DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. P. A. DE LA PERRELLE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930 Session I, H-02

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1930. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. P. A. DE LA PERRELLE.

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

The Hon the Minister in Charge op Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, Ist May, 1930. 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, 1930. P. A. de la Perrelle, 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, Ist April, 1930. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1930. I have, &c., S. J. Collett, Acting General Manager. The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. I regret very much having to record the death on the 22nd September last of the General Manager, Mr. B. M. Wilson, who was so universally well known and respected throughout the Dominion. A decision has been made by Government to combine the administration of this Department with the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Publicity Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs will also be incorporated, and the combined organization will, early in the next financial year, come under the administration of Mr. G. W. Clinkard, M.Com. The revenue of the Department during the financial year under review was £75,083, an increase of £2,425 over that of the previous year, and the expenditure, which included non-recurring items amounting to £2,500, was £92,383, an increase of £9,396. The chief new work undertaken during the year was the commencement of the new bath buildings at Rotorua. The Public Works Department report that excellent progress is being made, and it is

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hoped to have the Pavilion and Blue Baths available for use by next tourist season. A nine-hole golf-course is being made in the Sanatorium grounds, and should prove a useful aid to health to convalescent patients, also to act as an overflow to the present links. A launch, comfortable and roomy, was built in Wellington for Lake Waikaremoana, and is in every way a great improvement on the old boat, which has outlived its usefulness. The new road from Rotorua to this popular resort is practically completed, and the first motor went through recently. As outlined in the last annual report, it will be necessary for the Department, to go into the matter of enlarging the accommodation at the lake to cope with the increased traffic. The new road is one of exceptional beauty and grandeur. At Te Aroha, an X-ray plant has, with the assistance of the Borough Council, been installed, and is proving of great benefit to the district. The new swimming-bath is proving very popular, and is being well patronized. The Waitomo Caves and Hostel are still holding pride of place as one of the Dominion's " star " resorts. The new tennis-courts, bowling-green, &c., are now accomplished facts, and should prove an additional attraction to visitors. An accommodation-house has been built by Mr. Johnson at Te Puia Springs, thus enabling visitors to take advantage of the curative waters at this health resort. A lease of the springs has been given under stringent conditions, and the bathhouses, &c., are being renovated. At Morere Hot Springs, No. 2 bathhouse was lined and painted. Concrete paths at the cottage were put down, and a trellis fence erected. Levels for the new pipe-line have been taken and the new pipes ordered. In the South Island a substantial grant was made for protection work and renovations to huts, suspension bridge, &c., at the Maruia Springs, and the work is being put in hand by the Public Works Department. A new hut on the Chancellor Ridge, between the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, is being built by Messrs. Graham Bros., for the Department, and will be of great use to alpinists. Tracks have been made at the Fox Glacier and a suspension bridge erected. Extensive repairs have been carried out at the Burke Hut, on the Haast, and several other minor matters attended to in regard to tourist resorts on the West Coast. At Queenstown the work on the road between the Memorial Gates and the old town wharf, to prevent erosion by the lake, is in hand, and when completed should form a fine promenade for visitors. The Domain grounds, plaving-greens, &c., have been well maintained. The question of an additional bowling-green to cope with the number of players is under consideration. The new buildings at Glade House are practically completed, and should be in full workingorder by next season. The Milford Track is reported to be in good order, several new bridges, culverts, &c., having been put in during the season. The Public Works Department's Engineer is at present on the track in regard to hot showers, drying-rooms, &c., at the different huts. The radio telephone which was partially destroyed by the Glade House fire is being re-erected and will be in working order shortly. The new hostel at Milford Sound has received very favourable comments from all visitors, and when the grounds around it are laid out with lawns, flowers, &c., will leave little to be desired from the most captious. The regular service from the Bluff to the various beautiful sounds in Fiordland by the s.s. " Hinemoa " has been greatly appreciated and when better known will be more utilized by visitors. This service obviates the return walk over the track and gives the traveller an opportunity of visiting all the other Sounds under comfortable and congenial conditions. Special efforts were made during the past year to encourage traffic to the South Island resorts from Australia. In order to encourage traffic on the Melbourne-Bluff service, a very moderate inclusive price was quoted for a sixteen-days trip. Although it was late in the season when the campaign was started, encouraging results were achieved, and next season, no doubt, will see better results. The regrettable loss of the s.s. " Manuka " was undoubtedly responsible for a number of cancellations by intending visitors. It is understood that the company will put another boat into commission for next season. During the year the big Matson liner " Malolo " visited the Dominion with a, large party of American tourists, and, although only staying for three days, was estimated to have left approximately £8,000 in the country. I am pleased to say the steamer is returning again next season with another large party of visitors. All travel arrangements in New Zealand were carried out by the Department, and the promoters of the cruise were delighted with the way the work was done on their behalf. The American Express Co., Pacific Tours Co., and many other American travel firms sent parties during the year, and have appointed the Department as their recognized agents to handle their clients on arrival. The chief and many of the secondary tourist resorts were visited during the year by Mr. S. J. Collett, Acting General Manager, and other members of the staff, and the different progressive bodies conferred with 011 matters affecting their districts. An officer has been loaned to the High Commissioner's Office so as to give first-hand information regarding the Dominion's resorts and sport, and the oversea representatives in Australia have done excellent work in conjunction with the Publicity Department in window displays, films, exhibitions, travelling through the various States giving lectures and following up inquiries. The year's work has been very satisfactory, a great deal having been accomplished, the staff, without exception, working loyally and enthusiastically in the interests of the Department and the travelling public.

