BUS TOUR OF NORTHLAND

Northern Advocate, 4 January 1938, Page 6

BUS TOUR OF NORTHLAND

In a letter to the Editor of the “Northern Advocate.” “Tourer," of Kamo, describes in detail a lour of Northland undertaken by a party of 12, on December 27. Leaving Whangarei by 'bus, the tourists covered the complete circuit of the Northland Pi’ovincc —a distance of approximately 200 miles —in twelve hours.

“Tourer,” who gives the heights of almost every sizeable hill passed, also takes opportunity to comment on some of the more outstanding sections of the journey. At Ware, the limestone rocks were displayed to good advantage in the morning sunlight, reminding our correspondent of “the ruins of ancient bax’onies. with their castle walls broken down and lying in utter decay, and interspersed with beautiful bush.”

“Fi’om Towai,” he continues, “the read travels high up oxx the eastern slopes of the Maromaku Valley, a dale bejewelled with fertile pastures and beautiful homesteads.” Commenting on the historically interesting battleground lying between Moerewa and Ohaeawai, remarks that it is here that the Maoris made such strenuous efforts to stem the tide of the white man’s invasion. “Whatever may be said of the Maori as a heathen people.” “Tourer” comments, “the knowledge that they could forget their feudal deeds and join forces with their man-power to hold back the foreigner and prevent him taking their kingdom from them by force of war, proves something in their heathen creed which we Britishers,, the conquerox’s, respect and honour; out here are evidences for even greater respect than even giving battle to the foreigners. Here are works of superb intelligence and a resolute determination to withstand assault, invoking much preparation and forethought.” His latter remarks refer to the huge earthworks raised by the Maoris as part of their defence system. At Kaikohe, the party had some difficulty in obtaining refreshments, due to labour costs during holidays forcing the restaurants there to remain closed. Hokianga Harbour particularly impressed the tourists, who lunched at Opononi. The homeward route lay through the Waipoua Forest and the Trounson Kauri Park. At Kaihu a stop was made to enable the party to inspect the very fine collection of kauri gum owned by the hotel proprietor. Refreshments were taken at Dargaville before the last stage of tlxe homeward journey was commenced. Unfortunately, time did not permit a close inspection of the Wairoa Falls, which “Tourer” describes as the widest natural waterfall in New' Zealand.