THERMAL WONDERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18942, 13 February 1925, Page 10

THERMAL WONDERS.

AMERICANS IMPRESSED. TROUT FISHING SURPRISES. GREATER PUBLICITY NEEDED. [by telecrum.—own correspondent. ] TAUPO. Thursday. The Masonic party of American visitors left here this morning by special cars for Waimarino. They have been for several days at Wairakei. Tho party visited the well-known geyser valley, and viewed the other thermal sights. Members of tho party stated that the geyser valley was one of the wonders of their tour, and that it eclipsed the thermal sights of the Yellowstone Park in the United States. A day was spent trolling on the lake, and the size of tho trout caught was, as one of the party put it, "almost unbelievable." Sir. C. E. Blanchard, of San Francisco, fished for an hour with the fly in the Waikato River, adjacent to Wairakei, and landed two fi3h, averaging 101b. each. They were taken into the dining room in triumph by Mr. Blanchard, to exhibit to the other members of the party, who were at dinner, and this first sight of Nevv Zealand trout caused something of a sensation. A typical Maori entertainment was given last night at Wairakei by local natives, when hakas and poi dances were performed. Several members of the party stated that the attractions of Wairakei and Taupo would get much welldeserved publicity in the United States as a result of their visit. One visitor remarked that the Aratiatia rapids had a charm and beauty not. possessed by the greater rapids above the Niagara Falls. "Some of us are coming to see the Wairakoi-Taupo wonderland again," he concluded, "and we will bring our friends. You New Zealanders should advertise it more. It certainly is a real wonderland."