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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1926 Session I, H-02

H.—2

1926. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (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 Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, 30th April, 1926. 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, 1926. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Sir,— Wellington, 21st April, 1926. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1926. I have, &c., B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. In my last report I expressed the hope that the improvement shown in the Department's affairs would continue, and lam pleased to inform you that this hope has been justified. The Department's revenue shows an increase from £47,263 to £55,391 —an improvement of £8,128 ; while the expenditure has advanced from £66,294 to £70,794, or an increase of £4,500. This amount (£70,799) would have been considerably less had it not been for the unprecedented damage done to Milford Track during the winter by avalanche and flood. It was necessary to replace many bridges and culverts, as well as to repair damage to huts. To enable this to be done a large staff had to be employed throughout the season, resulting in an increase in the expenditure on the track from £3,418 to £6,091 for the season. As a result of the work done by the extra hands the bridges and huts are now in first-class order, and it is hoped that the expenditure will be a non-recurring one. In this connection it is interesting to note that the revenue and expenditure figures are gradually approaching each other. In 1920-21 the difference was £42,000, and this year it is £15,000. The total direct cost, therefore, of working the whole Department is £15,000. It is, of course, impossible to estimate the indirect value of the tourist traffic to New Zealand. For instance, from the visit of the Americans on the " Carinthia," which touched only at Auckland and Wellington on a three-days visit to New Zealand, the Tourist Department took in actual cash from the promoters of the tour the sum of £1,100, made up of rail, motor, and accommodation charges. There is naturally no record of what members of the party spent outside this amount. I understand from Messrs. Raymond and Whitcombe, of New York, who organized the tour and chartered the steamer, that it is proposed to return this year, and, if possible, to extend the time in New Zealand to permit of a visit to the South Island, particularly to Milford Sound. In this connection I should like to refer to an impression—and, to my mind, a quite erroneous one —which seems to prevail in part of the South Island, that the Agents of the Department in the North concentrate their energies on sending visitors to spend their time in the thermal regions instead of including the South

H.—2.

Island in their itineraries. I have pointed out to various organizations in the South that our agencies vie with each other in showing the largest return of tickets issued, and that obviously the Tourist Agent in Auckland would get little credit for booking a visitor to Rotorua and Taupo at a small cost, when by inducing him to visit Mount Cook, the West Coast, or Milford his figures would be much enhanced. As a matter of fact, lam safe in saying that 65 or 70 per cent, of the Department's booking business is with South Island firms. To test this I have recently taken out the figures for the year of bookings with the five leading South Island firms, as against the five leading North Island firms. The South Island business amounted to £15,978, and the North to £9,429. The main improvements effected at the Department's resorts are referred to in the detailed statement regarding each place. Briefly, they are the completion of the extensions and additions to Lake House at Waikaremoana ; the lighting of the Waitomo Caves by electricity, and the practical completion of the excavations for a new building there ; the completion of the additions to the hotel at Lake Te Anau, and also to Glade House, at the head of the same lake. During the year I have visited as many of our resorts as possible, and found them all well conducted. Recently I got as far south on the West Coast as Scotts River, beyond the Fox Glacier, and was greatly impressed with the scenery beyond the Waiho, south of which I had not previously been in that locality. With the completion of the bridge over the Waiho there will, I am sure, be a great rush of tourists to South Westland, and it will be necessary to have an accommodation-house somewhere in the vicinity of the Fox Glacier, with huts, as there are at present on the Franz Josef Glacier. This is certainly one of the finest districts, from a tourist point of view, in the whole of New. Zealand. All the booking bureaux of the Department have been exceptionally busy throughout the year, and a very large increase in business is shown : this will be referred to later. There have been no less than 40,160 tours actually issued, at a cost of £154,879, an increase of £68,722 over the previous year ; and this, of course, takes no cognizance of the vast amount of valuable information supplied to visitors and inquirers who do not eventually book with the Department. One item of interest to which I desire to draw your attention is the success which has attended the inauguration of the system of issuing coupons to travellers for their hotel accommodation. Some £11,000 worth of coupons have been issued, and these return a percentage of 10 per cent, to the Department. The scheme has worked very satisfactorily to the tourist and to the hotel accom-modation-house proprietor. Another innovation was the establishment of an arrangement whereby all officers travelling on public service accounted for their tickets through the Tourist Department, thus ensuring that the most reasonable fares were paid, and tending to co-ordination in Government business. The number of tourists who visited New Zealand this year was 9,195, as against 7,365 for the previous year, an increase of 2,830.

Statement showing Financial Position at Main Resorts.

