THE AROHA AS A SANATORIUM,

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 72, 18 October 1884, Page 2

THE AROHA AS A SANATORIUM,

The celebrity of our hot springs is j gradually becoming 1 more widely spread, and it is only a question of tune when their name and fame will be as familiar as household words throu^'iout the aolony. Their medicinal properties are such as cannot, fail to bring them into ihe highest repute, and it only requires their rare vi tues to become more geneially known to make Te Aroha one of the great aanttoriums for which New Zealaiu: is destined to become renowned. In the interests of suffering humanity the existence of these springs should lie widely published, for we are convinced there are scores and hundreds of invalids wiio if made aware of the fact, would gladly avail themselves of the benefits to be derived from them. Already they are beginning to attact visitors from a distance, and it is gratifying to record that among the numbers who have fairly tested their curative properties, comparatively few have failed to receive very great benefit. The efficacy of the waters in curing and relieving many of the ills that flesh is heir to, has in numerous instances been wonderfully exemplified. In rheumatic ailments especially they have been proved to be singularly beneficial, and in many others they have been found to be almost equally potent. Indeed we have no hesitation in saying that if their prai.« es had been as loudly trumpeted abroad, the fame of Te Aroha as a watering place would before now have eclipsed VVaiwera and made it a Formidable rival even tnOhinetmru. It is true our district cannot display the natural wonders of the Lake country, but though there i» an absence of many of tne charms peculiar to that marvellous region, there are advantages to be obtained here which compensate for the lack of these, and which make this place; as a resort for pleasure seekers, as well as for those in quest of health, preferable in many respects to either of the other localities mentioned. It is within easy reach of Auckland, both by rail and river, the journey by train being accomplised in little more than eight hours, and with the completion of the line to this terminus that time will be much further reduced. Persons leaving the metropolis after breakfast will thus be enabled to refresh themselves after the jouiney, and whet their appetite for dinner by an invigorating dip in the baths. For those vvuo prefer a trip by wat( r there is the voyage up river from Thames, than which it wonld be difficult to find in tl c spring and summer months a more pleasant sail. In addition to the advantage of being within such easyreHch, the place holds out another inducement which, to persons of moderate income, is an important consideration, namely, cheap living. Here there are excellent hotels which furnish first rate accommodation at less than half the prices charged in similar establishments at Waiwera and Ohinemutu. The climate,- too, during thegreater part of the ybar is most healthful and enjoyable, and the scenery of the neigh botirhood is exceedingly interesting. From the mountain, perhaps, the grandest and most romantic views to he found in the Province are obtainable, and Lr these whose powers of endurance are not equal to the ascent, there is ample scope on the plains below ' for pleasant and invigorating exercise 'either pedestrian or equestrian. > There ■ are a niimner of places within easy reach >fhat will amply repay the trouble, of a visit, The 'roldfipMs township b*' ♦v aioroiiihjiiiui is barely three iiuies dis-

r.fint.. and t..ie adjoining mines are easily reach e I on foot or horseback by an excellent bridle track w'hieli leads to all the principal claims Matamata, Shaftes bury, Waitoa and other settlements are all within an hour or two's journey, and afford facilities for a days enjoyment. Invalids and persons studious of habits or literary tastes will find in our public' library and reading room the means of wbiling away a tedious hour, and of keeping themselves posted up in the current news o e the day. Of the baths themselves which of course constitute the chief source of attraction in the district, it would be difficult to over rate their excellences, ami as previously mentioned the fame of their curative properties is daily becoming more widely extended. They are situated in the centre of the township, and are almost within a stone's throw of the principal hotels. The grounds and springs aie vested in a Domain Board, who are doing their utmost, and as rapidly as the means ot their disposal will allow to carry out satisfactorily the task that has been entrusted to them. The bath houses are most comfortably fitted up, and leave nothing to be desired in the way of privacy or cleanleness, and the wants of visitors receive every attention from the present excellent care taker. There are now three houses open in which the water is of a temperature varying from 100 to 115 dgs., but as there several other springs (in one or two which the mercury stands a* high as 140 dgs.) still unutilised, the number of the baths cm he increased so as to meet all requirements. For medicinal purposes also, when drunk, the water from two or three of the colder springs lias in many instances been found exceedingly benetical and forms after a little use rather a pleasant beverage. Few persons in search of health now omit to use the waters internally as well as externally. Apart from tie utilisation of the springs the Board has determined upon the beautifying of the grouu Is, so that they may become uu ornament to the town as well as a means of pleasure to visitors. An experienced landscape gardener has designed the laying out which includes the usual adornments in the form of shrubberies, shady walks, &c. A lawn for tennis, croquet, and other games also constitutes a part of the proposed improvements, which, when completed, will add immensely to the attractiveness of the place. Everything will be done to make residence here alike enjoyable and profitable to those in quest of health or pleasure. As a resort for holiday makers the district is fast increasing in pupularity, and it is only a question of a very short time when the fame of the thermal springs of Te Aroha may be expected to extend from end to end of the colony,