92 FALLS OF THE 



sides scarped — they were the remains of former for- 

 tified villag-es or pahs. At len^h the estuary nar- 

 rowed^ and assumed the appearance of a winding- 

 river^ with low hilly banks covered with fern and 

 bushes. One and a half miles from this broug-ht us 

 to a rock}' ledg-e across the stream^ preventing- further 

 prog-ress in the boat^ and marking- the junction of 

 the fresh and salt water. 



Here Mr. Kemp^ a schoolmaster of the Church 

 Mission Society _, has been located for upwards of 

 thirty years. A well built store^ a neat cottag-e and 

 g-arden, and residences for a few Maories^ complete 

 the establishment. From this place a dray road 

 leads to the extensive Missionary estabhshment at 

 Waimate^ distant about ten miles. Crossing- the 

 river^ we started for the falls^ in cliarg-e of a sharp 

 little urchin who acted as g-uide. After leaving* the 

 narrow valley which the river has cut for itself 

 throug-h a superstratum of yellowish cla}', the coun- 

 try becomes nearly level— a dreary plain^ covered 

 with fern and the manuka bush. The extensive 

 tract of country now in sig-ht is said to have once 

 been a g-reat kauri forest — a few of these noble trees 

 (Dammara Australis) were pointed out to me from 

 a distance. When about half way we left the road, 

 and within the distance of a mile our g-uide contrived 

 to lead us into five or six bog-s^ where we were up to 

 our knees in water^ besides entang-ling- us in several 

 thickets nearly as bad to penetrate as an Australian 



