STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 97, 24 December 1913, Page 7

STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE.

Recent -visitors to the Strati'! d Mountain House speak in glowng terms of the new caretakers, Mr ami Mrs Williams, who have made the house a home away from home. New beds have keen erected and, with - tions to the buildings, ample accommodation is provided for a large iiumhe'' o I visitors. The track is in good condition, and the house can be easily reached in one hour’s drive from Stratford. Mr Potts and Mr Williams have been busy on the track, and given a few days of line weitlu. i a motor car can be taken right up to the house. Amongst tne many attractions is the Curtis Water Falls, vTtrt a huge volume of water ialls from, the height of over CO fmt i' to the bed of the creek, a beautiful sight to be seen and appreciated, .til l will be worth the trip alone to -ee this fall. Another attraction is the crow’s nest, where even little cuildren can get to-the tops of the trees; where a platform has bee:; erected from which a splendid view of the country can be. seen for mil 's mound. Climbing parties will find that the ascent from the Stratford House is by far the easiest route. On the joutney to the top one crosses the famous Manganui Gorge. The crossing of this would test <tho nerves ol the most experienced alpine climber. 1* or those who do not wish to climb, the grounds round the house offer special facilities for picnic parties. Huge trees, around which young and old can sport; lovely limpid streams, in which the tired townsfolk can paddle; luscious bushes, amongst which lovers can wander; there are only a few of the many attractions. To botanists the place is a veritable treasure' house. The writer himself lias found many strange specimens of orchids and other rare plants. One variety of orchid in particular is worthy of special mention. It is in the form of a bird’s beak. The inside of the beak is lined with honey. The unwary fly enters to partake of the honey, and the beak closes immediately and the orchid then proceeds to digest the fly. Anybody who can catch a fly can try this experiment.

The house is most replete with modern up-to-date conveniences, and the visitors’ comfort is the aim and object of the caretakers. To the faded and tired mind, to the pleasure seekers, to the convalescent, to the parents of large families, the Stratford Mountain Hotpse offers the only earthly form of paradise. ■