Page:Overland Journey of the Governor of New Zealand.djvu/34

Rh On the 16th the party started at 10 a.m., and, after a delightful ride of 12 miles along the shores of the beautiful lakes Rotokakahi and Tikitapu, and afterwards along the margin of Lake Rotorua, reached Ohinemutu, the principal inland settlement of the great clan of the Arawa. The afternoon was spent in swimming in the tepid waters of the Lake, and in visiting the geysers of this wonderful place, so renowned in Maori song and legend. A strong contrary wind rendered impossible a visit to the island of Mokoia, the scene of the story of Hine Moa, the Hero, and of her lover Tutanekai, the Leander, of Polynesian mythology. In the evening the Governor held a korero with several of the Arawa chiefs, who, like their countrymen elsewhere, were all eager for the extension of roads and schools.

Having visited on former occasions Maketu, the chief Arawa settlement on the sea coast, the Governor on the 17th determined to proceed from Ohinemutu to Tauranga by a new and direct road now nearly completed by native labour. It was a ride of 38 miles, of which 18 were through the forest, and the road reflects great credit on the officers in charge of this difficult work. We may take the opportunity of mentioning that, as we are informed, the Governor has expressed much satisfaction at the tact and ability displayed by the civil officers immediately charged with the management of native affairs, and of public works in the interior of New Zealand, and with the good discipline and soldierlike appearance of the officers and men of the colonial forces.