TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). (22nd August, 1905.) BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. SIR J.G. WARD, K.C.M.G.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1905 Session I, H-02

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1905. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). (22nd August, 1905.) BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. SIR J.G. WARD, K.C.M.G.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, My Lord — 22nd August, 1905. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. I have, &c., J. G. Ward, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. The year under review shows that the phenomenal increase in the oversea traffic for the year 1903-4 over the previous year has been well maintained. There has been an increase from all countries from which our visitors have hitherto been drawn, the increase recorded being as follows: Australia, 166; United Kingdom, 230; United States and Canada, 146; other countries, 217: or a total of 759. The smallness of the increase in the traffic from Australia is no doubt due to the frequently cabled reports concerning the unsettled climatic conditions prevailing in New Zealand during the first half of the season. Many visitors from the Commonwealth have stated that owing to these reports quite a considerable number of Australians either postponed or abandoned their proposed tours of this colony. The very encouraging increase in the traffic from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain may be attributed in a very large measure in the former case to the St. Louis Exhibition and the advertising in connection therewith, and in the latter case to the very much more extensive advertising of the colony's attractions in the Homeland than hitherto, just prior to opening of last season. The numbers of oversea visitors from the several countries recorded for the past two years are as follows: — 1903-4. 1904-5. Australia ... ... ... 2,726 2,892 United Kingdom ... ... ... ... ... 1,795 2,025 United States and Canada ... ... ... ... 417 563 European Continent ... ... ... ... 102 146 Africa ... ... ... ... ... ... 64 113 India ... ... ... ... ... ... 61 86 Other countries ... ... ... ... ... 68 167 5,233 5,992 These figures, as stated in my last report, cannot be regarded as complete. Quite a large number of visitors have probably escaped being recorded. They, however, provide good evidence of the value and the rate of increase of the traffic. Estimating the amount of capital at £50 expended by each visitor, the figures of 1903-4 gave the value of the traffic in round numbers as £261,000. Estimating the expenditure on the same basis for the year 1904-5 the value of the traffic is shown to be £299,000, an increase of €38,000 for the year.

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The direct receipt of the Department amounted to £16,018 3s. Id showing an increase of £673 14s 2d. over the previous year. Taking into consideration the loss of local traffic caused by unseasonable climatic conditions, and the stoppage of Waimangu, which in itself caused a shrinkage estimated at upwards of £1,500, the financial result for the year may be regarded as and departures for the year ending the 31st December, 1904, were 54,909. as against 50,491 for 1903, showing the increase in moving traffic of 4,418. During the four years the Department has been in operation the increase m Population by arrivals over departures has been greatly in excess of any previously recorded. From 1901 to 1904 the gain to the colony by this means lias been 36,144. On the whole, the influx has been of a class bringing means, and likely to make excellent citizens. The question of extending the influence of the Department by opening agencies in Sydney and Melbourne has been under consideration, but no definite action has yet been decided upon. The reduction of the rate for the transmission by post of newspapers has had the anticipated result of causing many additional thousands of the weekly illustrated newspapers, which are now produced in such "an artistic manner, to be sent abroad, thus vastly increasing the knowthe colony's progress and attractions in other lands. The best results may be expected from th° enlarged "circulation of such valuable advertising media. Compreheiiive exhibits were, during the year, sent to the Crystal Palace, London together with a large quantity of literature for distribution. A large number of pamphlets and books wprp also distributed at the Liverpool Produce Exhibition. Re ognSng the value of sport to the colony and the advisability of stocking with suitable animals lafge areas of waste lands, consisting chiefly of mountain-tops the Department ha during the year given considerable attention to the introduction of suitable animals and birds f ° r Th? tharTnd Japanese deer presented by the Duke of Bedford were liberated on the Southern Alps and the Kaimanawa Ranges respectively. A further consignment of twenty wapiti, twenty-four Virginian deer, and five blacktail deer, and 119 birds (chiefly waterfowl) was procured from 4merica and distributed among acclimatisation societies throughout the colony. These animals and birds in the future should add materially to the value of our sporting attractions. During the absence of Mr. T. E. Donne, Mr. C. R. C. Robieson has filled the position o Acting SupiintendentofVe Department, and I have pleasure in saying that he has carried out The important work devolving ujon him in this respect in a most satisfactory manner. I also to record my appreciation of the manner in which the other responsible officers of the Department have carried out their duties, and the loyal assistance given under all circumstances. " As Othkrs see us." As instances of visitors' appreciation of the work of the Department generally and the assistance given by the various inquiry agencies, I append here a few unsolicited expressions which have beln given to various Press representatives by well-known travellers during last season^ ftourlt from South Africa (Press clipping) "warmly praised he management of he Tourist Department. He was greatly surprised to find so much done for visitors, and in his that State said,-! have to speak in the hthet praise of the administration and management of the Tourist Department of the colony. This f£ldv organized, and there are chief offices established at Invercargill, Dunedin, ChristJhurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Te Aroha, and Auckland. The officials ,n charge are most C ° Ur Tlegillator from Western Australia speaks in the highest terms of praise of the enterprise fl nH emirtesv of the staff of the New Zealand Tourist Department. A"ell known American motorist states that "the Government Tourist Department is a i w t.,f, r P of your country Through correspondence with the Wellington office I laid out my" enl i«X tUugh New Zealand in Boston before leaving, and but for the information "eceived would notnave thought it possible to motor, as is contemplated, 1,400 miles ,n New Zeala in d ihe impression of a party of English tourists given to the Herald, it is stated ".that the Departments an institution admirable in every sense, and worthy of being copied in the United King ThTprofessor of a leading American university informed the Press that '/the Tourist Department seemed to be an excellent institution, and was of great aid to travellers.

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APPBNDICE 8. APPENDIX I. FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, Sib, — Ist August, 1905. I have the honour to submit herewith the departmental report for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. I have, &c, C. R. C. Rodieson, Acting Superintendent. The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G., Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. Although the increase in the oversea traffic has been well maintained during the year 1904-5, the local traffic has not come up to expectations, owing to the unseasonable weather-conditions which prevailed during the greater portion of the first three months of the season. The traffic to the several resorts was much less during that period than during the corresponding period for the previous year. The last two months of the season were, however, the busiest on record. The receipts for the year totalled £16,018 3s. Id., as against £15,344 Bs. lid. showing an increase of £673 14s. 2d. Had it not been for the stoppage of Waimangu Geyser the departmental receipts would have exceeded by at least £2,000 those for the previous year. The following statement shows receipts in detail for the last five years, from which it will be seen that for the year under review the sum collected is nearly four times greater than that for the year the Department came into operation.

1900-1. [ I 1901-2. 1902-3. 1903-4. 1904-5. Te Aroha— Bath fees and towel-hire Out-patients' fees Tennis-players, library fees, &e. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 396 12 10 16 5 6 27 4 0 £ s. d. 1,105 0 0 325 1 0 60 18 0 £ a. d. 1,071 2 4 365 0 6 106 11 9 Rotorua — Sanatorium patients' fees Out-patients' fees Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire .. Dry massage and electrioal treatment Water fees Electric-light charges Tennis-players, &c. Round trip .. "Tea-houBe" Sale of mineral waters Sale of Guides, pamphlets, &e. Guiding-fees Miscellaneous receipts 668 16 6 419 10 0 1,027 18 5 77 10 0 813 13 6 480 7 6 1,522 0 4 144 "5 0 36 12 8 717 3 3 589 10 0 1,874 5 7 132 12 6 544 19 0 47 7 0 565 5 0 144 19 11 440 2 4 1,490 19 0 929 4 1 817 17 0 2,415 2 10 236 0 0 1,032 19 10 56 18 9 1,794 17 6 295 14 3 48 17 10 16 18 9 22 17 0 72 18 6 1,542 14 7 1,004 4 7 871 6 0 2,483 18 5 280 11 0 344 7 6 1,138 13 7 101 8 3 1,673 4 9 458 14 7 142 8 3 17 7 5 9 6 0 Waimangu Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. Sale of Guides, photos, &c. 2,193 14 11 2,996 19 0 4,616 2 3 7,740 6 4 926 6 6 3 0 0 8,525 10 4 595 16 0 11 13 3 Lake House, Waikaremoana — Aooommodation fees, <fcc. Oil-launoh and boat reoeipts 66 12 6 929 6 6 379 8 11 61 13 6 607 9 3 370 10 1 79 0 4 Morere Hot SpringsBath fees 66 12 6 441 2 5 449 10 5 35 4 0 Hanmer Hot Springs — Aooommodation fees Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire .. Tennis-players, &o. Sale of Guides, pamphlets, &c. Miscellaneous reoeipts Tea-house receipts 1,139 19 10 487 6 10 1,344 1 2 552 6 4 1,200 16 10 778 8 6 , 11 19 11 1,341 0 6 930 5 2 18 17 6 1 10 1 34 16 7 1,199 17 0 849 5 6 13 8 6 1 6 0 17 9 7 108 9 11 Pukaki Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &o. 1,627 6 8 1,896 7 6 1,991 5 3 2,326 9 10 2,189 16 6 131 11 0 467 14 1 535 1 3 " Hermitage "— Aooommodation fees, &c. 358 16 6 597 10 4 914 15 6 965 15 6 924 13 6 Qlade House and Milford Tracks— Accommodation fees, &c. Guiding-fees 397 4 0 114 10 0 473 3 6 97 9 6 Head Office — Sale of pamphlets, oards, photos, &o. .. 511 14 0 570 13 0 240 12 10 471 1 3 637 10 3 Totals .. .. 4,179 18 1 5,490 16 10 8,401 1 8 15,344 8 11 16,018 3 1

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In view of the rapid growth of the tourist traffic the following statement made by the Sur-veyor-General, then Mr. S. Percy Smith, in his annual report, dated the 23rd June 1900, is of special interest. At the time these remarks were made the tourist and health resorts ot the colonywere under the control of that officer: — "The thermal springs, the property of the colony, are very numerous, and trom year to year are attracting an ever-increasing stream of visitors. It is, perhaps, scarcely appreciated by the public generally what this stream of tourists that every year visits the colony to see our scenery and natural wonders means to the people of the colony. Estimates made by people who have opportunities of gauging its volume make the sum annually spent in hew Zealand by these people over £1007000 in hard cash, besides the indirect contributions to the Customs revenue We are in the very early stages of this traffic; its future proportions no one can foresee, but it is not at all rash to predict that, ere the first half of the twentieth century shall have passed, our annual visitors will equal in number the present population of New Zealand. The growth during the five years since the above report was published goes to show that the former Surveyor-General's prediction is likely to be fulfilled. It will be noted that the estimated amount of money expended by tourists in the colony was then over £100,000; at present this amount is estimated at over £299,000, showing nearly 200 per cent, increase in five years The following official figures showing the number of baths taken and revenue received at Hanmer and Rotorua during the last ten years are equally impressive, and show pretty clearly what financial assistance the colony is receiving and may expect to receive from the traffic in the future: — ■

