ABBEY CAVES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 110, 5 April 1930, Page 4

ABBEY CAVES.

YOUNG MEN’S ADVENTURE. WANDERINGTN DARKNESS. WHANGAREI, April 2. Situated on the farther side of Parahaki and within easy tramping, distance of Whangarei ; lie the Abbey Caves, the wonders of which are little realised. The inspection of these caves offers adventure in plenty to those, prepared for some discomfort 1 and not a little danger, for the way underground is very broken and full of surprises. Two young men; one well" acquainted forith the locality, had exciting experiences last Sunday. .They, first, entered the main cave, which is nearest; the main road. In it the glow-worms shed a soft light from a canopy high overhead, and find-a..reflection in- the icecold stream which follows the" path. One of the-younginen, who haa.twice Visited Waitomo, considers . the glowworm display ih the Abbey Caves the best he has ever seen. ‘ The big) cave stretc/hes for chains into the hill, and after traversing ,it for. a considerable distance without seeing an indication of the end: the' party-,, which at this point comprised four persons, retraced .their steps to the open. r • The entrance td the second principal cave is behind a large limestone outcrop, from which the derive their, name, and it is extremely difficult of ,access. .'"After travelling a hundred (yards two of the expedition would not [.venture further, but -their companions Went on. The cave :was very damp and 1 seemed to develop into three terraces, | each a separate tunnel, with numerous ■ grottos, of pearl-white.limestone. The Uides and roof were solid rock, and [there was no insect life to lighten-the darkness. ' One man slipped in a crevasse and remained wedged, but. with the assistance lof his companion he freed himself and I plunged on. At last, after nearly two (hours’ wandering, light was seen, and I the pair, jubilant, found themselves in 'a bread passage leading to the entrance of another cave, and to the; sunshine. The party intend to return to the .fcaves with proper equipment, including a boat, and to chart them ,thoroughly. ■ ,