THE RIVER WONDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22568, 11 May 1935, Page 9

THE RIVER WONDER

DAY AT VICTORIA FALLS EXPERIENCES OF IMPERIAL PRESS DELEGATES HIPPOS AND MONKEYS There wero shrieks of delight from the delegates to the fifth Imperial Press Conference when they saw five hippos swim in slow procession down the Zambesi River, within a few hundred yards of Victoria Falls. The visitors were proceeding in launches up the river when the hippopotami suddenly appeared, and, as the launches drew quite close, the hippos took up a position at the mouth of a small stream and gave the delegates a thrill which all will long remember. For a while only the heads of these huge animals remained above vater, but eventually one by one they stood up and gave the pressmen an excellent view. Thus many of the visitors had their first experience of seeing wild animals in their natural state, and they lingered for quite a while in order to obtain photographic records to show to their friends in the far-off countries which they represented. There were _ three adults and two young hippos in the group, and it is said that they frequently come from up-river, especially when the Zambesi is in flood, remaining for weeks at a time close to the falls before returning to their natural habits. The tropical growth on the heavilytimbered Zambesi proved also a great fascination, and the delegates, derived much amusement from groups of monkeys as they dashed excitedly from tree to* tree. The natives in picturesque attire were of all-absorbing interest, and the delegates found themselves in an atmosphere filled with one exciting thrill after another. The visitors were advised to keep a sharp look out for a crocodile, but, although they are frequently seen, and the delegates eagerly scanned the banks of the Zambesi, this was their only disappointment. "ONLY A PERSPIRATION."

Of the Victoria Falls volumes have been written. They are far-famed, and Southern Africa's claim to the possession of the world's leading river attraction would be difficult to dispute. Many of the delegates had already visited Niagara, and it was generally considered that Victoria Falls surpass anything the Americans can claim in this respect. The story is told of an American who, after gazing admiringly at the Victoria Falls, exclaimed, "Well, after that I guess Niagara is only a perspiration! " Victoria Falls were first brought to the notice of the world in 1855, when David Livingstone traversed the continent of Africa from west to east, and they can, with justice, be described as a gratifying "Mecca" of every traveller to-day. The falls are over a mile wide, and the drop to the Zambesi River ranges from 320 feet to 400 feet. The natural grandeur of the falls has in no way been tampered with—as Livingstone, saw it 80 years ago, so the press delegates saw on their visit the enormous volume of water dashing its way down the faced block basaltic rock to foam and roar in the narrow chasm which winds its tortuous way below. FALLS AT THEIR GRANDEST.

A remarkable peculiarity of the falls is that the general level of the country remains the same above and below the cataracts, the water disappearing into a great fissure or canyon, the precipitous sides of which are at right angles to the course of the river, thus providing wonderful vistas from every vantage point. During the time the delegates were there the falls were at their grandest, as the Zambesi River was high, following heavy autumn rains, and thus its beauty was added to by the dense spray which rose from the water many hundreds of feet above the surrounding countryside. Sometimes it hangs like a curtain 1000 feet above the falls. Clad in oilskins and wearing only light clothing, and all looking like long-lost mariners in their sou'-westers, parties of press delegates spent a whole aay looking at the falls from various points, and it was almost impossible to decide which was the best view. The spray was so thick that they were fairly well drenched, and thus were grateful for the raiment so thoughtfully provided to visitors by the hotel management. Thus, spellbound, they stood where Livingstone stood three-quarters of a century ago, and where his statue Btands to-day, on the very brink of the milewide plunge of the Zambesi River into the narrow and winding gorge 400 feet below, with the spray lashing their faces, hearing the deafening thunder of the mighty cataract, watching the rainbows in their many brilliant'colours, dancing before the spray, with the whole expanse of the falls spread out in full view. Never can such a memory fade from the minds of those who beheld this majestic scene. MODESTY OF RHODESIANS.

Standing there they marvelled at the modesty of the Rhodesians. They have the greatest river wonder of the world, yet among the many attractions for tourists it is not brought very prominently before them. The tourist traffic is, nevertheless, considerable, and must assume great proportions when " the smoke that thunders," as the falls are called, are better known to travellers overseas.

' It was a surprise to the delegates on their arrivaal to find themselves accommodated in one of the largest hotels, and certainly the most modern hotel in Southern Africa, set in beautiful surroundings within a few hundred yards of the falls. The visitor found that his comfort was the main consideration of the management, and he had to confess that his expectations of an out-back hotel, with its crude service, were in no way realised any more than his anticipations that sight-seeing at the falls involved long walks or arduous climbing, such as one experiences in viewing so many of the scenic attractions in most of the countries visited.. The accommodation provided was excellent, and, with the falls only a short distance away, little or no exertion was needed to view them from the best possible vantage points. And, then, when the sightseeing was at an end there awaited the visitors miniature railway carriages on a two foot wide line on which they were pushed back to the hotel by freelyperspiring but hefty native boys, Mho seemed to enjoy thoroughly the task of propelling their freight of sightseers up the "steep incline to their comfortable quarters at the Victoria Falls Hotel. The beaming smiles of these good-natured natives on receiving the few shillings subscribed by the delegates were alone worth the moiiey, apart altogether from the unique little experience of train-travel per man-power on a sweltering hot day. The stay at Victoria Falls was all too short, and the delegates reluctantly bade farewell to an experience which all must long remember as among their most happy and,thrilling recollections.