TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), 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, 1906 Session II, H-02

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Session 11. 1906. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), 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, My Lokd,— Wellington, 28th August, 1906. 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, 1906. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. The year under review shows an increase in the oversea traffic of 1,150 persons, made up as follows: Australia, 571; United Kingdom, 351 ; United States and Canada, 89; other countries, 139. The total oversea visitors recorded was 7,142, as against 5,992 for the previous year, or an increase of nearly 20 per cent. The substantial increase in the Australian and British figures is undoubtedly largely due to systematic advertising by the Department. Although the advertising done was considerably in advance of previous years, it was comparatively small, and the results may be regarded as very satisfactory. The amount spent on advertising in the Commonwealth was £788 2s. 7d., which, compared with £28,500, the estimated expenditure in this country of the extra 750 tourists, must be regarded as a first-class investment. The number of oversea visitors from the several countries recorde-d for the past three years are as follows : — 1903-4. 1904-5. 1905-6. Australia ... ... ... ... 2,726 2,892 2,376 United Kingdom ... ... ... ... 1,795 2,025 3,463 United States and Canada ... ... ... 417 563 652 European Continent ... ... ... 102 146 175 Africa ... ... ... ... ... 64 113 137 India ... ... ... ... ... 61 86 92 Other countries ... ... ..." ... 68 167 247 5,233 5,992 7,142 These figures provide good evidence of the value and the rate of increase of the traffic. Estimating the amount of capital expended by each visitor at £50, the figures of 1904-5 gave the value of the traffic in round numbers as £299,000; estimating the expenditure on the same basis for the year 1905-6, the value of the traffic is shown to be £357,000, an increase of £58,000 for the year. The direct receipts of the Department amounted to £15,820 10s. lid., the slight shrinkage, £197 12s. 2d., being due to the loss of local traffic caused by unseasonable climatic conditions which particularly affect those of our resorts more particularly maintained for the use of our own people.

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The gross arrivals and departures for the year ending the 31st December, 1905, as published by the Registrar-General, were 56,068, as against 54,909 for 1904, showing the increase in moving traffic of 1,159, which approximately equals the increased number of oversea visitors recorded by this Department. During the five years the Department has been in operation the increase in population by arrivals over departures has been greatly in excess of any previously recorded. From 1901 to 1905 the gain to the colony by this means has been 45,446. Agencies of the Department in Sydney and Melbourne have been opened, and it is expected that a great increase of traffic will result from more direct connection between the people of the Commonwealth and the Department. With these two agencies in operation a fair indication will be obtained as to the value of further extension of the Department's influence. During the year an attempt was made to introduce a supply of cisco or lake-herring from America to supplement the food-supplies for trout in Lake Rotorua, but I regret to say that owing to faulty packing the consignment went bad on the voyage. Some Mackinaw or great lake trout and landlocked salmon, however, were successfully landed. The salmon were sent to the Southland Acclimatisation Society for liberation in Lake Te Anau, and the Mackinaw trout divided between the Canterbury and Westland Societies for liberation in Lakes Pearson and lanthe.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.

FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, g IR) Wellington, 25th August, 1906. I have the honour to submit herewith the departmental report for the year ending the 31st March, 1906. I have, &c, T. E. Donne, Superintendent. The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G., Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts.

Although the local traffic during the year 1905-6 has not been up to expectations, the increase in the oversea traffic during the year 1905-6 has been much greater than for previous years. This is the more gratifying, as the local traffic has, owing to the late season and unsettled weather during the summer, not been up to previous years. The increased receipts at the Hermitage and Milford Track, which exist principally on oversea traffic, as compared with Hanmer, a resort depending almost wholly on local support, afford a striking instance of the effect of weather-conditions on local travel. To this is due the slight shrinkage in the gross receipts for the year. The receipts for the year totalled £15,820, as against £16,018 3s. Id., showing a decrease of £197 12s. 2d. The following statement shows receipts in detail for the last four years:—

i 1902-3. 1903-4. 1904-5. 1905-6. Te Aroha — Bath fees arid towel-hire .. .. •• •• Out-patients' fees .. .. • • Tennis-players, library fees, &o. £ s. d. 396 12 10 16 5 6 27 4 0 £ s. d. 1,105 0 0 325 1 0 60 18 0 £ s. d. 1,071 2 4 365 0 6 106 11 9 £ s. d. 1,095 18 0 413 10 0 123 16 3 1,633 4 3 440 2 4 1,490 19 0 1,542 14 7 Rotorua — Sanatorium patients' fees Out-patients'fees .. Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire Dry massage and electrical treatment Water ftes Electric-lipht charges Tennis-players, &o. .. •• •• ... " Round trip: Launch fares, accommodation, guiding fees, &o. " Tea-house " Sale of mineral waters Miscellaneous receipts 717 3 3 589 10 0 1,874 5 7 132 12 6 544 19 0 47 7 0 565 5 0 929 4 1 817 17 0 2,415 2 10 236 0 0 1,032 19 10 56 18 9 2,747 1 0 1,004 4 7 871 6 0 2,483 18 5 280 11 0 344 7 6 1,138 13 7 101 8 3 2,290 0 0 1,014 2 4 673 17 0 2,513 1 8 276 11 6 216 15 0 1,150 17 9 126 12 6 2,045 14 1 144 19 11 295 14 9 48 17 10 89 17 3 458 14 7 142 8 3 17 7 5 448 11 0 181 18 4 92 14 10 4,616 2 3 8,669 12 10 9,132 19 7 8,734 16 0 Waitomo Caves Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. .. 146 14 4 Lake House, Waikaremoana — Accommodation fees, &c. Oil-launch and boat receipts 66 12 6 379 8 11 61 13 6 370 10 1 79 0 4 326 13 4 82 12 6 66 12 6 441 2 5 449 10 5 409 5 10 Morere Hot Springs— Bath fees 35 4 0 51 7 3 Hanmer Hot Springs— Accommodation fees .. • • Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire .. Tennis-players, &e. Sale of Guides, pamphlets, &o. Miscellaneous receipts Tea-house receipts 1,200 16 10 778 8 6 11 19 11 1,341 0 6 930 5 2 18 17 6 1 10 1 34 1.6 7 1,199 17 0 849 5 6 13 8 6 16 0 17 9 7 108 9 11 946 12 6 720 15 6 15 13 9 1 13 0 33 17 6 181 2 6 1,991 5 3 2,326 9 10 2,189 16 6 1,899 14 9 Pukaki Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. .. 131 11 0 467 14 1 535 1 3 446 17 0 " Hermitage "— Accommodation fees, &o. 914 15 6 965 15 6 924 18 6 1,082 9 8 Lake Manapouri— Steamer fares 163 10 0 Glade House and Milford Tracks— Accommodation fees, &c. .. ... Quiding-feeB 397 4 0 114 10 0 473 3 6 97 9 6 563 1 0 135 19 6 511 14 0 570 13 0 699 0 6 Head Office— Sale of pamphlets, cards, photos, &c. 240 12 10 471 1 3 637 10 3 553 11 4 Totals 8,401 1 8 15,344 8 11 16,018 3 1 115,820 10 11

