THE NEW WATERFALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 90, 11 December 1912, Page 8

THE NEW WATERFALL.

A DIFFICULT JOURNEY

The ‘Ohura Advocate’ furnishes the following further particulars about the falls :-r----“The falls exist about a m:le up the Waitaanga from its junction with the Mangakahikatea, the river after this junction being known as the Tongarakau. In a line from Mangaroa (Ohura) ♦he falls are about ten miles, and a similar distance from Paparata.

“The geological formation is interesting. The Waitaanga enters the Tongarakau as a roaring cataract and then flows through a narrow ravine, the ridges on each side being about 600 ft. above. Nearing the fails the gorge opens out to about half a mile ; n width and circles round to the river, which drops over after having eaten (nut a ravine, thus lessening the 'height of what was the original fall 'considerably by 300 ft.

“The formation of the cliffs is white sandstone, and these are relieved with various creepers and greenery. Mountain lillies are much in evidence, and the blue mountain duck frequent the lake. If the possibilities of this important discovery are properly developed, the Gorge drive and the accommodation house at the terminal and fall will ho a scenic attraction and resort second to none in the Dominion. “In the course of further conversation with our representative, Mr. Larkin stated that when they set out from the camp they had no intention of exploring for the falls. It took them over 24 hours to cover two miles. They had a most frying time, being out two nights in the rain, one being last Friday night, when it will bo recollected there were very heavy showers. On Saturday morning they were in a famished condition, having only taken out sufficient provisions for one day. In hunger and desperation they decided not to return over the difficult track they had traversed, and climbed the cliffs ‘6OO feet at the fall and got out into the hat country approaching the Waitaanga River. They had a meal at the lineman’s camp. It was suggested to Mr. Larkin that there would sure to he some venturesome ones anxious to visit the place, but he admitted that ho was not anxious to make the trip a second time under present conditions, in order to take visitors there.”