 3 p.m. yesterday, 42 cars' being required to take the 173 passengers straight to Whakarewarewa, where nearly 30 Maori guides were commissioned lor the afternoon. Bella and Rangi being in charge. The visitors were taken through the native village, where the American efficiency experts were greatly interested in nature’s provision of baths, laundries, and tireless kitchens. Pohutu Geyser was in its most disobliging mood, for until about half an hour before the party arrived, a good 40-foot stream had been playing, but the hole was dormant for the rest of the afternoon. The Papakura Geyser, however, was spouting. “Yellowstone Park has only four mud basins, and those are far apart,” said a member of the party. “It is more spectacular here. I think the lily pool is marvellous.” The party’s enthusiasm was undamped by the showers of rain, for at the pa Guide Rangi entertained and interested a large group with her explanation of the construction, carving, painting, and materials of the large meeting-house. All were enthralled by her story of Hinemoa and her island lover, and her instructive talk on Maori lore and history. From Whaka the guests were distributed at five hotels. The whole party attended a Maori concert in the Peerless Theatre. All were enthusiastic over the excellence and novelty of the items presented, and several suggested that a Maori party ought to make a fortune in vaudeville in America, where people were always looking for somethingnew. Before leaving the Grand Hotel for the six lakes trip this morning, Mr. W. R. McPhail, assistant organiser of the tour, spoke appreciatively of the Rotorua trip. Six of the party motored to Waitomo Caves, and the remainder left at 1.30 for Auckland. The second contingent is arriving at three o’clock this afternoon.