Return of Receipts. The following table shows the receipts of the Department from all sources from 1919 to 1926 : — 1919-20. 1920-21. 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Receipts .. 42,218 51,038 50,822 40,246 45,704 47,263 55,391 Return of Expenditure. The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past six years : — 1920-21. 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. £ £ £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund .. .. 93,720 86,944 59,647 60,445 66,294 70,794 Public Works Fund .. 19,041 17,996 5,435 27,264 12,343 45'096

2

Year 1925-26. Year 1924-25. «* f I «5 -fl Resort. aj 4 " <d S & I °Si § °N i | ££•& o. . i -| ■|.& "8 h .5* 1=1 °d° " 2 S m 0 « <d $ o § ® & a "a> £ o § <x> o >• b g O. Kto goS g £ SftWgoS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ TeAroha .. .. .. 1,449 3,012 1,563 .. 1,451 3,522 2,071 Rotorua .. .. .. 27,516 32,332 4,816 .. 26,911 32,795 5,884 Rotorua Acclimatization District .. 2,169 1,257 .. 912 1,945 776 .. 1,169 Waitomo Caves .. .. 8,646 3,993 .. 4,653 7,100 4,125 .. 2,975 Lake House, Waikaremoana .. 1,446 1,525 79 .. 1,305 1,500 195 Queenstown .. .. .. 259 869 610 .. 207 672 465 Glade House and Te Anau-Milford 4,251 6,091 1,840 .. 2,503 3,418 915 Track Morere Hot Springs .. .. 444 269 .. 175 310 294 .. 16 Passenger-booking Bureaux .. 7,068 7,794 726 .. 4,528 6,468 1,940

H.—2

The following is a summary of tie work of the Department at the different resorts under its control: — Rotorua. Revenue.—The aggregate revenue for this year shows an increase of £2,900 over that of the previous year. The increase has principally been derived from the sale of electric energy, the Round Trip, and passenger bookings. That the publicity work of the Department is bearing good fruit is shown by the fact that the value of travel tickets sold at this agency exceeded the total of the previous year by £1,940. During the last quarter of the year under review a notable feature was the opening-up of what is known as the " Okataina-Tarawera Round Trip." For many years the Department had this project in view, and had gone as far as putting a. launch on Lake Okataina, but nothing could be done on account of the reluctance of the motor-proprietors to provide facilities for the road portion of the trip. An arrangement mutually satisfactory to all parties interested was entered into with a local company, and the trip was inaugurated in December, 1925. It has been quite as successful as was expected in a new venture, and forms a valuable and attractive addition to the side trips in the Rotorua district. It comprises one of the most picturesque drives, and opens up to the visitor the loveliest (though hitherto least known) of the lakes, and there is no doubt that as it becomes better known it will be a very popular trip. A new launch has been built for the Waimangu Round Trip. The boat is used for the conveyance of passengers across Lake Rotomahana. Government Gardens.—The usual maintenance work has been attended to. The kitchen-garden and poultry-run provide a good supply of vegetables, fruit, poultry, and eggs for the Sanatorium and King George V Hospital. The arrangement whereby the Health Department shared the maintenance cost of this section was terminated during the year. The Department has now assumed full control, and charges the Health Department current market rates for all supplies. A new feature has been the establishment, near the Hinemoa Street entrance, of a native garden. A large triangular piece of waste ground has been trenched and dug, and is now planted with a fine collection of native shrubs and plants purchased from Mr. Travers, of Wellington. Thanks are due to the following for gifts of seeds and plants : Sir Henry Brett, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Leathert, of Auckland ; Mr. Treadwell, Wellington ; and Mr. Aston, of the Agricultural Department, who was instrumental in securing a very fine collection of seeds from Kew Gardens, England. Buildings.