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The following tables give details of revenue and expenditure for the past six years ; also the receipts and expenditure at the main tourist resorts :— Return of Receipts, 1924-30. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. 1928-29. 1929-30. £ £ £ £ £ Receipts .. .. 47,263 55,391 61,674 65,447 72,658 75,083 Return of Expenditure, 1924-30. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. 1928-29. 1929-30. £ £ £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund .. 66,294 70,794 76,378 76,865 82,987 92,383 Public Works Fund .. 12,343 45,096 31,981 36,673 39,254 20,546 Passenger-booking Branch—Ticket-sales.—l92B-29, £206,103 ; 1929-30, £201,766 : decrease, £4,337.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure at Main Resorts.

I attach the annual reports of officers responsible in the different resorts and agencies. LITTLE BARRIER, " I beg to report that I have travelled extensively over the island. I have been in some of the gullies going far into the interior, where the native birds were to be seen in increasing numbers. The heart of the bush seemed to be alive with their sweet melodies. The songs of the tuis and the bellbirds, as well as the tame native robins, were a great pleasure to listen to. lam glad to report that the rare stitch-bird is seen regularly, both in the gullies and on the ridges. On my last visit, when far in the interior, while resting, two stitch-birds came quite close to me, and I had a good view of their beautiful plumage. The whiteheads, fantails, grey warblers, and rifleman, or bush-wren, are to be seen everywhere in numbers. The native pigeons are at present near the house in large numbers; in the colder months they fly to the north side of the island, where it is warmer. The red-fronted parrakeet is in goodly numbers, and comes near the house. The tuis and bell-birds are feeding near the house, though not yet in very large numbers, but they are increasing. lam feeding them on sugar, honey, and jam, and sweetened milk. The fruit has not been so plentiful this season. " During the last few months the kiwis have been coming near the house. I have seen them near the house and in the garden. By moving quietly one can get quite close to them. When darkness sets in one can hear their cry. They seem to be in fairly large numbers. I have not been fortunate in seeing the white albino kiwi, but I believe it is still alive. I see white kiwi-feathers occasionally." TE AROHA. Bath Buildings —Drinking-fountains, Ac. —These have been kept in good order during the year. The pumps at Nos. 15, 20, and 21 springs have been renewed. A new massage-room has been built on to the Cadman Baths and an up-to-date X-ray apparatus installed in the same building. 'The baths and mineral - water supply have given no trouble during the year. Seventy - eight cans of No. 15 spring water have been sent to Rotorua, as compared with eighty for last year. Gardens and Playing-areas. —The Domain has been kept in good order during the year. The Department's reservoir was very useful during the dry spell in February and March. The display of flowers and the well-kept lawns and borders have afforded pleasure to many visitors to the Domain.

