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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 65

Manawatu River and Gorge

Manawatu River and Gorge.

The Manawatu River rises in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, and, before entering the Gorge, consists of a number of streams,—some of considerable magnitude—which take their rise about 150 miles above the Gorge. The Tararua and Ruahine Ranges rise to a height of 6,000 feet, and are snow-capped a great portion of the year. They consist chiefly of stratafied rocks of the palaszoic age, and cross the North Island to the East Cape from Wellington. The river, or rivers, are true mountain streams before entering the Gorge, and will, no doubt, in the future, be the homes of the salmon and trout. Sometimes they are liable to heavy floods, but the numerous deep pools will always afford shelter to the fish. The ranges on each side of the Gorge are beautifully wooded, pine being predominant. Nikau palms and luxuriant fern trees, page 51 however, diversify the scene, and the numerous vines that cling to the more lofty trees seem to unite the whole into a wall of verdure. The river has cut for itself a passage through the rock, and though the current is not very rapid, it is sufficiently so to cause an unpleasant sensation to the voyager. The Chief Engineer of the district, Mr. J. T. Stewart, is the only one I know personally who has made the passage in a canoe, steered by natives. The road has been blasted out of the solid rock, on the southern side of the river, and is constantly being improved by some of the sharp corners being made more practicable. One can appreciate the nerve of the coach-driver who daily drives through this interesting and beautiful Gorge. The constantly winding road defies description,—it must be seen to be appreciated; and, although only four miles in length, it would take days to transfer its chief beauties to the sketch book. There is an hotel at the Masterton end of the Gorge, where accommodation can be had, and at the eastern end a magnificent bridge, resting on concrete piers, spans the river.

Returning to Palmerston, the traveller can leave for the districts north by train, or can, if he has leisure, go by the road to Foxton.