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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, H-02

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1920. NEW ZEAI. A N D.

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

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

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Rehorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. • Nlv [jOHD,— Wellington, 27th July, 1920. 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, 1920. I have, &c, W. Noswobtht, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Annual Report ok the General Manager ok Tourist and Health Resorts. Silt.-- Wellington, 18th July, 1920. T have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1920. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. I reported last year that (he direct revenue for the year ending the 31st March, 1919, was the highest in the history of the Department —viz., £33,689 —and I am pleased to report that this year these figures have been considerably exceeded, as the returns give a total of ,£42,218, an increase of ,£8,5.29. This advance may fairly be taken as marking a growth in popularity of our scenic resorts as they become better known in Australia, America, and Europe, and it is safe to look forward with confidence to a considerable advance on the figures for the coming season. The most important fixture in which the services of the Department were availed of was the return visit of H.M.S. " New Zealand " with Admiral Viscount Jellicoe. The whole of the official arrangements in connection with his visit to Rotorua, and his tour of the South Island, and the visits of officers on visits of inspection to I lie West, Coast and other places were carried out by officers of this Department. There has been a decided increase in. the number of visitors from Australia, and for the first time for many seasons there has been no untoward happenings to retard visitors from crossing to New Zealand. Naturally in past seasons the war, the epidemic, and other events have made themselves felt on the tourist traffic. During the past season a great deal of advertising lias been done by way of sending lantern-slides to be used in lecturing-tours in Amercia and England. Among those using them largely in Amercia are Miss M. L. Clemens, Miss Bloomfield, Mr. C. H. Poole, and others. The

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booklets descriptive of the alpine district and Rotorua were republisked, and the Department assisted iv the publication of works by Mr. W. Lawson as follows: " Picton to Cliristelmreli via Kaikoura ; "Across Marble Mountains" (winch is a description of Nelson and Takaka districts); " Rotorua and the Bay of Plentj "; " Mount Egiuoni "; and "The Wonderful Wesl Coast." The expenditure on all resorts has increased from £53,656 to £68,858, a result mainly due to the increased cost of supplies, and the oost-of-liTing increases in salaries of the officers.

Schedule showing Financial Position at Main Resorts.

Return of Receipts. The following table shows Hie receipts of the Department from all sources since 1914-15 : — 1914-15. 1915-16. 1916-17. 1917-18. 1918-19. 1910-20. £ £ £ £ £ £ Receipts ... 26,630 31,067 33,137 32.!):55 33,689 42,218 The amount, of the passenger bookings at the different agencies shows an increase from .£30,812 to £53,369. Return of Expenditure, The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past six years :— ££££££ Consolidated Fund ... 49,823 47,966 45,785 48,732 53,656 68,858 Public Works Fund ... ... 8,2:52 5,167 I ,()!M i>o7 1.620 6,194 1 give below a short suminarv of the operations of the Deparlmenl in Ihe various places under its control. Rotorua. Tourist Season. —The value of tickets sold exceeds the total of I lie previous year by £6T>O, while the fares and launch hires in connection with the " round trip " show an increase of over £1)00 on the revenue of the previous year. ' Buildings. — The usual maintenance work has been attended to, the principal items being the re-rooting of a large portion of the Pavilion liaiii building and the launch-master's house at Te Wairoa with malt hoi d ; the renovation of departmental residences at Kuirau and Whakarewarewa, the head gardener's residence, and the exterior of the Sanatorium. Various buildings in the gardens have also been repainted, notably the Duchess bath and the bowling pavilion. Gardens and Reserves. —The new grass tennis-courts behind (he main bath building are now in grass, and should be ready for playing next season if the necessary equipment in the form of subdividing the ranges of courts can be provided in lime. A commencement has also been made with the establishment of the asphalt tennis-courts on a. new site, fronting the Queen's drive and opposite the new grass courts. The site has been cleared, excavated, roughly levelled, and prepared for the concrete bed. A new site was necessary owing to the continuous damage done to the asphalt On the present courts by sulphur deposits underneath. The new sports-ground for football and hockey has been cleared, ploughed, disked, and harrowed, and is now ready for sowing in the early spring. A large area formerly in scrub lias been cleared behind the main bath building, and is being used as a nursery- for native plants and shrubs. When sufficiently advanced these will be transplanted to various parts of the gardens. This is in pursuance of a policy of making a greater feature of native flora than has hitherto been done. The boundary-fence around the model pa at Whaknrewarewa is being renewed, special care being given to the palisading of Hie front entrance.

