Oamaru

may be called the maritime capital of Otago. The population is about 5,000. The town is built on a terrace overlooking the ocean, and it is considered to be one of the healthiest portions of the province. The buildings are constructed of the unrivalled white sandstone, found in extensive quarries round the neighbourhood. The Breakwater is certainly the most interesting object about Oamaru, and the visitor will find in this great undertaking a tangible illustration of the enterprise of the inhabitants. In the building of the Breakwater blocks of concrete weighing over 30 tons are used, page 34 and these are made on the shore, and lifted into their position by steam cranes. The town presents an imposing appearance from the roadstead. The streets are wide and regular, and the public buildings are creditable to the citizens. Two well-conducted daily papers are published at Oamaru.

Before proceeding further on our journey, we must ascertain of our tourist if he is of an adventurous turn, and not likely to be daunted by small difficulties. If he be not a man of this stamp, we should advise him to continue his trip by train viâ Timaru, and on to Christchurch. But if he has nerve enough to put up with a few slight inconveniences in order to enjoy some of the grandest scenery south of the equator, we would direct him on the right track to reach that stupendous monarch of the hills,