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 such as are so often met with in Australia, are infrequent. In winter, snow and frost are met with in the higher country, and in the southern portion of the Middle Island. In the North Island, except on the ranges, snow is seldom seen, and the frosts are of a very mild nature compared with those of even the warmer parts of England. Their place is taken by cold southerly winds, generally accompanied by heavy falls of rain and sleet. As to the scenery, it is equal to that found in any part of the world. For grandeur and majesty it would be difficult to surpass the Southern Alps, or the West Coast Sounds and the lake districts in the Middle Island, which are very properly called by the guide-books "a scenic wonderland." In the North Island is the Wanganui river, similarly called the New Zealand Rhine. This is traversed for the greater part of its length by well-appointed, flat-bottomed paddle steamers, starting at frequent intervals from the thriving and beautifully laid-out town of Wanganui, which is within about eight hours train journey from Wellington. A journey up this river is simply delightful, fresh pictures meeting you at every turn, while the glimpses one gets of the Maori in his native home give an added charm to the trip. But the real wonderland of New Zealand is Roturua and the adjoining district. Forests of extraordinary luxuriance and beauty clothe the mountains and border the extensive plateaux, and hot lakes, boiling geysers, and thermal springs are met with everywhere; in fact, hundreds of hot springs exist within the district, besides numerous mud volcanoes, fumaroles, and solfataras. The mineral waters and baths are highly esteemed in the treatment of various diseases, and at Roturua the Government has established a well-equipped sanatorium, which is in charge of a highly-qualified medical man. The famous Pink and White Terraces, and the Lake of Roto-