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Visits of Inspection. I reached Wellington from St. Louis and Europe on the 23rd August, 1905, and at once took over the Department from Mr. Robieson, the Acting-Superintendent. During November and December I visited Te Aroha, Rotorua, Waitomo, and Wanganui River. In February and March I visited South Westland, went over the Haast Pass to Pembroke, thence to Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Hanmer. Agencies. The work of the agencies is extending year by year as they become better known. For the year 1905-6 the inquiries at these agencies numbered 36,909, as against 35,710 for the previous year. With the opening of bureaux in the Commonwealth the use and value of all agencies will be much enhanced as a means of interchanging information and promoting oversea traffic. Advertising. During the year more attention than usual has been devoted to an advertising campaign in Great Britain, United States, and Australia, with most satisfactory results. As pointed out in the last annual report, it is not possible with our limited means to enter upon comprehensive schemes of advertising, but what has been done during the past year is good evidence that expenditure in this direction brings in ample returns. In addition to the ordinary advertising, a large number of well-illustrated articles have appeared in a variety of illustrated newspapers and magazines. From letters received it is evident that such articles come widely u-sider notice, and attract considerable attention. The number of inquiries from oversea countries has greatly increased, and by one mail alone over 1,200 letters and post-cards were received from inquirers in America asking lor information with a view to settlement or touring. For advertising purposes of various kinds and for lecturing, 12,220 photographs and 2,630 lantern-slides have been sent out. The receipts from sales of photos and lantern-slides amount to £185 Is. Two revised issues of the Department's " Itinerary of Travel " were published during the season, totalling 15,000 copies, which have been distributed in New Zealand and abroad. A small pamphlet on the Hot Lakes Round Trip was also issued, and was much appreciated by tourists visiting Rotorua. The pamphlets entitled " The Mineral Waters and Health Resorts of New Zealand," issued last year, have had a very wide circulation, and are in such demand that the supply of the Rotorua part is exhausted. A fresh edition is now in the Press. The Southern Lakes Guide and a general publication on New Zealand are now in the printer's hands, and should be in circulation very shortly. Guides to the various resorts and districts have been prepared, and it is expected will be available for next season. The work in the Head Office has very largely increased, the correspondence for the year totalling 26,046 letters, as against 22,256 for the previous year. During the past year the Department's photographer has made valuable additions to the stock of pictures used for distribution and advertising purposes. The principal photographic trips undertaken were through the Taupo, Waikato, and Auckland Districts, where numerous pictures were made of lake, bush, and mountain scenery, Maori life, pastoral and agricultural scenes. Country industries, such as flax-milling, dairying, &c, were also well photographed, and at Auckland many pictures were secured of the city, its marine suburbs, and shipping. A journey was also made through Westland from Greymouth down to the Haast Pass and Lake Wanaka. Lake Wakatipu and surroundings were also well photographed, and occasion was taken on the return trip via the east coast to secure numerous pictures in and around Dunedin and Christchurch. Sport. As a result of my visit to the United States, arrangements were made to procure a stock of cisco or lake - herring as a food - supply for Lake Rotorua trout. These, with some Mackinaw, or great lake trout and landlocked salmon, were ordered through the United States Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, and were brought to New Zealand in charge of the New Zealand Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Mr. L. F. Ayson. The consignment consisted of 100,000 cisco or lake-herring from the Put-in Bay Hatchery, Lake Erie, 50,000 Makinaw trout from Northville, Michigan, and landlocked salmon from Green Lake, Maine. Through faulty packing the cisco or lake-herring eggs went bad, and the whole of them had perished on arrival at Auckland. Some of the salmon and Mackinaw were lost, but the bulk of these lots were safely landed. The Southland Acclimatisation Society successfully hatched out good healthy fry of the land-locked-salmon ova. These will be liberated in Lake Te Anau. The Mackinaw trout were hatched out by the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society for liberation in Lakes Pearson and lanthe. The fishing at Rotorua was very heavy for the season, 22,140 fish being taken, an increase of about 47 per cent, on the previous season. The recorded weight of Rainbow trout caught was 38 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr. Some of our indigenous birds,- &c, were sent to America and Great Britain during the year. Four each of tuatara lizards, keas, kiwis, and wekas were despatched to the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., but only half this number reached Washington alive. A dozen kiwis were sent to Great Britain, care of Mr. H. C. Wilkie, M.R.C.V.S., and reached the London Zoo without loss. Some of these interesting birds are to be sent to the Emperor of Austria, who is presenting to the New Zealand Government some chamois for liberation in the alpine region of this country.

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Some red deer were presented by Miss Audrey Chirnside, of Werribee Park, Victoria, and liberated near Lake Kanieri. The wapiti liberated in George Sound last year are reported to have successfully acclimatised, as on the 23rd March last the captain of the " Hinemoa " found tracks of the herd. The Haurangi State Forest Deer Reserve, near Martinborough, was closed against all shooting for this season in order to afford protection to the deer, it having been found that illegal shooting had been taking place. Two special Rangers were appointed to patrol the reserve during March and April. Some very fine heads were reported from Lake Hawea, and this district is becoming the most favourite resort for deerstalkers. Good sport was reported with fallow deer in the Blue Mountains, near Tapanui, the number of licenses issued being in excess of previous years. Fallow deer are stated to have considerably increased in the Maungakawa Ranges, Waikato District. Three red-deer stags and two hinds were procured from the Wellington Acclimatisation Society's farm in the Wairarapa, and liberated by the Department on the eastern side of Mount Ruapehu. The thai- liberated at Mount Cook, and the Japanese deer near Rangitaiki, Northern Kaimanawas, are reported to have successfully acclimatised. In December last the Department decided to get some opossums for liberation, and procured through the offices of the Southland Acclimatisation Society twenty pair. Ten pair were forwarded to Rotorua, three pair being liberated on Mr. Bonn's run, and the rest on the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. Ten pair were donated to the Hokitika Society, and were let loose at the back of Kumara and on the slopes of Mount Tuhua. The undertaking was a very satisfactory one, only one animal having died in transit. The opossums were Tasmanian black and grey. Ten white sporting ducks were procured from the Hokitika Acclimatisation Society, four of which were sent to the Rotorua Gardens, and placed in the pond with the other ducks there; the balance went to the caretaker at Lake Waikaremoana, and were released on one of the arms of the lake. Scenery-preservation. The Commission appointed in March, 1904, completed its work on the 31st March last, having during its existence furnished fourteen interim reports, containing 380 recommendations relating to scenic and historic places throughout the colony. The acquisition and proclaiming of a number of these, to the extent of about 68,000 acres, was in hand up to the 31st March, 1906, when the administration of the Act was transferred to the Department of Lands and Survey. I have to place on record the services of Mr. S. Percy Smith, who acted as Chairman of the Commission, and to whom the thanks of the Department's officers are d e for his valuable advice and assistance. Meteorological Records. I am pleased to state that the meteorological stations have during the past year been placed on a better footing by the Director of the Colonial Museum, a condition of things much to be desired, and of considerable importance to the colony's tourist and health resorts. North Auckland. Steps are now being taken to establish a regular service from Dargaville to Whangarei via Poroti, which, if successful, will serve to greatly popularise the attractive and charming round trip to Auckland, Helensville, Whangarei, and back to Auckland. During the year the Balneologist visited Helensville to report as to the best means of improving the Domain and its bathing facilities. The sum of £200 was paid over to the Domain Board to give effect to the initial improvements outlined by the Balneologist. Te Aroha. The receipts at Te Aroha for the year to the 31st March, 1906, amounted to £1,633 4s. 3d., an increase of £90 9s. Bd. compared with the previous year. The total number of baths taken was 40,865, as against 38,975 in 1904-5. The necessary maintenance-works were carried out in the various buildings. The Pavilion Bath building was repaired and painted, and three extra dressing-boxes were constructed. The Children's and Sulphur Bath buildings were also repaired and painted, and the old swim-ming-bath in the latter building reconstructed, and the dressing-boxes improved. No. 3 bath building has been altered and fitted up for Aix and electrical baths. The want of an emergency ward for accidents is keenly felt, as at present there is no provision for the treatment of such cases, which have to be taken by train to Hamilton, the nearest hospital town. Water-supply. The Borough Council submitted a scheme for increasing the town water-supply, to cost £600, towards which the Government contributed half the cost. This work is now in hand. Drainage. The improvement in drainage mentioned in my last report has now been effected by the Borough Council, assisted by the Government grant of £333.

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Electric Light. In connection with the establishment of an electric-lighting plant in the town, it has been decided to instal the light in the bath and other buildings under the control of the Department. The Resident Medical Officer's report will be found in another appendix. Rotorua. The Rotorua season was normal in the early months, but an unusually large stream poured in towards the end of the summer. The gross number of tickets issued by rail to Rotorua was greater than any previous year, and is further evidence of the increased oversea traffic, as Rotorua is directly affected by any variation in the numbers of outside visitors. It is noteworthy that the recent census affords striking testimony of the expansion of Rotorua since the Department took charge, the population in 1901 being 914, and having by 1906 risen to 1,965. The appended return shows the railway bookings for the past six years: —

Return of Number of Passengers booked to Rotorua for Years ending 31st March, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906 respectively, exclusive of Bookings from Flag Stations.

