THE SCENERY OF THE NORTH

Evening Star, Issue 14512, 2 November 1910, Page 5

THE SCENERY OF THE NORTH

INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS. ' At last night’s meeting of the Otago Institute Mr A. Bathgate gave an account of a recent trip to the North. In order to . see the scenery ho went as far as laihapo by the Auckland express, and proceeded by slow train to Taumanmni. He was rewarded with a succession of glorious views of Ruapehu, which he described as the grandest mountain he had yet seen in New Zealand (not excepting Mount Cook or Mount Egrnoet), rising as it did from the plain against tho clear blue sky, and, thickly covered with dazzling snow almost to the bush >ine, it made a most impressive spectacle. , A divergence was made from the Mam Trunk line to visit the Waipomo Caves. Xh#s was attended with difficulties, not the least being the state of tlu road, whicii for nearly the entire way was nothing but a slough of thick, tenacious clay, resembling Irickmaker’s pug, halfway up to the axle. At the caves the Government have erected a fine hostel, almost too grand in some of the details, which stands high and overlooks the valley. The caves were described as well worth a visit, there being a very fine stalactitic formation, though not equal in variety or extent to the famous Jenolan Caves of New' South Wales. But Waipomo possesses a unique feature in a glow-worm cave, which is weirdly beautiful. Visitors embark in a boat, and in utter darkness glide slowly down a stream, while overhead tho toof of the cave is like a clear, starry sky. Strict silence is enjoined, as the guide asserts that the glowworms, which are the larva; of a fly, extinguish their light if a noise is made. A run to Rotorua was made to see the plantations, which were just beginning to bo made on the occasion of the speaker’s former visit Astonishment was expressed at the marvellous growth made jay the trees, especially at Waiotapu. Surprise was expressed that the deciduous trees seen all the way north were no further advanced in leafage than those of Dunedin, while the kowhaf, if anything, was later in flowering. On the other hand, the Indian azaleas and arum lilies were further advanced and in full flower. On the way homo tho West Wanganui inlet, now called West Haven, was visited. It lies west of Collingwood, in the Nelson district, and when tho tide is in has a magnificent sheet of water, surrounded by beautiful wooded hills, enclosing many lovely bays and arms, one at least four miles long. For ten miles the road to Faparau lies along mud flats, so only at •low water can it be traversed. A bridge across a creek was found encrusted with mussels, whilst at high tide the orthodox handrail was submerged many feet. There is a tidal rise in the inlet of 14ft. The Faparau is a beautiful river, flowing between wooded banks, with nikau palms and large tree ferns peeping out in greatabundance. Many of the trees and shrubs w’ero of interest, and strange to Southerners. The Eabdothamnus solandi, which, according to Cheesaman, is confined to the North Island, was found in full flower. Many native birds were seen or heard.’ Tuis were numerous, bell birds less so, and kakas and a wood pigeon were seen, while the unmistakable chatter of a parrakeet was heard, as was the cry of the wcki. Later on moreporks called to one another. Perhaps tho most interesting bird was tho utick, or fern bird. One was seen and several heard in the open fern above tho bush. This bird was supposed to be extinct on the mainland, but it apparently still exists in the South Island.