—The usual maintenance work and painting have been attended to throughout the year. The only new work undertaken is the construction of a ferro-concrete garage and benzine-store in the works yard, which was commenced in December. This will provide storage for three motor-vehicles and the concrete-mixing machine, and will afford some much-needed space for dry storage of timber. Water-supply, Drainage, Plumbing. —During the year thirty-eight new consumers have been added to the water-supply system. A considerable amount of work has been done during the year in rearranging supplies to meet the rapidly growing requirements of the town. As the Borough Council is carrying out extensive street and road-formation work, pipes in several localities have had to be lowered to suit the altered levels. In many cases in the early days several consumers in one block were supplied from a common pipe. These have all been individualized and given separate supplies. This course facilitates allocation of damage, and minimizes inconvenience when any leakage occurs. Approximately some 5,000 ft. of 1 in., 300 ft. of § in., and 1,000 ft. of | in. galvanized piping were laid in giving new supplies. During the year seven new connections were made to the sewerage system. For some years it has been evident that the system had some serious defects, due principally to the action of the sulphur on the cement jointing in the interior of the pipes, and also the formation of a silica deposit therein. Representations as to the probable serious consequences arising from these defects were made to the Government, and arrangements were made for practically the whole system being renewed, the only exception being a few street-ends in the westerly end of the town, where the sulphur-action is practically non-existent. A contract was let, and the work is now in progress. Electrical. —The notable feature of the year's work has been the " change over " in the matter of production of electrical energy from our generating-station at Okere to the Public Works Department's plant at Horahora. The Okere plant has served the town for the past twenty-five years. It was originally installed for the exclusive purpose of supplying Government buildings and institutions in Rotorua, allowance being made for the expansion of these services. As there was a good margin to spare, applications from the townspeople were accepted and supply given, and it is therefore not to be wondered at that, in attempting to keep pace with the requirements of a growing town, a point was reached when it could no longer do so. The alternatives were considered of (1) erecting a new and enlarged plant at Okere on a site farther down the river, at which much greater power could have been derived, or (2) linking up Rotorua town and district with one of the Government hydro-electric schemes. The latter alternative was adopted, and Rotorua and district are now supplied from the Government generating plant at Horahora. On Sunday, 14th February, 1926, the change-over was made. It is entirely to the credit of the Department's staff that the work was carried out so expeditiously and with a minimum amount of inconvenience, the only interruption to the supply being eight hours. The transmission-line from Horahora comes to Rotorua via Mamaku and Ngongotaha, and at an early date consumers in both these centres will be supplied from the main. Ngongotaha will be first attended to. This Department will still have control of all reticulation work in Rotorua town and suburbs, and at Ngomgotaha and Mamaku. The Department will purchase the energy in bulk from the Public Works Department, and, under agreement, the Okere plant and the Diesel engine will have to be kept in running-order so as to be available for supply in any emergency which may cause the Horahora supply to be temporarily stopped. The Okere plant will also be used during the peak load. Acclimatization; Red-deer Shooting. —The season for red-deer shooting, which closed last year on the 26th April, 1925, was a very successful one from a revenue-producing point of view, owing to the fact of no limit being placed on the number of deer that could be shot in some of the herds. The

