TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. D. S. MacDONALD.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1917 Session I, H-02

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1917. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. D. S. MacDONALD.

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

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord,— Wellington, 25th June, 1917. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ended 31st March, 1917. I have, &c, W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister for Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

Annual Report op the General Manager op Tourist and Health Resorts. Sir,— Wellington, 20th June, 1317. I have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1917. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister for Tourist and Health Resorts.

ANNUAL REPORT. It will be remembered that the direct revenue derived last year from the operations of the Department constituted a record in its operations since its inception, realizing the sum of £31,067. This year, I am glad to say, in spite of the most disadvantageous circumstances, these figures have been eclipsed. The revenue for the twelve months just ended has reached the sum of £33,137, an increase of £2,070 over the record year. Our visitors from the Old World have naturally been few in number, but there has been a steady influx of visitors from America and Australia, while New-Zealanders, being debarred from visiting other countries, have turned their attention to the attractions in their own land. With these satisfactory results in the lean years it is not unreasonable to expect that when affairs return to their normal conditions there will be a great influx to our shores of visitors from other parts of the world. America in particular I regard as a great field for future development of tourist traffic, and during the year the Department has had a great number of inquiries by letter as well as visitors from the United States. One of the leading tourist agencies on the eastern side of America has recently sent a personally conducted tour under its general manager right through New Zealand, and that firm is desirous of establishing reciprocal relations with the Tourist Department which will result in a number of its clients visiting these shores. Several of the leading cinematograph firms have also turned their attention to New Zealand, and the value of a display of films of our scenery in the American theatres cannot be overestimated as an advertisement. For years past I have wished

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to have such displays made, hut the cost to the Department of the display in America has been out of all proportion to the amount at its disposal for the purpose. However, if the American theatre companies with their expert operators take up the work it will be done at a, minimum cost to New Zealand, which has everything to gain from the free advertisement of its scenic wonders. I am hopeful of very good results in the future from this development. On the west coast of America also there has been a marked activity, and the display of the Department at the San Diego Exhibition, which was made at little cost to New Zealand, has had a good result. In Honolulu also, where many thousands go from the Pacific Coast, the Dominion is represented in the Pan-Pacific Building by exhibits sent to the San Francisco and San Diego Exhibitions free of cost. The cinematograph-films exhibited at the San Francisco Exhibition have been displayed in Victoria and South Australia, and are now on exhibition in New South Wales. The Agent in Sydney reports that during the first week they were shown the pictures were seen by ten thousand people. The films taken by the Department, in April last of the alpine regions are also being displayed in Australia, and I have direct evidence from correspondence received that they have already been the means of inducing Australians to visit New Zealand and personally see this wonderful display of nature's grandeur. It was intended to take cinematograph-films of the fiordland regions, hut unforeseen happenings have caused this project to stand over for another season. As mentioned in my last report, the fees for games at the different resorts were considerably enhanced, and, though there was a little local dissatisfaction at first, the new scale of charges has worked fairly satisfactorily. A few small adjustments may be required to be made in them. It is hoped that the new road constructed by the Prisons Department between Waimarino and Tokaanu will be open for motor traffic next season. This will result in the abolition of the present long day journey from Waiouru to Tokaanu. The distance from Waimarino to Tokaanu should be easily able of accomplishment in three hours, and will enable the Wellington people to reach the thermal region in one day. This facility should result in a very largely increased traffic to the Taupo and Wairakei districts, and will also bring the attractions of the Tongariro National Park within easy reach of the citizens of Wellington and surrounding districts. The expenditure of any large sums in the improvement of facilities in this region has been held over till the conclusion of the war. Waimangu Eruption. It is regrettable to have to record at the close of the year a disaster at Waimangu in which the wife and child of the caretaker (Mr. McCormick) perished. The accommodation-house has been ruined and a great deal of damage done. The " round trip " has, however, again been established, and the traffic shows no sign of falling off. It will be necessary to erect another dwelling for the guide, and it is intended to preserve the ruins of the old building as an attraction to visitors, as was done in the case of the remains of the old houses at Wairoa destroyed by the eruption of 1886. The following statement gives the usual details of the revenue at the various resorts under the control of the Department, and the financial position of each of them :— Receipts foe Department oi<' Tourist and Health Resorts, Financial Years 1916-17 and 1915-16. 1916-17. 1915-16. Te Aroha— £ £ Bath fees, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 882 859 Games, library fees, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 227 191 Tea-kiosk ... ... ... ... ... ... 189 157 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 140 114 1,438 1,321 Rotorua— Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 2 739 Out-patients' fees ... ... ... ... ..] ... 828 '586 Bath fees, pump-room, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 2,671 2 533 Laundry ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 254 Dry massage and electrical treatment... ... ... ... 2,352 870 Water-supply ... ... ... ... ... ... ijlg 1,956 Electric-light charges ... ... ... ... ... 4,634 3 490 Games, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... '496 '433 Round trip: launch, fares, guiding fees, <fee. ... ... ... 2,427 2 574 Sale of mineral waters ... ... ... ... ... 501 '325 Launch licenses, wharfages, &c. ... ... ... ... 12 15 Sulphur royalties ... ... ... ... ... 907 78 Rents ... ... ... ... ... 740 528 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 219 139 Trout-fishing and game-shooting fees ... ... ... ... 1 100 702 18,897 16,968 Waitomo Caves— Accommodation and admission fees ... ... ... ... 3 574 3 34^

