ABOUT THAT MOUNTAIN AND FOREST RESERVE?

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 38, 9 November 1894, Page 3

ABOUT THAT MOUNTAIN AND FOREST RESERVE?

(to the editor.)

Sib,— lt is very gratifying to observe from articles and letters lately appearing in our local papers that there is a strong desire among those interested to do something towards facilitating the ascent of Mount Egmont from the south side, and to provide means whereby less adventurous* persons than those who would reach the summit or (perish the thought !) return home thoroughly “ baked,” after having done half the ascent, might enjoy a few days, or even hours only, of delicious camping out. To those who are for the greater part of the year cooped up within four walls, there is hardly anything so enjoyable or healthful as a week on the slopes of a mountain, drinking the clear sparkling water and inhaling the pure air of a higher altitude than the town on the plains. But, in order to avail themselves of such a treat, it is necessary that there should be some comparatively easy means of reaching the desir* d locality. All residents in this district are doubtless aware—some from experience, others by beresay—that the slopes of Mount Egmont literally abound with beautiful waterfalls, rugged goi’ges, and all the varied scenery that tend to please the eye and charm the heart. Still, these scenes are “so near and yet so far.” There are many ways whereby the distance may be made, if not shorter, at least less tedious, and the most desirable localities less difficult of access. Those who wish to ascend the mountain by way of Dawson’s Falls and Fantham’s Peak, would certainly appreciate any efforts made to improve the route from the head of the Manaia Road. The commencement of the track into the bush is in a wretched and dangerous state, owing to the almost bottomless bog holes to be met with for some little distance. Then further up, and at intervals almost up to the falls, some nasty logs require removing from across the track. A nice little corrugated iron house at the clearing above the falls would be a great boon, as it would save the trouble and labour of camping tents, and loss of time in pitching camy. A very little trouble and expense would also make a good track to the foot of Fantham’s Peak—at present it is atrocious. Mountaineers and pleasure parties would scarcely object to paying Is per bead to a caretaker during the season ; and surely some person could be found who would perform the duties for that sum. It has been suggested that a track should be made for the convenience of Opunake, and the Kiri Road has been mentioned as suitable. Well, perhaps it is—and perhaps it isn’t. What advantage would it be to Opunake people to have a track that, if taken among the foothills to the base of Fautbam’s Peak, would lead them llnough wet lands and swamps, or, by going higher up, to have the steep spurs and deep gorges to contend with ? Apparently the best road for the Opunake people would be by the Eitham Road to the Punehu township; Opunake Road (if navigable) to Rowan Road; and then a t ack from the head of that road either direct to the peak or across to the fal : s; failing this, by the Eltbam Road to Kaponga, and up the Manaia Road, is all that could be desired. So much for Dawson’s Fa'ls and the mountaineering. Now for a glance at this side of the. West Coast show ground. Both north and south have their systems of management for forest conservation, scenery preservation, and tourist perambulation ; this being so, why should there not be a Western Board of Conservators, who could perform their part towards the desired end. Will some one or more of those locally interested kindly take the hint ? This western side of the mountain is not devoid of interest. Waterfalls, deep gorges, high terraces, overhanging precipices, and unsurpassable flora are worth.seeing, and the latter is worth some attempt at preservation. At present little is known of that part of the district immediately at the back of Opunake. The upper parts of the Oaonui, Oaoiti, and Okahu Streams can be reached by way of the Ngariki Road, but a little labour is required to make a good horse track right back to the mountain from that road. There is a very pretty waterfall on the Oaonui Stream that is well worth a visit. The Ihaia Road could also be made available for reaching the head waters of the Waiau Stream. Although this part of the distiict is practically unexplored, there can be no doubt it would repay investigation. The Waiau is a large stream, and in its course from just below the big western bluff there are, no doubt, falls and gorges such as are not seen every day. Uis thought to be impossible to ascend the mountain upon this side, but that remains to be proved. Looking at it from Opunake, it would seem that the big spur that terminates just at the head of the Waiau stream gives the only hope of ever doings so, and the best way to the foot of that spur will undoubtedly be up the Ihaia Road to the reserve line, and then E.N.E. It is more than probable that seme high spur or other point of vantage could be found from which a view of the surrounding country and the coast line might be obtained, quite good enough to satisfy those whose ambition does not lead them to the highest peaks, but who are content to leisurely take a little leisure, and it is the opinion of yours truly that the spurs immediately at the head of the Waiau Stream will yet prove “ the identical thing the doctor ordered.” Trusting some persons belter qualified than myself will take up the matter of conservation and routes.—X am, Ac., Bushman.