Agencies. The work of the agencies is becoming greater year by year as they become better known. For the year 1904-5 the inquiries at these agencies numbered 35,710, as against 21,044 for the previous year Both our own people and the oversea visitors find these agencies, which are kept fully posted concerning travel-conditions throughout the colony, of great use when preparing their tours. Advertising. The advertising arrangements have been further extended during the year, with the result that it has been possible to give a good deal more publicity to the colony's attractions in America, Great Britain, Australia, &c, than formerly. Owing to the very limited sum at the disposal of the Department for this purpose it is not possible to enter upon anything like a comprehensive scheme However, lam fully persuaded that the colony is getting very excellent value tor the present outlay in this directioV In adition to the ordinary advertising, a large numoer of wellillustrated articles have appeared in a variety of illustrated newspapers and magazines. I rom letters received it is evident that such articles come widely under notice, and attract considerable attention For advertising purposes of various kinds and for lecturing 10,751 photographs and 1,165 lantern-slides have been sent out. The receipts for sales of photos and lantern-slides amOU Tio to rCTiL 2 d l issues of the Department's "Itinerary of Travel" were published during the season totalling 1.6,000 copies, which have been distributed in New Zealand and abroad, the demand for this useful pamphlet increases year by year. Pamphlets from the pen of Dr. Wohlmann, entitled " The Mineral Waters and Health Resorts of New Zealand" have beer, issued spearately for Te Aroha, Rotorua and Hanmer These publications being comprehensive guides to the health resorts mentioned fil a much-fe t want, lar K e numbers of them having already been circulated With some aditional notes on the other resorts these pamphlets will later be published in one volume, and distributed widely amongst the medical profession, &c, abroad. . , •...' A number of useful maps for travellers have also been issued for he following districts: Thermal District, Marlborough Sounds, West Coast Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Te Anau - Milford Track and °eneral maps of Southern Lakes and Sounds. ~,'.. , General Guides to the Southern Lakes and Sounds and to the Southern Alps will be issued shortly together with a pamphlet on sport, &c. ~.••. , • , The correspondence carried on by the Department with inquirers abroad is becoming more varied and extensive, the information asked for requiring at times considerable research and compilation Including official memoranda, 22,256 letters were received and despatched during the year The correspondence entailed by the Scenery Preservation Commission has very considerably added to the work of the Head Office. Colonial and Indian Exhibition, Crystal Palace. It having been decided to send a sport and scenic exhibit to this Exhibition in addition to ~ : n H,,Btrial matter this Department sent the following: Specimens of mounted trout, six oi tintogs of scenery, forty-three photographic enlargements of scenery and deer-heads, several paintings oi . , ' itineraries of Travel, and illustrated newspapers for distribution. th °Thfs attrttinroonsTdtable attention. The advertisement gained hereby and from the St Louis Exhibition should result in the tourist traffic being largely increased during the next season.

Rotorua. Hanmer. Number of Baths. Revenue. Number of Baths. Revenue. 1896 1900 1904-5 28,906 51,507 97,611 £ s. 502 17 914 14 2,764 9 d. 0 0 5 7,781 14,065 25,132 £ s. 240 4 457 17 837 2 d. 8 4 4

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Sport.

The thar and Japanese deer presented by the Duke of Bedford were liberated at Mount Cook and Kaimanawa Ranges, near Taupo, respectively. The Superintendent of the Department, Mr. Donne, during his visit to the United States as New Zealand's representative at the St. Louis Exposition, procured a fine consignment of sport animals and birds for acclimatisation purposes in this country. The shipment was made up as follows: 20 wapiti or elk (including 10 presented by President Roosevelt), 24 Virginian deer, 5 blacktail deer; 10 wood ducks, 4 Mandarin ducks, 2 snow-geese, 2 barred owls, 2 horned owls, presented by Dr. Baker, Washington Zoological Gardens; 50 Canadian geese, 2 brant geese, 4 white-fronted geese, 16 black ducks, 14 pintail ducks, 2 canvas-back ducks, 5 widgeon, 6 guinea-fowls: total, 49 animals, 119 birds. In addition to these sport animals, five racoons were brought and placed for show-purposes in the Rotorua grounds enclosure. The whole consignment was brought over in the charge of Inspector Moorhouse, and, notwithstanding a rough passage, the losses consisted of two wapiti, five Virginian deer, and four birds only. Inspector Moorhouse is to be complimented on such excellent results. The birds felt the climatic changes to a greater extent than the animals, and exceptional means had to be taken on the ship to save them. On arrival at Auckland the original intention to distribute equally to all acclimatisation societies had to be abandoned, as, in order to insure success, it was decided to hand the birds over to the societies at those places passed on the route the consignment took from Auckland to the South. It was arranged that the societies should keep a certain stock for breeding purposes, in order that the Department may be supplied with birds for distribution in other districts at a later date. The distribution and liberations were as follows: The eighteen wapiti were liberated at George Sound, West Coast, South Island; nine Virginian deer at Stewart Island, nine at head of Lake Wakatipu, and one stag was sent to the Nelson Acclimatisation Society to be placed with some hinds already liberated in that district; the five blacktail deer were liberated at Runanga, near Tarawera, Napier-Taupo Road. Birds: Rotorua Government Grounds —The wood-duck, mandarin, snow-geese, guinea-fowl, owls, and two Canadian geese; Wellington Society —6 Canadian geese, 4 black ducks, 6 pintail ducks, 2 canvas-back, 2 brant geese, and 2 white-fronted geese; Christehurch Society —10 Canadian geese, 4 black ducks, 4 pintail ducks; South Canterbury Society —10 Canadian geese, 4 pintail, and 5 widgeon; Otago Society —10 Canadian geese, 4 black ducks; Southland Society —10 Canadian geese, 4 black ducks. These animals and birds should provide valuable additions to the colony's sporting attractions in the future. The deer-stalking and trout-fishing of the colony are annually attracting visitors in greater numbers. The restocking of our fishing-streams is a matter that will require more systematic treatment in the future than has been given in the past. Although the fishing generally during the past season throughout the colony has been excellent, in some districts there has been a distinct deterioration, due, I have no doubt, to the want of proper restocking of streams. The Department assisted in the restocking of the streams in the Te Aroha and Hanmer districts. In the Waihou River a supply of fry was liberated, and in the Percival and Rogerson Rivers 1,500 yearlings were distributed. The trout-fishing at Rotorua has been even more successful in point of numbers than previously. The recorded takes during the year numbered 15,043, weighing 25 tons 16 cwt. 22 Ib., as against 6,952, and 13 tons 13 cwt. 3 qr. 21J lb., for the previous year. This gives an idea of the enormous number of fish now in the Rotorua waters. The time has arrived when regulation of the stalking in deer-forests is desirable. In some districts the area of country open to stalkers has almost become too limited for the number of sportsmen. In the Wariarapa, owing to a greater portion of the deer-forests being private property, the area open to the majority of sportsmen is very limited. With the increase of sportsmen the deer on this area are too greatly disturbed to conduce to successful stalking. Perhaps a more serious feature of the trouble is the non-observance of the gazetted notification, dated the 12th February, 1903, setting aside 32,000 acres of forest lands as a deer sanctuary. This forest was poached over from end to end during the past season, and has for all practical purposes ceased to be a sanctuary. If the deer-herds are not to be depleted of animals worthy of sportsmen's attention, then this illegal stalking must be put down with no uncertainty. lam of opinion that the only way to satisfactorily cope with the trouble is to open a small portion of the reserve for sport, and put guides in charge, who will attend to the requirements of the legitimate stalker, whether of New Zealand or from abroad, and at the same time regulate the number of rifles, and prevent poaching in the sanctuary. Suitable fees could be charged, which, with the cost of the license, would cover the expenses incurred. It is only a matter of a few years when similar steps will be found necessary in regard to all deer-forests. There are still many parts of the country unfit for settlement, which, as deer-forests, would become valuable assets to the colony. I would urge that further attention be given to stocking these areas with red deer. The deer could be taken from present herds, and the work of distribution need not be expensive. I regret to find that the indiscriminate slaughter of native game still continues, and I must again urge the necessity of an amendment of the Animals Protection Act, so as to give power to limit the number of birds to be killed by any one sportsmen in a given time. During the early part of the present shooting season it was common to hear of bags of one to two hundred ducks being taken in a few hours by two or three guns. This is mere pot-hunting, not sport, and if the native game is to be saved from complete extinction this slaughtering must be ended. In my opinion, short of absolute prohibition of the shooting of native game, the limiting of the number to be taken is the only means of preventing the ultimate extinction of native birds, which, in itself, apart from considerations of sport, would be most deplorable.

