A Trip to Wonderland and Back.

Hastings Standard, Issue 260, 2 March 1897, Page 4

A Trip to Wonderland and Back.

By THE SATURATED PILGiiIM. [To THE EblTOl;.] Saturday, Feb. lyth. A splendid morning, bright and clear, with every promise of being one of the finest days we had experienced since we started from home. (We will know all about that to our cost later on). We went down to the river to have a swim, and while there bewailed our bad luck in not providing ourselves with some of Mr Adam King's world-famed fishing tackle, as the Tuanatara river was fairly alive with speckled beauties in pursuit of the fly on which they feed. I would advise all tourists to call on Mi King and provide themselves with a complete turn out for trout fishing, as good sport can be obtained in mostly all the streams that are passed en route. After breakfast we started in high spirits with the prospect of having a beautiful day. Pohatuhararu, the curious rocky mound at Atiamuri, soon appeared in view, although a long way off. The drive from Tuanatara is very monotonous, with nothing of any particular interest to be seen on the way. In due time we arrive at Atiamuri, where I had the pleasure of meeting another very old friend, Mr John Hall, at one time clerk and interpreter at the Magistrates' Court at liotorua. Time has dealt very lightly with my old friend. On again and an uphill climb until we reach a good camping place for lunch. After partaking of a hastilyprepared lunch and enjoying a good rest, we start again thoroughly refreshed and invigorated on the remaining part of the day's journey. The site of Messrs Hellier and Hammock's old station is left behind, and shortly after a church, or chapel, on our right, which has been erected since I left here. lam given to understand it is a Mormon place of worship, one of their missionaries being settled here. We pass the site of the old camp we occupied on our trip up, and stopped for a short time to have a look for an article lost by one of the party on our way up, but were unsuccessful in our search. One of the native women from whom we obtained the water on our last trip has had the misfortune to lose a little child since we were here, death having claimed its victim. Another start and on past Pukitaruta, the old racecourse, Hurinui Bush and settlement. I forgot to mention in my journey up that Mr Seymour George, a relative of Sir George Grey (I believe a nephew) once had a nice and comfortable dwelling here, the garden being tastefully laid out in fruit and ornamental trees. I have often picked strawberries there. The whole surroundings have now gone to wreck and ruin. On again towards Taupo, the weather now begining to look very threatening, with thunder to be heard distinctly in the distance. We had hardly gone four miles when it commenced to rain. I have seen rain in Australia, Europe, and in the tropics, but rain such as that I have neve seen before. It was not rain but a downpour, it fairly coming down in bucketfulls. accompanied by blinding flashes of lightning and ear-splitting peals of thunder. Nothing could face it ; the horses turned the traps round on the road with their backs to it. Thank goodness it did not last long, but one such a storm as that is quite enough in a life time. We go bowling along past the blowhole, across the hot creek, and up the cutting, when Taupo and its surroundings come in view. A beautiful sight it is indeed, after our terrible experience. There is a nice down hill grade here. The Waikato river is crossed, and we travel into the township of Taupo in great style, where we pulled up for a short time to inquire for letters and telegrams. Tam sorry to say that our Chief received a wire of a very painful nature, acquainting him of a serious accident that had befallen a relative. The receipt of this information altered all our plans for the return journey, and cast a gloom over all the party. Another move on to the Terrace Hotel, where we received a hearty welcome from Messrs Hart and Mclnlay, the proprietors. A good hath, a change of clothing, a plentiful supper, and all the bodily troubles are forgot for the present. Having had a trying and arduous day we all retired early to rest. During the night the rain commenced falling again in earnest, continuing all through the remainder of the night. Sunday, 11th Febuary. Uain still coming down in torrents. Another break" up in the party must be noted, as our leader intended to push on to Tarawera, being anxious to reach home as quickly as possible on account of the bad news he had received at Taupo, and two more of our companions stated their intention of going with him. About eleven o'clock although ti 1 i raining with no signs of abatement, they started, and had the advantage of a light trap and a tip-top team of hordes ami the bos; vva a good amateur whip. Three of us were now left at the Terrace Hotel. I consider it is a thousand pities that a Hamtorium could not be erected at the Terrace, as no such bracing climate for invalids is to be met with in all '• Wonderland,'' the atmoshere is perfectly pure mul clear in consequence of its high altitude. Its height renders it free from all malaria or fever. The drainage is perfect ; no >ueh thing as a.swamp or swarupy ground anyway near, with Mich beautiful vitws !■> divirt the at'ention of the invalid* from th' adii.t iu->, and bat is- of i vviy de-cription to hand. The wonder to n-e is that it hs- not t«• u ojwm da. a Nanitoruitu long 1 «hou!d not be :Urj!ii-"d if tiji ( rrnui nt -hoisld .tl any tiuv i! -.v. in ma*;> r, and that th<- inhabitants of /.»aland on thi m-1. of T.oip . li.ivi' a banat'j rium of their own.

No place of divine worship handy, nothing to do the remainder of the <i:i v but eat usid sleep. We:?flier still raieiug, and looking baa. .uonday, j* i-b. !•>. The weather look-, belter Pais Morning, and after breakfast we decide to push on. After wishing all hands at the Terrace good-bye ami thanks for their kindness, we start to retrace our steps over the old familiar road. Past Opipi, on to Kangatakei, and over a small stream, the bridge of which bears the name of many prominent men from Hastings. We stop here to feed the horses and have lunch, Mr Taylor, the roadman, joining us in our frugal meal. All hands and horses being satisfied we yoke up again, and off we go right merrily. Nothing of note T happened until we reach the welcome " Nunnery," where we camp. No mirth or diversion to be met with in the camp, so the sooner we are disbanded and parted the better. I trust the following lines may not be out of place, or taken for granted that I want to parade my wonderful and unlimited knowledge of the different localities visited and the histories and legends attached to each, and how they derive their names. The " countless, enthralled, and interested readers " (although Ido not say it myself) of this very interesting, historical, and highly-instructive narrative who may have travelled over the ground with me may like to know how this out-of-the-way plac£" should be called the " Nunnery." I will tell them. Years ago in the old lighting days great expeditions were always being organised and warlike preparations made on a large scale to attack different places, all of which generally ended in wind or smoke. One of these expeditions on a large scale, thoroughly equipped and officered, and manned by the best men of the colonial forces, were sent to destroy this Hauhaus' stronghold which was reported to be almost impregnable, and filled with tried rebel warriors who intended to do or die. The stronghold was taken one early morn at the point of the bayonet, and was found to contain half-a-dozen old irahiiics. Hence the " Nunnery." Tuesday Feb. 16th. The morning being anything but promising, we resume our journey in a very spiritless manner, with no harmless jokes or laughter now to inliven us. We jog on until we reach Tarawera, and effect some needed repairs, and have a short chat with Mr Heherley about the gold-bearing aspect of the country. Now comes the tug of war over bad roads and hills that takes some climbing. Patience and perseverance having overcome all difficulties we reach the Pohui Hotel, wet, weary, mud-bespattered, and hungry. All of us limp as boiled tripe. We remain here for the night. (To BE CoNTIMJKD.)