I - I Year 1929-30. | Year 1928-29. s | If I * I £ S M " o 53 g Resort. » a I •" £ £< I i 1 °gjs, «& ■2* c ®'co » ? S S* 13 ® "a i i ® m £ ® o o 5 ? S **' S S i S o § ® 8 o, K&csgoS o c-^ x S.«go3 05 «■ H s J 05 I H J H | W I £ £ £ £ I £ £ £ £ Te Arolia .. .. .. 1,427 3,391 1,964 .. 1,280 3,437 2,157 Rotorua .. .. .. 38,090 34,829 .. 3,261 35,670 32,494 .. 3,176 Rotorua Acclimatization District .. 2,677 2,074 .. 603 2,214 1,673 .. 541 Waitomo Caves.. .. .. 12,968 9,022 .. 3,946 12,406 7,570 .. 4,836 Lake House, Waikaremoana .. 2,644 3,042 398 .. 3,155 2,571 .. 584 Queenstown .. .. .. 354 1,069 715 .. 277 1,045 768 Glade House and Milford Track .. 3,791 6,449 2,658 .. 3,967 5,770 1,803 Morere Hot Springs .. .. 715 436 .. 279 550 475 .. 75 Passenger-booking Bureaux .. 9,704 13,494* 3,790 .. 10,203 11,333 1,130 * Expenditure includes £861 for office fittings at new bureau at Auckland.

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The paths are in good condition, and the asphalt tennis-courts have been thoroughly overhauled. The lower bowling-green has been retimbered, and the timber around both greens should keep in good order for years. Fishing and Shooting.—The upper reaches of the Wa.ihou River provided good trout-fishing during the past season. Some good bags of wild duck were secured during the early part of the season, principally on private lagoons and the swampy portions of the Waihou River. Curlew were plentiful on the sea-coast adjacent to Waihi Beach, and some good bags have been reported. Music in the Domain.—The Te Aroha Municipal Band has rendered a large number of programmes in the Domain during the past year. The band is very popular with the public and always attracts a large number of people to the Domain. X-ray Apparatus. —An up-to-date X-ray plant has been installed in the Cadman Bathhouse and has already proved a great boon to the district. The apparatus consists of one mobile X ray and one portable X ray, the latter plant being one that can be taken out to cases if required. General. —The general work in connection with the Te Aroha Domain had been well carried out. The grounds have been kept in excellent order, and many favourable comments have been made about the neat appearance of the Domain. I should like here to express my appreciation of the way in which the members of the staff have carried out their duties during the year. Given favourable weather, the outlook for the next season is promising, and we should have a more successful year in every way. ROTORUA. Buildings.—The outstanding feature as regards our buildings is that a commencement has been made by the Public Works Department in the matter of erecting a new block to take the place of the Duchess and Pavilion Baths. The old buildings have been dismantled, and at date good progress has been made. Most of the underground work immediately under the new structures has been completed, and fair progress has been made with the framework of the structures. The old Duchess Bath building, which was in very good order, has been moved to a new site alongside the works office. The building has been subdivided, and is at present used in one part as an office for the Overseer and clerks, and in the other part as a dining-room for the workmen, of which a large number have been accommodated with sleeping-hutments erected in the neighbourhood of the work. When all new work has been completed the building will be taken over by this Department and used as a general store, thus giving much-needed accommodation for stores. The principal feature of our maintenance work has been the completion of the Plombiere Douche room and installation of the apparatus. The room, which for years has been merely an empty shell in the south wing of the main bath building, has been floored, ceiled, and lined, and will be ready for the giving of treatments in May. Gardens. —No new work of any importance has been undertaken during the year. The playinggrounds and floral areas have received all the necessary attention during the year. The gardens were kept bright and gay all through the season with a sequence of blooms. Water-supply. —During the year seventy-six new consumers were connected with the mains. A water-supply was laid to the borough camping-ground, at the south end of Ranolf Street. This involved the laying of 450 ft. of 4 in. cast-iron main, 130 ft. of 3 in., 135 ft. of 2 in., and 278 ft. of 1 in. G.W.I. piping. This provided for the main supply, and the reticulation throughout the camp. The following quantities have been laid in various streets to provide for extensions and new connections: 63 ft. of 3 in., 36 ft. of 1| in., 5,250 ft. of 1 in., 90 ft. of fin., 1,951 ft. of i in., G.W.I piping. 750 ft. of 1 in. G.W.I, piping was laid in the gardens in order to provide a system'of watering the various bowling-greens. In various parts of the town where two or more houses have been connected to the supply through one pipe these services have been rearranged in order to give each property its individual supply, so that each can be disconnected, if necessary, without interference with the other. This involved the laying and rearranging of 688 ft. of | in. piping. A 6-ft. length of the 16 in. main delivery-main in Fenton Street, being Wanganui steel pipe, originally laid for experimental purposes, having become badly corroded with sulphur, and leaking, was cut out and replaced with cast-iron pipe. Drainage.—During the year eleven new connections were made to the sewer, involving the use of 140 ft. of 4 in. and 40 ft. of 6 in. earthenware pipes. The septic tank received its periodic clean-out, and the filter-beds were dug over. Several pine-trees in the neighbourhood of the filter-beds had to be cut down, as the needles formed a coat on the surface of the beds and prevented full operation. The trees were cut up and used as firewood. The drainage-work in connection with the new Plombiere Douche in the main baths was all carried out by the Department's staff. All pumps in connection with the sewage-pumping section were maintained in working-order throughout the year. General Plumbing.—ln connection with the supply of hot mineral water from the Rachel pool to the main building some 550 ft. of 6 in. cast-iron mains were laid. A new pump-house was built at the south wing of the building, and greatly improved approaches made to same. Some 320 ft. of lead-lined piping conveying Priest acid water from the spring to the main building had to be replaced with a similar quantity of heavy lead pipe with special lead flanges cast and wiped to the ends of each pipe. A considerable amount of concrete and plastering work was also carried out on the main building, in replastering some of the public baths, and remodelling the Aix and Russian rooms. The staff also carried out the necessary plumbing-work in connection with the installation of X-ray plant at Te Aroha. A considerable amount of plumbing-work was necessary in connection with the building programme for the new Pavilion baths.