3

H.—2.

Rotoiti and Okareka herds were again combined and opened under one license, and in the outlying portions of this herd some good heads were taken, notably a fourteen-pointer and a fine twelve-pointer. In places where the main herds congregated in numbers a few years ago very few deer were seen, and, though odd heads were obtained, several of the stalkers did not get a head at all. It is evident from the excessive shooting over this herd that the deer are now reduced to a reasonable minimum. The Taupo County herd was shot over by a small number of stalkers who were entitled under their license to take two red stags and two Japanese deer bucks. Messrs. Charles Conlan, of Oroua Downs, and Alex. Mitchell, of Longburn, were enabled to secure three Japanese bucks, the first that have been secured since their liberation in 1915. Both of these sportsmen were agreed that, as far as their deer-stalking experience amongst Sambar, Virginian, red, and fallow deer went, they gave the palm to the Japanese (Cervus nika) as being the most elusive species to obtain. The Galatea herd—closed last season —was opened this season for fourteen licenses to take two heads only of ten points or over, and the returns so far indicate that good heads of ten, twelve, and thirteen points have been shot. The Waikaremoana herd was again heavily shot over. The detrimental effect of stalkers shooting young stags or hinds during the opening of the season soon showed itself in the heavy bush districts, where the best and oldest stags are camped well back in the bush and stay there, because there is nothing left in the open country at the forest edge to attract them. The Mahia herd was only open for a limit of six licenses, and an exceptional head, which may be called the record head for the Rotorua district —a heavy twenty-two-pointer —was secured by Sergeant H. Wade, of Wairoa. Feathered-game Shooting. —The usual course adopted in having only a two-months open season for all feathered game (except godwits and knots, for which three months were given) resulted in better bags being obtained than has been the case for several seasons past. Sportsmen all over the district state that they never saw pheasants and game so plentiful. As in past years, the Matata and Rangitaiki swamp areas provided good duck-shooting, and the small lakes and lagoons around Mount Edgecumbe are becoming a favourite place for both ducks and shooters. In the Waimana and Ruatoki areas good sport is recorded, and the individual shooting members of the Whakatane Rod and Gun Club report an increase in the number of pheasants seen in the large maize cultivations. The Taupo and Galatea districts gave sportsmen good results, a fair number of pheasants being also shot along the Tongariro River ; while the Wairoa Rod and Gun Club officials state that with the presence of a ranger in their district there was little poaching, and the shooting season was a good one. The Whakatane Lagoon and others all produce a large number of wild ducks, and swans were extremely plentiful. A marked increase in pukeko was seen everywhere. Mallard Ducks. —The season for shooting these English wild ducks was again opened, with a limit per gun per day, but no sportsman reported taking the limit. Numbers were seen spread over a wide range of country, and with an additional liberation for this and future seasons they should prove a substantial addition to the list of game birds for the district. It is noted, however, that they tend to crossing with the wild grey duck (Parera), and will also seek the company of tame ducks about farmyard streams. This will result in time in the true wild instinct being lost and the progeny becoming a semi-domesticated breed. Rainbow-trout Fishing. —The trout-fishing of the district generally has been up to the average of previous years in the Whakatane and Taupo County waters, and reports from the Wairoa County state that the Waikaremoana Lake and adjacent small lakes have yielded good baskets of trout to the anglers, while the Ruakituri River also provided good sport. The Waikare-ta-heke River and Maungapoike Stream produced trout of good average condition, but the opinion is that more trout-fry require to be liberated for another few seasons. There was a noticeable increase in the number of overseas anglers who visited the Taupo area for its renowned rainbow-trout fishing, and there were a great many camps along the Tongariro River where trout up to 24 lb. weight were taken. One of the finest ever caught was secured at Taupo by Mr. Gemmell, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, and was mounted and sent to the Exhibition at Dunedin. Good catches were made, both by fly fishers at the mouths of the principal streams running into Lake Taupo and by persons trolling from launches and boats on the lake-margins. The Waikato from the lake outlet to Ongariti was well fished, and, though the scrub in places interferes with the anglers' access, many good-conditioned shapely trout, with plenty of fight, were secured, particularly about Atia-muri. The trout-fishing in the Green Lake and Okareka and Okataina Lakes was improving, and good trout were also caught in the Rangitaiki, Whirinaki, and upper Whakatane Rivers. The trout-fishing in the local lakes, Rotorua and Rotoiti, is very erratic, and astonishingly varied reports are received from different anglers as to their good or evil fortune. It is recorded that Messrs. Page and Baker secured 011 the 24th February, 1926, a basket of fine-conditioned trout, the heaviest being just on 11 lb. weight. They state the trout are in good condition, and as numerous as last season. Varying opinions are offered as to the alleged scarcity of fish. Many tons of trout were taken out and marketed in a single season, with a view to thinning out the stock, and the policy of replacing the old stock with fresh ova from abroad has been delayed ; this fact, coupled with the increasing number of anglers, probably constitute real reasons for whatever shortage occurs. It is recorded that a few thousands of rainbow ova from Lake Hawea were hatched and liberated during the winter by the Department of Internal Affairs, and it will be some years before these spawn, and the mortality has also to be allowed for. Game. — The work of liberating the young pheasants held over last year till after the shooting season was finished, and the birds liberated in small numbers in suitable places over a wide area of wild, rough country where bush, scrub, or other shelter gave them protection. These comprised ninety-seven young birds, and were all six months old when liberated. A total of 312 pheasants and 103 mallard duck were liberated in the district. This includes fifty pheasants which were reared and liberated in Wairoa County (H. 8.). Plj An order was received from the Department of Internal Affairs for the supply to the High Commissioner in London of thirty pairs of Californian quail. These were trapped in the Rotorua