Year 191! )-2O. l° 3 Year 191! 1-19. § l » S S 0J t> S 2 i AS g I R M 05 Kg Resort. a' ' / ,}; ; ' ; ' ' ' ■ ° £ B ffl -p ft t ■4H o £ »i 05 £ o M P-P3 I Te Atbiia : .. ] : .. Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Cavos Hanmer Springs Hermitage, Mount Cook Te Anau and Manapouri steamers, Glade House, and Milford Track Queen stown .. £ £ .1,798 3,281 19,245 26,435 1,065 1,043 6,699 3,886 2,327 5,029 5,912 5,918 1,978 2,621 £ 1,483 7,190 £ £ 1,370 17,631 789 3,866 2,272 ■1,529 849 £ 2,813 18,349 506 2,815 4,097 5,370 2,188 £ 1,443 718 £ 22 2,813 283 I ,051 2,779 6 643 I ,825 841 1,339 179 627 448 158 488 330 Note.—No allowance is ma depreciation of plant <>r buildings iilc in these ti^'uvi ■s for i iiilcrcsi on capi tal cxper iditure or for

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Acclimatization, Dter. — During the season twenty-one licenses at a fee of &Z each were issued bo sliool reddeer stags, and each licensee was allowed two beads of not less than ten points eaoh. A Total of thirty-four heads was secured, ranging from ten to fourteen points. The red-deer herds at Mahia Peninsula and Lake Waikaremoana are now increasing, and the addition of new blood in past seasons should benefit both herds. A separate license was issued for each of these herds and several fair beads were shot, the bush stags from the Waikaremoana V orest having good heavy antlers. Some very fine slab's are reported as having been seen in this locality, l>ul they are mostly in the heavy bush country, father than near Ihe lake. One line full-grown hmd was presented to the Department by Mr. Shrimpton, of Hastings, and one fallow buck was presented to (In: Department by the Wellington Zoo in exchange for a sfa<4 , of the same species given to the Zoo by this Department. Eight Samlmr deer were captured by the Ranger in the Himatangi district, and were brought to Uotorua for liberation with the existing herds of the same species. l<'llllln , nil (rami'. —Twenty-eight young pheasants were reared by the Ranger, 132 were purchased from the Auckland Game Farm at Cambridge, ami eight from the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society. All of these (total 168) were "liberated in various parts of the Itotorua Acclimatization District. Fishing . Distribution of Trout-fry. —During the past season 105,000 rainbow-trout try were liberated in ihe following waters of the Rotorua district: Okataina Lake, l(i,()()(); Oka-reka Lake, 2,000; h'oioina Lake, 20,000; Okara Lake, 4,000; Whakatane River, 50,000; Whirinaki River, 0,000; Tahanatara River, 15.000; Tikitapu Lake, 2.000; Rotokakahi Lake. 2.000: Ngahewa Lake, Loot): Rerewhakaitu Lake, 2,(100; Waikato River, 10,000; Mokai Stream, 6,000; Rangitaiki River, 20,000. The fish in Lake Okataina are iii very good condii ion. and in compliance with numerous requests a small Launch has been put in this lake, where it is now available for hire by tishingpari ies. W'aihari niniiiiii Hatchery. —This hatchery was enlarged, and an outfit of ten new hatchingboxes was added to the plant. These were fitted with the necessary wire screens for baskets and i rays to facilitate the stripping and hatching of the requisite amount of ova and fry required to slock ii]) the lakes and rivers in the Wairoa (Hawke's Hay) County. The whole of the work of renovating the hatchery and stripping was carried