Port Chalmers

during his stay, and therefore we have made no previous mention of this flourishing place. In fact, he must necessarily go by the Port, whether he proceeds on his tour by steamer or by train. The Union S.S. Company's time tables will give every information relative to the arrival and departure of the vessels, and the tourist can make his arrangements accordingly. Unless it is the visitor's intention to explore the northern portion of Otago and the southern page 33 district of Canterbury, he should certainly not travel by land. He will find the trip round the coast a very pleasant one, and the comfortable cabin of one of the Union Co.'s steamers will be much more enjoyable than the interior of a railway carriage. If, however, he is desirous of having a look at some of the richest agricultural land in the province, he will take his seat in the train for Oamaru. Having elected to take this course, he should, before proceeding on his journey, spend a short time at Port Chalmers. Trains run to and fro every hour, so that he need not lose much time in making the inspection. Apart from the fine scenery which surrounds the Port, the docks, wharves, and shipping should prove attractive to the visitor.

Another inducement which should influence the tourist in the choice of routes, is the fact that the nearest and best track to Mount Cook lies viâ Oamaru. The journey through to Oamaru occupies less than six hours, and the scenery along the line is varied, and in some instances grand. The Blueskin Cliffs, over which the train passes, present an aspect of wild and rugged grandeur, and the beautiful country around Waikouaiti and Palmerston cannot fail to create a favourable impression on the stranger. The Horse-Shoe Range, over which the line passes, is a most romantic portion of the country. Great piles of granite are heaped together on the hills in volcanic confusion, and dark gorges and rocky caves lend a weirdness to the scene, and invest it with a peculiar interest to those who love to see nature in her wildest mood.