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1916-17. 1915-1(5. Hanmer Springs — £ £•, Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 611 700 Bath fees, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 466 429 Tennis-players, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 27 92 Tea-house... ... ... ... ... ... ... 287 183 Water-supply ... ... ... ... ... ... 77 62 Rents ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 143 91 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ..? ... 121 37 1,732 1,594 Hermitage— Accommodation and guiding, &c. ... ... ... ... 4,235 4,539 l^ueenstown — Games, &c . ... ... ... ... ... ... 127 113 Glade House, Milford Track, and Te Anau steamers — Accommodation, guiding, &c. ... ... ... ... 611 483 Steamer ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 371 547 982 1,030 Head Office — Sale of pamphlets ... ... ... ... ... ... 43 48 Advertising ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 44 Rents ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 159 168 Commission on passenger bookings ... ... ... ... 1,818 1,895 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 121 5 2,152 2,160 £33,137 £31,067

Schedule showing Financial Position at each Resort.

Note.—No allowance is made in these figures for interest on capital expenditure or for depreciation of plant or buildings. Return of Receipts. The following table shows the receipts of the Department from all sources since 1911—12 :-— 1911-12. .1912-13. 1913-14. 1914-15. 1915-16. 1916-17 Receipts ... ... ... 28,048 29,711 30,107 26,630 31~067 33,137 The amount of the passenger bookings at the different agencies during the year amounted to £38,867, as against £35,476 for the previous year. Return of Expenditure. The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past six years : — ££££££ Consolidated Fund ... ... 46,478 45,934 48,462 49,823 47,966 45,785 Public Works Fund ... ... 13,361 12,906 14,989 8,232 5,167 1,094

Year 191 6-17. Year 191 i-16. Resort. i I Hi HH w u !r, »H ft * s o ° "s O h 88 £ £ <u > a M ° * H CD 'n 1 © Ch M HH w fi <e ax £ Ox ■M'S ® z 9 M ChPh H 4* is, i £ £ ID > 2 t Ph GO Te Aroha Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Caves Hanmer Springs Hermitage, Mount Cook Te Anau and Manapouri steamers, Glade House, and Milford Track £ I ,438 17,797 1 ,100 3,574 1,732 4,235 982 £ 2,665 1.5,216 412 2,955 2,952 4,151 1 ,881 £ 1,227 £ 2.581 688 619 £ 1,321 1.6,266 702 3,342 1 .594 4,539 I ,030 £ 2,502 17,969 419 2,683 3,435 4,267 I ,940 £ 1.181 I ,703 £ 283 659 1 ,220 84 1 ,841 272 899 910 Queen stown . . 127 471 344 113 529 416

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The expenditure last year was reduced by the sum of £1,857, and I am glad to report that by the strictest attention to detail by the whole of the staff I can this year report a further diminution of £2,181, the expenditure for 1917 being £45,785, as against £47,966 for the previous year. Following is a brief summary of the work carried out at each resort during the year, viz. : — Rotorua. Despite the continuance of the war the number of visitors to Rotorua during the year has been well over the average. For obvious reasons the number of oversea visitors has greatly lessened, but this deficiency has been made good by the increased number of visitors from within New Zealand. The absence of the wealthier class, and the consequently reduced spendingpower of those who came, is evidenced by the fact that the revenue from the various trips shows no material increase. A faotor in the numerical increase of visitors was doubtless the fact that there are in Rotorua a large number of soldiers in the local military hospitals whose relatives have been visiting them. The booking of tours at the local office shows a satisfactory increase, the amount rising from £1,374 to £1,679. & Works. Buildings, Reserves, <&c.—The various buildings and reserves have had the usual attention as regards maintenance. Work in the gardens has been somewhat curtailed owing to scarcity of labour and a desire to confine work to bare requirements. Water-supply.— Nineteen new consumers were connected to the system during the year. 2,000 ft. of 16 in. steel spiral pipe was laid in Fenton Street, extending from the intersection of Hineinoa Street to within a short distance of Malfroy Street. Eight new connections were made to the sewage-system during the year. Electrical Supply .—The service has been maintained during the year with great regularity the work of rearranging the system of distribution throughout the town is gradually being proceeded with, the chief hindrances being the scarcity of labour and the difficulty in procuring material. The steadily increasing demand for energy is taxing the generating plant considerably* and the margin of reserve power is now quite negligible. Owing to the departure from the town of most of the electricians m private business the Department has had to take up the work of ), V "'\ n £ Premises when necessary. During the year new consumers called for power to the extent of ob£ kilowatts, and 420,063 units were generated at the power-station. Acclimatization. Fishing.— The season which closed in May, 1916, was very successful, that at Waitahanui (laupo) being particularly good. An English angler camped in that neighbourhood secured in two months 1,060 fish, the heaviest of which weighed 111b., the average being 41b. A stretch of this stream has recently been cleared of snags and debris brought down by various floods and should thus be more accessible to anglers for some time to come. During the'current season (which opened in October m the southern portion of the district) the fishing at Taumarunui was particularly good, some very fine trout in excellent condition being obtained. The fish in Lake Rotorua have not been quite so plentiful, due no doubt to the vigour with which netting operations have been pursued. At Tarawera a good average has been maintained. Shooting (Game).— .The season this year was the statutory close season which occurs every third year but owing to the alleged plentifulness of quail and teal a concession of opening for two months was given Thirty-four brace of quail and five pheasants were liberated in the Tongariro National Park, which should form an ideal sanctuary for game. Twenty-six brace of quail, three pheasants, and one mallard duck were liberated at Taumarunui. .Deer -During the 1916 season the Rotoiti herd gave the best results to stalkers, heads with from twelve to seventeen points being secured. Several other good heads were sighted, but owing to heavy bush cover the stalkers were unable to secure the stags. The Galatea herd was in very fine condition, but was not very closely stalked, as the landowners in that locality are inclined to conserve the stock and discourage indiscriminate shooting. During the year twenty-five deer were received—four from Mr. Chirnside, of Victoria and twenty-one from the game farm at Paraparaumu. A new herd has been started at Mount Edgecumbe. This is one of the best localities in which deer have been liberated; cover, feed, and water are plentiful, and this herd should make rapid Morere Springs. An unfortunate land-slide has been responsible for the demolition of the old bathhouse Hans have been prepared for a new' and inexpensive structure which will be an improvement on that destroyed, and which, it is hoped, will be erected in time for next season. Hanmer Springs. There is little to report from Hanmer Springs so far as this Department is concerned, as the place is now practically used for the restoration of returned invalid soldiers. The revenue from £1*732 tea " h ° USe ' *°" shows a considerable increase, however, having risen from £1,594 to Hermitage, Mount Cook. decrelse 6 l & ? ° De thk The reve " ue Bh °™ * flight deciease, from £4 539 to £4,235, but the previous year was an exceptional one. The buildings though sorely taxed at holiday seasons, have met the requirements of the travelling publio faSfy