out by the Ranger. The following quantities of ova were received and hatched and liberated in this district : 50,000 brown-trout ova from Marine Departmeni Hatchery. Hakataramea; 60,000 brown-troul ova stripped from Lake Waikaremoana troul ; 250,000 rainbow-trout ova from Rotorua hatchery; 205,000 rainbow-troul ova stripped from Lake Waikaremoana trout: total ova laid down in hatchery boxes, 505,000. In the lib .'mi ion valuable assistance was given to the Ranger by Messrs. George Qrmond and A. Hall, the president and the secretary respectively of the Wairoa Rod and Gu» Club. Electrical, During the year thirty-six new consumers were added, and 512, 10-' i units of energy were generated at the power-house. The usual maintenance work was carried out, and the only noteworthy fact in connection with this branch of the work is that we have now reached a stage when the machines at Okere cannot: fully nieel the public demand for energy. The fact has been recognized by the Government, and arrangements are now under way for the creel ion of a new powerhouse on the site farther down the river, where greater water-power will be available. Certain formalities are necessary in the taking of the Native land for site and roadways, and these will 1 like t ime. Walt r and Drainiuji. During the year eighteen new consumer's have been connected with the water-mains, and eleven drainage connections have been made. The wooden water-mains si ill continue to give us considerable trouble with leaks, the total number during the year averaging eleven per working day. It is satisfactory, however, to be able to record that the work of replacing these wooden mains with iron ones is now definitely in progress, and during the year a total of about 58.000 ft. of 6 in. mains has been laid in various streets. The work has been vvfy much delayed by the disorganization of shipping through strikes in Australia, but matters in thai respeci have considerably improved, and long-delayed shipments of pipes are now coming lo hand. Work f"i' other Departments. A considerable amount of work (running into several thousand pounds in value) has been carried oul by ihe works staff of this Department for the Defence ami Public Health Departments, principally the former. The work was mostly in connection with the Military Hospital on Pukeroa, and comprised plumbing, installation of pumps and pipe-line for supply of hot mineral water tor massage treatment and baths, electrical installations, water-supply, drainage, and concrete-work in connection with baths. This enables these Departments to dispense with Ihe necessity tor keeping a mechanical staff in Itotorua to carry out these works. Iliiili lUiihliuij mill Balneological Work. During the year Dr. A. S. Herbert, who was for so many years in charge of this branch oi (h<. Department's activities, found it necessary for private reasons to return to England, and the Departmeni was reluctantly obliged to part with the services of this most courteous and capable officer Arrangements have, however, been made with Dr. Eerbert to acl in an advisory capacity i,, England so that New Zealand will not be altogether deprived of his services. Ihe vacancy was filled by the appointment of Dr. .). 1). C. Duncan. Formerly in charge 0 Haumer Springs (bui who was absent for four or live years serving with the military forces al the front).

