Page:Picturesque Dunedin.djvu/294

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266
PICTURESQUE DUNEDIN.

the restless billows and foam in which Neptune delights to revel—immediately afterwards giving way so that the shallow basin named Blueskin Bay, receives the waters of the Orokonui, Waitati, and Whatiripuku Creeks. We pass in rapid succession Te Awakoa, Te Akaipaoa (Green Point), and Te Pahawea (Yellow Bluff), until Waikouaiti Harbour is reached, which, if justice had been done in the estimation of the residents, would be the best harbour in the Province. To dilate on all the points of interest which jut out before us from the point of vantage which we occupy would, take too much space; suffice it then that we briefly enumerate the headlands, receding bays, outlying reefs, and other notabilia which the eye and through the glass can be descried, looming away to the north. Passing Tumai and Pleasant River, Bobby's Head is easily distinguished. Nearest beyond is Shag Point, and then comes Moeraki with its associate point and sands and reefs, on which the wash can easily be seen. Otopopo, noted for its Waianakarua River, troublesome in early days, a short distance ahead Aorere Point, indicating under its lea a good boat harbour, and then the Kakanui, where works were erected to supply one half the world with preserved meats, till Cape Wanbrow with its light tells that the limits of our vision and of the Province terminates in Oamaru, our fair northern town.

Whilst the pen could long be occupied in faintly describing the many attractions of the distant scene, the visitor's attention is naturally attracted by places and objects nearer at hand. Well, be it known that we are now at High Cliff, about half-way on the road to Portobello, and that this name High Cliff has been bestowed because on the right hand side, down towards the ocean, a barrier to the roll of the waters of the modest height of 800 feet stands guard against further encroachment. A perpendicular wall eight hundred feet high is not to be met with every day, but it is not visible from the road, so in our next journey a little further information will be given concerning it.

Immediately in front stands the "camp" home of our genial friend and representative of the district, the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., who has done more for the district than any other hundred men in it. To visitors this commanding seat has always been open, and so far as the laird himself is concerned