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well. Extensions will be necessary later on, but no proposals in this respect are made at present. The returns for the year for guides' fees, horse-hire, and equipment amounted to £754, against £736 last year, showing an increase of £18. This may be considered most satisfactory, as the previous year was exceptionally busy, and quite a record in returns over all previous years. This season's visitors have been equally numerous, and it has been difficult to cope with all the work owing to several members of the staff having joined the Expeditionary Forces. Experienced alpine men not being available in the Dominion the work had to be carried out the best way possible under the circumstances, and to show an increased return under these conditions is most gratifying. A considerable amount of new work was also carried out. In May of last year the material for a bivouac situated on the slopes of Mount Sefton and the Footstool was carried up and placed on the site, and during the winter a mile and a half of new track was constructed, besides nine culverts and other necessary repairs which were made to the Rail Hut track. In the earl}' spring the repairing-work of all the tracks in the vicinity of the Hermitage and glaciers was put in hand, and the tracks were kept in good order throughout the season. The King Memorial Hut on the Haast Ridge, and the excellent view obtained from it, have been an added attraction this season. A number of parties have availed themselves of the opportunity of this fine expedition. The chamois and thar liberated on the reserves have been seen occasionally by visitors, but not near enough to get a good view of them. Numerous footprints of these animals have been observed in different localities, and one can feel, safe in assuming that they are doing well and are steadily on the increase. Several attempts were made on Mount Cook, but owing to the conditions of the mountain and bad weather none was successful. However, a number of other high climbs, including several new ascents, were made during the season, which for purposes of record are recorded on the appended tabulated list. Besides the climbs mentioned six ascents have been made of the Hochstetter Dome; ten ascents of Glacier Dome; six ascents and three traverses of Mount Annett; one traverse and three ascents of Mount Kitchener; two ascents of Mount Wakefield; two of Mount Kinsey, including one traverse of Mounts Kinsey and Wakefield; one ascent of Barron's Saddle; two crossings of Graham's Saddle; and five ascents and twelve crossings of the Copland Pass. Several parties, after crossing to the west coast and viewing the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, returned to the Hermitage, while others went north through Westland by coach, and back to Cliristchurch via Otira Gorge. Apart from the climbs on the Southern Alps, mention should be made of work done by Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S., on Mount Egmont, who reports having climbed Mount Egmont twice in one day, on the 29th December, 1916, from Dawson Falls; and on the 31st idem having traversed Mount Egmont twice in the same day. Mr. Turner's times are as follows : Left Dawson Falls at 5.45 a.m.; reached summit, and descended to North Egmont House by 10.30 a.m.; left North Egmont House at 12 noon; reached the summit at 2.30 p.m., and descended to Dawson Falls by 4.10 p.m.

List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1916-17.

