OPENING OF NEW BATHS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 30

OPENING OF NEW BATHS.

VISIT TO WHAKAREWAREWA, ROTORUA, August 13. At Rotorua to-day Sir J. G. Ward opened the new bath-house which has been erected in the sanatorium, grounds. Having opened the door with a golden key, Sir J. G. Ward, accompanied by the official party, ascended the balcony, where he delivered an address. The Prime Minister, in the course of I his remarks, gave figures illustrative of' j the progress of Rotorua, as follows :— ' ' During the last five years the gross re? I ceipts to the Government from Rotorua ! have increased 153 per cent., the populaj tion has risen from 900 to 2000, and the i number of houses from 96 to over 500, including business premises. The total j receipts since 1902 were £43,282,' and I during that period the bath receipts have^ i been £16,611. The building contains "" the last word of science in the electrical massage and other methods of treating disease. At present the town has electric lighting at a cheaper rate than Wellington. During the five years the Government has paid £21,253 into the town account. Rotorua is unique inasmuch as it belongs to the people, and is managed by a State Department. I trust the building I am opening 'may prove a success as a pleasure resort and a place where pain will be alleviated snd sickness cured." — (Amleuse.) --v '^ On being asked to say a few words. Admiral Sperry thanked Sir J. G. Ward 1 and the New Zealand people for their hearty welcome, and said thai, as for the building, he would like to take Hi away with him. — (Laughter s.nd' applause.) Sir J. G. Ward then spoke in highterms of oraise of the work done by Mr Donne, Dr Wohlmann (BalneologistJ, Messrs Corlett and Tricg (architects for the buildine), and Hutchinson (contractor). Cheers were given, and the building was then declared open. In the afternoon the visitors drove to Whakarewarewa, where a new Maori meeting house was opened with ancient formalities. Two of the leading chiefs — Mita Taunopoki and Tutanekai — delivered speeches, and presented addresses to Admiral Sperry and Sir J. G. Ward. The thermal sights were then viewed under the guidance of Maggie, Bella, and other Native guide 3.