Tripping to Taranaki

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21758, 24 March 1934, Page 4 (Supplement)

Tripping to Taranaki

By MAVIS V. ARM IT AGE (ape 19 years). M.8.G., Waimauku, Kiiipnru Line.

Of our party I was tho onl.v, one who stopped into the big white bus which would carry me to far-away New , Plymouth. Journeys always seem more adventurous when one is alone, particularly if one does not happen to bo quito grown-up, ,80 it was with a thrill of expectancy that I started ofF onco more for a fresh destination. To Kuiti showed to advantage from the clijnb up the winding roadway as tho mist, in groat white curlers, rose from the low-lying township, clinging in wisps about the encircling hills. When Te Kuiti disappeared from view I felt that tho last material link with the wildly beautiful King Country was severed. Then—a little diversion. Not scenery this time, but tho driver, with an accurate eye for measuring, tossing the papers, sometimes in front of the bus, where, after, a scries of flips and turns, each one landed exactly where it was destined. We passed by various townships until we reached Waitoa, where we lunched. I was rather fascinated with the open streets and refreshing sea breeze, while tho wide, blue river flowed out to the ocean behind the village. Continuing the journey, I enjoyed the novelty of passing over the Mokau Bridge, with the water, so enticing and summery, flowing beneath. As we sped by the foaming white breakers I little anticipated the delightful surprise in wait, which to me was breathtaking. Although I can see it clearly before my vision now, words sufficiently beautiful Beem inadequate to express the simple glory of Mount Egmont. Can you imagine the land, green and beautiful, with the hard sand beneath, on which the waves, tossed into white fury, beat incessantly ? A sea of exquisite blue, jewelled with'bits of dancing sunshine, while Mount Egmont, after a heavy fall of snow the previous night, reared up beyond tho water, bearing with gracious dignity her crown of pure white snow. Iu extreme beauty the lovely mountain stood out from an azure sky. Then up and up tho winding bushclad heights of Mount Messenger, until wo . eventually reached the summit, 010 ft. above sea level, with thick, luxuriant bush covering the mountain. The refreshing climb was almost equal to an exhilarating walk, so lovely were the surroundings. Then tho descent; peeps below of winding road, fern-clad corilers and green depths, cooling after ascending the mount. Afterward the run seemed very level and the country homes less scattered, especially as we approached Waitara, surrounded with farms that really seemed prosperous. Waitara is by no means a small town; in fact, when my eyes alighted upon the little city bordered with gleaming water I thought we had arrived at Taranaki's capital. But ever onward, running along the white roads, guarded by the Angel of Taranaki, the mountain. Then, thicker traffic, a rumbling, large buildings,.and we entered the city of New Plymouth, which appealed to me chiefly, perhaps, because of its glorious landmark, Mount Egmont.