Hanmer Hot Springs are pleasantly situated on the Hanmer Plains, in the Hanmer riding of the Amuri county. The plains are hemmed in by a range of mountains, the only outlet from which is the course of the Waiau river, which runs in an easterly direction through the Waiau Gorge. At Hanmer the Government has a reserve, which is about four miles long by a mile wide, and there the celebrated springs were opened in 1883. Since that date, many improvements have been made, and Hanmer has already become a favourite pleasure and health resort. As the place stands at an elevation of 1250 feet above sea level, the air is bracing and health giving. The plains are reached after an enjoyable coach journey of twenty-four miles from Culverden railway station, through the celebrated Waiau Gorge, and over a bridge which stands 118 feet above the river. The hot page 597 springs are situated in a piece of land five acres in extent, which is enclosed, and is planted with well-grown ornamental trees and shrubs. The grounds have been tastefully laid out in gardens and lawns, and portions of the latter are devoted to tennis, croquet and other games. Seats are conveniently placed, both in the open, and under the trees. Twenty-two private baths, as well as ladies' and gentlemen's swimming pools, are available for tourists and invalids. These baths are all supplied with the hot mineral waters, which have attained celebrity for their healing properties. Turkish and other baths, and treatment by competent experts in the art of massage, may be obtained, if desired, by visitors. The sanatorium building was erected in 1897, on part of a section of ten acres, adjoining the hot springs enclosure. The sanatorium has gardens and lawns, which are well kept, and are intersected by gravelled footpaths. It contains forty rooms, including drawing, sitting, and dining rooms, and there is every convenience for the comfort of visitors. The settlement of Hanmer has grown very rapidly in the past few years; and fresh buildings are still being erected for the accommodation of visitors. Besides the sanatorium and bath houses, there is a post office, public school, and two churches, as well as a number of accommodation houses, cosy private dwellings, a store, and two blacksmiths' shops. The site for the township is a terrace, from which there is a fine outlook across the plains. New buildings have recently been erected at a cost of £3000; they include a hall, library, a billiard room, tea rooms, a barber's shop, and dwellings. Two miles from the Springs is Jollie's Pass Hotel, where there is comfortable accommodation for travellers.