TAUPO.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 176, 15 April 1896, Page 2

TAUPO.

(FltOM OUII OW.Y COIIREST'OX'DEXT.] We are still having occasional earthquakes, which arc not so much thought of as previously, one was experienced last Friday afternoon about 1.J50 p.m. Host Gallagher has been having extensive alterations- and additions to his premises ; a new store between the old and now hotel buildings, now uniting them. Behind a spacious billiardroom is nearly completed, the architecture and interior finish of which is much admired. When varnished and papered it will be one of the most handsome in the Thermal Springs district'. A newkitchen and domestic dinmg-rooirj is alse, in course of erection. The Domain Reserve lias been fenced in, much to the discoiaforture of tincoaching fraternity and travelling public in particular. The promised artistic gates are still in embryo. The local steamer Tauhara; has been heavily laden lately with extra goods for the Tokaanu native meeting, A tourist staying at Ross and McKinley's Terraces Hotel essayed journeying to the top of the mountain Tauhara* (U.fiOII feet high) in company with an elderly friend also a stranger. The latter returned latethe same night without his companion, who it appears lost his way and found himself at dart in a gully of mudholes and hot springs where he passed an uncomfortable night. Meanwhile tingenial hosts of the Terraces Hot-2 commenced a search, Mr Ross going to the top of the mountain and not returning until 4 p.m. Mr McKinley reported the matter to the police, who, in company with two local gentlemen, promptly started off on horseback as a search party, but were recalled about lir o'clock by the return of the wanderer whose clothes sufferer? severely by his perigrinations but seemed otherwise unconcerned. The place where he must have passed the night is described as one of the most dangerous and treacherous spots along Tauhara, so it behoves strangers to be careful and to take every care, and where not accompanied by a guide to get full information. The ludicruous part is the consternation of the traveller and bis feeling aggrieved that no one saw his signal, namely, a small pocket haiikerchief on sc stick: When the height is considered, and also the distance it makes it the more amusing I The tourist season has not been particularly brisk, although a fair number have "rushed" through without seeing one quarter of the sights of the district. After the recent rains the roads are in good order, the uncomfortable dust is well laid now.