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The sport exhibit sent to St. Louis Exhibition was much admired, and secured the only gold medal issued by the Exhibition authorities for this class of exhibit. To have secured this in one and practically on the borders of another of the world's greatest sporting countries speaks well for our sporting attractions. Preservation op Native Birds. Much is being done in Little Barrier and Resolution Islands to preserve the avifauna of the colony, but in order to make further necessary provision in this direction, I would urge that the whole of the Fiordland National Park, Otago, be made a sanctuary. On the mainland this is the only area where efforts in this direction are likely to be effective for any great length of time. Meteorological Records. The proper recording of data under this heading is of the greatest importance to tourist and health resorts, and I hope that the arrangements now under consideration with the Meteorological Office, to place the Department's stations on a proper footing, will result in the compilation of reliable statistics. A sunshine-recorder has been supplied to the Department's station at Rotorua, and the records, for comparison with other countries, will be invaluable as a means of illustrating the advantages of our climate. Visits of Inspection. During the year 1 visited Rotorua, Te Aroha, Waitomo, Taupo, Wairakei, Wanganui River, in the North Island, and Milford Sound, Southern Lakes, Mount Cook, and Hanmer, in the South Island. More frequent visits to the principal resorts are desirable, but owing to pressure of work in the Head Office at present the visits are at somewhat long intervals. North Auckland. The round trip from Auckland, via Helensville and Whangarei and back to Auckland, with its hot springs, kauri forests, and fruit districts, shows signs of increasing popularity. The launch service from Dargaville to Wharekohe and on to Whangarei has been improved to give tourists additional facilities for making the trip. The tracks to Nihotapu and Waitakerei Falls has been much improved, the Department having expended a small sum in assisting the local bodies in this direction. Te Aroha. The receipts at Te Aroha for the year to the 31st March, 1905, amounted to £1,542 14s 7d., an increase of £51 15s. 7d. compared with the previous year. The total number of baths taken WftS & W^Sfff,JJ£inte 1 in last year's report have been effected and this resort is now fairly well equipped for present requirements. Some better provision and shelter is however required for dispensing mineral drinking-waters, and the Balneologist recommends the conXtiS o a vapour bath over the hot-water tunnel for treatment of specia cases. The Department had to take in hand the work of increasing the temperature of No. 1 Bath, the ordinary " p conveying the water from the spring and the cold surface-water percolating through the ZnvPtP thereby reducing it to 85 deg. The bath was refloored, lined with timber, and backed up with concrete and a ne- insulated pipe laid on from the spring. This resulted in the temperatTe of the bath rising to 109 deg., which is satisfactory. Baths Nos. 2, 4 and 6 were improved by draining and three extra dressing-boxes and attendants' rooms were constructed. 7 The PariHon Bath buildings were repaired and painted in colours, giving a much brighter and frpsher appearance than hitherto. , ~ , The hot-water supply-pipes from the tunnel to the reservoir were taken up repaired, relaid, aml i nsu lated in order to increase the temperature for the Pavilion private baths The work of restoring the cold-water swimming-bath is now in hand. This bath, built before the Government took control, was of faulty construction, and soon became useless on account of order to supplement the cold-water supply to the Domain, 500 ft, of 3 in. piping was laid from WMtoker Street through the grounds, and fire-plugs fitted to command the different buildings for fire protection. Drainage. The Borough Council have in hand the work of effecting some improvement in drainage, which the Department is assisting with a pound-for-pound subsidy. Water-supply. The Department's cold-water reservoir was repaired and improved for use during the summer, when, owing to the dry season, the borough's supply was cut off. Administration Buildings. The administrative buildings were enlarged to provide a consulting-room for the Medical Officer" waiting-room for patients, a store-room, and conveniences. Grounds. The band-rotunda was removed from the oval to a site parallel with the Pavilion Bath buildings.

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A slip in the bowling-green embankment gave some trouble owing to bad excavation, filling-in, and drainage when the green was first laid by the Domains Board. It was necessary to clear the whole of the slip down to the settled face, then trench, drain, and stake. To provide for open-air concerts in the grounds, 150 lamp-poles were procured for hanging lanterns. A number of small improvements in the way of flower-borders, &c, have been carried out, which materially improves the appearance of the grounds. Additions to the bowling-green are required at the resort. Rotorua. In common with other resorts, the Rotorua season was late in opening, but the usually large stream poured in when travel-conditions became more favourable. Although the gross number of tickets issued by rail to Rotorua was less than the previous year, the number of ordinary bookings showed the substantial increase of 30 per cent. The falling-off was in holiday and special excursions, due to the bulk of the Easter traffic for 1904 coming in the previous financial year, and the fact that the usual annual carnival was not held. The appended return shows the bookings for the past five years: — Return of Number of Passengers booked to Rotorua for Years ending Slst March, 1901, 1902, 190S, 190% respectively, exclusive of Bookings from Flag Stations.

Sanatorium. The receipts for the year for accommodation and out-patients amounted to £1,875 10s. 7d., as compared with £1,747 Is. Id. for the previous year. The substantial yearly increase during the last five years in the amount of fees received is good evidence of the urgent need for the further and more extensive sanatorium accommodation which has been previously urged. The present building is not by any means fitted for the class of treatment required. Two hospital wards were added to the Sanatorium during the year in order to provide means of attending to patients requiring surgical aid. Prior to the erection of these wards considerable hardships and suffering occurred to several patients who met with accidents in the Rotorua district owing to there being no hospital in the district. During the year Dr. Craig resigned the position of House Surgeon, and Dr. J. M. S. Levis was appointed to the vacancy. Miss Payne, the Matron of the Sanatorium, has exchanged places with Miss Pettit, Matron of the Wellington Hospital. The free medical treatment of the Native population is still being carried on by the officers of this Department, and the whole cost, except medicine and transport, is a charge against this Department's vote. Mineral Drinking-waters. The sale of Te Aroha drinking-waters realised £142 Bs. 3d., a considerable increase over the previous year, when receipts were £48 17s. lOd. Good and palatable aerated mineral drinkingwaters are much appreciated. 1 hope to be able to place at the disposal of invalids shortly other waters which will be found helpful in the treatment of several complaints. Baths. The total number of baths taken during the year shows a falling-off, but the revenue has increased, due in a great measure to the popularity of the massage and electrical treatment. The number was 97,611, and receipts £2,764 9s. 5d., compared with 102,259 and £2,415 2s. lOd. for the previous year. In order to provide for better control and administration of the baths, it was found necessary to engage head attendants with previous experience in bathing-establishments. Mr. and Mrs. Yates, from the Harrowgate Hydro., England, were appointed, and entered on their duties in January last. The services of Miss Frega, a Swedish masseuse, were also obtained, the ladies' side in regard to this treatment being now as well provided for as the men's. Bath buildings. The cost of maintenance of the bath buildings is still heavy, and until the new buildings are available will remain so. In the Duchess and Priest Baths a number of new dressing-rooms were found necessary for the comfort of bathers. An electric-room was fitted up in the Duchess Bath building, and considerable repairs have been found necessary to the Pavilion and Priest Baths.

Ordinary. Holiday Excursion. Special'Excursion. Round Trip. | Total. Year ending 31st March. Single. Return. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. i L901 L902 1903 .904 .905 666 1,458 551 718 1,080 2,161 923 1,877 1,530 3,659 ! 1,081 2,099 2,080 5,058 I 1,176 2,886 2,574 5,288 ': 1,317 3,392 395 1,236 884 4,806 370 1,039 671 2,389 423 1,687 175 'l06 132 157 421 1,694 144 199 200 309 354 106 5,606 192 12,122 386 10,891 640 16,956 793 15,828

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In order to obtain a greater supply of Rachel water, the spring was successfully tapped at a lower level and the supply-main lowered. This was a very difficult work, and was successfullycarried out by the Engineer, Mr. White. For the better protection of the buildings from fire, 500 ft. of canvas hose has been procured. Cold-water Swimming-bath. A cold-water swimming-bath would be a desirable acquisition to Rotorua. There is an excellent spot in the lake at Picnic Point for this purpose. A fine bath could be provided there at very little expense, which could be used for swimming competitions and other aquatic sports. New Bath Building. Tenders for the first part of the new bath buildings are now about to be called. A good deal of unavoidable delay has occurred in revising the plans and specifications for these buildings. The work is of an exceptional character, and consequently a great deal of inquiry regarding most Suitable material has been necessary. Tea-house. The tea-house is a very popular resort, and has been much used by ordinary visitors to the ground and by those making use of tennis and bowls and croquet. The receipts amounted to £458 14s. 7d., as compared with £295 14s. 3d. for the previous year, which was, however, for eight months only. Gardens. No further extension of the grounds has been undertaken. The present gardens and parks should meet all the requirements of Rotorua for some years. The shrubs and native trees that were planted in the Queen's Drive borders are growing satisfactorily, thus making this fine drive a popular promenade. A number of tree-ferns have been well established in protected portions of the grounds, and are making good progress. The increasing demand for playing-greens will necessitate extra areas being taken for bowling. An asphalt tennis-court has been laid down during the year to provide necessary extra playingspace, and also to provide amusement for winter visitors A pavilion for the shelter of bowlers and tennis-players and the accommodation of material is a very urgent necessity. The experiment of providing music in the grounds during the day was tried, and proved a great success. The grounds were much enlivened, and those visitors who are unable to move about sight-seeing received much pleasure from the playing of the orchestra. Pukeroa, Kuirau, and Hamuana Reserves. The Kuirau Reserve fence will require rewiring in places, and the tracks in the reserves clearing. A small amount was spent on this and the Pukeroa Reserve for maintenance. In the last-mentioned reserve golf-links were laid during the year. These can only be regarded as temporary : more extensive links of a better class are very much required. At Hamurana it will be necessary to have some fencing done, as stray cattle are reported to be destroying the native bush, which is such an attraction at this popular reserve. Wharf, Hamurana A new wharf, 239 ft. long, has been built by the Department at Hamurana, the old structure having collapsed during the early part of the season. Rotorua Wharf. Plans, &c, have been prepared by the Roads Department for the extension and improvement of the wharf at'Rotorua. The present structure is entirely inadequate for requirements. Electrical Works. The generator plant at Okere is practically in the same condition as it was last year. As the plant has been for some time fully loaded, no increase in the amount of lighting has been possible. To meet the demand for more light, preparations are being made to strengthen the main-line equipment and duplicate the wires from Okere to Rotorua. This will provide for an increased output of about four hundred 8-candle-power lamps, and temporarily meet present requirements. Further additions to the generator plant should be put in hand at an early date. In case of a breakdown in the present generator plant the position would be serious, owing to there being no spare set to provide current during repairs. I hope to be able to submit a comprehensive report at an early date. The receipts for electric-lighting during the year amounted to £1,138 13s. 7d., an increase of £105 13s. 9d. over the previous year. Water-supply. The usual repairs to water-race, tunnel, and settling-tank were carried out. The water rates for the year amounted to £344 7s. 6d., compared with £236 in 1903-4, and £132 12s. 6d. in 1902-3. The inadequate supply of water during the dry season emphasized the need for putting in hand the new scheme which the Public Works Department are about to carry out. Drainage. The Public Works Department are completing the drainage system, and it is hoped that this great improvement to the town will be in use at an early date.

