KAMO AS A HEALTH RESORT

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XIX, 13 May 1899, Page 630

KAMO AS A HEALTH RESORT

H. E. Vaile.)

11. E.'Vaile.)

The neighbourhood of Kamo is some day likely to become a very favourite holiday resort. The journey there is an enjoyable one, being by a short run of six or seven hours to the charming harbour and township of Whangarei. so well known for their salubrious climate and beauty, and thence by eoach or rail four miles. The altitude is considerable, the soil a heavy volcanic loam, and the surroundings pretty. Sodawater Flat, about a mile from the village, is rich in mineral springs of different kinds, and even now there are good bath houses with suitable boarding accommodation adjacent, whither healthy and sick repair to enjoy themselves. The waters are exceedingly beneficial to persons suffering from rheumatism and kindred complaints, and the flow at one of the springs is more than sufficient to supply a bath as big as our fresh water bath at Albert-street. A little lemon squeezed into the water makes a pleasant effervescent drink, and some of the other springs, tasting strongly of iron, are said to be good as tonics. The most peculiar thing about the big bath is that entering one feels quite cold, but upon emerging he is steaming hot. Around the baths are several small fissures giving

vent to poisonous gases which kill birds, rats, etc., the bones of which may often be seen. Petrified wood is also found in considerable quantities. Huge cliffs form an imposing back, ground to this pretty flat, and capably managed there should be a great future for the place. As it is confidently asserted that a well-known Auckland firm have secured all the springs and the greater portion of the flat, and intend working the thing on a very extensive scale, we are pret ty sure of hearing a good deal of the Kamo Mineral Springs at no distant date.

The district is rich in peculiar limestone formations; there are very pretty caves and numerous groups of extremely remarkable rocks, which seem in prehistoric times to have been turned and twisted and flung about in every conceivable position and shape. At Waro —a short and

pretty train ride from Kamo—there is a particularly large group, which are partly covered in handsome bush. The stone will take a high polish and then has all the appearance of a fine mottled marble.

The Hikurangi coal mines at Waro are very interesting, and send a tremendous amount of coal down to Whangarei for shipment. The country round Whangarei is good and is very well adapted for fruit-growing, vine culture, stock raising, etc., and bids fair to take a prominent place in the front rank of the North Auckland districts.