The receipts for the year for sanatorium accommodation amounted to £1,014 2s. 4d., as compared with £1,004 4s. 7d. for the previous 3-ear. The out-patient fees, however, show a decrease from £871 6s. in 1904-5 to £673 17s. in 1905-6, due chiefly to the establishment of additional private practices. Free maintenance, medical treatment, and baths of thewalue of £549 9s. 3d. were granted during the year. 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 hardship and suffering occurred to several patients who met with accidents in the Rotorua district, owing to there being no hospital in the district. 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 the Department's vote. The expense is further increased since the new wards were opened and occupied to a great extent by Natives. ... Mineral Drinking-waters. The sale of mineral drinking-waters realised £181 18s. 4d., an increase over the previous year, when the receipts were £142 Bs. 3d. Baths. The total number of baths taken during the year shows an increase of 2,819, the numbers being 100,430 for 1905-6, and 97,611 for 1904-5. The receipts were £2,789 13s. 2d. for 1905-6, and £2,764 9s. sd. for 1904-5. Bath Buildings. Additions were made to the Pavilion Bath building by adding eight private baths, as well as fitting up three needle baths. To provide an increased supply of Rachel water an additional tank with a capacity of 25,000 gallons was built. New Bath-Building. The contract for the new bath building was let to Mr. W. E. Hutchison, of Auckland, and the work is now proceeding under the control of the Public Works Department. Tea-house. The tea-house receipts for the year amounted to £448 lis., a slight decrease (£lO 3s. 7d.) compared with the previous year.

Ordinary. Year ending 81st March. Holiday Excursion. Special Excursion. Round Trip. Single. Return. Total. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 666 1,080 1,530 2,080 2,574 2,953 1,458 2,161 3,659 5,058 5,288 5,546 551 923 1,081 1,176 1,317 1,249 718 1,877 2,099 2,886 3,392 3,172 395 884 370 671 423 707. 1,236 4,806 1,039 2,389 1,687 2,783 175 106 132 157 421 1,694 144 199 200 309 354 381 106 192 386 640 793 680 5,606 12,122 10,891 16,956 15,828 17,955 '484

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Gardens. The present gardens and parks were kept up to the usual standard. A new bowling-green was laid out during the year, and alterations made to the asphalt tennis-courts. The lakelet near the tea-house has been extended, and much improves the appearance of the locality. It has been decided to erect a suitable ticket office overlooking the playing-greens for the issue of tickets in connection with them and the Blue Bath, and for the accommodation of playingmaterial. Such a structure will also enable whoever is in charge of the games to see that patrons are attended to, and that the regulations are complied with. Pukeroa, Kuirau, and Hamurana Reserves. The drives and paths in Pukeroa Reserve were thoroughly cleared, and all noxious weeds grubbed out. A small sum was expended on the Kuirau Domain. The works staff gave the usual attention to the Hamurana Reserve. The Department repaired and put in good order the graves of the Hazard family, who loßt their lives at Wairoa in the Tarawera eruption. Steamer Traffic on Rotorua and Rotoiti. The improvements and extensions referred to in my last report have been completed. On the 18th January last regulations for the control of the traffic of Lake Rotorua and wharf were gazetted, and officers were duly appointed to inspect and issue the necessary permits. Electric Lighting. The duplication of the line Okere to Rotorua was completed during the year in the manner previously indicated. This, as I have already pointed out, merely released the immediate pressure caused by additional power-requirements, and the danger of continuing to work the full plant without provision for a breakdown or repairs cannot be overestimated. The plant and town lines were kept in efficient condition throughout the year, and a number of additional incandescent lamps were erected in the streets. There are o number of applications on hand for energy which cannot be supplied while the plant is in its present overloaded state. Water-supply. The wooden pipes for the new water-service have reached Rotorua, and the work will be immediately put in hand by the Public Works Department. Drainage. The drainage-works are now completed, and as soon as the new water-supply is available these important improvements to the town will be in working order. Staff. It is with great regret I have to report the death of Mr. R. C. White, Electrical Engineer, who was a most efficient officer, and who will be greatly missed both by the Department and the public at Rotorua. Considerable rearrangement of staff has taken place. Mr. Corlett, Inspector of Works in charge of drainage, water, gardens, buildings, &c, at Rotorua, has been attached to the Head Office; and Mr. L. Birks, M.I.C.E. and M.1.E.E., &c, appointed to control all the above works, and also the electric light, &c. The combined control should be beneficial to the general administration of Rotorua. Whakarewarewa. The public interest in this centre of Maori life and thermal activity continues as keen as ever. The Wairoa Geyser still maintains its vigour and efficiently responds when called upon. Round Trip. The total number of persons booked was 4,922 and the receipts £1,871 10s., compared with 3,603 and £1,673 4s. 9d. for the previous year, a gratifying increase in view of the continued quiesence of Waimangu Geyser. This is still undoubtedly the most popular trip of the district. It is proposed to establish a carrier-pigeon service between Waimangu and Wairoa in connection with the working of the trip. Orakeikorako. It is proposed to construct a ferry with a fixed rope at this place before next season, in place of the boat at present used for crossing the river. Taupo. The Taupo Domain was inspected by the Department's officers during the year. A report from the Chairman of the Board will be found in another appendix. Tokaanu. The Department has arranged to put the baths at this place in order, and repair the enclosure. Arrangements have been made with the Natives for future control.

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Waitomo. In November last the Government acquired the private interest in the accommodation-house at Waitomo, and immediately took control, Mr. and Mrs. Govier being appointed caretakers. The building has been thoroughly repaired, and several additions have been made by the departmental works' staff. The house was also adequately furnished by the Department when taken over, and is now fit to accommodate in a comfortable manner visitors to the caves. The accommodation is limited, however, and should the traffic assume the anticipated proportions it would be necessary to build a new and much larger house. From the 6th November to the 30th March, 297 visitors were accommodated. The receipts amounted to £146 14s. 4d. Taranaki. An amount was granted during the year to preserve the Kaitangata and Okohe Pas, Urenui district, and the burial pah at Huirangi. In another appendix will be found the annual report of the Chairman of the Egmont National Park. Mokau River. A grant of £100 has been made to the Mokau River Trust Board for preliminary work in connection with the clearing of the Mokau for the purposes of navigation. The following is an extract from a report by an officer of this Department, dealing with the scenic and other characteristics of this river, and the obstructions on its course between the present head of steam navigation and the terminus of canoe-traffic at Tbtoro: — " I have to report that, under instructions, I visited the Mokau district last month in the interests of the Department, and traversed the route from New Plymouth to Mokau Heads, thence up the Mokau River to the head of canoe navigation, and through the King-country to Taumarunui. This route undoubtedly possesses sufficient scenic attractions to make it a favourite track of travel in time to come, but at present it is little known, and the roads, means of transit, and accommodation require improvement before any considerable tourist traffic can be looked for. The principal attraction of the land route to Mokau Heads from Waitara (47 miles) is the fine forest scenery on the slopes of Mount Messenger (where there is a scenic reserve), and the coastal views around the mouth of the Tongaporutu River. In the summer season the road is generally in very fair condition, but for those to whom time is an object the best route to Mokau is probably by steamer from Waitara. " Leaving Mokau Heads on the 24th ultimo I went up the river to the head of canoe navigation at Totoro (45 miles). As far up as the coal-mines the river is tidal, deep, and fairly clear of obstructions, but requires snagging in places. From that point to Totoro, however, we encountered about thirty rapids, many of them very difficult. For fifteen miles or so above the coal-mines the rapids are mostly caused by snags, and beyond that by boulders and beds of shingle. From the coal-mines to Totoro the river presents many of the features of the Wanganui River, calm reaches alternating with broken water and rapid runs. For most of this section of the river canoes have to be poled instead of paddled, and in some places it is only possible to proceed up-stream by hauling on the tree-branches that overhang the current, or by taking advantage of the crevices and projections in the rocky banks. In the still reaches the depth of the river is considerable, sufficient in many places for a good-sized sea-going steamer. The total fall of the river from Totoro to sea-level is 70 ft. " I consider that the Mokau could be made navigable for light-draught steamers or powerlaunches as far as Te Kawakawa (42 miles) or Kaiwaka (44 miles): the former place would be a convenient terminus of the river-traffic. The removal of the snags and the concentration of the river into straight runs in the rapids do not appear to present any great difficulties. " From a scenic point of view the Mokau is certainly well worth developing. For the greater part of its course below Totoro (which is fully forty miles from its source in the Rangitoto Mountains) it runs through thick forest, with occasional clearings. Some parts of the river above the limits of steam-navigation I consider prettier than the Wanganui. The scene just above the Panirau Rapids, where the Mokau takes a sweeping bend through a narrow gorge topped by forestclad ranges, rising in places a thousand feef above the river, is one of great beauty. Ihe Wanganui is much more majestic and its cliffs are grander,- but for the luxuriance of the forest and ferns that bank it in the Mokau is unrivalled amongst the rivers of the Island." Wanganui River. The oreater part of the improvement-works on the river has been in the shallow reaches within twelve miles of Taumarunui. Below Pipiriki the tail of the wall at Moutoa was lengthened 176 ft. The passenger traffic from Taumarunui has considerably increased since the previous year. Lake Waikaremoana. This resort is at present almost wholly dependent upon local support, and in common with such places was not well patronised in the early summer owing to the late season The importance of better and more expeditious means of communication with the lake must be considered, and until something is done to open up the route from Ruatahuna, or from Gisborne via Hangaroa, the number of visitors to this beautiful resort will not materially increase. The total receipts for the year amounted to £409 ss. 10d., as compared with £449 10s. 5d taken the previous year. Although the house receipts fell, the oil-launch fees again showed a small the year an ample water-supply for the house was installed from the Okereru Creek, and a dairy, meat-house, and tool-shed added to the house.