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Dr. Duncan reports: — " In the aggregate there lias been an increase in ths general receipts for bhe year : this mainly due to fees from the Sanatorium patients and baths. "In July, 1919, the Sanatorium was handed over by the Defence Department, and reconstituted for civilian patients. Also, later in the year, the King George V Military Hospital was able to deal with the majority of their patients requiring mineral-water treatment. This made our own baths available for a greater number of the general public "For the first half-year the consultation fees were markedly diminished, owing, no doubt, to the various administrative changes. "During the past year many changes have occurred in Ihe massage staff, which al times lias led to considerable difficulty in the work. However, the present staff, which has been chosen with a keen regard to qualifications and efficiency, are quite alive to the besi interests of Ihe place, and the work should be maintained at a higher standard. " Naturally, following upon a portion of the strictest economy in expenditure during the war, there will be a greater outlay required on repairs and additions to keep the baths and treatments in line with the progress of science during the past few years. Already equipment brought from the New Zealand General Hospital in England has been purchased from the Defence Department, and lias, in part, been installed; however, extra accommodation will ]>c required to bring our treatments to the level of the most up-to-date spas in Europe. " Also, at the present time various works are in hand for an augmented supply of mineral waters, as the past season has indicated an increasing popularity of this place, and with I he present tide of tourists and patients we have not a sufficient supply of mineral waters to meet the demand for our treatments. " The work of painting and repairing the main bath building is in progress, and, when finished, will greatly add to the attractiveness of this place. " Since I have taken over administrative control of the baths at Itotorua 1 have had the opportunity of appreciating the zeal and good work of the various members of my staff, and would like to place on record my indebtedness to their interest and co-operation in carrying out my work as Government Balneologist. "In conclusion, 1 should like to state thai, with the closing of the spas in foreign countries to British and Allied nations, one expects that a fair proportion of patients will migrate to our Jiotorua Spa for treatment. Especially does one anticipate an influx of visitors from America and Australia. Therefore, it would bo a wise policy to put our house in order to meet this highly probable contingency." The total revenue from this branch was £7,621, against .£7,264 for last year. Waitomo Caves. The year just ended has been very successful. The increased popularity of this resori has resulted in an increase in cash of £2,833 over hist year, and 3,10!) more people visited the hostel and caves than last year. All buildings, fences, and tracks have been maintained in good order throughout the year, and lately a start was made on the work to provide a gravitation water-supply for the hostel. Uood progress has been made on this work, and a temporary supply of water has been laid on until more labour is available to enable the work to be completed. The following is a statement of receipts received for the year: Accommodation, .£3,597; cave fees, £2,785; equipment, £267; rent, £11; cattle, £32; photographs, £7: total, £6,699. dumber of visitors, 7,721. A commencement has been made in carrying out a scheme which will provide for a greatly improved water-supply for this establishment. Rights have been secured to the output of a good spring, situated in high country about 7() chains from the hostel. This will enable the water to be brought by gravitation, thus eliminating the present expense of an inferior water from the river. The reservoir has been placed in the hill above the house, which will enable the water to be delivered at the hostel at a fair pressure in case of fire, Te Aroha. Altogether Te Aroha has had a most, successful year, the receipts showing a satisfactory increase from £1,370 to £1,798. The baths taken increased from 28,466 to 38,376. All the bath buildings, springs,'and playing-areas were maintained in good order, and the ground for two new playingareas was surveyed and a start made in a work which will have the effect of relieving the congestion which at holiday time sometimes prevails. Waikauhmoana, Tβ I'uia, and Morere, There is little to report in connection with these resorts. At the first-named it was decided to discontinue the system of paying a subsidy to the management, and to place a permanent married couple in charge. Various minor repairs will be effected before the coming season; but there is great need for a more commodious and up-to-date building. The proposed new building at Te Puia was not proceeded with on account of the cost, and the caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Cottrell. have maintained the baths at great difficulty and inconvenience. Minor improvements were effected at Morere, and it is intended to place a caretaker permanently in charge. Tongabiro National Park. The shelter-hut at Whakapapanui was oompleted and was largely availed of. It will certainly be found to be inadequate for the growing traffic, and the erection of further huts and Ihe making of road is now under discussion between the Department and the gentlemen most interested in the sport and development of the district. Hermitage. The season has been an exceptionally heavy one at this resort, Over nine hundred people visited the Hermitage, and Ihe managemeni wa<* compelled to occasionally decline visitors, though

