NEW MARINE CAVES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1931, Page 7

NEW MARINE CAVES

IN TORY CHANNEL

VISIT OF EXPLORATION

Some publicity has been given during the last few weeks to the fact that new cavea, at first reported to rival ia beauty the already world-famed Waitomo Caves, have been discovered near the entrance to Tory Channel, the gateway to the- beautiful Sounds situated just across Cook Strait. A visit of inspection was made to these caves recently by Mr. C. M. Bay, who commenced his journey by launcli from Te Mahia, the starting point ill Pelorus Sound. As a result of his in* spection a report lias been forwarded to Mr. G. W. Clinkard, general manager of the Department of Industries, Tourist, and Publicity, which provides some idea of the appearance of the new caves. It appears that while they are regarded as very beautiful, they are not considered to approach the Waitomo Group for grandeur or wealth of decorative effect. They are true sea caves, and their rock sculpture consists more of great columns and arches, stalactita and stalagmite formations, as found i» limestone country, being entirely absent. While they are bound to become popular with visitors to the Sounds, they possess the drawback of being only accessible in smooth weather, a factor which eannqt be relied upon with any; certainty in these waters. On the latest visit the party had been waiting several days before an opportunity offered, and then had to make the trip at a moment's notice. The party proceeded by launch to Okukari, where Mr. J. Perano and his two sons, who originally discovered the caves, .took charge of proceedings. The entrance to the first of the caves was made through a great corridor, or vestibule, formed by precipitous cliffs, which ended in a low doorway overhanging the narrow channel. With rocks only a few inches away on either side of tho launch, the passage through the cave proved somewhat thrilling, though not of very long duration. Emerging into daylight again, the party was confronted with the entrance to the second cavern, a high and uarrovr gap in the cliff face. Entering this a deep channel was traversed for a length of about two hundred feet, the cay» walls being composed of the usual coast rock formation. The third cavern had a wider entrance, and the party explored it for a distance of some three hundred feet, when they discovered that it split up into several smaller caves, which appeared to run a long distance into ths rock. At this point the interior formed an impressive sight, with its innumerable huge water-worn rock pillars supporting the shadowy roof, their bases dimly illumined by the rippling of phosphorescent wavelets against the sides of the cave. The feeling engendered was that of being in some huge subterranean vault. The last cave proved to be the most impressive of all, and brought forth expressions of wonder and admiration from members of the party. The walls of the cavern are softly tinted in various colours formed by the different minerals of which they are composed, while sharp pinnacles of the same material hanging from the Toof are no doubt what gave- rise to the report of thero being stalactites in the caves. These formations are very like some of the Waitomo stalactites at first glance, but on closer inspection are found to lack the lovely creamy tones of limestone, while still possessing an elusiv* colouring of their own. Like the others this "Fairy Grotto," as it has been christened, is a true sea-worn cave cut from the solid rock by the action of the ocean waves through ages long past. Apart from the uncertainty of access there is no doubt that these newly-dio-covered caves are destined to become very popular with visitors to the Soundi during the holiday season of the year, and will add yet another attraction to, the many for- which the Dominion is becoming famous in all parts of t!)» Tvorld.