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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 11097, 14 December 1898, Page 3

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♦ Tho editor does uofc hoid himaolf responsible for opiiiionn oxprossed by corrcspoiulonts. THE HAWKE'S BAY MOUNTAINS. Sir, — 1 am under theirnpresEion that not many of the Napier and Hawke's Bay residents aie awaro of tho beautiful scenei^t. lying close to their doors and so easy of access. I feel that a few lines on the subject may be of interest to your readers. Starting from Waipawa on a beautiful morning, we had a most delightful drive across the Euataniwha plains. At the end of threo and a-half hours' drive we find ourselves entering the bush district of Whakarara. Here we had a good metalled road to the end of our journey. In fact the road is splendid the whole distance at this time of the year. Next morning, under the guidance of Mr Alf. Symons, we commence our walk equipped for two days. Our way takes us through a stretch of beautiful green bush beside a splendid stream. Such a stream ia not met with every day, clothed on both sides with beautiful ferns and shrubs. After about an hour's interesting walk we commence our climb, still under cover of the evergreen bush. Wo climb steadily for something over an hour, when we find ourselves on the top of a high spur, whore, on looking back, a fine view of the plains and surrounding district is to be had. After a few minutes' rest we resume our climb, the grade now being much easier, and every few yards inoro interesting. Our guide tells us after what appears to be a short space of time that we are close to the top, which, to my surprise, was but a short distance away. On arriving at the top mentioned, we find our guide divesting himself of his swag, he intimating that we must camp at this spot for the night. We boil the billy here, there being plenty of wood and water. After lunch we stroll to the top of the Kuahine, where we behold a most lovely view. Ruapehulooms up in all its glory directly in front of you, and a grand sight it is ■with its snow-capped Bummlt. A finer sight it has not been my lot to witness. Tongariro and Ngaruahoe are seen to great advantage. Then there are the beautifully wooded slopes with many creeks and waterfalls leading down from the Kuahine to the open country below. The course of the Kangitikei river can bo traced. I was, so the guide tells me, extremely fortunate in obtaining a view of Mount Egmont. It was to be seen quite distinctly with the naked eye. And a grand sight it is. It is only when the atmosphere is particularly clear a view of this flue mount may be had. After spending an hour or so admiring the beautiful scenery we wend our way back to camp. Our tents pitched, we settle ourselves down for the evening. We divide our time reading, card-playing, &c, till supper time, when a billy of cocoa is handed in. After supper bunks are made down and we prepare for a well-earned sleep. Now many of us have seen the sun rise in town, but the sunrise on the Kuahine is well worth witnessing. Our ladies were charmed. It must not be surmised that our party consisted solely of gentlemen, as by this route ladies who are fair pedestrians may easily accomplish this ascent. One lady of over 50 summers did tho trip from Mr Symons' residence to the camp in five hours. The other two ladies, being younger, accomplished tho journey easily. We had a cup of tea at 5 o'clock, which was very acceptable, and the mountain air sharpening our appetites we anxiously awaited the call to breakfast. At 6.30 a.m. wo breakfast, never, by the way, seeming to tire of that delicious billy tea. After breakfast we went to tho top of View Peak. The snows are fast disappearing from a high and rugged peak named Eanga-te-atua, the highest point on the range — 6300 feet above sea level. We spent the forenoon in sight-seeing and gathering rare mountain flora. Many rare and beautiful plants are to be seen at this altitude. Our party inscribed their names on a paper which is kept in a tin on tho top of View Peak for tht visitors to record their visit. I was suf prised to find there were not more names We were shown a copy of the " Austral asian" which has been exposed to th< weather for some years, and is still it good preservation. At 12.30 we arrive at the camp, when we lunch, our appetites as keen as ever It is really surprising how one can eat or these occasions. After lunch tents an struck, swags rolled up, and we commeuo our homeward march. On the dowi grade we travel fairly fast and soon fin< ourselves again beside the Mangataun stream. A short march brings us back b Mr Symons' house where we arrive ii time for tea. Next morning we leave am catch the train at Waipawa for home feeling thoroughly satisfied with what is ono of the most enjoyable outiogs to be had in Hawke's Bay. To those who would like an outing of this description I would say communicate with Mr Symons, who would, I feel sure, put what accommodation he has at the disposal of visitors during their stay. The trip is not expensive. J?ine bracing climate, splendid bush and mountain scenery, rare plants and ferns for the botanist, i'or the photographer there are rugged mountain views, waterfalls; and other scenery. Streams are well stocked with fish, and shooting in season. From the top of tho range a view may be had from Mahia to Woodville, Kangitikei, and Awarua on the other side. This route, I may add, is the shortest and easiest to be had to the top of tho range, also the highest. One member of our party who suffored from acute asthma, is contemplating taking up his residence hero, he finding the air very beneficial to his ailment. This information may be of service to others. As a health resort it is not to be surpassed. — I am, &c, Jas. C. Melville. December 13th, 1898.

I was seriously afflicted with a cough for several years, and last fall had a more severe cough than ever before. I have used many remedies without receiving much relief, and being recommended to try a bottlo of Chamberlain's Cough Eoinody by a friend who, knowing mo to bo a poor widow, gavo it to me. I tried it, and with the most gratifying rosults. Tho first bottle relieved me very much, and the second bottle has absolutely cured mo. I have not had as good health for 20 years. Kespectfully, Hits Mabt A. Beakd, Clarouiore, Ark. Sold by A. Eccles, Wholesale and Eetail Chemist, Napier and Hastings Liver Complaint and Pilea cured by Do Winton's Pills. Price la 6(1. J. S. Welsman has just received a Bplondid assortment of Hair Brushes direct from tho makers ex Sto of New Zealand ; also Clothes Brashes., Spouses, Sritzogeiies, Perfumes &c. Fruit Syrups, ruro Liuio Juice, Fiuvorlnit EbSOiiMB, Superior Uuluug Powder f» nio immediate production of caked, puddings 4c. Tho Pharmnoy, Hastings-street,— Advt, ; "^i