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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 8 (November 2, 1936)

The Battle with the Torrent

The Battle with the Torrent.

Maclean's diary proceeds:

“December 5.—The wind and the diligence of our spirited canoe crews got us up to the waha of the apiti (the mouth of the gorge) at 1 p.m., when we dined. The range on the left bank gradually closes down to the river, till you reach the apiti, when the country changes from a moderately tame scene to a wild alpine appearance, with white foaming rapids and streams rolling down the hills with such violent force as if they would resist the efforts of man to pass them. The natives of a country, however, will not be impeded by such barriers—their persevering efforts overcoming all natural obstacles. Our first party, having emptied the canoe of luggage, are now in the white foaming surf of a mountain torrent poling up with savage fierceness, while others are up to the armpits quite naked, hauling with all their might against the stream and screaming loudly for victory over the river that seems to rage with increasing violence.