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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Kamo Pioneer Warui Mineral Springs

Kamo Pioneer Warui Mineral Springs (James J. Taylor, proprietor). These valuable springs were discovered by Mr. Taylor in 1889 and have been open to the public since 1894. There are two baths, one a large, well-lighted swimming basin, 12 by 20 feet and about 4 feet deep, the other—the electric bath—which is rather smaller, is so heavily charged with gas that the water appears to be violently boiling. Bathers in the latter experience a most pleasant sensation as the gas “pricks” the skin, and produces an electric friction all over the body. Its curative properties are unique and very effectual in stubborn cases of rheumatism, dyspepsia, and other complaints, affording also a refreshing and invigorating tonic. The springs are now visited daily by large numbers of people, who spenk in the highest praise of their medicinal value. Rheumatic patients, who have had to be carried to the baths, have been completely cured in a fortnight and able to take long rides on horseback. Good accommodation is provided at the house adjoining the baths for visitors and invalids, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor doing all in their power to make their patrons comfortable. The temperature of the baths is 80o Fahr., and the following analysis of the waters was made by Mr. J. A. Pond, F.C.S., Government Analyst. “No. 1 sample, total solids, 164.54 grains per gallon. Silica, 10.08; alumina, trace; oxide of iron, 28; carbonate of lime, 57.68; carbonate of magnesia, 17.05; bi-carbonate of soda, 38.64; chloride of sodium, 38.01; chloride of potassium, 2.80; sulphates, nil; boron, traces; lithium, traces; total, 164.54. Specific gravity at 71o Fahr., 1.00026. No. 2 sample, total solids, 149 grains per gallon. The salts thus shown to be present are held in solution owing to the water being super-saturated with carbonic acid, which on being liberated precipitates some of these salts in a crystalline form. The water is interesting in the entire absence of sulphuricaeid and in the presence of traces of boron and lithium, as evidenced by the spectroscope. This is a very pleasant drinking water and may prove of value medicinally in dyspepsia, rheumatism, and urinary diseases. The estimation of lithium would be of interest, as this is a valnable curative agent, but a large amount of water would be required for this purpose, the
Mr. J. J. Taylor's Mineral Baths, Kamo.

Mr. J. J. Taylor's Mineral Baths, Kamo.

page 558 evaporation of which would be advisably carried out on the spot”