ROTORUA NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8530, 2 April 1891, Page 5

ROTORUA NEWS.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] Rotorua, Wednesday. Yesterday a i.<au narrowly escaped falling into a boiling spring, and was thus saved from a horrible death. The spring in question has long been regarded as dangerous, being situated near Mr. Loriman's blacksmith shop, alongside the main Tauranga road. Those entrusted with the lives and property of the community have here a duty to perform, which, if not attended to at once, something more serious than a narrow escape will have to be chronicled. Both sides of the road, from the Utuhina river to the large Kuiarau spring, should be fenced, as there are boiling springs and hot water all the way just at > the edge of the footpath. Cattle, whilst being driven along in mobs have been frequently frightened near this spot *nd many of them scalded. The steaui at times is like a dense fog, and instances might be cited of horses plunging with fear as they inhale the sulphurous fumes, thereby placing the lives of passengers in jeopardy. On a recent occasion the incumbent of the church of England made a charge of £1 Is for attending the burial of a corpse. As there was considerable dolibts in the mind of many as to the legality of such a claim the master was represented to Archheacon Williams, who expressed his surprise, never having heard of such a thing before, and requested that the money be refunded, he taking upon himself all responsibility in connection therewith.

The remains of a native woman named Makarino were brought from Waikato, where she (lied a few days ago, and taken to Te Koutu to-day. A tangi is now being held which will be attended by all the Ngatiwhakaue to-morrow. A number of tourists are witnessing the proceedings. • The petition to a Wellington solicitor re the sale of the township, has been forwarded to its destination; bearing 160 signatures. Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch and Miss Dod left for Waikato this morning. ■ Mr. J. W. Taine returned from Auckland yesterday.