ARAPUNI REFLECTIONS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 231, 5 April 1928, Page 4

ARAPUNI REFLECTIONS.

THE JOYS OF THE LAKE. Interests for All Tastes. A Sportsman’s Paradise. The reflections to be seen in the waters of the lake at Arapuni on a fine day are without a doubt alone well worth a special trip. The exceptional depth of water, its great clarity, the nigh banks whose shelter produce a giassy surface, and the clear light from a pure blue early morning sky, all combine to provide an apparition which will linger long in the memories of those who take the trouble to go out specially to view the same.

In the opinion of members of the Putaruru Town Board and Chamber of Commerce, who made the trip last Sunday under the pilotage of Mr. E. J. Darby, the reflections viewed in the first mile of the trip up the lake were the finest they had ever seen. The water was like a mirror in its smoothness and the outlines, meetings and colourings of the high banks were shown in wonderful detail. More magnificent still were the pictures presented about a mile from the damsite, where a bold bluff studded with frees, and a small island, are passed. The reflections of these caused all on beard to gaze in pleased amazement, and called forth exclamations of delight on all sides. There is certainly fine scope for the photographer on certain mornings hereabouts. Sportsman’s Paradise.

As the trip proceeded it became manifestly evident to all that there was a wonderful future before this stretch of water, and that in a very short time it would become a veritable sportsman’s paradise. The five to six miles stretch from Mangere inlet to the ropeway crossing, with its low banks on either side, present* ed itself as an ideal rowing course for championship matches, and it needed no great imagination to picture tins stretch covered with small craft following such an event. This stretch while too narrow to ever become very badly affected by winds, is yet amply broad enough for sailing craft, and it is without doubt only a question of a short time beIfore such boats with their picturesque topgear will be common on the lake. Trout and wild duck abound, and even the novice may secure his “ bag.” Nature’s Beauties. To the sportsman, however, who longs for a short respite “ far from the madding crowd,” where he nca loaf for a few days midst the solitude of nature’s beauties, the fast launch will be a necessity. The lower end of the lake, some nine miles ir. extent, may provide pleasures for the million—big fish, racing courses, rugged beauty, with numerous cosy inlets and camping spots —but for those whose relentless business calls demand a brief change midst the pristine beauty found where New Zealand native bush meets flowing waters, it is the portion of the lake beyond Maku that will make the biggest appeal. Shortly after leaving Maku quarry now dismantled and a scene of some desolation the lake narrows somewhat, and bush-cOyered banks take the place of the bare bluffs and rugged grandeur of the banks of the Arapuni end of the lake. The launch here winds in and out amongst trees which have been largely submerged by the trapped river, and at every turn scores of wild duck are flighted from the placid waters. Comparable to Wanganui.

After a mile or two thus travelling midst some of the finest white ti-tree to be spen in New Zealand, the lake again broadens out at the junction of the Waipapa and Waikato rivers to a distance of some 400 yards. Here the tui’s note is heard, and as the big launch carefully noses its way up the Waipapa stream the scenery becomes comparable to that of the Wanganui. Giant white ti-tree still holds sway right to the mountain top, but in the gullies and along the banks are numerous varieties of native trees, and also all kinds of gorgeous ferns. Some quarter of a mile from the junction mentioned, the progress of the launch is blocked by rapids. Here the stream is but some .fifteen to

eighteen feet broad, and beautiful bush forms a canopy within reach of those standing on deck. Beneath, huge boulders which formerly broke the Waipapa into a noisy cataract, could be seen five or six feet down, while toe same distance above, the twittering fantail flew in friendly advance. Call of Nature. The call of nature was impressive. (Continued in Next Column)

“ This will do me all my life,” stated a busy retailer, and there was general agreement with these sentiments. A well-known bank manager answered “ the call ” by springing lightly from the deck along an overhanging branch, in the manner of his ancestors (according to the Darwinian theory). He later returned in a rather precipitate manner, but that is another story. After a good half hour spent rambling on the steep banks, and fishing in the rapids above, a move was made back to the lake for lunch. On a low flat the billy was soon boiled, and an al fresco repast interspersed with stories which might make a Lawson envious. Some ninety minutes later the craft was headed for home, and after eight hours spent on the day’s trip, all members agreed that it was one of the most pleasant they had ever experienced, and an outing that was bound to become generally popular.