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Whakarewarewa Reserve. This popular reserve still continues to attract greater numbers, on account of its thermal action and surrounding Maori life. The grounds have been well kept, and as much protection as possible under present conditions has Been given to the thermal formations. Several minor repairs and improvements were effected, such as renovating bridges, erecting gates and fences, and some conveniences were also constructed. The thermal action was well maintained throughout the year, the Wairoa Geyser still proving a never-failing entertainment for visitors. The amount of £17 Os. 6d. was spent on maintenance of the Arikikapakapa Reserve, adjoining Whakarewarewa. The young plants which were transferred from the nursery the previous season are doing well in general. In order to preserve the natural silica formations in this reserve it will be necessary to provide powers of exercising greater control over the sight-seers visiting Whakarewarewa. These silica formations are becoming greatly damaged by being constantly trodden over. I am of opinion that no one should be allowed to roam over the thermal area without a guide, and that this should be arranged by the Department charging a small fee for admission and providing the guide. By this means only can the Department hope to prevent damage to the silica formations, which form some of the principal attractions at the reserve. Round Trip. This is still the unique and most popular trip in the district, notwithstanding that Waimangu Geyser has not played since October last. The accommodation-house is naturally not in as great demand as formerly, but during the summer was used as a stopping-place by many round-trippers. The total number of persons booked was 3,603, and the receipts £1,673 4s. 9d., compared with 3,073 and £1,794 17s. Gd. for the previous year. The fare was reduced from lis. to 7s. 6d. The increased number carried is also due to the placing on Lakes Tarawera and Rotorua of the two new oil-launches, which commenced running on the 2nd November, 1904. Since the inauguration of this trip the receipts from fares, accommodation-house fees, &c, amounted to £5,602 65., and the maintenance to £3,820 15s. 10d., leaving a margin of £1,781 10s. 2d., ample to cover any reduction of business in accommodation-house fees. Waiotapu. The usual maintenance-works were carried out on the Thermal Springs Reserve at Waiotapu. Orakeikorako. The Department arranged the appointment of a caretaker at this place to ferry visitors across the river and guide them to the sights, with permission to make a small charge. This resort contains fine alum caves, silica terraces, &c, and as the number of visitors is steadily increasing, provision for ferr}'ing over the Waikato River and guiding was necessary in order to control the movements of tourists and protect the caves and terraces from vandals. The terraces are now the finest in New Zealand, and later will be visited by a large number of people annually. Taupo. The Department's Head Gardener visited the Taupo Domain on two occasions for the purpose of assisting the Domain Board in carrying out a number of necessary improvements. A report from the Chairman of the Board will be found in the appendices. Waitomo Caves. These fine caves are attracting the attention of tourists in considerable numbers, but there are difficulties in the way of accommodation and transit which do not operate beneficially. During the year the area containing the old caves has been acquired under the Scenery Preservation Act, and a further reservation taking in the newly discovered Ruatoki caves is now in hand. It will be necessary to make some arrangement to properly control the traffic to the caves, and establish authority to prevent disfigurements, &c. Ido not think the Government should stop at the reservation of the caves, but should also control the accommodation-house, by which means the Department's officers will be able to insure the preservation of these natural wonders, which, if prompt steps are not taken, will soon cease to have their present value. Mokau River. The Department provided a grant of £25 towards the expenses of the River Trust, which has in hand the question of improving for traffic this fine river. Later, when the travel facilities are improved, this river should become an attractive resort. Tongariro National Park. During the year a three-mile buggy-road has been formed from the Waioru-Tokaanu Road to the Ngauruhoe Mountain Hut, and the bridle-road from the Rotoairu-Waimarino Road to Tongariro Mountain via Ketetahi Springs was repaired. The tracks generally were much damaged early in the season, but were duly repaired, including the construction of an 18 ft. horse-bridge. It is desirable that this park be stocked with red deer. One stag and two hinds were liberated some time ago, but I believe the stag was destroyed, and the hinds have not since been seen.

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Tokaanu-Pipiriki Route. The complaints of travellers on this route do not diminish; in fact, there is a tendency in the other direction. It is desirable that something more effective be done to put the coach-road in repair. For a great part of the past season it was unfit for coach traffic. Whanoanui River. The work of improving the upper reaches is still proceeding, under the direction of the River Trust Board. The river has been widened at Tarepokiore by removal of a cliff on the right bank, thereby improving the channel and causing the disappearance of a dangerous whirlpool. Retain ng-waH in the Ongarue tributary near Taumarunui landing, at Rurumaiakatea, Taurangahoura, Towhenua, Rarawhakamatuku, Taitakataka, and Tehoroporoaki were constructed- These improve, ments have enabled a continuous service to be maintained At Retaruke, Ohaoa UPWj»j Tupapa, and Auokura 1,593 ft. of new wall was constructed. The works were much h ndered early in the year by a heavy flood which carried away considerable gear, Ac. The steamsh p com pany's houseboat, between Pipiriki and Taumarunui, has been m use during the seaso Tie river was very low for some time in late summer, which probably accounted for the matter of irregular and unreliable runnings of the boats. An improvement was effected whereby is practically saved between Auckland and Wellington by making a steamer connectio , a Wanganui twice weekly with the express south, so as to enable passengers to travel from Pipiriki to Wellington in one day. Mount Egmont. The number of visitors to the mountain-houses materially increased on previous years, especially at the Northern and at Dawson's Falls Houses. A feature of the traffic was the large number o oversea tourists who " did " the mountain. The traffic generally has now reached such dimenrionlthat the question of providing better and more ample accommodation at the houses requires Chairman of the Egmont National Park Board is printed in the appendices. Morere. The bath-houses mentioned in my last report have been completed and in use for some time. The receipts from baths, a proportion of which come to the Department, amounted to £35 45., and amply justify the expenditure on the new houses. There are appearances of greatly increasing traffic at this place. Lake Waikaremoana. This resort had a very late season owing to broken weather, which at any time seriously good remlK rf rf „ 00 ,„ mo( ,„ ion „, «*.«•• meansTf teaching the lake from Rotorua through the Urewera country are provided. Foxton Marine Reserve. During the year this reserve at Manawatu Heads was fenced by the Department at a cost of £48 25., as a protection for the plantation laid out there some years ago. The Marlborough Sounds. _ . ... , a mnAa nf \f ar lhorough-Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds and their subL, pUw ot .ccommod.Mon, tol.pho.e-offi.e., „nd ftahmg ul .b0.,--ing grounds.

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Lake Kanieki. In order to popularise Lake K.anieri, near Hokitika, as a pleasure resort, this Department has taken action in the direction of securing a suitable site for an accommodation-cottage for visitors. An area of about 30 acres at the outlet of the lake, distant eleven miles from Hokitika by vehicle-road, is being acquired. The site commands a very beautiful view of the lake and the mountains at its head, ,and is an ideal spot for the erection of an accommodation-house tor travellers. The present intention is to erect a small three-roomed cottage, somewhat similar to the mountain-huts at the south Westland glaciers. This no doubt will answer requirements for several years to come. The land is partly forest and partly cleared and in grass; there will be a goodsized paddock available. A 24 ft. boat has been placed on the lake by the Westland Acclimatisation Society for the use of visitors, the cost being defrayed by the Department. Maruia Hot Springs. The Inangahua County Council has carried out various improvements at the Maruia Hot Springs during the last year, the sum of £200 having been granted for the purpose. The house accommodation at the springs has been improved, a bath-house has been erected, and other necessary works carried out to insure a greater degree of comfort for those using the springs. There are two living-huts at the springs—one containing three rooms, with sleeping accommodation for five persons, and the other accomodation for two. Haupiri Hot Springs. These hot mineral springs are situated sixty miles inland from Reefton, forty miles from Greymouth, thirty-one miles from Ahaura. The springs, which are similar to those at Maruia, are believed to be of considerable medicinal value, but their use will of necessity be confined to residents in this part of the West Coast. A track has been formed to the springs from the termination of the Ahaura-Hatters formed road. It is now proposed to erect a small two-roomed cottage at the springs for the convenience of invalids desiring a course of the waters. Waiho Hot Springs (South Westland). Since last report steps have been taken to utilise the hot mineral springs at the junction of the Kallery and Waiho Rivers, close to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier, South Westland. A contract has been let for the construction of a small bath-house measuring 10 ft. by 8 ft., to contain a single bath. The locality is reached by vehicle-road from Hokitika (ninety-one miles). Hanmer Hot Springs. In common with other establishments at Hanmer, the spa and baths experienced a late opening for the season. The number of visitors to the spa was 448, and the receipts £1,199 175., as against 491 and £1,341 os. 6d. The number of baths taken was 25,132, receipts £837 2s. 4d., compared with 26,211, amount £914 os. 4d., for 1903-4. The gross receipts from all sources amounted to £2,189 16s. 6d., and the value of free accommodation and treatment to £248 os. 3d., as against £2,326 9s. lOd. and £154 Is. for the previous year. The figures, however, are ahead of the 1902-3 returns. The spa dining-room has been enlarged and refurnished with small tables. A new septic tank has been constructed and connected with the spa. The new tea-house was opened on the 21st November, 1904, and the receipts have been most satisfactory, the place providing a popular and pleasant resort in all weathers. The building also includes a ticket and inquiry office. The new fresh-water swimming-bath was opened on the 12th January last. All bath-houses, See., have been thoroughly painted inside and out, and the gardener's cottage renovated. A machinery-room has been erected in connection with the heating of the proposed Aix massage rooms, &c. The tennis-court has been graded and laid down in fine grass, and another rink added to the bowling-green. The grounds have been much improved generally by planting and rearranging of most of the flower-beds. A croquet-lawn has been laid near the spa. The Public Works Department have in hand the installation o! : a new water-supply system, which when complete will be a great improvement to this resort. Pukaki Accommodation-house. This house had a satisfactory season, the number of visitors and the receipts showing a good increase. Receipts £535 Is. 3d., compared with £467 14s. Id. the previous year. The additions to the house mentioned in my last report were completed in time for the last season, but even with the additional accommodation the house was at times overtaxed. An area of about 400 acres has been fenced round the house for grazing the Department's stock, &c. Mount Cook Hebmitage (Southern Alps). There were very few visitors to this resort until December, but by the end of the season they had numbered more than the previous year, totalling 175, as against 165. The receipts were £924 13s. 6d., compared with £965 15s. 6d. for the previous year—a slight decrease. Where the rush of visitors is confined to a few months, the demand for beds is far in excess of the Hermitage accommodation.

