Waitangi Falls, on the shores of the Bay of Islands, opposite to Russell, is a landing-place for goods for the back country settlements. It is famous, also, as being the locality where the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the assembled chiefs of the Maori people. There is some interesting scenery in the vicinity.

The “Wairoro,” a staunch steam riverbeat of fourteen tons, plies regularly between Russell and Waitangi Falls, calling at Opua as occasion requires. This fine little vessel was launched on the Wairau in 1883 and is fitted with high-pressure engines with ten-inch cylinders, is neat in appearance and makes seven knots an hour in smooth water. She connects with the “Clansman” at Russell weekly, forwarding transhipments to Waitangi Falls, the distributing centre of a large area of back country, including Kaikohe, Ohaeawai, Waimate, and Okaihau.

Mr. Louis Clifford Goffe, Owner and Master of the s.s. “Wairoro,” resides at Waitangi Falls. He is the son of the late Mr. L. C. Goffe, founder of the firm of Goffe and Co., was born in Auckland in 1863, and educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell. He made a tour of the United States in 1881, combining business with pleasure, and was presented with an illuminated address on his departure by the employees of Goffe and Co. He returned to New Zealand at the latter end of 1882 after the death of his father, which took place in September of that year. Later on he took over the Ohaeawai Hotel, which he conducted for three years, when he purchased the “Wairoro.” Mr. Goffe was at one time a member of No. 3 Company, Auckland Volunteers. He continues to take an interest in outdoor pastimes, especially cricket, and is associated with the American Order of Knights of Pythias.