NORTHERN COUNTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 220, 17 September 1930, Page 17

NORTHERN COUNTRY.

A READER'S IMPRESSIONS. "Mavis Bank," Kaitaia. Dear Peter Pan — In the Witch Doctors corner in the Budget of July 5, I noticed that one reader had inquired as to the type of country in the extreme north of New Zealand. I thought I might, be able to supply the inquirer with the desired information. I myself have never been further north than Scot's Point, about 45 miles up the Ninety Mile Beach, and as far north as it is possible to get with a car on the beach. But about a month ago, dad went right to Pandora and explored the surrounding country with a party of men. They tookthe car as far a≤ possible —to Pandora —and hired horses for their exploration purposes. He brought back a number' of '"snaps" of Pandora camp, Twilight Bay, Spirit's Bay and the lighthouse at the Cape. The coastal scenerv there is wonderful—towering cliffs and smooth stretches of hard sand which would'make ideal landing-grounds. It must be a strange feeling for one to stand on a cliff-top, gazing out to sea and to think that in many directions, miles and miles of ocean separate one from the nearest land. No wonder it seemed the edge of the world to the Maoris, and a fitting place for the souls of the departed to spring out into Eternity. The formation of the inland country is very peculiar. There are no fertile plains." only sharp ridges separated by mangrove flats and swampy creek beds. Unless one knows the country it is almost impossible to reach one's destination without a guide. There are certain ridges which one must follow to reach given places, and no other route will do. The swamps between prevent one from crossing from one ridge to another. The ridges "are peculiar in formation; they are usually very narrow on the top and the descents and ascents are very sudden. One moment you are almost sliding off the horse's tail, and the next, sitting back and hanging tight to prevent yourself shooting over its head. But the ponies arc very sure-footed. Yours sincerely, JOAN JOHNSTON.