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Some minor improvements were effected, such as new outbuildings, tracks, &c. A severe storm wrecked the Hooker Bridge early in the spring, but the structure has been replaced, and the track round the Spur completed, to obviate crossing the river by cage, in order to obtain access to the Tasman Glacier. The older portion of the Hermitage hotel building is rapidly deteriorating, and the necessity of a new and more up-to-date house becomes more and more urgent. The present building cannot last more than one or two seasons, and the accommodation has been greatly overtaxed on many occasions during the past two years. A new building to replace the present decaying edifice must be put in hand early. It should be erected on a site at Governor's Bush, which is much more suitable, offering as it does good shelter, water-supply, and a very much superior outlook to the mountains. The chief climbing done during the season was the successful ascent of Mount Cook by Dr. Teichelmann, Rev. Mr. Newton, of West Coast, Mr. Lowe, of Scotland, and Guides Clarke and Graham. Professor G. Carroll Curtis, geologist and physiologist and artist, of Harvard University, Boston, U.S.A., crossed the Copeland Pass to the West Coast, and visited the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. He has been good enough to supply a few notes of his impressions, which I append hereto. Professor Curtis's Remarks. " 1 count it a favour to be permitted to offer you a few observations from the notes made lately among the alpine mountains of New Zealand. I can do no better than to supplement the ' impressions ' left for you in 1902 by the eminent Swiss geologist and geographical sculptor, Albert Heim. Had Professor Heim crossed to the western side of the range these additions would be superfluous. " ' The student of glaciation,' says Dr. Heim, ' is much disappointed as he travels in New Zealand from the sea to the peaks above the ice. He finds only moraines and sometimes glacierscratched blocks, but the roches moutonnees are not to be seen. The rocks of the mountains do not bear, or if they bear they do not preserve, the polishing that glaciation produces nearly everywhere in the European Alps and in Norway. Only occasionally the rocks are somewhat rounded —the blocks of the moraines 1 never found polished. The glacier-action in the Mount Cook region is not erosive, but consists in the export of shingle and the accumulation of moraines.' " While this statement of Heim's appears co be largely true of the glaciers on the eastern side of the Alps, it can hardly be maintained for New Zealand as a whole, for had he visited either the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers he would have seen not only abundant glaciated surfaces and quite typical roches moutonnees, but even glacial polished blocks of stone upon the moraines. " The rapid forward movement of some of the New Zealand glaciers, the vast amount of ' rock-flower,' ' the grist of the glacier ' which gives the milky appearance to the turbid outletstreams, and the well-glaciated surfaces so fresh that the lichens have not as yet taken root upon the rock, intimate, moreover, that some of the glaciers, and perhaps even the Mount Cook glaciers, are erosive. In ancient times they were remarkably erosive, as many of the ' cold ' lakes and West Coast Sounds attest. " It seems possible that the apparent scarcity of abrasive effects on the Mount Cook glaciers is due not so much to lack of active erosion as to a general condition of transportation. " On crossing the range one can scarcely fail to be impressed with the prevailing difference in talus-accumulations. On the east side the rock-waste is notably prominent; it slopes from high up among the peaks and spreads out in huge fans on the flat-bottomed valleys. Many of the mountain-tops are nearly buried in debris. This condition is due to a combination of factors. " The Alps of New Zealand are at the stage of denudation called ' past maturity,' an earlier larger diversity of relief having been lost by a general degradation of the land; the debris from the shattered peaks has become a dominant feature in the landscape. While this general condition of topographic development holds throughout the region and talus is abundant on the west-coast slopes, they are not smothered in debris as on the Canterbury side. Here the streams from the principal glaciers empty into high-level lakes, usually maintained by morainal dams. While, as at Lake Pukaki, the outlet holds up the Mount Cook drainage, preventing the rapid removal of waste from the mountans, the west-coast glaciers, on the other hand, flow uninterrupted and direct to the sea, the waste of the land passing rapidly into the ocean. These conditions seem to largely account for the differences noted in the Canterbury and Westland topography. The waste on the east side is carried away so slowly that it gathers deep upon the mountain-sides, pushing upwards towards the summits, great quantities falling upon the ice, building up enormous lateral moraines, while the bed-rock crumbles in situ and offers so little resistance to the passing glacial stream that it is broken away rather than grooved and striated, polishing resulting from incessant rubbings being hardly a possibility. "As might be predicted from these conditions, the west-coast glaciers are burdened with moraines both lateral and terminal, but scanty in comparison to those of the eastern side, and there is present a good showing of glacial gouged troughs, roches moutonnees, striated surfaces, and grooved and polished blocks on the moraine. " I desire to record that the excellent guides and general equipment at the Mount Cook Hermitage greatly facilitated work among the glaciers. Pukaki - Pembroke Coach Service. The efforts of the Department to popularise the route of travel from Mount Cook to the southern lakes have not resulted in the success anticipated. In conjunction with the Postal Department a coach serivce during the past season was subsidised by this Department, but the number of tourists who took advantage of the route was not great, due principally to the poor and primitive accommodation provided between the points.

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Fairlie - Hermitage Coach Service. This service is not satisfactory. The time taken on the journey is greater than should be necessary, owing to the long stages run. In the whole journey of ninety-six miles only three sets of horses are used. In order to encourage travel to the Alps, which must be considered one of the finest of our resorts, it is desirable to provide more expeditious and cheaper transit than at present. I think with some not very expensive improvements to the roads a motor service might be had to Lake Pukaki. This, with a good oil-launch on the lake, would enable the Hermitage to be reached from Fairlie in one day, and, with the alterations I have suggested in the Pembroke-Pukaki service, reduce the journey from Lake Wanaka to two days. Lake Wakatipu. This deservedly popular resort would, I have no doubt, attract a much larger number of visitors if some of its chief beauty-spots were made more accessible. Some of the finest scenery in New Zealand is to be found in the mountains, valleys, and lakes beyond Glenorchy, to which the means of access are difficult. A vehicle-road from the Dart River to the gorge in the Routeburn Valley is very- much needed. This road could be easily constructed, and would permit a vehicle being taken to within three miles, easy walking-distance, of the huts in the valley. A track is also required from the Harris Falls to the saddle. The huts in the Routeburn Valley have this season been very much improved, and meet requirements. A vehicle-road is also greatly needed to the Lennox Falls in the Rees Valley, and the hut at the foot of Mount Earnslaw requires improving. The most important work in this district is, however, the. opening-up of a route whereby visitors may reach Te Anau from Lake Wakatipu, or vice versa. The country has recently been explored by Messrs. Burley and Reid, and a good route is reported to have been traversed. It is stated that a bridle-track can be made for the greater part of the journey at no great expense, enabling those who can ride to make the journey between the lakes in one day, or two to three days on foot. Such a track would be of great advantage both to Wakatipu and also to the Te Anau - Milford route. I have to recommend that steps be taken to get an estimate of the cost of the suggested track. Visitors would, with such a track open, be able to save two to three days in the trip between the lakes, and at the same time save expense and the monotony of traversing scores of miles over the same ground. Queenstown Domain. The amount of £117 13s. was expended on improvements to the park and esplanade. The administration of the park was handed over by the Borough Council as from the Ist March last, and the area will eventually be legally vested in the Department for administration purposes. A large number of trees were killed by a storm some two years ago, and in consequence a great deal of planting is required. Improvements to playing-greens, <fee, should be taken in hand early. Golf-links at Frankton would prove an attractive feature of the place. There is a good site on the lake-shore where very excellent and picturesque links could be laid down. Southern Lakes and Sounds. Glade House. Considering that the first two months of the season brought very few visitors, it is satisfactory to find that the result as a whole is an increase compared with the previous year. The accommodation fees amounted to £473 3s. 6d., compared with £397 4s. The tents and malthoid huts provided at the beginning of the season for extra accommodation were very useful, but a new house is required. The Department's staff had to work at this place under very undesirable conditions, and it is therefore hoped that the new house, for which tenders have been' called, will be erected in time for the Christmas traffic of next season. With the new track opened up from Wakatipu this house will become an important stopping-place. Te Anau - Milford Sound Track. The traffic for the season shows an advance on the previous year, 275 persons having used the track, compared with 272 for 1903-4. When it is remembered that McKinnon's Pass was under snow at Christmas, the figures show that even under adverse circumstances the impressive scenery of this track claims tourists' attention. The Department tried the use of horses for packing stores to the various huts on the track. The horses did good work and saved considerable labour. lam of opinion, however, that mules would be an improvement on horses for this work. A laro-e shelter-shed and staging for boats was constructed at Sandfly, as well as a new resthut between Milford Sound and Falls Hut. The track at the end of the season was in better order than in previous years. Many small bridges have been erected, replacing old log crossings. It is gratifying to note that bird-life of all species on the track is noticeably increasing since the Department's staff have taken precautions to exclude guns and dogs from the route. The guide in charge has been appointed a ranger, and the Sounds region provisionally gazetted a National Park. Owing to complaints in the matter of guiding-charges, these were abolished, and a track ticket of 3s. 6d. was issued to all tourists. The receipts under this heading amounted to £97 9s. 6d.

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The increasing traffic necessitates some improvements being made to the hut accommodation on the track from Te Anau to Milford. At the first stage from Glade House the hut accommodation will meet requirements for some time, but those at the head of Clinton Valley and also near the Sutherland Falls are insufficient. All meals (both for men and women) have to be served in a small hut containing eight beds and where all the men have to sleep. This is very objectionable, especially as women have often to take their meals on making an early start before some of the men are out of bed. The sleeping accommodation has also been considerably overtaxed at the huts. What is now required is two huts, one at each place, for the purpose of serving meals, which could also be used for sleeping accommodation when the other huts fail to meet requirements. An additional hut for tho guides' and trackmen's accommodation is also required. These improvements should be put in hand so as to be completed before next season's Christmas traffic commences. Lake Te Anau. It is most important that the steamer service on this lake should be in the hands of the Government. Just at present visitors to the lake are only seeing a very small portion of this fine sheet of water and surrounding scenery. The private owners cannot see their way to run to the several arms, and thus the best scenery of the lake remains unvisited. Lake Manapouri. The present steamer is not fitted for the requirements of the traffic, and a new boat should be provided by either the Government or private persons for the next season's traffic. Routes to Doubtful and George Sounds. The improvement of the track from Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound and the provision of suitable hut accommodation is a work which is very desirable. Nothing, however, can be made of this route until a suitable steamer has been placed on the lake. When this has been done it should become very popular. The distance to be walked is only about one-third of that from Te Anau to Milford, and the scenery is said to be almost equally grand. A boat has been ordered for Lake Hankinson in order to enable those desiring it to make the overland trip to George Sound. Not much traffic is. however, anticipated by this route till there is some regular steam service to the arms of Lake Te Anau. Southland. The Otautau - Manapouri Route. A regular coaching service has now been established between these points, and should do much to increase the Milford Sound overland traffic, the return this way instead of by the same route as the visitors come up proving an attraction. The work of snagging the Pourapourakuio River was completed during the year. The Riverton Borough Council supervised the work. Steam-launches and boats are now enabled to carryvisitors to one of the best beauty-spots in the district. Waiau Ferry. The County Council have discontinued the ferry service at the mouth of the Waiau River, having to maintain the one seven miles further up the river. The Department has therefore arranged to subsidise the ferryman at the former place in order that his services may be available for travellers and fishermen, who visit this place in numbers and require the services of an expert boatman. Stewart Island. A noticeable increase in the number of oversea visitors to Stewart Island was reported during the year. The tracks on the island generally are in good order and much appreciated by visitors. Sanctuaries for Preservation of Avifauna and Flora. Little Barrier Island. This island, which is a sanctuary for native avifauna and flora, has hitherto been administered by the Auckland Institute, but, in accordance with instructions, the Department took it over on the 31st March last. The caretaker, Mr. R, H. Shakespear, who has been employed by the Institute for a number of years, accepted a similar appointment under the Department. The buildings taken over consist of a house of nine rooms, and necessary annexes in the shape of workshop, store-room, &c. . ■ . In addition, the caretaker keeps an oil-launch in order that he may patrol the island independent of weather-conditions. . ' , The Little Barrier Island (Hauturu), the northern sentinel of the Hauraki Gulf, is a densely wooded mountain rising abruptly from the ocean to a height of about 2 400 ft It is distant about forty-five miles from Auckland ; the nearest part of the mainland is Point Rodney, fifteen miles due'west The island is of volcanic origin, and is exceedingly rugged and broken, with several sharp peaks over 2,000 ft. in height, intersected by deep ravines. Most of the coast-line is very precipitous, with lofty perpendicular cliffs of breccia and lava rocks. The island is about four miles in length, and nearly the same in width, with an area of close on 7,000 acres. 1 here is no bay or harbour, and landing has to be effected on the boulder-banks. In rough weather it is not possible to land on the island.