Date. Name of Peak. Height, in Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and .Remarks. 1916. lar. 30 Mount Urummond About 8,200 Miss M. Marsdon A. Graham Ascent by W. ridge from Aylmer bivouac. (First ascent.) From Aylmer bivouac, across neve, Franz Josef Glacier, and thence by W. arMe. (First ascent.) From Aylmer bivouac, across neve, Fran/. Josef Glacier, and thence by N.W. arMe. (First ascent.) By W. face from Fox Glacier. By S. arMe from Copland Pass. Ascent and descent by W. face from Gorilla Creek. (First ascent.) Miss Theomin desires this peak to be named " Brass Peak," after Guide Corporal Brass, who was killed in action at Gallipoli. From Aylmer bivouac across neve, Franz Josef Glacier, and thence by N.W. arMe, (First ascent.) Miss Marsden desires this peak to be named " Mount Matenga," after Samuol Marsden, early missionary to the Maoris of New Zealand. Complete traverse by new route. Ascent by rock ridge bolow Croix Glacier to summit of Mount Roon, and thence by main W. arMe to top of Mount Moltke; desoent by N. arMe and Woodham's Ridge back to Defiance Hut. tpril 1 Mount Jcrvois 8,675 | Miss M. Marsdon A. Graham „ 11 Mount Aurora 8,733 Miss M. Marsdon A. Graham 20 24 27 Craig's Peak Lean Peak Unnamed peak on Liebig Range, north - east of Mount Blackburn 7,000 8,000 7,671. Miss M. Marsden Mr. F. J. Rolleston .. Miss 1). Theomin, Mrs. P. Graham A. Graham P. Graham P. Graham, J. Lippe [ay 12 Unnamed peak, highest summit on the Lindon Ridge, situated west of the Minarets Peaks 8,000 Miss M. Marsden A. Graham Mount Roon and Mount Moltke Miss M. Marsden 26 7,344 and 6,309 A. Graham

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List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1916-17 — continued.

Date. Da ate. Name of Peak. Height, in feet. ilelgnt, l feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. lloute and Remarks. 1916. Dec. 23 19 >eo. 116. 23 Mount Darby 8,287 8,287 Mr, H. Holl, Mrs. H. Holl, Miss Lorimer R. Young Ascent by N.W. arMe from Mueller Glacier ; descent by S.E. arMe to Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by E. face from Mueller Hut. ' Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. „ 24 24 Mount Maunga Ma 8,335 8,335 Mr. H. Holl R. Young „ 25 191.7. Jan. 1 19: an. 25 Mount Sealy J 1.7. 1 Aiguille Rouge 8,631 8.631 9,731 9,731 Mr. E. C. Scannell, Pen. •Scannell, J. 1. Tosswill Mr. H. Holl, Mr. E. C. Scannell, Miss LoriP. Graham P, Graham >> »t 2 Mount Malte Brun 2 10,421 10,421 mer Mr. H. Holl, Mrs. P. Graham P. Graham Ascent by N.W. arete from Beetham Glacier; descent by N. face from Malte Brun Hut, Complete traverse. Ascent by W. arMe ; descont by N.W. face from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by west arMe from Malte Brun Hut. 4 Mount Malte Brun 4 10,421 10,421 Mr. H. Holl, Mrs. H. Holl, Mr. Graves, Miss Lorimer Mr. McBeth, Mr. M. McBeth, Mr. McFarlan Miss L. Bing J. Lippe .. »» JJ 6 Mount Darby 6 8,287 8,287 R. Young Ascent by N.W. arMe from Mueller Glacier ; descent by S.E. arete to Sladden Glaoior. Ascent and descent by S. arMe from hut. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. From Malte Brun Hut to Tasman Saddle, across Murchison neve to Classon Saddle, and thence by E. face and N.E. arMe to summit; returned same way. (First ascent.) Ascent and descent by VV. face from Mueller Hut. Ascent from Memorial Hut over Glacier Dome, across plateau of the Hoohstetter icefall, and thence by N.W. arM,e to summit. (First ascent. ) Ascent by N.W. arMe from Beetham Glacier; descent by N. face to Malte Brun Hut. Ascent by N.W. arMe from Beetham Glacier; descent by N. face to Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. »J ». 11 11 Lean Peak 8,000 8,000 P. Graham 12 12 Mount Sealy 8,631 8,631 Mr. H. Radcliffc, Jack Radcliffc, Prof. Jack Mr. W. A. Kennedy . . J. lippe .. 12 Mount Brodrick 12 8,777 8,777 J. Lippe •. 30 Mount Sealy .. 30 8,631 Mr. George Kelly, Bruce Kelly, Swinburn Kelly Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. A. Cowling Feb. eb. 6 Unnamed twin peak 6 8,323 and 7,623 Guideless.. 8 Aiguille Rouge 9,731 Miss M. Marsden, Mr. C. Buchanan P. Graham 8 8 Aiguille Rouge 8 9,731 Mr. H. Holl, Miss B. Holdsworth Guideless. . 13 Mount Sealy 8,631 Miss A. Humphries, Miss E. M, Helmore, Mr. C. Buchanan Miss A. Humphries .. R. Young 13 14 Mount Darby .. .. j 14 8,287 R. Young Ascent by N.W. arMe from Mueller Glacier; descent by S.E. arMe to Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by W. face. Ascent and descent by W. face. s. n 15 Mount Sealy 20 Mount Sealy 15 20 8,631 8,631 Miss M. Suttor Miss Collins, Miss Bulkley Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. A. Cowling J. Lippe . . », », 22 Aiguille Rouge 22 9,731 Guideless Ascent and descent by N.E. face and arMe from Beetham Glacier. Ascent and descent by N. arMe from head of Gorilla Creek. (First ascent.) Ascent by N.W. arMe from Beetham Glacier; descent by N. face to Malte Brun Hut. First complete traverse. Ascent from Lindenfeldt Saddle traversing both peaks of the the Hoohstetter Dome, and thence along the main divide, ascending Mount Aylmer by W. and descending by S. arMe to the Tasman Saddle and back to Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by S. arMe from Hooker Hut. From a bivouac at the foot of Irish Stream, near the terminal of Tasman Glacier ; ascent by S.W. faco; descent by W. arMe to head of Irish Stream. (First ascent.) Miss Joachim desires this peak to be named " The Aoolyte." [ar. [ar. 5 Brace's Peak 9 Aiguille Rouge 5 9 7,350 9,731 Miss 1. Chambers, Miss B. Holdsworth, Mr. P.. Seager Mr. R. Seager P. Graham P. Graham 10 Hoohstetter Dome, Mount Aylmer 9,258 and 8,819 Mr. R. Seager P. Graham 10 »» 14 Lean Peak 30 Unnamed peak on Liebig Range, south - west of the Nun's Veil 8,000 7.400 Miss E. Joachim. Miss C. Ogston Miss E. Joachim P. Graham 8,000 7,400 P. Graham, J. Stout

