ENJOYABLE TRIP

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2310, 13 March 1930, Page 4

ENJOYABLE TRIP

MAYOR ISLAND. BY CAMBRIDGE PARTY. A party of -residents returned to Cambridge on Tuesday evening, after spending a most enjoyable four days' fishing expedition to The Mount, Tauranga, and to Mayor Island. The party, that left Cambridge on Saturday, comprised Messrs W. R. Edwards,. D. Hastie, C. Cowan, A. E. Savory, \V. Weathcrell, A. E. Hill and V. G. Boulton, and during their stay at The Mount they were the guests of Mr A. Dickson, Tauranga harbourmaster, and Mrs Anderson, of Cambridge, who is spending the summer at The Mount.

Leaving The Mount early on Sunday morning the party was taken on an expedition for big fish by Mr Dickson, in his 35ft launch, the objective being Mayor Island. Swordfish and sharks were seen, but owing to the party being unable to catch suitable bait (kahawai) no big fish were actually caught. The all-day cruise to the Island was one of the most interesting and enjoyable the local residents had experienced for many a day, the trip being all the more interesting by the presence of the harbourmaster, who was on his annual holidays at the time. Many Cambridge residents visit The Mount from time to time, but few have the good fortune to visit Mayor Island. and these few notes arc penned to give an indication that in future Cambridge resident's who visit Tauranga will find a trip to the Island one worth while. The Island is situated 28 miles from Thu Mount, and is about a three to four hours' trip. Estimated to comprise about 3000 acres, the Island presents a picturesque scene from a distance, but closer approach discloses its very rugged foreshore. However, there arc several delightful bays, or natural harbours, and it was into one of these that the sturdy launch chugged her way and landed the party. A large concrete shed and a couple of baches comprises all the buildings, and apart from Maoris, who spend periods on the Island, no one actually has permanent residence there. As is common with many parts of the North Island coastline, on Mayor Island the Pohutukawa grows to perfection. The party made an exploration of portion of the Island, it being impossible to travel far in a limited period, owing to the rugged nature of the country, which in most parts is covered with dense scrub and Island growth. However, thelanding was well worth while, for the party had the privilege of viewing one of the largest Pohutukawas in the Dominion. It is a veritable giant of the species, a fairly reliable estimate placing the diameter at 12ft and the circumference 36ft.

Going aboard again the party was taken on a delightful cruise round the Island, and all were impressed with the grandeur of the rugged coastline and the precipitous cliffs. The latter were particularly interesting, and in parts examples of the handiwork of nature were observed in pillars and arch-like formations. One pillar had been almost entirely cut away by constant sea erosion. Towering out of the sea it was a striking example of nature's architecture. Although the top of the pillar could not have been much more than four feet in area, there grew a fair-sized Pohutukawa, a fitting demonstration of the remarkable tenacity of this tree. After cruising about for several hours the launch's bow was pointed for The Mount, and the return journey was made, the two Alderman Islands and Lizard Rock being passed on the way. The latter is a mass of rock several acres in extent, and appears to be of limestone formation. It is nearly entirely covered with Island growth, and derives its name from the fact that it is a Dominion sanctuary for the native brown lizard (Lacertilia species). Daylight waned as the launch neared the harbour bar out from The Mount, and in the west Old Sol passed, leaving in his wake a glorious sunset, that elicited admiration from all on board. Thus came to an end one day that will be long remembered by those local residents who were privileged to be prosent;

The following day (Monday) the party spent just as happily, cruising about the harbour entrance and indulging in fishing for schnapper. They were fortunate in again having with them old "Jimmy," a Scotchman, who has travelled the sea all his life, and who is a well-known identity at The Mount and in Tauranga. Due to his great store of knowledge of fish and fishing in the parts visited the party returned to The Mount in the late afternoon with an excellent bag. It was with great regret that the party left The Mount on Tuesday for home, after spending a delightful weekend, under conditions and with an environment entirely different to that in Cambridge. Such is the popularity of The Mount that to-day sections avail-

able for purchase within a reasonable distance of the jetties are limited in number. Up to £350 is being asked for quarter-acre sections, though further away small beach sections can be had reasonably. The writer was also informed that in the near future the Harbour Board will offer small beach sections for sale by lease.

This short description of a delightful week-end trip would not be complete without referring to the hospitality of the people at The Mount, whom the party were privileged to meet, especially Mr Dickson and Mrs Anderson, and not forgetting "Jimmy."