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tents were supplied for the overflow. The extension of the veranda mentioned in my last report was duly completed, and resulted in a considerable improvement. The weather being generally an improvement of that of last season, the guiding staff was kept busy, and the fees for guiding and equipment and livery rose from £592 to £945. A considerable amount of repairing-work and improvements was carried out during the oil: season. The repairs to the King Memorial Hut and the Sefton Bivouac;, which were damaged by snow the year before, were completed after the close of last season. This was quite a big job, and it was necessary to almost, double-timber the building throughout. A 50 ft. suspension bridge was almost constructed across Black-birch Creek, thus connecting the Governor's Bush and the Sabastopol tracks. This is a very popular walk, and the bridge was much appreciated, especially by elderly visitors. Every care was taken to protect the reserves from fire, and 1 am pleased to say that none has occurred. The chamois have been seen on many parts of the reserves this season : herds of between thirty and forty, and as many as seventy, have been noticed at one time, including many young. The thar, too, have often beer, noticed by parties while on excursions. Twice during the summer a herd of twenty was observed by the Chief Guide on the Scaly Range, behind the Hermitage. By the number of chamois and thar noticed at different times they arc apparently steadily on the increase. The following is a list of the high ascents during the season: —

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during Season of 1919-20.

I ate. Name of Peak. Height, in Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks. j 1919. June 12 Mount Scaly 8,651 Miss E. Masterton 1<\ Milne, J. McDonald Ascent by north face and descent by west face from Mueller Hut, Ascent and descent by east; face from lialte Brun Hut. Ascent by west face and descent by north-west arete from Ball'Hut, Ascent and descent by western arUe. Ascent and descent: by west face from Ball Hut Ascent and descent by cast face of north arMe from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by cast face from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent by north-east arUe ; descent by north-east face from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by west face and north arete from Malte Brun But. Dec. 3 , Minarets Peaks L0.058 Miss D. Theomin P. Graham Due. 22 Mount Johnston 8,858 Mr. D Soannell, Mr. II. A. [loll F. Milne .. Dec. 2!i I Mount Blackburn ("Rotten Tommy") Dec. 25 ! Mount Johnston 7, 835 Miss l>. Holdsworth, Mr. II. Chambers Miss I). Theomin P. Graham 8,858 F. Milne . . Dec. 28 Mount Green .. ■ 9,325 Miss H, Lorimer, Miss l>. Theomin, Mr. H. A. Holl Miss M. Maepherson, Mr. D. Macphcrson Miss D, Theomin F. Milne . . Dee. 29 Minarets Peak 10,058 P. Graham Dec. 29 j Aiguille Range 9,731 F. Milne .. Dec. 30 I Mount Hamilton 9,915 Miss M. Lorimer, Mr. H. A. Holl l< , . Milne .. 1920. Jan. o Mount .Massey 7,800 Miss H. Lorimer, Mr. H. Sloman, Mr. II. A. Holl Miss I. Chambers Guideless Ascent by north face and oast arSle ; descent by west face to Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by west face from Ball Hut. Ascent and descent by northeast arete from Barron's Saddle. Ascent by south arete to Mueller Glacier. Ascent and descent by west arUe from Malte Brun Hut, Ascent and descent by west face and north arete from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by western face of arUe from the ■ Murchison Glacier. Ascent and descent by south arUe from Copland Pass and Hooker Hut. Ascent and descent by west face from Sladden Glacier. Jan. (i ! Mount Johnston 8,858 P. Graham Jan. 7 i Mount Spenoe 7,864 Mr. H. Sloman, Mr. II. A. Holl F. Milne . . Jan. 7 i Mount Montgomery 7,661 Ditto F. Milne . . Jan. 7 Mount Malte Brun 10,421 Miss -B. Hoklsworth, Mr. H, Chambers Mr. H. Chambers Guideless Jan. 8 Mount Hamilton 9,915 P. Graham Jan. 21 Mount Hutton 9,297 and 0,275 8,000 Miss M. Lorimer, Mr. H. Sloman, Mr. II. A. Holl Miss D. Theomin l< , . Milne .. Jan. 25 Lean Peak P. Graham Jan. 26 Mount Jean 8,000 Miss M. Lorimer, Miss 1). Theomin, Mrs. Linden, Mr. H. A. Holl Miss M. Lorimer, Mr. H. A. Holl Guideless Jan. 2(> Mount Jeannette . . 8,000 Guideless Ascent by eastern arele ; descent by east face from Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by west face. Traverse — ascending to (ho Copland Pass, traversing Lean and Edith Peaks, thence by main divide to summit of Ruareka ; descent by cast face to Hooker Glacier. Ascent by western arete ; descent by north face and Mona G lacier. Jan. 29 Mount Scaly 8,051 Mr. Wm. Williamson, Mr. JIadlcy Mr. H. A. Holl P. Graham Jan. 29 Ruareka Peak 8,000 F, Milne .. J an. 30 Pibrac Peak Miss D. Theomin, Mr. H. A. Holl Jan. 30 8,472 P. Milne ..

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List of High Ascents at Hermitage during Season of 1019—20 —continued.

Te Anatj - Milfoed Track. It. is satisfactory 1" note thai this popular route is again regaining its popularity, and last season was an exceptionally heavy one. Unfortunately, the rush was somewhat unexpected, and some difficulty was experienced in the early part of the season. However, this year the track staff will be sent down considerably earlier to get the track and the boats in proper order. Additional accommodation will be provided at the Quintin huts and at Pompolona, and it is hoped to get the telephone-line on the track restored. Arrangements have been made with Mrs. Sutherland to again open her residence for visitors, and this should have the effect of relieving congestion al Sandfly Point. The season was marred by an unfortunate occurrence resulting in the loss of a Dunedin lady, Miss Reed, who in bad weather became separated from her companions. and was never seen again, Active search was made by the guiding staff, the police, and others, but without effect. Overseas Agencies. The usual annual reports have been received from (lie officers in charge of Melbourne and Sydney agencies, and show that a large amount of work has been satisfactorily dealt with, and that the offices have been of great use h> other (iovernment Departments. The expenditure at these places has been — Sydney. Melbourne. ' £ £ Rent ... ... 390 3(10 Salaries (including clerical assistance) ... ... 465 6*70 Miscellaneous ... ■■■ 711* J7G