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Te Aroiia. The local Agent reports that the traffic, though spasmodic, has been well maintained, and the revenue from all sources has increased from .£1,321 to £1,438, an advance of £117. The games and bath fees have slightly increased as a result of enhanced charges. The bath-buildings and the gardens have been maintained in first-class order, and a satisfactory arrangement has been made with the local body regarding the control of the library and reading-room in the bathsoffice. Waitomo Caves. This popular resort has been well patronized during the season, the revenue having increased from £3,342 to £3,574. Waitomo is growing vastly in popularity, as will readily be seen by the steady increase in the number of visitoi's and the revenue. Six years ago the revenue was £994, so that the vast strides consequent, mainly in the improvement of the road to the hostel, can be appreciated. The present building is at times all too small for the rush of visitors, and Ihe problem of extension is one which will have to be faced in the future. The building has been kept in good order and the tracks to the caves considerably improved during the season. Owing to the death of the wife of the Manager a change was necessary, and Mr. and Mrs. Cook were transferred from the Hermitage to Waitomo to take the place of Mr. and the late Mrs. Parmenter, who had conducted the place for several years in a most efficient manner. Waikaremoana, Te Puia, etc. Owing to the existing conditions it was considered advisable to renew the arrangement under which this house is conducted by Mesdames Scollay and Dale, and to hold over the question of leasing in the meantime. The number of visitors has been up to the average considering the very bad weather experienced in the district during the year. Reports from Te Puia show that the new bath-buildings have been a great advantage, and have resulted in a steady traffic to the resort. Te Anau-Milford Track. The season opened very well indeed, but in the latter part the number of visitors dropped off. However, the revenue for the season showed an increase of £128 over last season's receipts. A regrettable point was that owing to ill health of himself and wife the pioneer, Mr. D. Sutherland, was unable to open his accommodation-house for visitors. Arrangements were, however, made by the Manager and guiding staff which provided for the satisfactory accommodation of all visitors to the Sounds. Very great difficulties were met with by the staff, owing to floods having washed away bridges at Quintin, (lentle Anne, and Pompolona Creeks, but the trouble was overcome. There was an increase in the number of people crossing from Glade House to Wakatipu by Dore's Pass. Fifteen ladies and five gentlemen made the journey, which is one of unique grandeur and growing in popularity. Agencies and Passenger Bookings. The total value of tours booked was £38,867, against £35,476 for the previous year. The revenue derived from commission amounted to £1,817. This branch of the Department is proving of real convenience to the travelling public, and the booking bureaux are being availed of by increased numbers each succeeding year. Oversea Agencies. The total passenger-bookings at Sydney amounted to £920 and at Melbourne to £914. The Department's honorary agencies at Adelaide, Brisbane, and Vancouver continue throughout the year to steadily advertise the tourist and health resorts of the Dominion. Brief reports from the Agents at Sydney and Melbourne are attached. The expenditure at Sydney and Melbourne has been as under :— Sydney. Melbourne. £ £ Rent ... ... ... ... ... ... 250 300 Salaries (including clerical assistance) ... ... ... 328 561 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... 179 112 B. M. Wilson, General Manager,

REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. Rotorua, 10th May, 1917. 1 have the honour to submit my report for the year ending the 31st March, 1917. During the year 400 cubic yards of 2|in. blue metal have had to be imported for streetrepair work, principally on Fenton Street South and Tutanekai Street, The traffic (principally motor-cars) has increased so considerably of late that the soft local metal is quite useless to cope with the wear-and-tear. 151 cubic yards of tarred metal chips have been used for repair to streets which had formerly been laid down with this material. In Fenton Street 440 square yards of tarred area have been refaced with " Soltar," and 3,666 square yards of this mixture have been laid in Fenton and Hinemoa Streets for the first time. 2,295 lineal feet of footpaths have been

