VIEW OF THE SUGARLOAVES, 1884. (Page 4.)

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9123, 2 July 1891, Page 17 (Supplement)

VIEW OF THE SUGARLOAVES, 1884. (Page 4.)

Our view of the Stigarloavos was taken in 1884, when the harbour works were in a very incomplete state. Since then the breakwater has been extended further out to sea, and a pier built for the accommodation of steamers trading with the port. The steamer laying alongside tho breakwater is the Union Company's Wanaka, a vessel of 493 tons, the first vessel of any size which landed passengers and cargo at it. In the distance the Sugarloaf Islands, some of which aro seen in the picture, are a remarkable and appropriately named group. The most lofty and striking (Paritutu) is not to be seen in the picture. It rises from a low point of the adjacent mainland to the left, and has a sharp cone to an elevation of 503 feet. The coneshaped islet to be seen off the end of the breakwater ia Moturoa, and is 266 feet in height, and apparently closo to is the rock called Wareunui, or Lion's Head ; whilst about tho centre of the picture is to be seen Mikotahi, which at low water is connected with the mainland. In the distance is Motumahanga, a saddle backed island, with a conical summit 190 feet in height. Tho breakwater, which is to bo scon run ning out from the shore, haß been completed to 1950 feet. It is 34 feet in width on the surface, and

makes it literally true that very often, for one foot gained, the climber slips back two.

The season for the undei taking is autumn. The mountain, except a few patches which have not to be crossed, is free from snow during February, March, and April, when tho \veather is generally favorable. The undertaking is one which ao one need fear who is reasonably sound in " wind and limb." There are several routes which may be taken, whichever is most convenient to the tourist. First, the old route, by the Ranges and Bell's Falls (which is seldom now resorted to, as having a deep descent after some 3000 feet have bee» accomplished) ; second, the Egmont Road route, the nearest to New Plymouth, ami where a house is now being erected so that visitors may rest the night before the ascent, and near which the assistance of an excellent guide (Mr Peters) can be obtained ; third, the Waipuku route; fourth, the Stratford route, where there is the facility for taking horses up to a height of aoout 4000 feet before beginning the actual climb; and fifth, the " Dawson's Falls " route, which is reached from Manaia on the southwest side of the mountain, and combines the falls mentioned. The tourist can choose whichever ho pleases,, and a tow hours' preparation in the town of Now Plymouth or the other places mentioned will be all that is necessary.

ing-house, kept by Mrs Jones; Mrs Wcekes, Somerset boarding-house; and Mrs Oakes' West End boarding-house. We refer our readers to the advertisements on our cover.