WORK AT WHAKAREWAREWA.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 203, 21 October 1896, Page 2

WORK AT WHAKAREWAREWA.

At the invitation of Mr Malfroy a visit was paid to the Geyser Area at Whakarewarewa on Monday last for the purpose of seeing the work already done as surveyed by Mr Baber and gaining an idea of what is intended to be done to further opening up the place by roads and footpaths. Passing the track leading to the settlement we proceeded along the Taupo road a little way to where a short detour leads to an eminence overlooking the now silent Waikite and giving a view of the whole series of geysers. We would recommend those about to visit Whakarewarewa for the first time to proceed to this vantage point and if they are fortunate to secure the companionship of some one who knows the locality a comprehensive idea may be obtained of the whole system which will simplify matters when they proceed to a closer acquaintanceship. As far as Waikite itself is concerned distance lends enchantment to the view, and the terrace formation may be seen to far more advantage than when viewed closely. In 18(38, Mr Malfroy informed us, there were not 50 square yards of this beautiful white sinter formation but by judiciously conducting the water over what was rather a treacherous surface a coating of silica was deposited which enables the visitor to form, at least, a faint idea of the glories of the lost Terraces of Roto' mahana. The course of the various roads and footpaths is pointed out from here by Mr Malfroy. After crossing the bridge one drive branches towards Turikore or the Spoilt Bath, and the curious congeries of hot springs and lakelets of various colours in that direction. The road to the right passes through the native settlement above I'arekohura and the other cooking and bathing pools, ascends tin; hill Towards the native burying ground (wahitupapa) which it skirts and then by a gentle descent passes between the Wairoa and Waikorobihi geysers. A little distance past this point various footpaths branch off leading to Waikite ; to the cave where the legendary native hid himself till he was dragged out and his brains cooked in the Brain Pot; to a low bluff on the creek from which a good view of the "Torpedo" geyser and theßlack Terrace may be obtained. The main road, however, continues onwards as far as Papakura, the geyser lying furthest up the creek, then circles round the foot of the hill and returns by the upper side of Waikite and so along till it joins the other road. Having thus had a birds-eye view of the locality a course was steered for the rickety bridge by which access is gained to the geyser area. A new bridge, strong and wide enough for vehicular traffic, will be built here. In fact the necessary excavations in the hard rock for the reception of the main supports arc now made and the work goes on at once. The new structure will occupy precisely the same position as the old one and the work of erection will be carried on without, interrupting the traffic. Crossing over to the settlement Mr Purcell leads the way and we mount to the brow of the hill overlooking Wairoa. Waikorobihi, Nga Mahunga, (the Twins), and Pohutu. Wairoa we are informed by Sophia, who joins us here, has been very active of late and on Sunday last Pohutu played splendidly for over two hours without any saponaceous assistance. Descending to the Geyser Plateau Wairoa could bo heard spluttering and growling in a threatening manner. Waikorobihi was silent which was a point in favor of Pohutu declaring itself. But although the deep well of Te Horo was boiling briskly and forcing up great gouts of water to a height of four or five feet the mighty Pohutu declined to perform. At intervals strong jets of water were thrown out of the small fissure, known as the Indicator, a sure sign that the big geyser would sooner or later erupt. Now and again the muffled crack of the Torpedo Geyser in the bed of the creek can be heard, its detonations sounding like distant musketry, and Koreru from its black sinter terrace gives evidence also of activity. With all these mighty forces around us in open rebellion against tneir confinement it is not surprising that we feel the ground throb and pulsate under foot. In regard to Pohutu Mr Malfroy informs us that he intends to do something which will cause it to play regularly every day at a certain hour. At'present the water in Waikite has receded too far out of reach to allow that geyser to be revived at present. After leaving the plateau the main road proceeds as before indicated, the branch traciks leading off in various directions. A considerable amount of work has still to be done to the higher portion of the road, between the pa and the plateau. The formation is either hard sinter rock or soft friable silicated vegetable matter. The Jatter is easily enough got through and the surplus makes a fine blinding material. The sinter rock requires an occasional " shot " of dynamite to shift it. The footpaths (along which an invalid's chair jpould be easily wheeled) are nicely graded and in places have been provided with borders composed of specimens of petrified and silicated vegetable matter obtained in the course of excavation. A considerable amount of tree-planting has also been carried out, but there seems to bo some reason in the objection that more English trees have been planted than those native to the soil. Approaching Waikite by one of the footpaths and ascending the terrace formation to the main fissure one can hear the water rumbling and growling below and occasionally a jet of steam shoots out—but that is, all. There are also numerous safety valves on the flat ground at the rear of the fissure and the probabilities are that if these were closed up and covered with water so as to confine the steam Waikite would burst into activity. In the cave also a little distance from Waikite is a small geyser which plays frequently, but not to any great height, and is thought to exercise an unwholesome influence over its big neighbour. However it may be, Mr Malfroy has a b'g contract in hand in bringing Waikite back into the fold of reputable and reliable ge\-sers, but of its successful issue there is, in our mind, not the least doubt. After a careful inspection and a tolerably clear .perception of what still remains to be done, we think that the reading of the geyser area will add immensely to the attractions of this town. There will be nothing to deter invalids from making a thorough tour of this remarkable spot where there are more geysers within a given length than in any other place in the thermal district. This work completed we should like to see Arikikapakapa and the Kuintu treated in a similar manner and thjreby still more enhance the value of the town proper in the eyes of sightseers.