a jewel in a matrix. Its beauty was increased by the excellent cultivation surrounding- it. The local natives suppose Omapere to be the home of the Taniwha which, according to their traditions, has claimed many victims.
Ohaeawai has a reputation for its thermal springs, situated at a little distance from the township, and near Ngawha. Ngawha, it may be remarked, means “sulphur.” These springs have accounted for many wonderful cures, probably owing to the fact that they contain mercury in solution, and have been the
“medicine man” of the Maoris for centuries. Their curative properties are certainly more effective than ordinary sulphur springs, and, moreover, they bear the distinction of being the only ones of their kind in the world. Mercury is very abundant in the vicinity of the springs, and pure quicksilver can be collected in the hand. Apart from the fact that the area is privately owned, it seems very strange that a property of such undoubted commercial value should lie dormant and untouched. This estate has rightly been referred to as one of the six greatest assets of the North. We left the coach for a motor car and started on the drive to Kaeo. We rose over the crest of many a hill, beating out, as we went, a broader track, to the detriment of the car. Then, as the later afternoon came on, we started the downward journey to Kaeo. I can-Page 25
