ROTORUA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 15, 15 April 1905, Page 45

ROTORUA.

Dear Bee, April 10th. At a meeting of the Rotorua Yachting. Club last week, it was decided, after considerable discussion, to award the first prise to the Karrakatta for the first race, which was held on Wednesday, the 29th of March, and finished after dark, as mentioned in last, week's “Graphic.” The Florence was awarded second prize. Another sailing race was arranged for Wednesday, the 25th inst., with the following handicaps: Awaliou (■owned by Mr. Thomson), 24min.; Kangaroo (owned by Mr. Caisley and others), 18min.: Karrakatta (owned by Mr. Darlot), 14min.; Gertie (owned by Mr. Gardner), 13min.; Florence (owned by Mr. Erapson and others), 9min.; Mapu (owned by Mr. Corbett and others), scratch. After an exciting contest, in which the Gertie and the Karrakatta were conspicuous, the race was wou by the Gertie. It is probable that there may be a yaeht race every Wednesday afternoon in the future. Great interest has been evinced iu the races arranged so far.

The earthquake shocks of the 6th were almost the sole topic of conversation in Rotorua on Friday last. The first shock, a sharp one, was felt at 24 minutes past eight, and this was followed by no less than 22 others up to within 15 minutes to seven next morning. Though none of the shocks were sufficiently severe to shake things out of their places, or do any damage, many of the residents were very much alarmed, and next morning there was a small exodus of ntuch-frightened visitors by the express. The shocks were purely local, not even being ielt at Mokoia Island or and appeared to be travelling from S.E. to N.W. From 8.24 p.m. to 9.48 p.m. fifteen shocks were felt, the remainder being more separated as regards time. Many of the juvenile Maoris of Wliakarewan?wa wa-c afraid to sleep in their homes in such close proximity to the boiling springs, and migrated, to the hall opposite the Geyser Hotel for the night. After the (earthquake of 15 minutes to 7 a.m. on Friday there were only three slight tremors during the day. During the last seven years we have been remarkably free from earthquakes, and devoutly hope that Thursday night’s experience may not be repeated, harmless though the shocks were.

Wairoa geyser was soaped last Sunday afternoon, but was so long in responding that we feared a disappointment was in store for the erowd who had collected at AVhakarewarewa to see it. About, forty minutes after the soap had been put in. the geyser played magnificently to the delight of all present. During the month of March the following visitors put in some days’ fishing at the Awahou eamp:—Lord and Lady Ennismore (Ireland), who in two days caught 29 tish; Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, Miss Dalzell, and Mr. Leathern (England), who in 13 days caught 310 fish; Mr. J. M. Wilkie (Patea), in 12 days caught 82 fish; and Mr. .1. B. Mackenzie (Melbourne). 12 days. 9-1 fish.

HINEMOA.