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The house is in good repair, but will shortly require painting. A boat-shed is now being erected at Lake Waikareiti as protection for the Department's boats at that lake, and a lunch shelter for visitors. The fishing at the lake was good during the season, and is attracting numbers of sportsmen by the fame of its " catches." I am pleased to report that Lake House will shortly be in telephonic communication with Frasertown, the Department having extended the settlers' line from Onepoto to the house. This convenience will be much appreciated by visitors whose stay at the lake is frequently shortened by inability to get into telegraphic communication with their business centres. Morere . During the year some additional fencing was erected as a further protection to the reserve, and improvements were effected at the bath-house by enlarging the swimming-pool. The Government proportion of the bath receipts for the year amounted to £51 7s. 3d. Marlborough Sounds. The improvements in accommodation and the general use of the motor-launch in the Sounds are rapidly increasing the number of visitors to these fine waters. An interesting trip from Picton to Blenheim, Havelock, Crail Bay, Beatrix Sound, and from Elaine Bay to Croixelles, thence to Nelson, was announced last season. FcTx River Caves, near Charleston. Arrangements were made for a local resident to act as caretaker, with the right to make a small charge. The Department expended £25 in flooring these caves. Haupiri Hot Spring. The two-roomed cottage for the use of visitors has been erected and a bath cut out of the rock, at a total cost of £160. Maruia Hot Springs. Further improvements have been effected at this place, a new three-roomed cottage having been erected by the Department, which, with the old huts, enables about twenty persons to be easily accommodated. An amount was expended in improving the means of communication with Maruia. Lakes Kanieri and Mahinapua. The greater portion of the forest land round Lake Kanieri is Crown land, and I would urge that the remaining private interests be acquired and the whole area brought under the Scenery Preservation Act without delay. A small house should be erected on the lake-shores, where visitors could obtain shelter and refreshment. .. New engines have been placed in the motor-launch on this lake by the Westland Acclimatisation Society, towards the cost of which this Department contributed £25. In order to improve access to Lake Mahinapua from Hokitika, it is intended to construct a small lock on the creek to enable boats or launches to reach the lake at any time without regard to tide. South Westland. There is great need of better accommodation on the route to the glaciers from Hokitika. At Wan«anui River a good house should be erected to accommodate at least twenty persons, and at Wataroa River a suitable building where luncheon can be obtained is much needed. The Franz Josef Glacier is certain to become one of the principal attractions on the West Coast, and a good house capable of accommodating about thirty persons should be erected here, borne'provision would have to be made for vehicle traffic from the Waiho River to the glacier, as at present there is only a passenger-bridge across the river. I would recommend the widening of the present road from the river to the glacier to enable a trap service to be established at the proposed glacier house to bring visitors up from the river, where the present coach-road ends. At the Fox Glacier, nineteen miles from the Waiho, a house should be erected on the site of tinpresent Government hut. The track to the Fox is now being widened for vehicular traffic. The three large unbridged rivers—the Mikonui, the Wanganui, and the Wataroa —between Hokitika and the glaciers are at present a serious obstacle to regular traffic. Waiho Hot Springs. The construction of a bath-hut was completed, and further improvements effected by making a clearing and fencing the site. A foot-bridge across the water-race was also erected. It has been decided to replank the Kellery Bridge, and form a foot-track from the springs to the glacier. Haast Pass. The crossing from the mouth of the Haast River to Makarore, at the head of Lake Wanaka, can be done in two days, provided the rivers do not flood. The track, however, is in places in very bad condition, and considerable improvements will have to be effected before the route can be used to any great extent by tourists. The Willis Bridge, which is much decayed, is shortly to be rebuilt. In place of the inconveniently placed Burke Hut, I am of opinion that a comfortable fourroomed hut should be erected on a more suitable site, as a night is spent here on the way over.

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Hanmer Hot Springs. The total receipts from all sources show a falling-off from £2,189 16s. 6d. for the previous year to £1,899 14s. 9d.; but as Hanmer is a place supported almost wholly by local people, such a result was only to be expected during an exceptionally wet and unseasonable summer. The rainfall during the season exceeded all previous records for the past thirty-seven years. The number of visitors to the Spa was 392, being fifty-six less than recorded for the previous twelve months, and the number of baths taken was 21,536, compared with 25,132 for 1904-5. The value of free accommodation and treatment, &c, amounted to £223 19s. The new tea-house opened by the Department two years ago had, despite unfavourable weather, a very successful year, the receipts amounting to £181 2s. 6d.,the taking for the five summer months of the previous year being £108 9s. lid. The time occupied en route from Christchurch also operates against the popularity of this resort, especially for short-period visitors, who are being attracted to more accessible resorts, such as Tiinaru and Kowai. The establishment of a motor-car service from Culverden would do a great deal to increase the traffic, but it would be necessary to bridge the streams between the Waiau Ferry and Hanmer. During the year extensive repairs were_carried out in the hot-water supply and outlet systems generally. The grounds and lawns have been kept in good order, paths widened, and new beds put down. A meteorological observatory was erected on the grounds. The work of fencing and planting the Conical Hill Reserve will be put in hand during the coming planting season. The water - race was very much damaged by floods in February, but prompt repairs were effected. The pipes for the new water-supply have been ordered, and the work is expected to be put in hand early. Pukaki Accommodation-house. Although the gross receipts for the year show a decrease of £88 4s. 3d. as compared with the previous year, the accommodation fees were about the same—£2s6 25., against £275 Bs. 9d. for 1904-5, the falling-off being principally due to reduced liquor-sales. The number of visitors was about the same. Mount Cook Hermitage. The past year was a very successful one at this resort. The number of visitors totalled 185, as compared with 175; and receipts £1,082 9s. Bd., as compared with £924 13s. 6d. Heavy floods during last winter cut the roads and tracks about a good deal, but the guides were able to effect repairs in time for the opening of the season. Some fine alpine work was done during the season, the most notable achievements being the climbing feats of Mr. H. Sillem, an alpinist of European note, with Guides Clarke and Graham, and the traverse of Mount Cook by Messrs. Turner and Ross, accompanied by Guides Graham and Fyfe. Mr. Sillem successfully climbed Mount Sealy with Guide Clarke, and followed it up by conquering the virgin peak El'ie de Beaumont (10,200 ft.), the Malte Brun (10,421 ft.), only once previously ascended, and the southern peak of Mount Cook for the first time. He also did the main Mount Cook peak with Guides Clarke and Graham a few days later, and successfully scaled the Footstool, which he found a very difficult climb. The Department's guides did some very fine work in this series of ascents. The traverse of Mount Cook was accomplished in January, uhe feature of the trip being the descent on the Hooker side of the mountain. Messrs. Turner and Ross gave the highest praise to Guides Graham and Fyfe for the excellent work and snowcraft displayed on this occasion. The first accident of its kind in our alpine history occurred in March, when Mr. Low, a Scottish climber, met with an accident whilst attempting single-handed to cross via the Graham Pass from the west side of the range to the Hermitage. Shortly after crossing the pass he had the misfortune to slip on an ice-covered couloir and fell twenty feet, sustaining bad bruises and a broken ankle. He managed eventually to reach the Malte Brun Bivouac, where he was found by the Hermitage guides Clarke and Graham, having been out for ten days. This accident forcibly emphasizes the danger of undertaking difficult alpine trips without guides. The accommodation at the Hermitage is now inadequate. The old portion of the house is showing signs of general decay, and a new house is immediately required. I append an account from the pen of Dr. Teichelmann, describing an exploration of the valley of the main branch of the Cook River. Dr. Teichelmann was accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Newton and Mr. Lowe. "This constitutes the first crossing of Harper's Saddle, and furnishes one more route from east to west over the Divide. " In January, 1906, we again made our way to the Cook River Valley, feeling that there remained much to do, as we had not explored the extreme head of the valley, and we were also desirous of ascending Mount La Perouse, from the summit of which the most glorious of all the views of Mount Cook can be obtained. On this occasion we were joined by Mr. R. S. Low, of Scotland, and in place of Woodham we had the services of Charles Anderson, a prospector in the valley. " We improved the track considerably this year, and it is now quite good enough for the use of miners or climbing tourists. In. fact, it has been made use of by several prospectors since last year, and, I believe, with satisfactory results. " With the exception of some changes in our camp-sites we proceeded up the valley by the same route as in 1905. "This year we suffered from numerous delays on account of bad weather, snow falling for several days in succession. On the Ist February we started from a bivouac about an hour and a half above" the high camp on the slopes of La Perouse to ascend that peak, and reached the summit

