MORERE HOT SPRINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3112, 7 January 1911, Page 11

MORERE HOT SPRINGS.

IMPRESSIONS OF A VISITOR.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Much as it is to be deplored, there has of late years, been a striking diminution in the number of really pretty pieces of Native bush in various parts of the Dominion. In this connection the Government, in order to. conserve as many of tho beauty spots as possible, has wisely set apart areas as scenic reserves. Poverty Bay has not been overlookediii this matter, for at Alorere, some forty-six miles from' Gisborne there is one of the most beautiful areas ox original bush that could well be imagined. Tli© value of this reserve is enhanced by the fact that it includes hot mineral baths, the curative properties of which have.been highly reported on by medical authorities. Morcr© is easily accessible :by a good road leading across the hills, aikl for many years past it has been a popular resort for residents of Gisborne, who, not only availed themselves of the baths, but found much to interest and delight them in the beautiful natural surroundings. The baths are about half a mile from the Tlot Springs Hotel, and the path leading to them extends along the side of a pretty little creek which is almost obscured in places by the thick foliage that adorns its rugged banks. A more charming walk it would be difficult to find anywhere. The tall stately tawa and tetoki trees, whoso trunks are entwined by rata vines and other pleasing creepers, stand out ui bold relief from the luxuriant undergrowth. On the slopes of the spurs magnificent groves of nikau palms and tree ferns of varying size present a scene of unparalleled beauty. To view these alone makes the journey well worth while. Unfortunately the disastrous floods last Easter wrecked the bath-house which, as regards accommodation was much more convenient than the restored structure. The Government was somewhat apathetic in repairing the building, but, after a delay of -some months, it patched up the old building. Hie building is undoubtedly a makeshift, for it lacks many of the essentials that are lieeessarv for the comfort and convenience of tourists. This can only be regarded as a great pity. It consists of only one room, so that if men are in possession, ladies have to want, and vice versa.

There are three baths, more like square wooden tubs, the tops of which are about on a level with the floor. The largest is about Bft- x 6ft. and its depth is about 4ft 6in. The water which supplies them is of a very high temperature, .and is conveyed in pipes fro nr the natural Jboiling springs in the hillside immediately at the rear of the bathhouse. There is a- permanent scat affixed against the wall, which resembles more than anything else, a long wooden plank, while nails driven into the joists of the structure suffice for pegs on which to hang clothes. The condensed vapour from the baths causes the floor and the seat to become covered with a slimy coating which makes dressing anything but a comfortable operation. By the time one has had a bath, the vapour has permeated his clothes, and, consequently they are not as dry as could be wished. This at once shows the necessity for a dressing-room apart from the bath-house. - ,— r It is understood that the Government contemplate erecting a new bath-house some distance down the stream. The hot water will be brought to the baths in wooden pipes, a number of which are at present on the ground. It is to be hoped that the Department will see their way. when erecting the new bathhouse to construct a building worthy of the place, and give tine regard to dressing rooms. Provision should also be made for separate baths and rooms for opposite sexes. Air B. H. Aislabie, licensee of the Hot Springs Hotel, makes an excellent caretaker of the baths, but in tliier present condition, no matter how hard lie may try, it is impossible to keep them in anything like the best of order.