Owaka.

Southland Times, Issue 14512, 13 December 1900, Page 3

Owaka.

■» — (BY A COBfiSSI'ONUENT.) In the Old Land I was taught to believe that the cuokoo came in April and flew away in May, and in doing so picked up the mud and left dry roads and sunny May weather. TWb bird baa been a good deal m evidence of late in these parts, and its song, as one hears it lying in his Wankets of anight, seems to be like the rock of a cradle to lull one to sleep. But there is a difference from the above sayings. We still have the cuckoo and the mud is gone, so that tourists need not be afraid of being stuck up in this noted district. There are many beautiful sights to be seen in and around Owaka and Catlins. A party of four ladies and two gentlemen started otf to visit the famous and picturesque blow-hole, 200 feet deep, with the sea rushing in and out thereof in majestic grandeur. . It is situated just off the coast line in dense bush, about five miles from Owaka. The party was well provisioned, and on reaching the lower end ol'Cailin's lake these were placed in » boat. Then the party got in, and, with one of the ladies (who was the guide) at the oar the boat w«a steered off all shoals and beached onthe other side and off they went merrily towards the blow hole The track is partly along the beach and through bush. Atone part tftey had to descend from a cliff to the beach, hanging on to scrub and branches of trees. The more nimble of the party were at the bottom some time before the others, which seemed to be providential for they were there to catch a bottle of milk that had been let go by one of the lagging ones. It was decided to boil the billy and us© the milk before another mishap occurred. About a mile's walk along the beach from this spot they again entered the bush and

gradually ascended to the blow hole. The walk is one of the most beautiful one could wish to have, the various kiuds of ferns, which grow very thickly all along the track, are worth going to see, apart from anything else ; in fact it can be described as nothing less than a fernery. Surrounding the blow hole there are hundreds of names, initials and dates, cut in the trees, indicating that at one time and another numbers have visited the spot, and I would say it any of your readers are ever in this district they should make it a point to visit it. I had much more to say but I think my letter long enough, so will close wishing you, Mr Editor, and all your readers a very merry Xmas and happy Now Year. Dec. 11.