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just Before 11 o'clock. Although forced to retrace our steps on two occasions, the ascent was not so difficult as we had anticipated. The day was somewhat dull and bad for photographic purposes, but the view of Mount Cook across the great gulch of the Hooker Valley was indescribably grand. The whole Mount Cook Range from the summit to the Canterbury Plains was in view. The Westland side was heavily clouded, and on our descent we entered a dense fog, but found no difficulty in reaching our bivouac, and subsequently our comfortable high camp. Our ascent was made by the western arete. On the one side was the La Perouse Glacier, and on the other the Gulch Glacier, a deep gorge surrounded by perpendicular rock-faces from two to three thousand feet high. " On the sth February we made an expedition to the head of the valley, and ascended the Balfour Range immediately opposite Mount Tasman. It was a glorious day, and the point of view was very favourable, permitting us to take numerous photos. " On the 7th February, starting from a bivouac on the north side of the glacier and well up the valley, we attempted to traverse the two great icefalls at the head of La Perouse. We got through the first one, and were struggling with the second when the weather changed, and we were forced to retire. " On the 9th February three of the party, Newton, Low, and Alec. Graham, completed the ascent of David's Dome, 10,410 ft. (Mount Hicks). I was suffering from an injury to my foot, and was unable to tackle such an undertaking, so remained behind on this occasion. The, day was perfect, and the Rev. Mr. Newton secured some excellent photos of the neighbouring peaks. " This ended our holiday, and with a record of two virgin assents we had to be content. The valley is a very interesting one not only to the alpine climber, but also to the naturalist—it is remarkable for the immensity of the-rocks and boulders on the mountain-sides, on the river-margin, and in the river-bed. Tony's Rock, the largest noticed, is about 120 ft. high, 800 ft. round, and carries a forest on its top. It is also rich in alpine flora, and is well worth a visit from any one prepared to put up with some roughing. " On account of the plentiful supply of wood right into the heart of the Alps, camping out can be made quite pleasant and comfortable in spite of the rather copious rainfall that is common to these valleys." Queenstown. By special Act passed last session the park and esplanade were brought under the control of the Government, to be administered by this Department. The bowling-green has also been taken over from the local club, and works are now in hand for its improvement. A number of garden-seats were procured and placed in suitable positions. Since taking over, work in the park has been regularly carried on by the Department's ground staff. The park fencing, gates, and band-rotunda have been repaired and repainted, and some necessary conveniences erected. The bathing-shed was also renovated and painted. Southern Lakes and Sounds. Te Anau Accommodation-house. This house has been acquired by the Department, and when the Government takes over the Lake Te Anau steamer the Department will be in a position to control the traffic for this wonderful district to the best advantage of visitors. Glade House. An increase in the traffic through this house is recorded for the year, the gross takings amounting to £699 os. 6d., as compared with £570 13s. for the previous twelve months. The contractor for the new house has experienced considerable difficulty in getting his supplies up the lake, but good progress has been made, and the work will be completed during the winter. Lake Manapouri. The private interests in the steamer on this lake were acquired by the Government, and a launch, the " Manurere," was purchased and put into commission during the season. This craft was brought from Auckland, and an illustration in this report shows it on the way from Lumsden to Manapouri. From the Ist November to the close of the financial year 218 tickets were issued, of the value of £163 10s. Lake Wanaka. A well-graded track to the top of Mount Iron, a conspicuous feature of the district, was completed, thus providing a short and easy means of access from Pembroke. Te Anau-Milford Sound Track. The number of tourists over this route again shows an increase as compared with the previous vear, the figures being 287 for 1905-6, as against 275 for 1904-5. The receipts show a still more satisfactory result, the takings on the track for the year under review amounting to £358 12s. 6d., as compared with £299 18s. during the previous year. In order to reduce the number of stages on the route, a new hut is being erected about three miles nearer Te Anau than the present Mintaro Hut. This will enable the trip to be done in three stages of ten, nine, and thirteen miles respectively from Glade House to Milford Sound. The material for a large hut at the Sutherland Falls stage of the track has been forwarded to Milford. When completed this, with the present huts, will provide ample sleeping accommodation and living-room for visitors' and caretakers' apartments. Great difficulties are met with in carrying building-material to this site, as everything has to be carried on the men's shoulders, but, it is expected the work will be completed by the opening of the season. The plans for a foot-bridge over the Arthur River have been prepared, and its construction and the snagging of the river and Lake Ada will be put in hand as soon as the staff have completed the works now in hand.

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Sanctuaries for the Preservation of Avifauna and Flora. Little Barrier Island. "Very unsettled weather was experienced during the first part of the year. The commencement of the breeding season in the early spring was cold and windy, but later on the weather improved, and the birds were then to be seen in numbers in the gullies and on the flat engaged in their building operations. Fantails and wrens were amongst the first to begin nesting. Bellbirds (Anthornis melanura, korimako), white-headed canary (Orthonyx albicilla, popokatea), pied tits (Petrceca toitoi, miromiro), fantails (Rhipidura flabellifera, piwakawaka) and tuis (Prosthemadera nova-zelandice) have increased considerably. The number of young birds seen this year are in excess of what we have noticed in former years, the birds in many instances rearing two broods during the season. In manuka and bush growing within fifty yards of the house we found the nests of bell-birds, whiteheads, warblers, and fantails, and a pair of bell-birds safely hatched out their broods in manuka over-shadowing our meat-safe within ten yards of our back door. " This year, owing to favourable climatic conditions, the blossoms of various flowering-shrubs were in great profusion, there being a beautiful display of white tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium), rata (Metrosideros robusta), various kinds—red, white, and yellow—pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa), cedar (Kohekohe, Dysoxylum spectabile), Olearia cunninghamii, mahea (Melicytus ramiflorus), Goprosma robusta, and rangiora (Br achy glottis repanda), and this, no doubt, conduces in a great measure to a successful breeding-season. " Tracks. —The track to the top of Mount Herikohou, which had become somewhat overgrown, was cleared again last month, and whilst working there a few wood-robins (toutouwai, Petrceca longipes) and stitch-birds (hihi, I'ogonornis cvncta), both old and young, were seen, besides numbers of tuis, bell-birds, pigeons (kukupa, Carpohaga novce-zelandice), tits, and whiteheads. " During the year several other tracks connecting the various ranges have been opened up and widened. " Oil-launch. —Our launch so far has safely weathered the gales. She has made sixty-five trips (extract from log), and covered under sail and oil-engine 1,965 miles during the year. She has been three times to Auckland for repairs to the engine, painting, &c. Being constantly in the water, she requires to be frequently cleaned and painted, and there is no means of doing anything of the kind down here. The engine at present works satisfactorily." The caretaker, Mr. Shakespear, reports that there is no sign of any unauthorised persons having landed, or the birds having been in any way molested. Some photographs of nests of the bell-bird, whiteheaded canary, and fantail, probably the first of the two former that have ever been photographed, are reproduced in this report. Resolution Island. Mr. Richard Henry, the Government custodian of Resolution Island, the avifauna sanctuary in Dusky Sound, South Island, reports encouragingly on the native-bird life on the island. He states, however, that fishermen and others visiting the Sounds have given him a good deal of trouble by destroying the ducks and other birds. When visiting neighbouring localities, such as Chalky and Preservation Inlets, he says he " did not see a duck of any kind, but dogs and guns at every camp, and a litter of kaka and pigeon feathers." He was told that this was the result of havoc caused by ferrets and weasels, but he could not believe that these animals were to blame for all he saw. It is verv desirable that stringent regulations should be made, providing heavy penalties for persons landing in the Fiordland district with dog or gun; until this is done the native birds will inevitably be decimated. Mr. Henry now has a motor-boat in which he patrols the shores of Resolution Island whenever the weather permits, and visits the neighbouring mainland in search of wingless species of birdskiwi, roa, and kakapo—many hundreds of which he has, during his residence in the Sound, transferred to Resolution. In the latter part of last year he liberated seven more kakapo or groundparrot on the island. Kaka and pigeon, according to Mr. Henry, are still numerous, and he found native robins (which he had thought were all gone) on one of the small islands. The beautiful paradise duck breeds close to Mr. Henry's place at Pigeon Island, and in his report he places on record some interesting observations with regard to their habits. Sounds National Park. It has been reported that, owing to the invasion of stoats and weasels from the eastern district, the native-bird life is diminishing, more especially the kiwi and kakapo. Good work for the preservation of these birds is being done on Resolution Island, but the question of obtaining a small island of the Stewart Group for this purpose might be considered.