4

H.—2

district by the ranger, and crated and consigned to London, where they arrived in good order. Three of the birds died in transit. Ranging. —The general ranging of the whole district has been attended to. Assistant Ranger Kean has had charge of the Wairoa County in addition to rearing pheasants, while Assistant Ranger Haywood (late ranger for Auckland) has been in charge of the Taupo area. Owing to complaints of poaching at Rotoiti in the close season, a Native was also appointed honorary ranger, while Ranger Cobeldick paid attention to the local areas and gave supervision to the outlying areas, as well as attending the general work connected with the pheasantry and other necessary work required as circumstances arose. Breaches of Game Laws. —Some sixteen cases were taken against offenders during the year for various breaches of the game and fishing laws, and convictions were obtained against fifteen of these, and one was dismissed. Fines totalling £55, and costs £8 195., were inflicted. Thanks are due to Constables Johnson (Tokaanu), Cummings (Whakatane), and Wade (Wairoa) for assistance. Trout-fry Liberation. —The hatching and rearing of 100,000 rainbow-trout ova, and the liberation of them in the Wairoa County waters, was accomplished under the supervision of Assistant Ranger Kean at Nuhaka and Ruakituri ; and the liberation of a further 205,000 fry was made by this Department's ranger and other officers in the Whakatane, Taupo, and Rotoiua Counties by motortruck, and, in spite of bad roads, there was only a small loss in transit. A further 50,000 rainbow ova from Lake Hawea fish were also hatched by the Internal Affairs Department specially for liberation in Rotorua Lake, making a total of 355,000 rainbow fry liberated in the Rotorua Acclimatization District waters for the past year. Rotorua Bath Buildings : Balneologist's Report. Though the year under review shows a slight decrease in general receipts, it has covered a period of valuable service rendered to a wide range of suffering humanity. The falling-off in the receipts was mainly in the first half of the year, when the whole township was suffering from trade depression due to lack of visitors ; also, the Christmas season was a dull one on account of the counter-attraction of the Dunedin Exhibition. However, the past three months have brought an unprecedented number of visitors to Rotorua, with a corresponding increase in revenue to the baths. Apart from the midwinter months, the Sanatorium has more than justified its usefulness, and for some time past I have had a long list of patients awaiting admission. With the continued demands upon this institution I am more forcibly convinced of the need of a better-equipped and more up-to-date establishment, as the present buildings —for the most part inadequate and inconvenient ■ —fall far short of the needs of a modern Sanatorium, and in this respect I would reiterate my remarks in last year's report for your earnest consideration. The general work of maintenance has been carried out, but no new works have been effected. The plans for new buildings —viz., the Blue Bath and Old Pavilion Baths—are still under consideration, and, in the interests of efficiency and the reasonable demands of the general public, these will have to be carried out without undue delay. During the year we have had an increased number of visitors from America and Australia, and the many naval visitors of the American, Japanese, and French fleets will no doubt materially help us in advertising the attractions of our spa. Throughout the year my staff have greatly assisted me in carrying out my work at the bathhouses, and I cannot praise too highly their loyal service and devoted attention to their work. In conclusion I would stress the point that while our treatments and knowledge are keeping step with the latest scientific movements, our buildings and accommodation are far behind the march of progress, and in this respect we shall require a reasonable amount of financial support to bring our establishments into line with the best therapeutic spas of Europe. Waitomo Caves. The cash receipts from the hostel and caves for the year were £8,656 4s. 10d., this amount being £1,554 10s. in excess of the previous year's returns. The increases were made up as follows : Accommodation, £626 2s. 9d. ; guiding fees, £854 lis. 9d. ; equipment, £90 ss. 6d. During the year 10,548 tourists inspected the caves, as against 8,163 for the year 1924-25, an increase of 2,385 visitors. It will thus be seen that the tourist season at Waitomo Caves has been a record one. The paths, fences, and buildings have been maintained during the year, and are in good order and condition. The past year has seen the installation of the hydro-electric power in the caves. The manner in which the Public Works Department carried out this work reflects every credit on the officers concerned, while its execution has won the genuine appreciation of all our visitors. Another work which is nearing completion is the laying-down of the duck-walks through the caves and the remodelling of the stairways. Tourists remark how readily accessible the caves now are because of the improvements which are being carried out in this direction. For the convenience of motorists, two parking areas have been formed, one at the Ruakuri Reserve, the other at Waitomo. These areas will go to fulfil a long-felt want, and it is pleasing to state that every use is being made of them. The excavations for the proposed additions to the hostel are now almost completed, and a start has been made by the contractors on the erection of the staff quarters, fowlhouses, and piggery. These buildings should be finished within a month. Te Aroha. The revenue returns taken from Te Aroha and the baths are practically the same as last year, and a small decrease of £8 is shown in the revenue, though the number of baths has increased. Bath Buildings and Drinking-fountains, <&c.- —The working of these institutions has been carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the usual maintenance work has been attended to. The Cadman Bathhouse is being painted and generally renovated. Early in the season the hot-water tunnel was pat in good repair, this work being carried out by the head bath attendant and one of the gardens