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Hauturu was formerly owned by the Ngatiwai Tribe, whose title was extinguished about ten years ago. A small hapu lived on the flat near the landing-place, and cultivated rich crops of kumera, he. The remains of several ancient Maori pas are to be seen near the south-western part of the island, including the ruins of a remarkable walled pa, built with boulders from the flat, The Little Barrier is an ideal sanctuary for Native birds, being difficult of access, and situated at a considerable distance from the mainland. Since it became a State reserve the birds have been unmolested, and many varieties are now numerous. Some rare species, it is satisfactory to note, are increasing in numbers. The bell-bird is very plentiful all over the island; last season there were several nests in close proximity to the caretaker's house. Four kakapo (Stringops habroptilus), from the west coast of the South Island—long extinct in the North—have been liberated on the island, and should do well. The rare stitch-bird (hihi) is not common, but is increasing in numbers; it is found generally in the more inaccessible places, but occasionally comes down on the flat in the spring. The long-tailed cuckoo (koekoea) are shining cuckoo (pipiwharauroa), two of our summer migrants, are plentiful; they arrive from the tropics about October and leave again in March. The wood-pigeon (kuku) is very plentiful at certain times. In addition to the birds mentioned, the following are numerous: Ruru or harrier (Circus gouldi), morepork, white-eye (tauhou), white-headed canary- (popokatea), grey warbler (riroriro), pied tit (miromiro), pied fantail (piwakawaka), red-fronted parrakeet (kakariki), brown parrot (kaka), tui, and many kinds of sea-birds. Other birds noted on the island, but not numerous, are —Quail-hawk (kaeaea), bush-hawk (karewarewa), rifleman (tipipounamu), ground-lark (pihoihoi), Little Barrier snipe, water-crake (koitareke), kingfisher (kotare), wood-robin (toutouwai). Some of these, however, are increasing. The small native rat, which has almost completely disappeared on the mainland, abounds, and has probably increased since the cats have been cleared off. Tuatara lizards are not numerous. Insect-life is very abundant, and with the flowering-shrubs provides ample food for the birds. The flora of the island includes all the timbers found on the mainland. Kauri is plentiful: when the island became Government property it was estimated that there were some nine million feet of this timber standing. The pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa) is very abundant, grows to a great size, and is a very beautiful object in the flowering season. A remarkable shrub growing on the island is the parapara (pisonia brunoniana), sometimes called the " bird-catching plant." It has a very viscid fruit, on which numbers of insects and sometimes small birds are seen securely glued by the sticky exudation from the seed-vessels. Resolution Island. The administration of Resolution Island (in Dusky Sound, west coast of the South Island), a reserve for the preservation of native birds and flora, has now been intrusted to this Department, it having been taken over as from the Ist October, 1904. The island was set apart for this purpose in 1891, and Mr. Richard Henry has acted as custodian since July, 1894. His valuable services are retained by the Tourist Department. It is rather curious to find that Resolution Island was originally gazetted in 1875 as " a station to be used for the restraint and safe keeping of male offenders under sentence of penal servitude " ; it has been legally under the Justice Department since that time, although the administration of the place as an avifauna reserve has been carried out by the Lands and Survey Department. Mr. Henry resides on Pigeon Island, a small island close to Resolution. The caretaker's cottage and other buildings on the island are now taken over by this Department. Mr. Henry has a small cutter, in which he visits the mainland and various parts of Resolution Island in connection with his work. He has recently fitted the boat with an oil-engine and screw, so as to make his cruises with greater expedition and independently of the weather. Resolution Island is about fifty square miles in extent, and is some eight miles in length from north to south, with a width of about six miles and a half. On the eastern side it is separated from the mainland by a narrow sound —Acheron Passage; on the west a long narrow peninsula, almost a separate islet, projects out into the ocean and shelters a deep bay, in which is Pigeon Island, besides many other small islands. In the vicinity of Mr. Henry's residence is Facile Harbour, where the remains of the ancient wreck of the ship " Endeavour " are to be seen at low water. Dusky Sound abounds in historic spots, as well as objects of interest for the botanist and naturalist; the sites of Captain Cook's sojourn here in 1773 are still readily identified. Resolution Island is a very rugged, broken mass of mountains; its highest point is at an altitude of about 3,000 ft. The island is everywhere densely covered with forest, affording perfect shelter for the birds with which it abounds. Mr. Henry, in his description of the island, says that there are several fair-sized streams of water —at Duck and Cormorant Coves and Shag River —but they drain such steep country that they almost run dry after a few fine days. He has discovered four little lakes; their water resembles that draining from a peat " moss." During the custodian's residence in Dusky Sound he has cut a number of tracks on Resolution, and has transferred a large number of flightless birds to the island from the mainland. He found that the roa (or tokoweka, a large brown kiwi) and the weka (or woodhen) were plentiful on the island, but there were no kiwi or kakapo. He hunted for birds on the mainland with a muzzled dog, and in a few years succeeded in transferring considerably over seven hundred groundbirds alive to the island—chiefly kiwi and kakapo—which were liberated in various suitable localities. Wekas are now more numerous on Resolution than they were five years ago : this Mr. Henry attributes to the absence of rats. Referring to other birds, he writes,-- -" Saddlebacks were always very scarce, but I have not seen one now for some years. There are few places on Resolution Island suitable for native thrushes. They are the most fastidious of all bush-birds as to their place of residence, and I think they are rapidly disappearing. The principal reason for this is probably the abundance of imported thrushes and blackbirds which are everywhere now, even on Pigeon Island. All the other bush-birds appear to be as plentiful as ever.

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in their season, including pigeons [these are very fond of the miro-berries], kaka, tui, bell-birds, and most of the small birds, except tits, which are scarcer. The warblers (riroriro) are more plentiful, noticeably so, and probably because the long-tailed cuckoo (koekoea,) [which is parasitical in its breeding habits, and ousts the young riroriro to make room for its own eggs] has not patronised my place for the last year or two." Flowering-trees and shrubs and berry-bearing trees are plentiful, and the honey-eatmg birds, such as the bell-bird and the tui, find abundant food. In March of this year, reports the custodian the flax was loaded with flowers and honey. The kakapo feed on mapou and other berries, and also on the honey of the rata-blossoms, &c. It is a matter for regret that excursionists on schooners and other vessels have been m the habit of destroying birds on Resolution Island and other localities in the Sounds. The heads of the Sounds and the wooded islands are natural preserves, and will continue to afford shelter and food for native birds when some of the rarer species are extinct on the mainland. The birds in these localities are often exceedingly tame, and no true sportsman would think of shooting them. The coast-line of Resolution is so large that the custodian cannot patrol it all, and it appears to be desirable in the interests of our native-bird life that some regulation should be brought into force to prohibit excursionists and others taking guns with them when visiting Dusky Sound, and, m fact any of the other Sounds and islands within the bounds of the Fiordland National Park. 'During the last ten years Mr. Henry has kept a record of the rainfall at Pigeon Island-one of the wettest places in New Zealand. The rainfall has sometimes been as much as 31 in. in the month; the wettest recorded month last year was November, when 22| in. of rain fell.

APPENDIX 11. Sir — REPORT OF GOVERNMENT BALNEOLOGIST. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. Arthur S. Wohlmann, Government Balneologist. The Superintendent, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Durino' the past year, while no fresh constructive work of any magnitude has been attempted, yet several minor new"baths have been erected and old ones improved, so that all the spas belonging to the Department are in considerably better order than heretofore. For the convenience of visitors and of medical men who may wish to send patients to one ot the Government spas, I have written guide-books dealing with the use of the mineral waters at Rotorua, Te Aroha, and Hanmer, which are being distributed gratis by the Department. Rotorua. While from a variety of causes the season has not been as good as had been anticipated yet this resort undoubtedly continues to grow in favour, and perhaps the most striking feature of the year has been the unmistakable manner in which Rotorua as a spa has outgrown its equipment. This has been evidenced both at the baths and at the Sanatorium. It is not merely that the number of bathers is much greater than formerly, but a higher standard of treatment, involving the use of more complex apparatus, is expected, and a much higher standard of comfort is demanded by the public, so that the machinery which could easily cope with the work five years ago is to-day hopelessly inadequate. r The Baths. The decision of the Government to proceed at once with the erection of a large portion of the new baths will be hailed with satisfaction by the ever-increasing number of visitors to Rotorua. The nortion to be erected will comprise by far the most expensive section of the whole, but, while involving a considerable expenditure on first construction, there will be a real economy in maintenance for owing to the state of decay into which the old baths have fallen, and the generally makeshift nature of the appliances now in use, the expense for upkeep and repair has been unduly heavy, and this expenditure is hardly likely to decrease so long as the existing buildings are Utlll Tn'spite of the fact that the past year has been a bad tourist season, yet there has been an increase in the bath receipts on any previous year, though naturally, as compared with the phenomenal rise of last year, the increase has been only slight. In some direc ions indeed notably at the Pavilion Baths, which are most of all in need of reconstruction, and where the baths are most uninviting, there has been a distinct retrogression. The recent purchase by the Government of twenty porcelain baths, which can be used at the Pavilion Baths pending the completion of the new buildings, will do much to restore this establishment to public favour. The total receipts at the baths have increased by nearly £450, the bulk of which, however, has been made up by the increased revenue from massage and from the sac of Te Aroha water. Since this water has been aerated its sale has been quadrupled, and I would strongly advise the similar treatment of an iron, an iodine, and a purgative saline water. Bath receipts: 1904, £2,464 Ob. Bd. ; 1905, £2,910 7s. Bd.