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recoated with tar and sand, and 198 lineal feet of new asphalt paths laid. Thirteen wooden culverts have been put in at various parts throughout the town, 73 chains of suburban roads (unmetalled) re-formed with the small grader, and the water-channels cleaned out. A considerable amount of I rouble has been experienced at the Native villages of Whakarewarowa and Ohineiuutu through subsidences in the roadways owing to thermal action. Owing to the extraordinarily mild and humid season the growth in the street trees has been greater than usual, quite a hundred trees having had to be pruned twice; in all, over a thousand trees were dealt with. The levy of the Town Account made by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the current financial year was £165, to meet which a, rate (on the capital value) of in tho pound was struck. The levy made by the Fire Board amounted to £173, which was met by a rate of |d. in the pound. In order to provide for the maintenance of the Public Library and Heading-room, which hitherto have been maintained from the Town Account, a library rate of (yielding £170) was levied for the first time. Under the Rotorua Town Act, 1907, authority to strike a library rate was conferred, but this power has not hitherto been exercised. Thirty-one building permits were issued during the year for new buildings and additions to existing ones, the total value being £6,085. The rateable capital value of the town is £511,948. I attach a statement of the Rotorua Town Account. W. Hill, Resident Officer. Statement of Accounts op the Town op Rotorua for Yeah ending the 31st March, 1917. General Account. Receipts. Expenditure. Treasury — £ a. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Hath'fees .. .. 1,435 12 5 Balance at 31st March, 101 fi .. 02 10 (1 Rents (Crown lands) .. 1,836 .'1 3 Administration— Fees and fines (Magistrate's Salaries .. .. 280 18 5 Court) .. .. 12 10 0 Printing and advertising .. 13 1 3 3,284 5 8 Audit .. .. .. 7 10 0 Fees — Bank charges .. .. 0 10 0 Sanitary services .. 307 IS 8 Bank interest on overdraft 1 9 (i Public pound .. .. 109 19 9 Office expenses .. .. 15 8 0 Dog-registration.. .. 4 12 (i . 318 17 11 482 10 11 Public worksLicenses Maintenance of streets and Building permits .. 30 15 0 roads (labour and maVehicle.. .. .. 91 15 0 terial) .. .. 2,664 17 6 Drivers' .. .. 10 4 0 Street-lighting . . . . 343 4 6 Publicans' .. .. 188 0 0 ■ 3,008 2 0 Auctioneers' .. . . 40 0 0 Sanitary service— Billiard-rooms . . .. 24 0 0 Labour.. .. .. 416 6 8 Halls . . .. . . 21 0 0 Fodder and plant . . 67 8 8 Shooting-galleries .. 3 0 0 483 15 4 Hoardings .. .. 9 8 0 Public pound — Fodder and Shows .. .. .. 610 0 advertising .. .. .. 72 19 5 Hawkers' .. .. 10 0 Public health — Sanitary in425 12 0 spection .. .. .. 70 0 0 Rents— Licensing expenses—Tauranga Real property .. .. 44 15 10 County Council .. .. .. 21 9 2 Boat-shed compartments.. 15 16 8 Miscellaneous— Explosive-magazines .. 12 3 9 Insurance (fire and accident) 32 16 11 72 16 3 I Dog-registration.. .. 3 14 7 Material sold . . . . . . 6 6 2 Charitable aid . . .. 12 9 Contributions to works .. . . 52 6 1 Maintenance of town dock 22 10 0 Miscellaneous — Ground - rent, Section 39, Sale of oats .. .. 7 10 0 suburbs .. .'. 2 0 0 By-laws and badges sold .. 119 0 Sundries .. .. 3 0 0 Sundries .. .. 114 3 65 4 3 Refunds— Credit balance at 31st Maroh, 1917 214 10 9 Hospital and charitable aid .. .. 12 9 Accident - insurance premium .. 12 6 — 13 8 6 Penalty—lo per cent, on overdue rates .. 10 3 9 £4,347 9 4 £4,347 9 4 Separate Account. No. I. Hospital anh Charitable Am Ratio Aooount. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. Rates — £ s. d. t s. d. Debit balance at 31st March, 1016 .. 14 6 8 Arrears .. . . . . 52 17 5 Waikato Hospital Board .. . . 164 12 2 Current, 1916-17 .. 108 12 5 Printing and advertising .. . . 17!) I lil 9flo Postages .. ..' .. .. 017 10 Debit balance at 31st March. 1917 .. I!) 14 7 £181 4 5 £181 4 5

