THE VISIT TO THE THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10366, 15 June 1901, Page 2

THE VISIT TO THE THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT.

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

A- GREAT CONCOURSE OF NATIVES:-

PRESENTATIONS TO ROYALTY.

ROTORUA, Junel4. ■' - The Duke was unpersuaded to appear in uniform, and to-day's proceedings wore" of -an informal character."

After visiting the new bath at the Sanatorium, which the Duchess named the "Duchess Bath," the- Royal party, were driven to the Ohrnemntu Pah, . where a great concourse of' natives assembled.— -' — '; ' -~ " Two hundred natives, including fifty women— ther former -brandishing battle1 axes' aud .the women green branches — gave a war dance. The .women .were dressed in snowy hukarcres (blouses), hnd piupius (native mats), and wearing blue sashe*. The mbn were _stripf)«cl to .the buff," with only piupius on. ' The spectacle was very striking, $hoUgh on but a small scale compared with to-morrow's arrangements. . Major Fox was presented by the Hon.' Jamfcs Carroll to tho Duke, and presented tho latter with a greenstone battleoxo.

Princcss'To Bongo Kohira t representing the Arawns, presented the Duchess with a greenstone more.'

The Royalties inspected the carved house and' wero then driven to Whakarewarewa, where they were escorted over the marvellous boiling region. Mr Clarke, Government -Inspector of Whakarewarawa, started off the Wnronga Geyser by throwing down a basr of soap. In a few minutes a huge* column of boiling water burst out, reaching a height of one hundred feet. It was a wonderful sight.

The double geyser close by was, during tho visit, in full play, and the various -photographers and artists had everthin? in favour of excellent pictures. Many thousands of spectators viewed the, many, natural wonders of this locality. The ,party were then driven to_ the Rncccourss, whither all had hurried to witness -the dances and listen to the war chants of the Maoris.

' This afternoon the Royalties go by steamer to view the wonders of Tikitere, returning in the evening .by coaches. The Ducal pair rode in front 'of the mail coach to all the morning demonstrations. The weather is charming, bub the roads are deep in mud.