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APPENDIX 11.

REPORT OF GOVERNMENT BALNEOLOGIST. The Superintendent, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. I have the honour to present my report for the year ending the 31st March, 1906. I have always advised that, owing to the great and unavoidable expense of fitting up a spa to make it suitable for the needs of invalids, we should concentrate our principal efforts on one or two places, and either leave the rest for future development, or only so far develop them as to make them suitable for the needs of local invalids whose cases are not sufficiently serious to demand special and therefore expensive treatment. There are, however, a number of thermal centres with attached hotel accommodation which, while principally patronised by tourists, are also used to a certain extent by invalids. The bathing accommodation at these places is frequently very primitive, and though this would not matter if the baths were used solely for the enjoyment of visitors, it assumes considerably more importance when they are also used by sick persons. It is not a pleasant thought, nor is it desirable from the point of view of public health, that persons suffering from an infectious and perhaps loathsome complaint should use the same baths as the general public, more especially as, from the nature of the construction of most of these baths, it is practically impossible that they should ever be thoroughly cleaned out. While I would deprecate undue interference with private initiative and control, I would suggest that all mineral baths user! by the public should be subject to inspection, and that in all thermal resorts special bathing accommodation should be provided for skin-disease and other similar cases. Where necessary it should be possible to assist in the provision of such baths by a Government subsidy. Again, there are certain springs possessing unique therapeutic properties which at present are being practically wasted owing to the ignorance of their owners as to the proper method of utilising them. I would suggest that a selection be made of a representative spring of each class, that it may be acquired by the Government should opportunity of purchase arise. During the past year I have visited the springs of Helensville, Morere, Taupo, Wairakei, Te Aroha, and Hanmer. Helensville. —A full report on these springs has already been forwarded to you, together with plans for a bath-building, and suggestions for the general development of the place as a spa. Morere. —The position of affairs here is altogether unsatisfactory both as regard bathing and other accommodation. More particularly, separate accommodation is needed for " skin cases," and more cleanly and inviting baths are desirable. Taupo and Wairakei. —I have made a wide selection of the waters of this district for analysis. This has revealed the fact that certain springs popularly known as " arsenic," " iodine," and so forth, have had a false reputation, those minerals being conspicuous by their absence, while others again have remained in undeserved obscurity. I think it would be wise if some of the principal springs, both here and in similar resorts, were labelled and their analyses made available in some conspicuous place. Te Aroha. —Considerable improvement has been effected during the year. Amongst other things a disused bath-house has been renovated and fitted up for the administration of massage, modified douche-massage, electric baths, and vapour baths. These additions were made too late in the season to show much result this year, but I am confident that they will prove a great boon in the future. Hanmer. —I have already sent in a full report on the present condition of affairs at Hanmer, together with recommendations and suggestions for its further development as a health resort. The essential points to which I would especially draw attention are : (1.) The desirability of providing entirely separate accommodation for invalids as distinguished from tourists at the spa. (2.) The necessity of providing an attendant's room at the baths. (3.) The need of a drinking-fountain of mineral water. (4.) The desirability of erecting natural-vapour baths. (5.) The need that exists for a small string band to enliven the place. (6.) The advisability of engaging a larger staff of bath-attendants during the summer season, so that no bather shall be left unattended in a bath. The additional expense thus involved could be met by decreasing the staff to one male and one female attendant during the winter, with a concurrent decrease of the bathing-hours. Rotorua. The past year has been one of somewhat violent fluctuations of popularity. Until January, owing partly to bad weather, partly to the elections keeping people at home, but largely, I think, to the increasing competition of other resorts, the number of visitors seemed to be unusually small; but during the last three months the numbers very greatly increased, and March was the busiest month ever recorded in Rotorua. The Baths. Considerable progress has been made with that portion of the new baths at present under construction. This portion comprises all the most expensive and difficult part of the work, and, containing as it does the administrative block, the least directly remunerative. The remaining wings needed to complete the building will contain baths only, and, in addition to being less expensive in construction, will bring in a direct and immediate return. Pending the completion of the new buildings, great improvements have been made at the old Pavilion Baths. The most noteworthy of these has been the erection of a new temporary wing connecting the Priest and Rachel Baths, and containing a suite of comfortable and inviting private baths. Improvements have also been effected at the mud baths, and in the massage department three electric baths have been installed, which have proved invaluable. Indeed, our electrical department, though still crude in appearance, has become extremely workmanlike, and the results of late have been most satisfactory. The Spout Baths at Whakarewarewa have fallen into complete ruin; if they are to be re-erected I would recommend their being put in a more central and accessible site.

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Mineral-water Supply. In view of the great extension of the bathing accommodation, the question of the sufficient supply of mineral water becomes a matter of importance. At the present moment we are using during the season the whole of the output of the Rachel spring, and it will be necessary within the next year or two to supplement the supply of alkaline water. This can very easily be done by drawing on the inexhaustible sources of Whakarewarewa, the only serious difficulty being the expense of piping. This, I anticipate, can be overcome by the use of giant bamboo pipes, as is done in Japan—pipes which would be cheap, easily handled, and fairly good non-conductors of heat. Several springs in the immediate neighbourhood of the new baths will supply ample acid water. Attendants. Considerable progress has been made during the year in the systematic training of attendants, and I wish to record the excellent work done by the head attendants in giving instruction in massage and medical gymnastics. In this direction a very complete system is being gradually brought into use, and one that enables much more efficient medical measures to be prescribed than was formerly possible. To curtail unnecessary expense, I would advise that in future appointments temporary attendants should be engaged for the routine unskilled labour during the season, retaining a nucleus of skilled attendants for permanent work all the year round. The Sanatorium. Work has gone on here smoothly and with a minimum of friction, and much credit is due to the whole staff —House-Surgeon, Matron, nurses, and domestics. As I reported last year, the Sanatorium accommodation is totally inadequate to cope with the demands on it. Out-patients. A noteworthy feature of the past year has been the great number of patients who have received free medical attendance. These have been persons practically without means who have come up to Rotorua expecting immediate admission to the Sanatorium, and have been unavoidably disappointed. During the winter months the vast majority of patients come from within New Zealand, and it is from their ranks alone that the whole of the free patients are drawn. During the summer season comes the influx of patients from other countries, and how large this is will be shown by the fact that one-third of all new patients seen by me during the year came from outside the country, aud these are all paying patients. The amount of free treatment accorded is very large, and is steadily increasing, a fact which I think' is scarcely sufficiently realised by those who complain that Rotorua caters for the rich man only. Nationality of Visitors. I have no means of determining the countries from which come the visitors to Rotorua, but from the record of my own patients the proportion for the past year is—New Zealand, 66'6 per cent. ; Australia, 20 per cent. ; Great Britain, B's per cent. ; United States, L4 per cent. ; South Pacific islands, South Africa, India, Shanghai, Singapore, 3'5 per cent, in the order named. I believe that there is in Singapore and eastern India a rich field for future exploitation, and that when a better steamboat service is obtained between Singapore and Australasia, New Zealand, with its cool bracing climate and its thermal springs, will speedily become the recognised health and holiday resort for these localities. Amusements, &c. The day has long gone by when taking the baths was looked upon as almost the only form of recreation available at Rotorua, but there is still ground for the complaint —as also at Te Aroha and Hanmer —that the place is too dull. A band, be it ever so modest in numbers, playing every day, wet or fine, should be looked upon as an absolute essential in every health resort. No other single means will go so far to dispel the ennui of enforced idleness; and there is no great ii antagonistic influence to the process of recuperation than boredom and depression of spirits. Arthur S. Wohlmann, Government Balneologist. Receipts. Year ended 51st March, 1906. £ 8 . d. Sanatorium fees . • • • • • • • •. .. . •. 1,014 2 4 Out-patients' fees .. ... . - • .. .. . .. 673 17 0 Bath fees . - - 2,518 19 2 Mineral water . • ■ • ■ • ■ • • • > • 181 18 4 Dry massage and electrical treatment . . . . . .. 270 14 0 Players' lees .. • ■ • • • • • • • .. 120 10 0 Total £L7BO 0 10