5

H.—2

staff. During the year 196 cans of No. 15 spring water have been sent to Rotorua : this is twentyfive more than last year. Gardens and Playing-areas.—These have been kept in good order and up to their usual standard. The track to the top of Mount Te Aroha was put in good condition early in the year, and many people have made the climb to the summit. The grounds staff have had a very strenuous year. Library and Reading-room. —This institution has been well patronized, and 212 new books were added to the library during the year. There are now 462 books in the library. The reading-room has been well supplied with papers. Night Bowling. —The return from this source shows a decrease of £19 16s. as compared with last year. The lighting gave no trouble during the year, the alteration made by the bowling club being so far satisfactory. Games. —This shows a decrease of £12 12s. as compared with the corresponding period of last year. The charge for bowls season tickets was reduced to £2 25., and twenty-nine were sold. The new bowling-pavilion was opened early in November, and has been much appreciated by all the players. This building is used by the tennis and croquet players as well as by the bowlers. Nelson and Westland. There has been very heavy passenger-booking through the district throughout the season, and the recently opened office at Greymouth shows an increased booking business of over 100 per cent. It has improved from £1,548 to £3,228, and has evidently had good support from the local people. These figures, of course, have no relation to the great number of travellers who have booked from other centres to Westland. The completion of the Waiho Bridge, opening up the great tourist district south of the Franz Josef Glacier, will result in a greatly increased traffic to that part of New Zealand, and will prove a great step towards the round trip over the Haast Pass to Wanaka, linking up the Otago and Southland districts. The Hermitage. Inspection and reports show that this popular resort has been capably and well conducted by the lessees, and it is understood that a very heavy season has been experienced there. It is the intention of the company to make a feature this winter of the attraction of seasonable sports. During the past winter the Ball Hut, on the Tasman Glacier, was damaged by a fall of earth, and has been re-erected at a spot nearer the glacier. During the season a number of high climbs were done, and the following list is published for the purposes of record : —

Waikaremoana ; Morere ; etc. The season at Waikaremoana was a very busy one, especially at Christmas and from then onwards. Up to that time the road from Onepoto to the house, having been badly damaged by the heavy cartage of building-material, was a drawback. The alterations and additions to the hostel have been carried out in a most creditable manner, and the house is now up-to-date within and without. The resort has been very well run by the manageress and staff. The launches and boats were maintained in good order. An additional launch was purchased from the Public Works Department at Wairoa, and a proper skidway for hauling the boats out of the water at the end of the season was erected by Mr. A. Warbrick, of Rotorua. The reserve at Morere was well patronized throughout the year, and the buildings and paths maintained in good order. Arrangements have been made for further fencing and hedge-planting to protect the bush from destruction by cattle and other dangers. In view of the difficulty experienced in properly ranging the whole acclimatization district, it was decided to appoint a separate ranger for the Wairoa district, and Mr. A. Kean, a very experienced and qualified officer, was appointed, with satisfactory results.

6

Date. Party and Guide. Olimb and Height. | Route. 1925. Apr. 24 Mr. Jack Ross ; Guides F. Milne Mount Cook ; 12,349 ft. .. From Haast Hut by Linda Glacier route ; and V. Williams descent by same route. Dec. 3 Mr. Prophit; Guide V. Williams Mount Kinsey ; 6,750 ft. .. From Hooker Hut ; descent by Kinsey 1926. Track. Jan. 7 Mr. Walton and Dr. Bradshaw ; Mount Sealey ; 8,651 ft. .. From Mueller Hut through Sladden Saddle Guide V. Williams to snow face ; descent by same route. Jan. 10 Mr.R.TwynehamandMissEdgar Mount Johnston; 8,858 ft. From Tasman Glacier by snow couloir and Jones ; Guide C. Williams rock arite ; descent by same route. Jan. 10 Dr. Bradshaw and Mr. C. Barker; Footstool; 9,073 ft. .. From Sefton Bivouac to main divide, thence Guides V. Williams and A. rock face to summit; descent by same Brustad route. Jan. 19 Miss D. Barker, Mr. C. Barker, Mount Elie de Beaumont; From south-east face by Lendenfelt Saddle and Miss Edgar Jones ; Guide 10,200 ft. descent by same route. V. Williams Jan. 28 Mr. C. Bishop and Mr. L. Brock Hochstetter Dome; 9,258 ft. From Tasman Saddle up east arete; descen by same route. Jan. 28 Miss D. Barker ; Guide V. Wil- Mount Hamilton ; 9,915 ft. From Malte Brun Hut to Darwin Glacier to liams head of Bonny Glacier, thence by main arHe to summit; descent by snow couloir, thence same route. Feb. 26 Miss L. Roberts ; Guide C. Wil- Mount Turnbull; 7,400 ft. Traversing up Darwin Glacier to Bonny liams Glacier by snow and rock ridge to summit; descent by same route. Feb. 28 Miss D. Barker ; Guides V. Wil- The Twins ; 8,030 ft. .. From Ball Hut to main ridge to summit; liams and F. Alack descent by single scree to Tasman Glacier, thence to Malte Brun.

