A TRIP TO THE TE AROHA HOT SPRINGS,

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 97, 11 April 1885, Page 7

A TRIP TO THE TE AROHA HOT SPRINGS,

A correspondent, signing himself "Voz," writes to the Auckland Herald of the 28ult as follows :—: — Being naturally of a roving disposition, and having heard so much lately of the wonders of Te Aroha, I determined upon availing myself of a fortnight's spare time by visiting the now becoming Famous hot springs and other attractions of the place. Accordingly I started with some friends one Monday morning by the 11.30 a.m. train, "ticketed" for Morrinsville. 1 need not fully describe the journey by rail to Morrinsvillu, which included stoppages at a great number of small stations, refreshments at Mercer, a change of trains at Hamilton Junction, then over a grand railway bridge, which crosses the magnificent Waikato river at Hamilton at a height of 70 or 80 feet above the water, and then, aloug the smooth and level country to Morrinsville, were we arrived about 6 p.m. Here we were met by well-appointed four-horse coaches run by Messrs Gallagher, Bradley and Co., of Te Aroha. Jumping into one of these, we were soon travelling along the fine level road between Morrinsville and Te Aroha, a distance of 15 miles, at a very smart pace. Shortly after half past 7 we reached the Waihou River, on the opposite si !e of which the Te Aroha township is situated. The crossing of this river was a novel experience to me. 'Che coach was driven on to u punt, without eitiier driver or passengers alighting, and, upon reaching the other side, was driven off again. A few minutes drive now brought us to the Palace Hotel, a large and •oommo lions building conducted by Mr Wairen. Here we alighted, and after having engaged rooms, &c, were soon engaged ourselves in satisfyirg the inner man at the dinner table. There were a laige namber of visitors stayi.ig here, and I learned that the other hotels and boarding-houses in the township, all haung the reputation of being well conducted, were also full of visitors. After dinner, arming ourselves with towels, we made our way to the principal scene of of attraction to visitors, viz., the hot baths. These are .conveniently situated in the centre of the township, and are managed by the, Domain Board. There are at present three commodious bath-houses, two of which, containing plunge baths 12 fee\ squivve, are erected over springa having a temperature of lOOdgs. and 120dgs respectively, with dressing-rooms and a cold shower bath .to each. The third building is divided into eight or ten private rooms, with a bath in each, fitted with, hot and cold water- valves to regulate the temperature as desired, and each fitted with a shower. There are also comfortable waiting and cooling-rooms in the same building. Numerous other springs are available, which the Domain Board will no doubt utilise as required by the e very-day increasing requirements of visitors and invalids. Upon looking through the visitors book, I was struck witli the laige number of reliable, testimonies written therein of benefits derive.^ by vibitors suffering from almost "every ill that tiesli is tieir to." Several iixy^lid visitors I met in the township jilso testified personally to the wonderful benefits tley woic deiivin^ from tho use

of the baths. During my stay i visited tho batln U'ice daily,, an !^pe>r< ing for myself, I can sny f fbun 1 tiio very remarks. »lv rp^s'iim* pud in vigor athig, aiM mid I ueeu suiL'i'ing from any complaint myself, T have no doubt I should also have been able to add my testimony to lluir undoubted honling and curative .powers. Tuore is also a drinking spring near one of the baths, the water from whioh resembles hot soda- water iin taste. This has been found very beneficial in many cases, and is, an agreeable drink. During the time I stayed ( £ J^isited all the places of interest, and my time was fully and ebjoyubly occupied.! The township ,Te Aroha is situated at the foot of the Te Aroha Mountain, 8200 feet high,, from the top of which may be seen one of tho most magnificent views in New Zealand, embracing the East Coast, White Island, Taurauga Huails, the beautiful fertile valley of JTlmmos, and the adjoining agricultural districts of Matamata, Waikato, &c. The mountain tracks are somewhat steep in places, but the view obtainable from tho summit repays 'a hundredfold the trouble of climbing. JL'o Arolie. possesses a very good library and free reading- room, where visitors aro always welcome to pass a few hours, Kind were all the principal newspapers of tlyj colony are filed. Coaches connect with" Waiorongomai at frequent intervals, and from Waiorongomai the tourist can visit the batteries, the tramways, and the goldmines. Gold-mining does not appear to be remarkably brisk on the field just now, but everyone in the district expressed themselves quite satisfied from tue return got from uiost of the mines that this goldfield woub 1 ere long take its place as one of the most important goldfiVlds of the colony. The charges for board, &c, at Te Aroha are moderate, and the cost of bath tickets a mere trille. The cost of travel ling, including rail and coach, has deen reduced to 28s and 38s return, available for a month ; and, shoul I visitors prefer returning via Thames, they will fin 1 the river steamers wellfitted for the comfort of passengers, rmd the scenery upon the river banks is said to be magnificent. Tho railway line is expected to be completed and trains running to Te Aroha before next year, when the stream of visitors will no doubt be^very largely increased, and Te Aroha will very quickly become one of the chief attractions of New Zealand to tourists and invalids. In the meantime, I would say to all who are in want of a change or who may be in delicate i health, Go and visit the hot springs of Te Aroha, and see if you do not agiee with all that has already been said and and written about thorn. |