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Although the receipts have risen, the total number of baths taken has somewhat decreased, the decrease being in the lower-priced baths. By means of an improved system of tickets we are now able to more accurately gauge the number of free baths given, formerly a matter of estimation only. This number has greatly increased during the year, and large numbers of invalids have been enabled to obtain massage and electrical treatment which were necessary for their recovery, and which they could not possibly have afforded otherwise. Total number of baths paid for —1904, 89,731: 1905, 84,710. Total number of baths free—l9o4, no definite figures available: 1905, 9,737. Certain minor alterations and additions have been made so as to increase the accommodation, especially at the Aix-massage baths, and greater efficiency has been secured by strengthening the staff. • The necessity for head attendants has long been recognised, and the appointment of Mr. and Mrs. Yates, of the Harrogate Baths, to the post has done much to promote the efficiency, cleanliness, and order of the bathing establishment. The appointment of an additional masseuse has made the female side of the staff as complete as the male, so that women can now obtain that massage and electrical treatment which was formerly only available for men. This has been an especial boon to the Sanatorium patients, who are entirely dependant on the baths staff for treatment. The supply of mineral water from the old sources is beginning to show signs of not being equal to the demand, and if Ihe latter continues to increase at the present rate it will certainly be necessary before long to supplement the supply of Rachel water. A practically inexhaustible supply could be obtained from the spring supplying the Spout Baths at Whakarewarewa, and conveyed by gravitation in fluming to Rotorua. This would serve to feed the swimming-baths and the douches, and would also suffice for warming all the buildings, thus leaving the Rachel water free for more strictly medicinal purposes. It will probably also be found desirable to conduct in by fluming some of the Postmaster water, so that this extremely valuable water can be used as baths without the unpleasant concomittant of dangerous fumes. Whakarewarewa. —The Spout Baths are in a state of hopeless decay, and are quite beyond the possibility of repair; while the system in use here is anomalous and unsatisfactory. The whole question of baths at Whakarewarewa needs careful reconsideration The Sanatorium is in excellent working-order, but is proving totally inadequate to cope with the ever-increasihg number of applicants for admission. Scarcely a day passes on which some would-be patient is not turned away, and a considerable addition will have to be made to the number of beds on the male side if the Sanatorium is to meet anything like present requirements. On the women's side the accommodation is at present sufficient. There are three classes of patients for whom we have to specially cater, and any one class would keep the male-ward full —(1) the free patient, (2) the friendly-society patient, (3) the patient paying at the ordinary Sanatorium rate of £1 10s. a week. (1.) Though the number of free beds has been increased from four to six, 1 am afraid this will be found wholly insufficient to meet the demands of deserving cases. (2.) The number of friendly-society applicants is steadily increasing; •a ward of twenty beds could be kept filled with these cases alone. (3.) There are always a number of this class waiting for admission. The need that exists for a private sanatorium for the benefit of those who are too ill to stay in a boardinghouse, who require nursing and dieting, and are able and willing to pay for private accommodation, I have already pointed out in previous reports, and that need is certainly not diminishing. During the past year the principal improvement has been the addition of a small wing containing an accident ward, as urged in ray last annual report, In February Dr. Craig resigned the post of House Surgeon, which he had held for more than two years, and his place was filled by the appointment of Dr. Levis. One essential function of a house surgeon is to live on the spot, so as to be available in the case of any emergency, and I would strongly recommend thai the house surgeon should be provided with board and lodging in the Sanatorium. Under the able management of the Matron the nursing and domestic arrangements have worked with great smoothness and economy. The work has been exceptionally heavy, as not only has every bed been kept full, but it has been the rule rather than the exception to have extra beds and stretchers in use. Total number of patients admitted during the year, 158 ; total collective days' stay, 6,980: individual average days' stay, 44.24; number of baths given, 9,493; total value of baths given, £796 ss. ; free patients treated at the Sanatorium, 27 ; total collective days' stay of free patients, 1,674; total cost of maintenance of free patients, £358 14s. Id. : total value of baths given to free patients, £196 3s. 3d. Consvltatiov Fees.- The fees I have received and paid into the Government for giving medical advice in regard to the baths have risen from £817 17s. to £871 6s. Amusements and Recreations.—ln a resort which caters for so many visitors, healthy as well as invalid, this is an item of the greatest importance. The provision of a band during the daytime has immensely brightened up the Government Gardens, and the very greatly increased receipts from players' fees show how appreciated are the bowling, tennis, and croquet lawns. Here again the great influx of players will necessitate considerably increased accommodation, especially in regard to the bowling-green. The collection of native and other birds and animals has been a source of great interest to many visitors, but its value from a spectacular point of view is considerably depreciated by inadequate and unsuitable housing.

3_H. 2.

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Te Aroha.

During the past year considerable improvements have been made in the bathing establishment, and this is now in a very satisfactory condition. . Owing to the limited supply of hot mineral water and the scattered nature of the springs, the water in several of the baths was habitually so cold that they had fallen into practical disuse. Improperly insulating the supply-pipes, and by minimising the loss of heat from the baths the difficulty has been almost entirely overcome, and they can now always be kept at the desired tempera'To complete the equipment of this spa, I would advise the erection of—(1) a vapour bath and inhalation-room over the tunnel spring; (2) a room for dry massage and electrical treatment; CA) a tea-house, on the model of the one at Rotorua, but including a pump-room for the supply of mineral drinking water ; (4) a band to play in the grounds during the daytime throughout the season. These are all improvements which, while not urgent, could be added with advantage from time to time. , . , . Owing to the limited supply of water, I think it would be extremely unwise to attempt anything in the nature of douche massage. Hanmer. Very great improvement is noticeable at Hanmer, both at the Spa itself and at the bathingestablishments. A scheme of improvements was drawn up last year and although much of the scheme has still to be carried out, yet much has been done, and the whole place shows unmistakable signs of energetic and capable management. The principal suggestions that I have to make are(l) There is need of further amusements for the visitors, especially bearing m mind the isolated situation of the place: a band of even two or three performers playing in the gardens morning and afternoon during the season would do much to dispel the ennui which visitors, who are thrown so much on their own resources, may feel. (2.) Certain improvements, which I am specifng more fully in a separate report, might be carried out at the massage-rooms (3.) I would substitute a natural vapour bath over a spring for the present artificial vapour bath.

APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. s Te Aroha Hot Springs, 27th May, 1905. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. The following is a summary of the revenue tor the year : £ s d Bath fees ... ■•• •■■ ••• ■•• '„„_ q g Out-patient's fees ... •■■ •■• ■•■ ' _ „ „ Player's fees ... ■ ■•■ ■■•• ■ 630 Library fees ... ••■ ••■ 42 15 8 Towel-hire fees •■ ••■ ■•• • • ■ -ike »«•• ii ■ •■ ol 5 b Miscellaneous ... ■•• •■• ••■ ■■■ Total ... ... ••■ - • £1 ' 542U 7 Number of baths taken — 328 p"™* 6 " ::: u',531 Public .. ••• ■■• ••■ -Qg Free ... ••• ••• ••• ■■■ Total ... - - • 38 ' 975 No accurate comparison can be made between these figures and those of theJ re ™ as during the year just closed there was a complete rearrangement of all he bath tol, and laylS fCVostly'in the direction of reduction ™ I ££^' W » ** JS&2S pronounc/d but for t£faot that dtingTe Pring and early summer of 1905 we experienced a prolonged spell of phenomenX cohl wet weather g which materially lessened the number of visitors who come to Te Aroha for health and plea u su t re ioged ■ r rf improvements undertaken bath in Te Aroha-viz Is. recommended the removal from the present posiIn my report of 1903, and again in i w* i x would int Qut tion, and the re-formation of douche baths *»*"»» Z douche for the proper treatment of the that many ailments, especially joint the y were deriving most benefit case. We have had several such cases at Te Aroha, ana just wneu *,

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from this treatment I was compelled to shut off the douche for want of an adequate supply of hot ■ water. The importance of the douche in the treatment of certain cases must be my excuse for again urging the early prosecution of prospecting for more hot water, which, if once secured, would make the installation of the various forms of douche (so important a feature in the proper equipment of all bathing-spas) a comparatively simple matter. I think the revenue from the baths justifies me in claiming for Te Aroha an important place among the bathing-spas of the colony. Works undertaken during the Year. Baths and Buildings. During the year the following works have been carried out: Alterations to No. 1 (ladies') and No. 4 Baths, resulting in an increase of temperature in No. 1 to about 103 deg. Fahr. This has been greatly appreciated by the bathers, but No. 1 Bath has not yet regained its former popularity. Curtains have been placed in front of the dressing-boxes in Nos. 1 and 2 Baths, giving greater privacy and comfort to bathers, and new wooden gratings have been supplied to the dressing-boxes of Nos. 1, 2, and 6 Baths. New shower-baths have been placed in Nos. 2 and 6 Baths. Attendant's rooms have now been .•fitted in Nos. 1 and 6 Baths. This work meets a great want, the value of which will be better -appreciated during the winter months. The hot-water pipes leading from springs feeding Nos. 1 and 6 Baths have been insulated, thus assisting in maintaining the temperature of the water. The surface drainage of the immediate surroundings of Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 6 Baths has received attention. ii The exterior of the Cadman Bath building has been recently painted in the Department's colours (cream body, blue facings, and red roof), which has added greatly to the appearance of the building and its surroundings. The band-stand has been removed from its old site in the middle of the lawn to higher ground on a level with the Cadman building, and has been renovated and repainted, all of which vastly improves its appearance. The Administrative Buildings have been altered by the addition of a consulting-room and lavatories, all placed at the rear of the existing building. The exterior of the whole and a portion of the interior of the building have been painted. Grounds. The landslip on the south-east embankment of the bowling-green has been thoroughly and well repaired, and the bowling-green, the croquet-lawn, and the grass tennis-courts have received the annual top-dressing. Rockeries have been placed at various spots throughout the grounds, and planted with many varieties of beautiful flowering-plants, thus producing a picturesque effect in what would otherwise have been very unsightly corners. A flower-border and path has been placed around three sides of the croquet-lawn and grass tennis-courts. This makes an artistic line of demarkation between the playing-grounds and the lawn generally. The former bare and unsightly watercourse leading down from the terrace towards the Cadman Bath building, and which was little more than a rubbish-tip, has been cleared and converted into a series of small but pretty lakelets, each surrounded by a bed of flowers, and some planted with a variety of water-lilies. Tree-ferns and toitoi have been planted on the banks of some of the lakelets, and when these grow to maturity, and the bareness of the boulders becomes covered with lichen, moss, and creepers, the whole will make a very pretty picture. All the ground leading from the level of the Cadman building up to the Octagon, and abutting the boundary-fence on the north side has been cleared, carefully graded, and laid down in grass, with a flower-border along the footpath leading to the Octagon. Already the young grass has made its appearance, and gives promise of the beautiful effect which will be produced in the spring and summer. The paths leading up to the Bald Spur have been repaired, and the overgrowth of the bush on either side has been cut, making this favourite walk all the more pleasant. The ground immediately surrounding the rear of the Cadman Building has been levelled and sown with grass. This spot, which has always had a dirty and unkempt appearance, now looks clean and tidy. The borough water-supply has been extended from the lower lawn per medium of a 4 in. main to the level of the Terrace, thus enabling a fire-prevention service to be put into action controlling Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 6 bath buildings, should such an unlikely contingency as fire occur. The new grass lawns for croquet and tennis were completed early in the season, and are greatlyappreciated, supplying as they do a long-felt want for the recreation and exercise of patients and the general public. Miscellaneous A light and handy ambulance has been supplied for the mutual benefit of the Government Domain and the town, which will enable the sick or injured to be more easily conveyed to and ifrom their homes. A suitable bath-chair has been supplied for the use of patients visiting the baths. A range of lockers has been fixed in the bowling-green pavilion, and has proved a great boon to bowlers. As regards the fee charged for the hire of the lockers (3s. 6d. per season), the general opinion is that it is too high, which may possibly account for the fact that only eight have been taken up. The Department's bowls have been tested and stamped in Wellington by the Northern Bowling Association, thus enabling inter-club or inter-association matches and tournaments to be played