REPORT OF '1 , 111-) RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTOHUA. I beg lo submit niv annual report, for the year ending 31sfc March, 1920. During the year the maintenance work on the streets and roads has been attended to as far as funds would permit. As regards suburban roads, 48 chains have been re-formed, 71 chains have been ploughed and re-formed with the small grader, and all have been coated with pumice. Some 26 chains of the metalled street in I he inner area of the town have been hand-picked, given a coating of 2| in. metal, rolled, and blinded with either metal chips or obsidian gravel from ilemo Gorge. The advent of a motor traotor in the town afforded a Long-soughi opportunity of doing some heavy ploughing on the Wairoa Road and on Feriton Street South. The scarifying of these roads would have sufficed, but, as we have not the necessary implements, ploughing had to be resorted to. Fifty chains were thus treated, and much more was necessary, but a halt hail lo be called on account of a depleted exchequer. The result was satisfactory so far as it went, but in the case of Fenison Street the full advantage was m>l secured because of the Eaci that we could m>l afford lo put a heavy-enough sheeting of i), in. blue metal on the scarified surface, and we have not a heavy-enough road-roller lo give the metalled surface the necessary consolidation, As a, consequence the work done cannot be regarded with much satisfaction, but il must, serve as a temporary measure, and will probably suffice iill after Ihe winter season. Thai portion of I'Ynloii Street from Eruera Street intersection to the g Is entrance of the railway-yards has lo carry \rt-y heavy traffic, and will have to be similarly treated, but i! is useless disturbing the present road surface till we have a sufficient reserve of blue metal with which to sheet the section.

* Includes cost of furnishing new offices.

Date. Nairn: of Peak. Height, in Feet. Climbed by BiOuto and Remarks. Name of Guide. 1020. Feb. 1 Mount .Scaly 8,(151 Mr. Slott, Mrs. Stott .1. Stout . . Ascent anil deeents by wtitii lace. Feb. 2 I'Vb. l>. Mount Darby . . 8.2S7 Mr. 1.. II. Lindon, Mrs. Lin don Ditto I'. Graham Traverse ascent by north arete, ; descent by cast face. Ascent and descent by west face. Ascent and descent by east lace from Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by north face from Memorial Hut. Mount Jcauneltc 8,000 P. Graham Feb. 5 Mount Maunga-Ma 8,33fi I Mrs. Linden 1 J . Graham Feb. 12 AnzfirO Peak Lean Peak .. I 7,623 and 8,323 .. j 8,000 Mrs. Linden F. Milne . . Feb. 12 Mr. L. H. London .. P. Graham Ascent and descent by south avfte from Copland Pass and Hooker Hut. Ascent and descent by west face from Ball Hut. Ascent and descent by west face and thence over Annette and down ridge to Sabastopol and the Hermitage. Ascent and descent by west arele from Malts Brim Hut. Ascent and descent by east face from Hooker Hut. Traverse ascent by way of Ball Pass and east face, descent north-western face from Hooker Hut. I Feb. 13 Mount Johnston 8,858 Mrs. Linden I ,, . Milne . . Feb. 17 Mount Sealy .. Mount Malte Brun Ruareka Peak .. Turner Peak 8,051 .. 10,451 8,000 7,540 Mr. J, Barker, Miss I). Barker, Mr. D. Deans, Mr. C. Deans, Mr. C. Burdon, Miss S. Fox, Miss N. Smithson Mrs. Linden 1'. Graham F. Milne . . Feb. 18 Feb. 23 Mr. L. H. Liridou, Mrs. Lindon Miss K. Joachim . . F. Milne, .1. Stout P. Graham Mar. 2(i