H.—2

Te Anau-Milford Sound Track. An exceptionally heavy year's traffic was experienced on the Milford Track, and was capably and successfully dealt with by the manager and staff. The track was opened on the Ist November, and the first boat from Te Anau arrived on the 3rd November. Visitors toured from all parts of the globe to do the walk. The accommodation at Glade House was greatly overtaxed during the busy times, and the extra accommodation at the huts, which was completed during the winter months, proved its need. In fact, at times this was insufficient. The work on the track has progressed steadily and harmoniously this season, the hut-keepers, track hands, and staff at Glade House having carried out their various duties with every satisfaction. Coming on the heels of a very severe winter and also late spring, the track was found to be in a bad condition, much of last season's track-work having been undone by avalanches, washouts, landslides, &c. Extra hands had to be employed to cope with these difficulties. As a result of this extra labour the track is now in first-class order throughout. Heavy rains followed by high floods have been prevalent during the summer, thus greatly increasing the difficulties of timber-hauling, bridge-building, and packing of stores, &c. The launch at Milford Sound has been kept busy running extra trips on the sound, in addition to the ordinary routine. This has been much appreciated by visitors. The improvements and additions to the Department's house at Te Anau, leased to Mr. Govan, have been completed, and the comfort of travellers thereby very much enhanced. The steamer " Tawera " ran regularly on the lake during the season, and did its work very well. The steamer is getting out-of-date, and the question of a new one must be faced before many seasons pass, especially when the new hostel is erected at Milford. It is understood also that the track from Manapouri to George Sound, under control of Mr. L. Murrell, had a busy season and was well patronized. Business at Manapouri was also good, and the house and steamer were kept fully occupied. Queenstown. This has been undoubtedly a record year for visitors to Queenstown. Very favourable comments have been received from visitors as to the excellent condition of the gardens, playing-greens, &c. A tea-kiosk was built as an addition to the bowling pavilion, and visitors to the grounds can now enjoy light refreshments without returning to the town for them. New lavatories have been built in the park, and many minor improvements have also been effected. An amount has been placed on the estimates for a hut on Ben Lomond. The Queenstown Progress League has done good propaganda work, in which the Department has rendered them assistance. Stewart Island. Owing probably to the large number of Southlanders visiting the Dunedin Exhibition, it is reported that this favourite tourist resort has not had quite such a large number of visitors this season as in the preceding one. The Department has made provision on the estimates for granting a subsidy of £1 for £1 towards tennis-courts, which will no doubt prove a great added attraction to visitors. On the recommendation of the Department the Public Works spent a sum on improving the tracks, &c., on the island during the year. When the proposed new steamer is in commission it is safe to predict a large increase in visitors, as the present vessel is totally inadequate for tourist traffic. New Zealand Agencies. These have all been conducted in a most satisfactory and efficient manner, and the returns from them have shown a remarkable increase, particularly in Auckland and Wellington. The Auckland increase is in the main due to the establishment of the? new offices in Queen Street, instead of being in the old Government Buildings in Customs Street. This has proved the correctness of my contention for some years that we were losing good business in Auckland by the unsuitability of our offices. In Wellington also the taking of new offices in the Huddart-Parker Building at the head of the Queen's Wharf has justified the expenditure. The figures from the various agencies are, — 1924-25. 1925-26. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland .. .. .. .. 14,562 6 2 41,853 0 2 Rotorua .. .. .. .. 4,736 18 3 6,562 6 7 Wellington .. .. .. .. 23,850 18 11 36,153 13 10 Christchurch .. .. .. .. 23,439 9 8 23,579 14 1 Dunedin .. .. .. .. 13,551 4 8 25,235 9 11 Invercargill .. .. .. .. 4,272 4 4 6,042 3 9 Te Aroha .. .. .. .. 96 9 8 122 7 11 Greymouth .. .. .. .. 1.548 14 4 3,228 7 1 Nelson .. .. .. .. 59 3 6 791 10 10 Government Departments' orders .. .. 11,311 4 1 £86,117 9 6 £154,879 18 3 Overseas Agencies. Reports from the Australian agencies show that there was a large amount of business done not only for this, but for other Departments. Mr. Manson (Melbourne) in his report states " The prosperous times enjoyed in the Commonwealth, the improved industrial outlook, and the better all-round conditions prevailing throughout the year have been of material assistance to the more successful working of our offices. With restored confidence in things generally and less shipping trouble, many people in Australia have felt more disposed to take the risk of a visit to New Zealand than has been the case for some years past, owing to the uncertainty of getting back again. This