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No. 2. Fire-prevention Rate Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1916 .. 18 3 11 Rotorua Firo Board .. .. '.. 366 15 9 Rates— Printing and advertising .. .. 17 9 Arrears .. .. .. 87 7 5 Postages, &c. .. .. .. 0 18 0 Current, 1916-17 .. . . 224 14 10 312 2 3 Debit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 38 15 4 £369 1 6 £369 1 6 No. 3. Public Library Rate Aocount. Receipts. £ r. d. I Expenditure. £ s. d' Subscriptions .. .. .. 53 10 6 Salaries .. .. .. .. 66 710 Rents .. .. .. .. 33 5 4 Books and papers .. . . .. 34 15 8 Rates .. .. .. .. 53 1.7 5 Sundries .. .. .. .. 25 6 10 Credit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 14 2 11 £140 13 3 j £140 13 3 No. 4. Rotorua Cemetery Account (Section 55, Cemeteries Act, 1908). Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31 st March, 1916 .. .. II 16 11 Maintenance.. .. .. .. 44 10 6 Fees for exclusive right of burial and ordinary Bank charges .. .. .. 010 0 burial .. .. .. .'. 35 18 0 ■ Balance at 31st March, 1917 .. .. 214 5 £47 14 11 £47 14 11 Statement of Balances. Accounts. Bank. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s, d. £ a. d. Cr. Rotorua Town Account .. 395 4 2 General Account.. .. Cr. 214 10 9 Dr. Outstanding cheques .. 235 7 3 Separate Account No. 3.. Cr. 14 211 159 16 11 Separate Account No. 4.. Cr. 214 5 Cr. Cemetery Account .. 45 2 5 231 8 1 Dr. Outstanding cheques .. 42 8 0 Separate Account No. 1 .. Dr. J9 14 7 2 1.4 5 Separate Account No. 2 .. Dr. 38 15 4 Plus cash on hand.. .. ~ 10 610 58 9 11 £172 18 2 £172 18 2 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Assets. Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Outstanding accounts .. .. .. 154 5 9 General Account Bank .. .. 339 4 2 Outstanding cheques—■ Cemetery Account —Bank .. .. 45 2 5 General Account .. .. .. 235 7 3 Cash in hand .. .. .. 10 6 10 Cemetery Account .. .. .. 42 8 0 Outstanding accounts— ; Balance of assets over liabilities. . .. 2,778 18^2 Kerbing and channelling .. 13 7 3 Hoardings .. .. 5 3 9 Rents—Real property (houses and sections) .. .. 57 4 0 Rents —Explosive-magazines Ii 7 I Oats, firewood, and clay . . 7 10 3 Sanitary fees .. .. 275 0 0 364 12 4 Outstanding rates — Hospital and charitable aid, fire-prevention, and library .. 234 13 5 Estimated— Library building and furniture 675 0 0 Sanitary depot—Building and plant .. .. .. 105 0 0 Pound cottage .. .. 105 0 0 General working plant . . 480 0 0 Rowing (Tub shed .. 350 0 0 Fencing, &c. —Gravel-pit reserve .. .. .. 42 0 0 Fencing, &c—Marine Parade 100 0 0 Office furniture and plant .. 160 0 0 Cemetery chapel .. ..110 0 0 Benzine-magazine . . . . 90 0 0 — 2,217 0 0 £3,210 19 2 £3,210 19 2: Wm. Hill, Bth May, 1917. Resident Officer, Rotorua.

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REPORT OF THE BALNEOLOGIST, ROTORUA. I have the honour to present my annual report on the Rotorua Baths. The Sanatorium, having now been temporarily transferred to the Health Department, has been omitted from consideration, and owing to the close attention necessitated by the work at Rotorua I have not visited or reported on any of the spas elsewhere. Contrary to what might reasonably have been anticipated, there has been a large increase of revenue at the Rotorua Baths for the past year. This has been effected in spite of a diminution .of. .overseas traffic caused by the war, and is due partly to the increased number of visitors from within New Zealand, and partly to the fees for treatment of wounded soldiers. In regard to the former it will be noted that the increase has been hardly perceptible in regard to ordinary bath fees, but the receipts for special-treatment and consultation fees have very greatly increased. This indicates that the increase has been due rather to the larger number of people coming here as patients for serious treatment than to those coming for pleasure or for minor ailments. The other factor in the increase of massage, (fee, receipts is that half-fees have been received for special treatments for wounded soldiers, while, all ordinary mineral-water baths have been given free by the Department. ft will be seen that the bulk of the extra work has fallen on the medical staff, the massage staff, and certain of the clerical staff; and I Wish to place on record my appreciation more .especially of the work of the massage staff, and to single out for special mention the workers in the dry-massage and electrical department. The work that has been done for wounded soldiers has been of incalculable benefit to the men themselves, and deserving of grateful recognition by the country. All this extra work has taxed the massage accommodation to the utmost, and although extra rooms were utilized for the purpose, still further accommodation will probably be required next season. Whenever possible vacancies on the baths staff have been filled by employing returned soldiers, but few of these have sought to retain their posts for more than a short period, and a. constantly fluctuating staff has presented some considerable difficulties in actual working. To sum np, the results of the year's work have been most gratifying, both from the quality of the work performed and from the financial aspect; but while we may confidently expect the standard of the former to be maintained at the same high level in the coming year, it is hardly possible that the monetary receipts will do so in the face of the ever-increasing restrictions to travel. A. S. Herbert, Balneologist. REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY 1 iiavio the honour to submit my report for the year ending the -51 st March. 1917. Passenger-booking. The hooking of tourists to and through the Dominion has been continued as usual. The Australian Government regulations making it necessary for persons to have permits or passports before they can leave Australia for New Zealand have been the means of preventing many people from visiting the Dominion, and during the last few months the fact that the shipping companies have made it a rule to issue only single tickets from Australia to New Zealand, which is tantamount to an increase of 21| per cent, on the former return-passage rates between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, is another reason why the tourist traffic from Australia to Now Zealand has fallen off. 'I lie coal strike, which lasted for some weeks in Australia, and, which occurred just when Australians were contemplating making trips abroad, greatly contributed to prevent Australians from visiting the Dominion. Advertising. - The appropriation allotted to this office for advertising the Dominion in New South Wales was spread over a number of excellent channels, and included advertising on drop-curtains at vaudeville and picture theatres, on flashlight signs, on ferry-steamers, and in publications. Large bundles of posters which were obtained from the Railway Department in New Zealand were distributed to the various Government Railway Departments in Australia for exhibition on the various railway-stations in the Commonwealth. Similar posters were sent to the leading hotel and boardmghouse keepers in New South Wales for exhibition at their respective houses An excellent free advertisement for the Dominion was obtained by lending a scenic film of New Zealand to the Australasian Films (Limited). This company, which, I understand, controls a large number of the picture-theatres in Australia, has been constantly showing this picture throughout New South Wales since last November, and arrangements have been made for it to be sent to Queensland as soon as it has completed the circuit of New South Wales At the latter end of March another scenic film, entitled " The Southern Alps of New Zealand " was lent to a large picture syndicate, and is at present being shown in Sydney. These New Zealand scenic films are excellent mediums for advertising, as the pictures are always appreciated by Australian audiences. Every opportunity has been taken during the year to advertise the Dominion by distributing illustrated circulars, photographs, and literature, and by lending magic-lantern slides.