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with these bowls. Already three very successful bowling tournaments have been held in Te Aroha, which were the means of attracting a large number of visiting bowlers and their friends to the place. Three sets of croquet material have been supplied to the public. Recommendations fob the Current Year. The following recommendations, contained in the reports of previous years are still under consideration, viz. : — (a.) Prospecting for an additional supply of hot water. This matter has been referred to at the beginning of this report. (b.) Formation of vapour bath; utilising the hot vapour now going to waste in the tunnel. (c.) Formation of douch bath; also referred to in a former portion of this report. (d.) Formation of Tallerman and electric baths. (c). The proper conservation of Springs Nos. 20 and 21. (/.) Pump-room. —A most important and necessary improvement. (g.) Lighting the Grounds and Buildings.— Tenders have been accepted by the Borough Council for the installation of electric light in the town, and the work is expected to be completed in December next, so that we may with every confidence anticipate that the defective and cumbersome method of lighting with kerosene-lamps will soon be a thing of the past. In addition to the foregoing, I would recommend the following: — (h.) Suitable medical and surgical furniture, instruments, and appliances are wanted. (i.) Bowling-green. —The drainage of the existing green is admittedly imperfect, a fact due to faulty construction when the green was first laid down by the late Domain Board. Matters in this connection reached a climax last New Year, when a bowling tournament was interfered with through a heavy downfall on the day prior to commencement, and the ground became too sodden to allow of play being started. Strong complaints were made, and it was evident that by comparison with other greens ours was defective. The matter of lifting the present surface and getting down to the clay bottom, so as to build afresh, was gone into, but the cost would have been, comparatively, prohibitive, and, in addition, the work if undertaken would have entailed the closing of the green for a whole season. As an alternative, I now propose the formation of an additional green on the lower lawn, adjacent to the existing one. One or other of the greens could then be used as a winter-green, and the top-dressing of each could be undertaken alternately at different times of the year. The advantages of such an undertaking would be—(l) the cost of forming this new green would be no greater than that of putting the present one in first-class order; (2) a comparatively useless piece of ground would be utilised; (3) bowlers could indulge in their favourite pastime all the year round during fine weather ; (4) additional and much-needed accommodation would be provided for those who wish to play, and thus meet a complaint of those married men who state that they have no amusement when here with their wives and families; (5) an additional source of revenue and attraction would thus be provided. (j.) Urinals. —A convenience for males is much needed in close proximity to the asphalt tenniscourts, and another immediately to the rear of the bowling-green pavilion. (k ) Meteorological Station.—lt is very essential that daily observations of our temperature and climate should be recorded for statistical and other purposes. I therefore recommend, after the selection of a suitable site, that the same be fenced in, to prevent unauthorised access to the instruments of observation. (I ) Garden -seats. -There is a great paucity of such seats throughout the Domain grounds, and many of the existing ones are in very bad order. I therefore recommend the supply of twelve new seats, and the renovation of many of the existing ones. I have, &c, Geo. G. Kenny. M.8., CM., Resident Medical Officer. Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington.

APPENDIX IV. REPORT OF CHAIRMAN OF TAUPO DOMAIN BOARD. „ _ Taupo, sth June, 1905. 1 have the honour to report that the Taupo Domain Board started the current year with a balance of £185 ss. in hand. During the year much important work has been done and many improvements Amongst others, a lawn-tennis ground, which was laid out by Mr. Pearson, Head Gardener of Rotorua Sanatorium Grounds, which has been laid down with grass-seed which has taken extremely well This work cost £119 9s. 9d. The shrubs and trees planted are flourishing, and the rose-beds, fences, and paths are in good order. The cost of looking after these during the year has are a bowling-green and water laid on to the Domain for the purpose of irrigation I have given Inspector Corlett the distance from the lake to the Domain (111 chains) and height of cliff from lake (28 ft.). The Taupo Domain Board close the year with a balance in hand of £54 15s. 3d. I have, &c, J. Gallagher, Chairman Taupo Domain Board. Superintendent, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington.

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APPENDIX V. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Sir,-- New Plymouth, 10th July, 1905. Enclosed herewith I have the honour to forward a report for the past season, and regret I have been unable to forward it earlier. I have, &c, Ivan Simpson, Chairman. The Acting-Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. In submitting the following report I regret that, owing to the non-receipt of returns from the sub-committees, the information is more meagre than I should have wished. I have pleasure, however, in stating that the increase in the number of visitors and the general interest taken in the mountain has been greatly in excess of that of any previous year. Regarding the two main houses, the Northern (Egmont) House has had slightly over two thousand visitors, as compared with the previous season's 1,116, and, as there is now a good, though partly unmetalled, road to the house, the prospects are very encouraging. Another important factor, as evidenced by the visitors' book, is the large number (274) from outside Taranaki who have made the ascent, showing that the attractions of Egmont are becoming more widely known. The Southern (Dawson's Falls) House is greatly increasing in popularity, and when one notes double the number of visitors over that of a previous record season, the Executive of the Southern House have reason to feel sanguine of the future prosperity of the house. The visitors last season were 2,608, as compared with 1,270 for the previous one. The Eastern (Stratford) House is now rapidly becoming more of an adjunct to the Southern House, there being a good walking-track between the two, and the distance being trifling. The visitors would number about two hundred. The West (Rahotu) House is more used by the local population around the western portion of Taranaki than the general outsider, and probably one hundred would cover its visitors. It is gradually becoming more and more manifest that the present houses, at any rate the Northern and Southern, are totally inadequate to meet the requirements of visitors, and it is only a question of time when larger ones will have to be erected to meet the increasing demand for accommodation. From the Tourist Department and local sources of revenue the Board had a credit of £495 10s. Id. Out of this was expended to the 31st March the sum of £376 Is. 9d., the apportionment being as appended: Track and road work, £286 ss. 5d.; additions to houses, £51 16s. 4d. ; furniture, fittings, and general, £38. The undermentioned amounts were expended on works under the supervision of the District Road Engineer, New Plymouth. Upper Egmont Road. The dray-road to the North Mountain House was completed last December, and was formally opened by the Right Hon. the Premier on the 14th January last, The work done comprises 140 chains of dray-road formed, Hi chains covered with scoria from cuttings, 47 lineal feet of tunnel, 495 lineal feet of culverts constructed. The whole length (4 miles 15 chains) has been repaired and maintained: cost, £506 ss. sd. On the 13th March tenders were opened for metalling 110 chains, from 3 miles 20 chains downwards. On the 18th April the tender of Messrs. Bayly and Co. for £511 10s. was accepted; but owing to the lateness of the season and the bad weather, practically nothing has been done, and the work will have to be postponed to next season. Under a grant to the Moa Road Board, the last 16 chains from outside to the Radius Line has been metalled, and 66 lineal feet of culverts put in: cost, £110. Out of funds provided by the Board, one mile and a half of bridle-track has been made from the House to Humphries' Castle. Upper Pembroke Road (to Stratford House). This road to the Stratford House has been laid off on the permanent lines for 120 chains from the Radius Line, and the clearing and forming of the same is now in hand. Dawson's Falls Road (to South House). The permanent line to the Southern House has been located, and an engineering survey 1 mile 19 chains in length made, 39 chains of clearing and levelling off for dray-road has been made, 62 chains is now in progress, and the balance of 25 chains is let: expenditure, £169 12s. Bd. Besides this work, one mile and a half of bridle-track has been cleared between the Southern and Eastern (Stratford) Houses out of funds provided by the Board, and is being still further improved. Routes to the Mountain. The Northern (Egmont) House. —From New Plymouth and Inglewood, both situated on the railway-line, there are good metalled roads to the Radius Line, while conveyances and horses could be procured at either place. The Southern (Dawson's Falls) House.—A weekly coach service during the season has been instituted both at Hawera and Eltham, while Stratford as a base is equally desirable to start from. It is confidently anticipated that it will be possible at the opening of next season to drive the whole distance up to the house. The Eastern (Stratford) House.— From Stratford, where riding-horses could be procured, the visitor follows the Pembroke Road. The Western (Rahotu) House.— There is a good riding or walking road to this house md Rahotu.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing 2,050 copies (exclusive of illustrations), £11

By Authority: John Mackay. Government Printer, Wellington. —l9os.

4-PL 2.

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SANATORIUM, ROTORUA.

TEA-HOUSE, SANATORIUM GROUNDS, MOTORUA.

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LAKE HOUSE, WAIKAREMOANA.

THE BATHING-PAVILION, TE AROHA.

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ACCOMMODATION-HOUSE, PUKAKI.

HUTS, TE ANAU-MILFORD SOUND TRACK.

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TEA-HOUSE, HANMER HOT SPRINGS.

HERMITAGE ACCOMMODATION-HOUSE, MOUNT COOK.

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CLEMATIS, LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND.

CARETAKER'S QUARTERS, LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND.

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CARETAKER'S COTTAGE, RESOLUTION ISLAND.

PARADISE DUCKS, RESOLUTION ISLAND.