7

H.—2

was shown in the steamer bookings covering the tourist season, when all available accommodation was taxed to its utmost. The holding of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition at Dunedin was, of coarse, a contributing factor to the increased number of visitors from this side, and advantage was taken to direct attention to our southern tourist resorts and the special attractions they afforded. " The literature and general advertising-matter so liberally supplied by the Department, the Railways, and the Publicity Office proved most useful, and has wonderfully helped in disseminating news regarding the Dominion's resources. It not only met our office requirements, but enabled us to keep kindred bureaux exchanging publications with us, as well as the railways, hotels, shipping offices, dentists' and doctors' waiting-rooms, fully supplied. The distribution of our literature in this way is an important feature, as it keeps New Zealand well before those it is desired to reach. " Interest was also aroused by radio talks on such subjects as ' New Zealand, the Scenic Wonderland,' and ' New Zealand, the Fisherman's Paradise,' &c. This means of broadcasting information is most effective, and it is my intention to deliver further lecturettes on popular subjects as time and opportunity offer. " The placing of the ' Manuka ' on the Melbourne-Bluff run filled a long-felt want so far as the tourist traffic was concerned, and many people from this part of the Commonwealth availed themselves of the opportunity thus provided to get a glimpse of Milford Sound and to visit our southern resorts. " General matters appertaining to the welfare of New Zealand have received careful attention, and no effort on our part has been spared to meet the requirements of all and sundry so far as Dominion affairs are concerned. Duties have been performed for all the State Departments." The Sydney Agent (Mr. Blow) reports : — " It gives me very much pleasure to report that we have had a record year as regards booking tourists through New Zealand. For the year ending 31st March, 1925, we collected £881 13s. 7d., but for the year under review we have taken the large sum of £2,709 95.. Bd., which is an increase over last year of £1,827 16s. Id. " I had 126 enlarged photographs of New Zealand scenery framed and exhibited in the leading hotels, clubs, and boardinghouses in New South Wales. The permanent display of pictures referred to in the above paragraph has done, and will continue to do, much to bring New Zealand before the travelling public. " I am pleased to report that I succeeded in obtaining a number of advertisements for the Department in general, and this office in particular, the best of which were —(a) by lecturettes on New Zealand's scenic resorts, which I personally delivered through Farmers' broadcasting service, of Sydney ; (b) by the display of transparencies showing New Zealand views in the windows of the Kodak Limited, of Sydney and Newcastle ; (c) by the publication of photographs and illustrated articles in the Country Life newspaper, New Nation magazine, and the Millions Journal. " I am pleased to report that other Government Departments in New Zealand have, as in the past, made great use of the offices during the year. As in past years, the Departments that used the offices most were the Public Works, Customs, and Industries and Commerce, and for these Departments a great deal of very important work was carried out. For the Public Works Department alone accounts were paid during the year amounting to £67,000, and the total amount of money which was accounted for for this Department was £75,000. Although the above three Departments made the greatest use of this office, practically every Department in New Zealand instructed me to carry out work during the year." Satisfactory reports have also been received from the Agents in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and South Africa. Little Barrier. The Caretaker (Mr. Nelson) has sent in an interesting report, from which the following is extracted : — " I have employed a very considerable time in travelling into the interior of the island and in walking round the coast. Along the coast I have travelled up many of the gullies for a long distance, going almost to the base of the high mountains. I have also been to the top of the highest peaks. I have travelled over much new ground during the past year, and am pleased to report on the large supply of food for the birds. I have confidence in saying that there is an ever-constant supply. Everywhere I went the birds were feeding, singing, screaming, and fighting. Both in the bush and round the flat near the house the birds have been seen in large numbers. I mention the native pigeon and the native robin. The robin is more than holding its own, and is increasing every year : there are some to be seen or heard in every part of the island. The stitch-bird is always to "be seen and heard in the dense forest. lam glad they are increasing, as it would be a great loss to the country if the rare and lovely stitch-bird became extinct. The long-tailed and shining cuckoos have been very much in evidence during the summer. Since the fruit commenced to ripen we have had many visitors in the tuis, bell-birds, white-eyes. It has been very interesting watching them on the figs. The blackbirds and starlings were few in number. I have seen only a few kiwis during the past year : they have gone more into the interior of the island —I believe, in search of water, as some of the gullies are dry. I occasionally hear a kiwi or two in the evening, and have seen evidence of them in my travels. I have destroyed seven or eight wild cats during the past year. " In the beginning of August, 1925, the mail-carrier took me round the island in his boat, and I found everything clear. He took me round the island again in January of this year. I examined some of the parts on the northern side, and found everything safe. " Mr. Hamilton (Wellington Museum), Mr. Wilkinson (Caretaker, Kapiti Island), and Captain Saunderson arrived on the 18th October from the Hen Island, and liberated eight native birds (saddlebacks). One of these died, but the others were lively and began to search for food at once. Since then I have both seen them feeding and heard their songs in the bush."

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given printing (625 copies), £11.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Price 6d.]

8