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My remarks in hist year's report ;is to the difficulty in carrying on with insufficieni revenue apply with added force to the year under review. The difficulty has appreciably increased with ihe rising prices of materials and labour. Two separate awards giving local bodies' workmen increases of wanes have been made during Ihe year, and although ihe Department is exempt From the operations of awards the municipal staff had been given the increases in wages, thus putting them on tire same Footing as men employed in other boroughs. These increases of wages were inevitable, but in the absenoe of rating-powers or some other means of supplementing our fixed revenue the resultant effect on our finances is disastrous* All new work such as increasing our area of tarred-macadam road-formation has had to lie slopped, and practically no new tarred footpaths have been laid down during the year. Indeed, several sections of footpaths previously tarred but now in urgent need of renovation cannot be dealt with. This is the first year in our civic history in which such a condition of affairs lias had to be recorded, and the consequent cotidition of the streets is not viewed with any pride or satisfaction by those responsible for the maintenance. The levy on the Town Account made by the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Hoard for the current financial year was £237 (is. Bd., as compared with £246 18s. sd. for the previous year. To meet this a rate of in Ihe pound on the capital value was levied. The levy for fireprevention purposes made by ihe Fire Hoard was £72(1 55., as compared with £41S for the previous year. This was met with a rate of $d. in the pound on the value of buildings within the town area. The library rate was Xd. in the pound. Forty-two building permits were issued during the year for new buildings and alterations lo existing ones, the total value of such being £15,580. The rateable (capital) value of the town is £528,3:")!). 1 attach a statement of Ihe Rotorua Town Accounl. Statement of Accounts of the Town of Rotoktja for Year ending 31st March, 1919. General Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ a. ct. £ s. d. £ s. tl. £ r. d. Treasury— Debit balance at 31st March, Hath'foes .. .. 1,398 0 g 1919 .. .. 563 Hi 1(1 Fees and fines .. .. 2 5 0 Administration — Rents (Crown lands) .. 2,166 1 5 Salaries .. .. 299 18 7 ■ 3,550 l(i I Printing and advertising o 8 0 Sanitary service fees .. .. t4."i !) 3 Audit .. .. 0 0 (I Public pound foes .. .. IM 0 I) Legal expenses .. 4 4 0 Licenses and fees-— Bank charges .. .. 0 10 0 Huilding permits .. 41 0 0 Interest on overdraft .. 22 1 (i Vehicle .. .. 79 10 0 Office expenses .. 20 12 9 Driver .. .. 7 18 0 350 14 10 Publicans' .. .. 208 0 0 Public works — Auctioneers' .. .. 100 10 0 Maintenance of streets and Shooting-gallery .. 3 0 0 roads (labour and ma-liilliard-rooms. . .. 28 0 0 terial) .. .. 3,206 (i 3 Hall .. .. 39 15 0 Tree topping and pruning 02 13 (i Show .. ..' 13 0 0 Street-lighting.. .. 192 10 0 Hawkers' .. .. (I 10 0 3,521 10 3 Second-tend dealers' . . 0 5 0 Sanitary service— Storage of explosives .. 2 5 0 Labour .. .. 535 7 0 Dog-registration fees .. 24 12 li Fodder and plant .. 156 6 3 542 5 li 001 13 3 Rents — Public pound—Wages, fodder, Real property .. 7 10 0 and advertising .. .. 130 19 10 Explosive magazines .. 6 5 0 ' Public health —Sanitary in--13 15 0 : spection .. .. . . SO 3 I Peace celebrations — public ! Peace celebration- Advcrsubseriptions, &o. .. .. 225 15 0 ! Using, prize-money, &v. .. 31(1 13 I! Miscellaneous— Licensing - expenses — TanContributions to works .. 25 8 i> ranga County Council .. .. 22 19 7 .Material sold .. .. 10 0 0 Miscellaneous— Sale of by-laws .. 0 8 0 lnsuranco (fire and aeciRefunds — dent) .. . . 46 4 0 Charitablo aid .. 9 8 11 Dog-registration .. 20 11 1 Government insurance 1 7 o Charitable aid .. 2 2 10 Miscellaneous .. I S 2 Maintenance of town clock 2') 0 0 Guides' badges .. 010 0 Sundries .. .. 4 4 4 54 1(1 7 J 99 2 9 Ten - per - cent, penalty on overdue rates .. .. .. 18 10 10 Debit balance at 31st March, 1920 .. .. .. .. 765 10 8 £5,795 13 8 £5,795 13 8 Separate Accounts. No. 1. Hospital and Charitable Aid Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ a. d Rates— £ 8. d, £ s. d. Debit balance at 31st March, 1010 .. 25 810 Arrears .. .. .. 73 1 10 Waikato Hospital Hoard.. .. .. 2:17 0 S Current .. .. .. 100 10 3 Printing and advertising.. .. .. 3 7 lit 209 12 1 Refund rates overpaid .. .. .. 0 7 7 Postages .. .. .. .. 0 12 o Credit balance at 31st March, 1920 .. 2 8 8 £209 12 1 £269 12 1