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Work carried out on behalf ok other Government Departments. Practically every Department in New Zealand has made use of this office during the year under review, and, as far as one can see, this side of our work, which has increased wonderfully during the year, will continue to grow as the various Departments in New Zealand realize the benefits of having a Government representative in Sydney. General . The office has been greatly availed of by seekers of information relative to settlement in tha Dominion, Customs duties, War Regulations, legislation, and many other matters, and in each case the fullest particulars have been given. As in past years, advantage has been taken of every opportunity of keeping the Dominion before the Australian people, and advertising, by distributing literature, views, &c, the mainadvantages New Zealand holds out to the prospective settler and tourist. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent, Sydney, N.S.W. REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended the 31st March, 1917. Compared with 1916 passenger-bookings are as follows : For year ended the 31st March, 1916, £2,408; for year ended the 31st March, 1917, £914. Apart altogether from such obviating factors as the coal strike in the latter part of last year, the dislocation of the Melbourne to Bluff steamer service, and the Commonwealth regulations restricting the free egress of intending visitors to the Dominion and elsewhere, our monetary returns have been cut down by the shipping companies stopping altogether the issue of return tickets. This latter statement is absolutely incontrovertible, however much the other reasons quoted have affected the traffic, which, of course, is problematical The number of tours made out, although showing a reduction, has been very fair, all things considered ; and we have gone to a lot of trouble, where the southern trip was almost prohibitive, to send tourists round via Sydney and make an itinerary to fit in as well as we could under the circumstances. It is gratifying in this connection that our efforts have been appreciated, as many letters of grateful thanks received go to prove. Under the general head of exploiting the Dominion's scenic and industrial attractions, the exhibitions since last August of the beautiful " kinemacolour " pictures loaned to us by the Department have loomed large, and I can confidently say that results, although deferred for the reasons mentioned above, will in the near future be commensurate with the time, trouble, and expense incurred. I have already presented a detailed report, accompanied by splendid Press notices which these displays evoked, and need not embroider on it further than to mention that these coloured films have been shown to upwards of thirty-five thousand of the best citizens in Victoria, .South Australia, and Tasmania, by invitation; besides which they have been exhibited to crowded houses on numerous occasions where a charge has been made. We have been instrumental in sending several returned soldiers to Rotorua under medical advice. Literature has been distributed far and wide—to many State schools in Victoria and South Australia; to Vancouver, 8.C.; to AVestern Australia (Dalgety's Limited, Perth, for distribution by them); and to many other parts; and lantern-slides have been loaned to Broken Hill and elsewhere. Advertising was not done extensively, but the balance of coloured posters from last year were exhibited at twenty-five railway-stations in Western Australia, fifty stations in Victoria, and on fifty city stands during the busiest months. Speaking generally, we have had quite a busy year, and I think have still further extended the field of our activities. It is impossible to enumerate all the subjects dealt with, although Defence matters, quotations and purchases for the Public Works Department, special information supplied to the Board of Trade as to ruling prices and market changes, passports and restricted emigration, Customs, and matters pertaining to the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce deserve mention. Inquiries have been general, and include some from British India, from, retiring Army men and Civil servants, who intended going in for fruitgrowing in New Zealand; a would-be settler from British Columbia ; also from farmers in Kyabram, Adelaide, Swan Hill, and other localities. H. J. Manson, Agent for the New Zealand Government.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (900 copies), £10.

By Authority : Mabciis F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—-1917.

Price 6d.]