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Year ended 31st 1905. £ s. d. Sanatorium fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,004 4 2 Out-patients' fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 871 6 6 Bath fees .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. 2,451 11 5 Mineral water .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 142 8 3 Dry massage and electrical treatment .. .. .. .. .. .. 312 18 0 Players' fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 101 8 3 Total.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £4,883 16 7 Return of Baths. Year ended 31st March, 1906. £ s. d. Total number of baths paid for .. .. .. .. 86,496 ~ Sanatorium patients .. .. .. .. 10,641 779 4 3 „ out-patients, free .. .. .. 864 55 13 9 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 98,001 £834 18 0 Year ended 31st March, 1905. £ e. d. Total number of baths paid for - .. .. .. .. . 84,710 „ Sanatorium patients and outside patients, free .. 9,737 819 6 0 Total 94,447 £819 6 0

APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Sir,— Te Aroha Hot Springs, 14th May, 1906. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1906, and in doing so am very pleased to be able to state that we have just completed a most satisfactory year's work. A reference to the subjoined table will show an increase of £85 6s. 6d. in the revenue and an increase of 2,070 in the number of baths taken, as compared with the year ending the 31st March, 1905. Revenue. 1905. 1906. £ s. d. £ s. d. Bath fees .. .. .. .. 1,028 6 8 1,073 2 2 Out-patients'fees.. .. .. .. 365 0 6 413 10 0 Players' fees 49 3 3 72 4 0 Library fees .... .. .. .. 6 3 0 11 1 6 Towel-hire fees .. .. .. .. 42 15 8 17 16 8 Miscellaneous fees.. .. .. .. 51 5 6 40 6 9 Totals .. .. .. .. 1,542 14 7 1,628 1 1 Number of Baths Taken. J1905. | 1906. Private .. .. .. .. .. 24,328 21,015 Public: 14,531 19,891 Free ".'. .. .. .. .. .. 116 139 Totals 38.975 41,045 It will be seen that the private and public baths have changed places in public favour during the past year. I attribute this to the fact that during the year we have had some very large public excursions from the goldfields townships, and a large majority—ifi'not all—of these visitors naturally preferred the novelty of a warm plunge bath to a private bath ; in other words, they bathed for pleasure, rather than for the relief of ailments. The opening of the Waihi Railway has also helped to bring about the change, as the industrial classes have largely availed themselves of the cheaper and more convenient travelling facilities, and have patronised the less expensive baths. In addition to these reasons, there is the fact that during the year increased facilities for public bathing have been afforded by the opening of the cold-water swimming-bath. As I have had to rely almost entirely upon the thermic and chemical properties of the Te Aroha waters in the hydropathic treatment of my patients, without the aid of those mechanical contrivances

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in the shape of the various douches and special baths, so essential in the proper practice of hydrotherapy, the result of the year's work has been satisfactory. Works undertaken during the Year. Baths and Buildings. Swimming-bath. —The cold-water swimming-bath has been thoroughly repaired, put into commission, and a male attendant placed in charge. Life-buoys and appliances for the game of waterpolo have been supplied to this bath, and have done much to popularise it among the younger members of the community. The bath has been well patronised by men and boys, and bids fair next season to be as much in demand with the girls. No. 6 Bath. —The bottom of this bath has been repaired, and a much larger tail-race supplied, thus enabling the bath to be emptied more rapidly for cleaning purposes. Sulphur Bath. —The old wooden bath in this building has been removed, and replaced by a large iron enamel bath, thus conducing to greater comfort and cleanliness. Massage. —The old No. 3 building has been painted externally, and the interior renovated and painted throughout, and the whole converted into a modified massage establishment. It is supplied with a douche apparatus, massage operating-room, box vapour bath, and electric bath, with lounge and dressing-room attached, and supplied with a certain amount of necessary furniture. Administrative Building. —The waiting and consulting rooms have been supplied with the necessary furniture. Library. —New books to the. value of £30 have been added, the Borough Council contributing half the cost, and its representative assisting in the choice of the books. This additional supply of books has been much appreciated, and doubtless accounts in a great measure for the increase in revenue under this head. Bowling-pavilion —This has been painted in the Department's colours, and it now presents a neat and well-kept appearance. Miscellaneous. —A quantity of suitable crockery and glass mugs for the drinking-springs has been supplied during the year. Grounds. Quoit-pitch. —A quoit-pitch was formed on a piece of vacant ground behind No. 2 Bath, to supply a source of amusement for visitors during the winter months, when the playing-greens are closed. Track to Trig. Station. —This track has been cleared, the washouts filled in, and the overgrowth cut away, leaving it in good order, and thus making accessible one of the beauty-spots of the district. Miscellaneous Maintenance-work. —Two large rockeries have been formed on sulphur-patches, one below the largest of the lakelets and the other near the cart entrance to the Domain. These have been planted with cannas, mesembryanthemums, and other flowers, and with their wealth of bloom have converted what was before unsightly spots into points of beauty. The paths have been carefully graded, and thoroughly drained by sinks and gratings, to carry off storm-water. They have been spread with gravel, which, having now become consolidated, leaves them all in good order. The path to the " Octagon," being of too steep a grade, will not hold the gravel, and will require in the future to be tarred. The overflow from the Domain reservoir has been brought in to supply the lakelets with fresh water, by utilising a quantity of old 2 in. piping. This supply, however, has not proved sufficient, for in spells of dry weather the water has been required by the baths, and there was therefore no overflow, thus proving that the reservoir is not large enough to meet the requirement of the Domain. The rough, unsightly piece of ground on the south side of the lakelets has been cleared, graded, and sown in grass, immensely improving the general appearance of that part of the^Domain^grounds.^j Recommendations for the Coming Year. The following recommendations, contained in the reports of previous years, are still under consideration, viz. : — 1. Prospecting for an additional Supply of Hot Water. — (Vide introduction to this report.) 2. Construction of Vapour Bath. —Utilising the hot vapour now going to waste in the tunnel. 3. Construction of Douche Bath. —This is really more necessary now than previously, seeing that males are debarred from using the douche in the massage building. I would recommend the construction of a small annex at the rear of the south end of the Cadman Building, supplied with a simple douche nozzle capable of being used by the patients themselves, but with the main tap outside, under control of the attendant, so that the bather can only use the water for a given time. 4. Construction of an Electric-light Bath. —As the electric light is now being installed in the grounds and buildings, I would urge this as being an appropriate time to instal an electric-light bath. It is safe and easy of administration, and the working-cost practically nil, and possesses undoubted valuable therapeutic properties. There is plenty of room for such an installation in the present massage building. _ LTi Eg 5. Emergency Ward. —Very many cases have occurred during the past year, some of them proving fatal, but all going to show the real necessity for some such building where urgent cases can be immediately attended to and properly treated. 6. Extension of Bowling-pavilion. — The completion of this work before the opening of nest bowling season is very necessary. 7. Tea-house. —The fact of applications having been received for the liberty to supply light refreshments to the general public within the Domain grounds points to the necessity for the construction of a tea-house. There is, I think, very little doubt that such an establishment would be very largely patronised, and add to the pleasure and enjoyment of our visitors.

