Few places of public resort in the Southern Hemisphere have sprung into favour and importance so quickly as Te Aroha. Its fame is now well-known throughout Now Zealand, and is fast extending to the sister colonies. In the near future Te Aroha is destined to become par excellence, the sanatorium of the Southern Hemisphere. Te Aroha is within easy distance of Auckland, being only 115 miles by rail, the express train going right through so that invalids are not troubled by having to change carriages or trains during any part of the journey.

It will be seen by reference to the map showing the various routes to Te Aroha, that the railway traverses the broad acres of the Waikato plains, and for some miles skirts along the banks of the majetic Waikato river, with its broad silvery waters bounded by native bush of everchanging tints, which at every turn of the lino brings some pleasant picture of surprising grandeur to the astonished gaze of the tourist. The train stops at Mercer for 20 minutes to allow travellers time for dinner, and excellent accommodation is to be found at the Railway Refreshment Rooms. At Franklin Junction the train again stops for ten minutes to allow travellers an opportunity of further re-freshment. Te Aroha is reached about 4.15, which gives ample time to enjoy a refreshing bath before dressing for dinner.

The other route shown upon our map, and which is much appreciated by many, is by steamer and coach, via Thames. The Northern Co.'s steamers leave Auckland for Thames daily, fare 7s 6d. The Thames, of itself, offers some attractions to the average globe trotter, it being one of the richest gold mining centres of the colonies. Those interested in that industry would do well to pay the Thames a visit. The principle hotel is the Pacific, which is one of the best appointed houses in the Province, Host Woodward has recently assumed the management and has done much to popularize the hotel, which contains spacious bedrooms, large dining hall, and every adjunct to a first-class hotel. Messrs Ricket and Co. run a daily coach from the Thames to Paeroa connecting with Gallagher's coaches for Te Aroha. Paeroa is the distributing centre of the well-known Ohinemuri goldfields, and is a hive of industry. The mountain scenery of the Rotokuhu Gorge, through which the coach road to Te Aroha passes, is well worth a visit. The hills page break being covered with dense virgin forrest through which a dashing mountain strerm winds its way towards the plains beyond. The coach drivers employed on this road are all experienced men, so that the scenery can be enjoyed by the most timid without fear of danger. After descending the Gorge it is a pleasant run along the foot of the mountain range into Te Aroha, which is reached about 3.30 p.m. The entire journey being completed in 6 hours, including stoppages. Single fare, 12s; return, £1.

The Hot Springs are situated in the centre of the township, which nestles at the foot of the majestic Mount Aroha, which is 3160ft. in altitude, and is the most prominent peak in the magnificent range which stretches from Cape Colville to the Hora Hora, and is clad with verdure of the deep impenetrable primeval forest. From the summit of the mountain, which is easy of access to pedestrians with ordinary powers, winding pathways having been made to the trig-station at the top, the grandest, most romantic, and extensive views to be found in the province are obtainable, embracing the East Coast, ocean, and surrounding district for a hundred miles and more; and for those whose powers of endurance are not equal to the ascent, there is ample scope on the vast plains below for taking pleasant and invigorating exercise, pedestrian and equestrian. The Domain grounds were planted and terraced with grass and winding walks, reaching up into the bosky deeps of the native forest, where is to be found the wildest ordered profusion of New Zealand fern, flora, creepers, climbers, shrubs, and palms. Even in winter time the wide spreading grounds of the Sanatorium give delightful places to walk and loiter in. but in the summer the great leafy wreath of the exotic deciduous trees make deep green shadows everywhere, lit up with flashes of tall pampas, so that nature seems here to be holding perpetual fete. On such summer days, feeling the breath of cooling zephers, the domain is a place in which one may lay down all the burdens of the hard present, revel in all that is pleasant of the past, and realise all the impossible hopes of the future.

Last season the Domain Board added a Swimming Bath to the attractions of the Sanatorium. This provides pleasurable exorcise for tho stronger portion of visitors, and is much enjoyed by them. The Te Aroha Brass Band discourses sweet music in tho Domain grounds at regular intervals throughout the Season.

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As funds will allow the Domain Board propose carrying out many schemes for the improvement of the place and the attraction of visitors. A bridle track to the top of the mountain is contemplated, by which the most delicate could enjoy an easy ride through sylvan glades to the trig station. It is also intended to nave a dynamo machine to be driven by water power from the hills for the purpose of lighting the grounds and bath houses by electricity. The Wairakau Lake and the "Wairere Falls, when made approachable, 'will prove a source of pleasure to many sightseers.