each different in shape, with winding approaches, so that the visitant wonderingly exclaims, Where is the pilot going to take us next?
All is right, however, the man at the wheel knows his duty, and is devoted to it, and so long as a hundred passengers, or thereabout, do not speak to him at once, he will keep the good vessel right. So along we spin, take the long or the short channel, it only makes a difference in time, and if the steamer go by one water-way and return by the other, all objects of interest will be seen. The great advantage is to have a thoroughly well-posted-up skipper or guide to tell the lore of ancient times: how on this side Black Jack's Point got its name, how across the water Grant's Braes came to be celebrated, and as the course outward is sped, how Burke's brewery on the one side, was celebrated once for the now exceeding excellence of its brews, and for the energy and enterprise which the owner always manifested in developing the resources of the Province; and to point out on the other side Macandrew's Bay; as well as to guide us through the intricacies of the channels, for, as the fates would have it, boats drawing two feet of water could sail across the bay at high tide, whilst at ebb the pedestrian could make seven-eighths of the journey almost dry shod, to find at the end of his mile journey that his stature must grow to 16 or 18 feet before he can cross the few yards yet to be accomplished, unless he were a powerful swimmer, and able to stem the current.
How can the steamer get through or between these rocks and hills ahead? Easily, it will be found, because there is a deep water fair-way between the islands, which the pilot knows well.
And now through the Narrows, Port Chalmers, with its not very busy, but picturesque appearance, unfolds itself. Rounding the point, on which the fishery establishment is situated, and from which the best and purest cod liver oil in the world is procured, we steam round Koputai Bay, formerly the rendezvous of the natives on their journeys south or north.
Leaving this lovely spot, our propeller posts us on to the Heads, past Carey's, Deborah, Hamilton's and Dowling Bays and Otapelo Point. The remarkable thing about the latter name is
