The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 78

The Hanmer Hot Springs

Hotel, Jollie's Pass, two-and-a-half miles from the Springs. Good accommodation may be obtained at the Govennnent Spa, and several other accommodation houses.

Hanmer is 93 miles from Christchurch, and is reached by train (69 miles) and coach (24 miles). The train leaves Christchurch every morning to connect with the coach at Culverden, but invalids and others who object to early rising, may leave Christchurch on two days in the week by the evening train, and spend the night at the hotel in Culverden.

Kaiapoi

Muir and Moodie, photo

On the train journey from Christchurch to Cul-verden, Kaiapoi (or more correctly, Kaiapohia) is passed. In days gone by there was a large Maori Pa here, which was the chief stronghold of the Ngai-tahu tribe. So strong was the fortress, and so great was the warlike prowess of its brave de-fenders that Te Rauparaha the redoubtable northern warrior besieged the Pa in vain for many months. Being unable, with his twice six hundred men, to take the place by assault, he conceived the idea of setting fire to the palisades surrounding the village.

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Waiau Junction Hotel En Route to Hanmer Springs

Thus he piled great masses of manukaagainst these wooden breastworks, and waited for a breeze to blow towards the Pa. But while the wind was favourable to the besieged, some of the villagers sallied out and set fire to the scrub. The fortune of war, however was against them; no sooner had they fired the manukathan the wind changed, and Te Rauparaha took the stronghold, lapide of igne, with great slaughter. A remnant of the Ngai-tahu still live in a kaingaat Kaiapoi, but the village is now known for its celebrated woollen factory.

From Culverden to Hanmer the road is through the fertile Amuri plain, and for niuch of the journey the Waiau river flows close by. Hanmer is reached in time for dinner and the tourist after his ride in the balmy mountain air will need no Epicurean cooks to

Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite.

The Government Spa House is in the immediate vicinity of the baths, and a dip in the soft warm waters before dinner will be found very refreshing.

The water of Hanmer Springs is muriated alkaline saline, and somewhat sulphurous, and may be recommended in cases of rheumatism, skin diseases, neuralgia,

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Government Spa, Hanmer Hot Springs

Wheeler and Son photos

hysteria, and general debility. The temperature of the baths can be regulated from cold up to 114 deg. Fahr., and there are also two warm swimming baths in the Spa gronnds, each of which is fitted with cold showers. Patients may likewise have the benefit of the massage and hot air bath, if they care for these. The baths are all under Government control. Visitors may play bowls, tennis, and croquet, and there is a reading-room at their disposal.

The Clarence, just across the hills, is a picturesque stream, and this river is well stocked with the lusty trout, as are also the Waiau, Mason, and Hurunui rivers.

Hanmer is essentially a place of rest. There is but little in the way of scenery to attract the visitor, but as the Springs are 1200 feet above the sea level the airis bracing and tonic, and the complete change the baths, and the fresh air cannot fail to invigorate the invalid who is weary in brain or body.