New Zealand is abundantly provided with thermal attractions, but two on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, in the Rotorua district, are particularly interesting. One is a steam vent and the other is a boiling pool, and both are within a few dozen yards of each other. Interest in the former lies in the fact that poisonous gases are emitted with the steam. The vent, which is entirely surrounded by scrub, is in a very inaccessible position. Its presence is not advertised, for it is considered that the gases escaping from it are dangerous. In fact, history has it that an inquisitive Maori was overcome by the fumes, his body being found by a search party some days later lying beside the vent. However true this may be, the fact remains that the fumes are fatal to birds, for in the past many small feathered bodies have been found in the vicinity of the blowhole.

To look at there is nothing particularly interesting about the boiling pool. It is famed in the district, however, for its health-possessing properties as the water is practically pure soda water. When cool it is similar to the soda water contained in bottles, and in its natural hot state it provides a very refreshing drink, especially when taken with the beverage generally associated with soda water. Within a few feet of this boiling pool is an icy-cold spring, and the overflow from both water holes meets in a channel leading into Lake Rotoiti. The water in this channel is ideal for bathing, and the Maoris and settlers in the district make use of it for their weekly hot bath. A year or two ago it was no uncommon sight to see three or four buggies drawn up on the side of the road and their owners and their families disporting themselves in the soda water bath.

This spot is some distance off the main road from Rotorua to Whakatane, but service cars and sight-seeing 'buses sometimes deviate to give passengers an opportunity of sampling what nature has to offer.

G.D.M.

* * *