The Condition of Wairoa.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 160, 10 July 1886, Page 2

The Condition of Wairoa.

BtUftUonal , Report 9* " Hemming in." ' : Mr Minett, of Wair6a,rhaving learned tiuti highly-coloured and exaggerated »ao» Counts have been given of the dan-

geroua state of Wairoa, and the danger to whioh Captaip *"^ay|s* party? were subjected, has giv^n" -us an, account of his experiences there just after the visit of Captain and Mra W ay. On the 22nd June he saw at Kaiteriria the party who was alleged to have been " hemmed in " by mud avalanches at Wairoa, and who were condemned as foolhardy for venturing there to save property, The party were all in excellent condition, and; Mrs Way* was in good spirits, and showed Mr f Minett that the mud had not got* over her slo^r chocs. One horse was shot, but the ottiWa wore fed by chaff and corn dug out atMcß'ie's place, and came overland safely to Kaiteriria. Mrs Way ridiculed the idea of being considered foolhardy, and eaid she had not suffered in the least from her adventure. Mr Minett went on the following day to Wairoa, and found that the road from Rotokakahi landing place up to the sito of the townshio was so firm in places that they could fun over it There were mud holes at various places, but they could easily avoid toes*, and there was no danger whatever. The party accompanying Mr Minett were quite successful in their operations, the only drawback being the looting carried on by the natives The night was paesed quietly and comfortably in Sophia's whare. There was rain on the morning of the 24th, and they deemed it prudent to leave.' They at once made preparations, and by 8 30 a.m. were ready to pet Bail in the canoe. The road from the township down to the lake was much worse than before, fur rain had been falling for about two hours. The mud was rushing down the mountain sides with the lake with a sound that was terrifying, but none came on the road the party traversed One of the party, Geo. Heather - ington, fell with his loud, and tho olheis had to luiuru and assist him. Soon a<l were on j board, and the canoe sped gaily alonjr, lauding them at Kaiteriria in a stae of high enjoyment at the success of their visit. A third vkit was paid to Wairoa on the 27ch ult. by Mr Minett and others, when they found a really dangerous and disagreeable state of affairs In the interval, very heavy rains had fallen, but a keen frost had succeeded. Ou leaping ashore at the usual lauding place, they found the ground firm, but on trying to go up the hill the mud was found to be so noffc that they could make no progie^s. They, therefore, returned to the boat and tried a fresh landing placo near the bridge. Getting out on theold Wairoa— Tikitapu Road, they found the mud had hardened co as to make walking quite ea«y. Their mission to Waiioa being successfully accomplished, they set out on their return journey to the boat. By the action of the «un in thawing the frozen mud, the road, was now rendoied almost impassable ; . the "la&t hundred yards or so the. members of the party hud to wade nearly waist high iv the sticky matter, and they wero in danger of getting completely '" bogged " All managed to struggle through, however, except an old native" -.who was too feeble to drag himself along UFder such difficulties. Two or three younger men rescued him, and placed him ou board the canoe none the worse. Though there was a spice of danger in this visit to Wairoa it was thoroughly enjoyed by the members of the party. Mr Minett estimates that he has lost considerably over £600 by the eruption, directly and indirectly. Six months ago he went to Wairoa with iudependent mean?, and now he is absolutely " on the rocks.'