Crossing Rivers Under Difficulties

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 21, 25 May 1907, Page 6

Crossing Rivers Under Difficulties

BAY OF PLENTY EXPibKItNCES

FISHING AT WHALE ISLAND

LAST Easter a party of four who left Rotorua for Whale Island in the Bay of Plenty, where there is splendid fishing, had an unusual run of bad luck before reaching salt water. They went down by way of Tikitere, Rotoehu and Rotoma, and not long after starting temporarily lost one of their number, who mistook the road. After leaving Rotoiti they were pointed out the portage over which the Ngapuhi hauled their canoes in the famous raid they made on the Arawa. A large number of Maori waggons bringing sulphur from the back of Rotoma were passed and the tourists gathered that Illis sulphur getting was likely to become a profitable industry for the native owners in these parts. Crossing the ranges towards Te Teko they struck the bush, over which Mr F. 11. Daniels, who was one of the party, enthuses. lie has been travelling about for nearly off years, and has never seen anything prettier or more interesting. The ferns are like a canopy, and the nikau is particularly luxuriant. At Te Teko the troubles of the party really commenced. There was no approach to the ferry over the Rangitaiki, and when they did get the buggy down with the

aid of six or seven Maoris they found a punt, which they were doubtful about as it was so rough and ready. There was no room for the horses, which had to swim, but finally the other side was reached in safety. Here they- met a mob

of sheep, which had been waiting all day to get across. The animals had to swim over, and with the natural perversity of sheep they always went the wrong way. The drovers managed to get some started, but when half way across they turned tail and landed whe're they first took the water. It was next day before the mob crossed, and many sheep were picked up along the bank at different spots. From here to the Whakatane River the road got very bad, and through the Maori settlement was little more than a track. The river was reached about dusk, and here further trouble was encountered. After waiting for about half an hour a man came across in a small dinghy and then returned with a sort of double canoe. Mr Daniels questioned the propriety- of putting the buggyon such a structure, but was assured it was all right. A start was made and everything went well till the middle was reached, when the whole caboose turned turtle in about six or seven feet of water

to the great detriment of the personal belongings of the party. The arrival of a man with a pair of horses got the travellers out of a dilemma, and the conveyance out of the river, back to the bank. After much trouble the river was finally crossed, and Whakatane was reached. In spite of the immersion the sum of 16/ was demanded as ferrying fee, but the party got off' with the day fee, 8/.

Mr Daniels was astounded to think that his experiences at the two rivers was possible in such a settled and prosperous district. It is 50 years and more since settlement was started, and yet there is no proper ferry across either of these beautiful rivers. Now, the people are going to the other extreme and intend putting up costly bridges when properly equipped and properly-kept ferries would have met all requirements for 20 years to come.

Settlers in this district are doing remarkably well. There is no such thing as a man wanting money, and the cutting up of some large estates for closer settlement will give a further impetus to progress. From Whakatane the party took an oil launch and went out to Whale Island, about seven miles off the coast. Here they- camped for 10 days and enjoyed some magnificent fishing — hapuka, schnapper, yellowtail, and many other kinds of fish, being very- plentiful. While on the island an incident occurred which merits the consideration of the Psychical Society. For two nights running the owner of the oil launch dreamed that his craft was dashed up on the rocks during a storm, and had her side stove in. On the Sunday- before they left the island a gale sprang up. On the second day- Mr Daniels, who is an early riser, got up at dawn and one of the first things that met his sight was their only means of communication with the shore lying high and dry- on the rocks, a big hole in her side, and half full of sand!

Signal fires were lit, and the following day- a launch came off from Whakatane. Some of the party returned in her, and the rest remained behind to patch up the damaged craft, which was eventually anchored safely at Whakatane.