RUAKURI CAVES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13278, 6 May 1907, Page 7

RUAKURI CAVES.

A visitor to the Ruakuri Caves, Auckland, gives the following description of them 10 an Auckland paper : —Ruakuri means tlie hole of the dog, and received the name from the Maoris, in consequence of tradition which tells how wild dogs were once in possession of these weird caverns. A dcor is set hi the face of the cliff, which only opens to the jingle of silver coin. There is a charge of 2s 6d to enter the Waitomo, and of 3s 6d for the Ruakuri caverns, which includes the services of the guides and the electric lights and magnesium wire' necessary. The charge is really extreijiely moderate. Tlie wonders of the two cavernous regions are different- in character, and it. is an ever disputed point as to which offers the greater charm. The /Ruakuri are far more extensive, as one wanders for miles in the interior of the mountain. There is also a quite peculiar feature of the constant noise of rushing waters, which is snmewliat alarming, until the ear bacomes accustomed to the weird booming sound. Like the Waitomo, evey niche in the long tralltries is garnished with statuary, and hung with s alactites. which gleam with crv.s al whiteness as the light reveals them. We come at last through endless galleries to precipices, on the brink of which we stand to watch the river nulling in the gloom at least 50ft below, reflecting glowworms and enormous stalagmi'es, which stand like giants guarding the weird watercourse. Perhaps the culminating point of beauty and wonder is reached when we come to the beautiful Bridal Chamber. We will imagine- it to be from about 80ffc souare by 100 ft in. height. Every inch is of cleir. startling whiteness, and it is b'jilt up of pure sinter, dazzling white, rml like mnrblt" to the touch. The roof is hung thick with chandeliers and crystals. One can imagine couches, curtains. ilrap:ry, :,tatuary, and every description

of fairy, furnitue. A£ tJie 'entrance'stands.\ on a pedestal, ai colossal wedding cake, built up tier on tier,' and crowned witdi floral ornaments. After the Bridal Chain-: •ber we have no spirit left-for cathedrals, freezing chambers, courtrooms, and long galleries of stalagmite, which seem to gaze at us, almost from sad human eyes. 1 found myself at last- gently -patting the heads of "some in my pathway , as though they were sentient things. One must pot touch, however, as we delay, the formation constantly ■ going on, by disturbing the process. As we return fresh wonders are shown to revive our interest, . which is .weary with, seeing so inueli. Thfe guides' show* up the most exquisite transparencies by placing the lights behind different objects, which as the fold's of blankets,, wherein even the hem 'and s.titchingare inav-ellously; imitated. 'On emerging into -"tlie lighit "of day ; we find' that we have; spent three hours,which 'have passed as a dream in the interior -'Of the caverns. ; So soon as the traffic iustifies the expense it is intended; to utilise the abundant water power in the vale :to. light up .the whole of the caverns with electricity.' The scene will then be; one of fairvdike splendour, possibly ■ unequalled; The trip is within quite easy reach from' Auckland, and is very inexpensive.' \