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No. 2. FuMs-i'RjfivuMTroN Account. Receipts. X- s. d. Expenditure. £ c. d, Credit balanoo at 31st March, 1919 .. II l(i 3 i Rotorua Fire Board .. .. .. (ill 12 (i Rates — £ b, (I. Printing and advertising .. .. .. :! 7 10 Arrears .. .. .. 120 1 8 Rotund rates overpaid .. .. .. 0 8 3 Current .. .. .. (>34 011 Postages .. . . .. .. 012 6 — 754 2 7 Credit balance at 31st March, 1920 .. 146 17 9 £795 18 10 £795 18 10 No. 3. Library Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ a. ([. £ s. d. Salaries .. .. .. 72 10 0 Credit balanoe at 31st March, 1919 .. 4 17 Books and papors .. .. 86 010 Rates— ] Maintenance of building.. .. .. 8 15 3 Arrears .. .. ..251 J Light and fuel .. .. .. .. 12 13 8 Current . . . . 63 9 8 j Stationery, postages, &c. .. . . 13 16 0 67 14 9 Subscriptions .. .. .. 62 2 4 Rents of office .. .. .. 30 0 0 Hire of room for meetings .. .. 14 7 (i Debit balance at 3st March, 1920 .. 15 9 8 £193 15 10 £193 15 10 No. 4. Chmhteby Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ g, d, Credit balance at 31st March, 1919 .. 12 13 9 Concreting and cementing grave of late Mrs. Fees for sale of exohisrVe right .. 18 0 0 Forsyth .. 7 10 0 Burial fees .. .. .. .. 13 8 0 Rental of telephone .. .. .. 510 0 Bank charges .. .. .. .. 010 0 Credit balance at 31st March, 1920 .. 30 11 9 £44 1 9 £44 1 9 Reconciliation of Account, Balances with Bank and Gash. Accounts. Bank and Gash. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. General Account, Dr. .. 7(55 10 8 Rotorua Town Account, Dr. .. 581 18 5 Library Account, Dr... .'. 15 9 8 Outstanding cheques .. .. 49 5 (i 781 0 4 Overbanked.. .. .. 0 10 0 Hospital and Charitable Aid 631 13 11 Account, Or. .. .. 2 8 8 Rotorua Town Cemetery Ac-Firo-prevention Account, Gr. .. 146 17 9 count, Or. .. .. .. 30 11 9 Cemetery Account, Gr. .. 30 11 9 179 18 2 £601 2 2 £601 2 2 Statement, of Assets and Liabilities. Assets. £ 8. d. £ s. d. Liabilities. £ s. d. Cash in bank—Cemetery Account .. 30 11 9 Overd raft at bank, Rotorua Town Account 581 18 5 Outstanding rates, 1919-20 .. 1 09 8 4 Outstanding cheques, Rotorua Town AcOutstanding rates, 1918-19 .. 19 17 0 count .. .. .. .. 49 5 6 129 5 4 Outstanding accounts, Rotorua Town A.OOutstanding rents .. .. .. 114 3 8 count .. . . . . .. 201 2 5 Outstanding sanitary fees . . . . 316 14 11 Sundry accounts .. .. . . 47 810 Estimated assets— Library buildings and furniture .. 600 0 0 Sanitary depot, building, and plant .. 80 0 0 Poundkeeper's cottage .. .. 80 0 0 General working-plant .. .. 440 0 0 Rowing-club shed .. .. .. 200 0 0 Office furniture and plant .. . . 125 0 0 Cemetery chapel . . .. .. 90 0 0 Benzine-magazine .. .. .. 90 0 0 £2,343 5 6 £732 6 4 Wμ. Hill, 14th June, 1920. Resident Officer, Rotorua.

Approximate Coxt of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (680 copies), £10.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, (lovernment Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Price f>d.]