The Wonderland of the North.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 24, 11 June 1903, Page 15

The Wonderland of the North.

(Continued from page 6.)

Mr. Brebner, of the local Tourist office, an old St. Patrick's College pupil, was with us on the mountain, and next to Father Holierhoek, who was invaluable as a guide, we were indebted to him for his kindness and attention. The two gentlemen mentioned and II left the coach at the top of the mountain, and descended through the forest on foot to the base, where we rejoined it. Traversing the deep forest Father Holierhoek initiated us into the many and interesting phases of its growth and expansion ; he is a "veritable walking encyclopedia.

Our stay was drawing to a close, and we had seen nearly all that was of interest, the remainder for a future visit. On the morning of our departure we attended early Mass, breakfasted, and hied ourselves to the railway' station. An unusually busy air was lent to the station owing to the great congregation of Maoris bent upon farewelling a vounig native couple starting upon their honeymoon. 'Seats, please, tiain going on,' from the guard, caused hurried adieus, and a speedy occupation of seats in the carriages, when, amidst wa\ ings of hands, and handkerchiefs, and ' good-byes,' we rolled away from weird and wondrous Rotorua, aptly described by one of our present Cabinet Ministers as ' A fine place, if it only holds fast.'