A GLAD RETURN

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 86, 10 April 1924, Page 15

A GLAD RETURN

CONTRAST IN WEATHER.

While Wellington has been basking in sunshine during the last week, rain has been steadily, falling over the whole laupo area, which just previously was rendered impassable in many parts by Hoods, cloudbursts, and other downpours, wrote a Wellington, motorist on Monday. Landslips, several acres in extent, now stand as evidence .of the'unusual damage and obstruction caused' to roads in that locality. The mud and mire of these obstacles has been removed in bulk, but the road surface has been temporarily impaired for many miles. On Wednesday hist Rotorua was holding quita a coterie & motorists trapped by. rainsNbetween Mamaku Bush, the Rangiriris to the north, and the Taupo-Napier road to the .souih. Timid drivel's were in despair after listening to the story of one owner, who om'pioyed a service car man to bring Ins motor through from Napier. The Jug Hudsons were then doing the journey three to four hsurs late, but getting there. This being so, a Wellington party faced tho homeward jaurney on- Friday ■tost,' leaving Rotorup in the rain about \» n.m. the journey was broken at Tauio, where petrol was found in exceeding ■-fchort supply. The party, paused that day to hold its breath in silent tribute ..to the beauty of tlie Aratiatia Rapids, where the Waikato plunges in full. .strength-and'grandeur along a confined" course. The approach to this wonderful sc«uo lias unfortunately been somewhat ■'marred" by bush, fires, which have destroyed many of the trees that adorned' the spot. • , ■ The lonely outpost of Rangitaiki, 23 miles east of Taupo,"marked the point where real heayy.work for car and driver commenced. ■ Armed with chains a track was ploughed'through the mud up the Pikahi-Kawera Hills. . From this lofty elevation the surrounding mountains appeared draped with misty vapours, and from evei-y gully cataracts jetted forth in angry torrents. The'highest point, the summit of Turanga Kumu, 2700 feet ab,ove sea level, was subsequently reached, and a sharp look-out was kept for the' service cars, then running one hour late towards a hot dinner at Tarawera Hotel. These cars were not crossed* until the party was descending Titio Kura, which it was calculated would make the mail cars two hours late at Tarawera. The cause of their delay.was discovered at Te Pohue, where a cow was dying on :the road. It. was explained that" the animal suddenly. jumped from the manuka ion the approach of the leading car, which ;took the impact with its radiator. On following ■ the Rissington-Napier road a ifurther discovery revealed'" that the big. 'cars had been down to it in the i mud, much fresh manuka' on the track being the means of their getting through. AsT'cending some five miles further this road simply absorbed the wheels of the' Wellington car until the differential dragged, -and- the faithful machine came to a sluggish stop. Under these conditions the downpour of rain was not exactly heavenly. The car was lightened and put into reverse, and to the delight of ,iM she came down hill out of the ruts. Ihe chains were then strapped tight, j and the danger zone negotiated. Some two hours later a weary party pulled up -.i Napier at 6 p.m., with a feeling that something had been achieved. ■The rain followed the party right down through the Wairarapa on -Monday. However, from Kaitoki Hill the Upper Hutt Valley was revealed in bright sunshine, the first seen for seven days; The flooded slopes, green fields, and the gliding river, made one and all feel a real affection for the beauty spots of our own district, 'and a grateful inclination" to fully enjoy that part of it we call our own.. '. "