TEE ROYAL RECEPTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11629, 17 April 1901, Page 7

TEE ROYAL RECEPTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— I would suggest to the Entertainment Committee that one day be allotted to taking the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on a trip to see the kauri forest, and our beautiful native bush, and the grand scenery on the West Coast. This could easily be accomplished in ono day, without unnecessary fatigue, if properly managed. A special train could leave town early in the morning for the Waikumeto station, where carriages or breaks could meet the Royal party and drive to the coast, where saddled horses could be in readiness to ride to the many beautiful spots on the coast, such as Blowhole Bay, the Big Cliff, Stepmother's Rock, Mercer's Bay, etc. The Waitemata County Council could be approached for the purpose of getting the water-tables out on the road, anil the committee could spend a few pounds in improving the tracks to the best of the views. The journey to tho coast from the Waikumete railway station can be done in two hours very comfortably, if a change of horses is provided at Nihotupu, which will leave tho Royal visitors ample time to view tho scenery there. When Lord Ranfurly, Lord Beauchamp, and suite visited the kauri forest, the journey was done in one and a-half hours from the Waikumete station to the forest (without a change of horses), which is only half-an-hour's drive from the coast. This need not be an oxpensive trip, for I am sine the settlers would willingly assist in any way possible in making it a success. I am convinced that if this expenditure is arranged for, their Royal Highnesses will be as much gratified with , it a3 they will with their visit to Rotorua. ! The kauri forest and tho beautiful New Zealand bush to bo seen on the West Coast Road cannot be surpassed in any part of the country. For the entertainment and gratification of our Royal visitors, and the credit of the City of Auckland, it will be a very grave mistako if this trip is not carried out. Very often in the month of June we have the most charming weather one could do- | sire. What could he more pleasing to our Royal visitors and more lasting in their memory of our city than a ride or drive through our native forest, and tho sights we are able to show them so close to the town. In snorts and races we are not able to compete" with Old . England, but our native scenery cannot be surpassed in any part of the world. —I am, etc.. A Lover of Nature.