The Waitomo Caves.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7726, 31 January 1905, Page 2

The Waitomo Caves.

ftn the course of the meeting ol the Auckland Crown Lands Board on Friday, Ml H. J. Greens'.iwlc stated that a fi'\v days ago he had visited the old, and new caves at Waitomo. and was surprised ul their vast mess and magnilicance. lie emphasised the necessity for the. oaves being taken oyer by the Government with as Hittlo delay as possible, as otherwise their great beauty could not fail to be materially inpaired, since i« was evident, that, notwithstanding tho vigilaace now excrciswl by tho guides, some of the Malaetitcs were being surreptitiously taken away by visitors', and in the old caves especially the roof had in many places being wantonly blackened by smoke from the candles. Mr Greensladc added that he thoroughly concun-cd in the suggestion made by Mr Lowly, M.IJ.U., that the raves should be ligh(ed by elec!,:-icr.y, a.: there was ample water power available, and the cost would be comparatively smaH. The cavs wo.ild prove a splendid asset, and if taken ovi.r by the Tourist Depa imuil and better access afforded, ?':ey r.jiilii not fail to attract hundreds of vitiims instead of tho comparatively small number who visited them at the present time.—Heruld.