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F"!jj ITB. Head Gardener's Residence. —The] high" state of cultivation into which the Domain grounds have been brought affords greater temptations and facilities for mischievous individuals to cause damage to flower-beds, plants, lawlxs, &c. This makes it all the more necessary to have the head gardener living on the spot, where his presence would have a wholesome deterrent effect. I therefore recommend the construction of this building. 9. Additional Bowling-green. —The Te Aroha Bowling-green is not sufficiently large for present requirements, especially during our holiday season, when large numbers of bowlers come for the purpose of carrying out bowling tournaments ; and as the old green has not undergone any radical repair, I would again beg to urge the necessity for the formation of an additional green ; and in this connection would recapitulate the advantages of such an undertaking, as set forth in my last annual report —viz. : " (1.) The cost of forming this new green would be no greater than that of putting the present one in first-class order. (2.) A suitable and at present a comparatively useless piece of ground lies idle—a few yards from the present green. (3.) Bowlers could indulge in their favourite pastime all the year round during fine weather. (4.) Additional 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." 10. Meteorological Station. —This very important matter still demands attention. I feel it my duty, therefore, to refer you to the recommendation contained in my last report. 11. Glass-house. —I beg strongly to recommend the construction of a glass greenhouse over that unsightly concrete tank situated between Nos. 2 and 6 baths. This has always been an eyesore, and such a house would prove invaluable to the Head Gardener for the purpose of raising his whole stock of annuals and other plants and flowers wherewith to beautify the grounds. 12. Bush-house. —To the south side of the cold swimming-bath there lies a piece of waste ground which is saturated with sulphur and is unsightly in the extreme. I would therefore recommend the erection over this spot of a bush-house planted with ferns and native shrubs, so that the back of the laundry and other outbuildings would be completely hidden from the public view. The estimated cost of this house is £30. 13. Enlargement of Cold-water Reservoir. —During the last season on two occasions—one of which extended over three weeks—-the borough supply was cut off through drought, and we had to rely entirely upon our own reservoir for cold water at the baths, and even this supply ran so low as to bring down a quantity of debris and mud, so that bathers had dirty water to bathe in. To prevent a recurrence of such a condition, I beg to recommend that the capacity of the Domain reservoir be markedly increased, for the following reasons : (1) The borough reservoir is not likely to be increased for some years to come ; (2) the population, and consequent consumption, is increasing ; (3) we are just as liable to droughts in the future as in the past; and (4) we are more liable to have our supply cut off in the future. The estimate for the enlargement of this reservoir is £20. 14. Breaking in New Ground. —There is a triangular piece of ground lying between the Terrace, the Cadman, and No. 2 Baths, which is still in a wild and uncultivated state. In order to bring this into keeping with the neat, cultivated appearance of the rest of the grounds, it should be cleared, graded, and sown in grass. The path leading up to No. 2 Bath should be diverted to admit of an easier grade, and set off with flower-borders on either side. I recommend that this work, the estimated cost of which is £100, be carried out. I have, &c, Geo. G. Kenny, M.8., CM., The Acting-Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. Resident Medical Officer.

APPENDIX IV. TAUPO DOMAIN BOARD. Sir — I have the honour to present the following report for the twelve months ending the 31st March, 1906 :— '..The Taupo Domain Board commenced the year ending the 31st March, 1905, with a credit balance of £54 15s. 3d. During the year work has been done maintaining top-dressing and sowing seed where necessary on lawn-tennis ground. The lawn is looking very well at present. Tenders have been called for sinking a well for irrigating the lawn (as it was found pumping the water from Lake Taupo would cost more than the Board could afford to expend) : lowest tender received, 6s. 3d. per foot. The well will require to be sunk about 40 ft. Windmill and pump will be required to pump water—cost in Auckland, £23 10s. ; net piping, about £6 in Auckland ; tanks, stand 15 ft. high, about £16 : total, about £65. This amount will be charged to next year's subsidy. A lawn-roller, lawn-mower, and all necessary tools have been purchased during the year. Work has been done burning off grass in Domain, maintaining paths, fences, flower-beds, trees, &c. The A.C. Bath, also the property of the Board, has been kept in repair. I will make a further report when the windmill is completed.

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The balance in bank at 31st March to Board's credit was £26 lis. lid.; cash in hand, £5 6s. : total, £31 17s. lid. This does not include subsidy received in April, 1906—£50. There will not be any money available for a bowling-green this year. I have, &c, The Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. J. Gallagher, Chairman.

APPENDIX V. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Sir,— New Plymouth, 12th July, 1906. Enclosed herewith I forward report in connection with the past season's operations. I regret that this was not sent you earlier, but I was prevented doing so by the non-receipt of certain information I had been waiting for in connection with the completing of the report. I have, &c, The Acting-Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. Ivan Simpson, Chairman.

For the past season, although well above the average, a falling-off in the number of visitors has to be recorded, mainly owing to the unsettled weather, as the roads—at any rate, to the two main houses — are now negotiable for wheel traffic. At the northern end this is more particularly the case—in fact, the trip has been made from New Plymouth to the Egmont House by motor-car, driven all the way. At the southern end the road can be driven over, but requires metalling, the formation being soft, particularly should the weather be wet. His Excellency the Governor made a visit to Dawson's Falls House this season, being driven all the way. Now that the road approaches are passable, attention has been given to making serviceable tracks between the various houses, and the round trip has been accomplished in the day. Communication has also been opened up between the Egmont (Northern) House and Bell's Falls, and this route is being largely availed of. As a result of inspections made, the Board can more particularly strongly recommend visitors to the Egmont and Dawson's Falls Houses, owing to the presence of caretakers (married), and a sure supply of provisions and bedding. As I have pointed out from time to time, the question of wild cattle trespassing in the reserve will soon have to be considered, and legislative sanction obtained to keep these down, as a protection to tourists and the forest flora. The number of visitors who have actually signed the book at the Egmont House has been about sixteen hundred, the fees received being spent in the upkeep of houses and track extension and repairs. The number of visitors to the Dawson's Falls House was about seventeen hundred, a considerable decrease on last year, due to the wet weather prevailing through the season and the consequent bad state of the road. The local revenue from fees, &c, from this house amounted to £68 lis., but this does not include the amount due to the custodian, which would bring the total up to about £200. The principal expenditure was in the erection of an additional mountain cottage, at a cost of about £150. This cottage has been built and furnished with the object of providing ordinary home accommodation for a limited number of visitors, and the Tourist Department can now safely recommend visitors to the Dawson's Falls House, knowing they will find quarters well above the average.' In addition to the above expenditure, ordinary upkeep accounted for some £30. " The number of visitors to the Western House was about a hundred ; the track is in very fair order, and the accommodation very fair. The fees received have practically all been absorbed in repairs and improvements to the track, logging up, &c, glazing and other repairs to the house. The Stratford House has been more an adjunct to the Dawson's Falls House than a residence resort for tourists, and work in the locality has mainly been on track-formation. Expenditure (Tourist Roads). Grant £200, Stratford House to Egmont House. This line was located at a grade of lin7 or better. A good walking-track, at most places fit for horses, has been constructed and maintained for 90 chains, and work is still in progress. The Manganui Gorge was the chief difficulty. Expenditure, £136 9s. 6d., out of £200 Grant £550, Upper Egmont. The metalling contract let to Messrs. Bayly and Sole, covering 110| chains, has been completed, 21 chains of felling done to let in light and air, and the whole track, 4 miles 15 chains, maintained. Expenditure, £547 3s. 10d., out of £550. • Grant £241, Upper Pembroke. A hundred and twenty chains of bridle-track have been formed and maintained, and 41 lineal feet of culverts constructed ; and a contract for clearing up to the crossing of the Mountain Railway is now in hand. Expenditure, £186 Is. 9d., out of £241.

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Grant £200, Manaia Upper. This is a grant to the Stratford County Council. A contract for complet ng the metalling to the radius-line has been let, and 10 chains of metalling and 40 lineal feet of culverts completed. Expenditure, £50, out of £200. Grant £305, Dawson's Falls. At the end of season 1905, 93 chains of bush-work and dray-road formation was done, thus making the house accessible for wheel traffic. This season only 300 chains of drav-road maintenance-work has been attended to. Expenditure, £297 18s. lid., out of £305. Grant £200, Dawson's Falls House to Stratford House. On line located last season, 27 chains have been widened and maintained for horse traffic. Expenditure, £74 19s. Bd., out of £200. | , Works not specifically provided for. Assisted by funds from the Park Board, four miles and a half of walking-track have been cleared and benched from Humphries' Castle towards Bell's Falls. The work is now being completed. Expenditure, £12 7s. sd. Apportionment of the Board's Funds. From rents, tourist grant, and a balance from last year, the Board had a credit of £336 2s. The expenditure was as follows : Track-work, £56 10s. ; house furniture and insurance, £157 7s. 2d.; sundries, £20 14s. ; salaries and travelling-expenses, £24 15s. 4d. ; compensation for accident, £15 : leaving a credit of £61 15s. 6d.

Approximate Oott of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (2,100 copies), £14 oa. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o6.

Price 9d.

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Okere Falls, where Power is generated for Rotorua Electric Lighting.

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Aratiatia Rapids, Waikato River, Wairakei Valley, Taupo.

The New Glade House, Head of Lake Te Anau.

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Waitomo Caves (King-country).

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Lake Kanieri, Westland.

Terminal Face of the Franz Josef Glacier, Westland.

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Lake Waikareiti (near Waikaremoana).

Panoramic View of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu.

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Launch "Manurere," en route to Lake Manapouri.

Launch " Manurere" on Lake Manapouri.

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Nest of the Piwakawaka or Fantail, Little Barrier Island.

Nest of the Papakatea or White-headed Canary, Little Barrier Island.

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Nest of the Korimako or Bell-bird in Ti-tree, Little Barrier Island.

Specimens of the Short-tailed Bat found on Little Barrier Island.