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The Public Works Department has practically called upon, this Department to carry out all the plumbing-work, and up to the present a considerable amount of work had to be done in the matter of dismantling all connections to the old buildings, pulling out all pipes and fittings, and rearranging same to suit the new buildings, and putting in new material where required. Electric.—The most important works done during the year were the reconstruction of the 3,300-volt Whakarewarewa line, the 6,600-volt Okere line for about 60 chains from the Rotorua Substation, and the construction of a 6,600-volt line to Malfroy Road for a distance of approximately one mile. The 6,600/2,000-volt transformers at the Rotorua Substation were overloaded, and the building of the new 6,600-volt line and the erection of six 15 kv.a. 6,600/1,500-volt transformers has reduced the loading on the substation transformers to a safe value. As required, this new 6,600-volt line can be extended, and by using 6,600-volt transformers in place of 3,300-volt transformers the substation transformers can be kept down to safe loadings. The 3,300-volt transformers that are taken down are used again on other parts of the supply system where 3,300-volt lines are still available. Along with the above work, a considerable amount of alterations and reconstruction has been done in the areas adjacent to Malfroy Road. The electric-range load continues to build up steadily, and to cope with it requires a considerable amount of reinforcement of the old low tension distribution-lines. Maintenance-work has been carried out on the system as required, and the whole is in good working-condition. Our main supply has been drawn from the Public Works Department power-stations at Horahora and Arapuni, and we have also continued to make as much use as possible of the Okere plant. Up to the end of November it was operated for sixteen hours per day to meet the Public Works Department requirements, and since then has been operated one shift per day to meet our own requirements. The plant does not seem to be in any worse state than it has been for some years and may continue in its present state for several years longer. The Diesel plant has been run as required for maintenance purposes, and 011 a few occasions has been used when supply was not available from the Public Works Department. Maintenance-work has been carried out as required for the baths and sanatorium, electrical and electro-medical apparatus, and the gardens motor lawn-mowers. In connection with the new bath buildings a large amount of temporary electrical work has been done for the Public Works Department workshops and offices, and the temporary staff quarters. The Department's transport equipment has been maintained in good working-order. Acclimatization. The acclimatization branch of this Department's activities has passed through a strenuous year, and the rangers and many sportsmen's reports go to show a great improvement in all classes of sport throughout the whole of this extensive acclimatization district. Ranging. —An addition to the staff of two rangers was made by the appointment of an assistant temporary ranger to assist in the patrolling of the various trout-streams during the close season. Mr. Kean, the assistant ranger at Wairoa area was transferred to the Department of Internal Affairs, and his place was taken by the transfer of Assistant Ranger Frame from Rotorua to Wairoa County. The whole of the district, including the recently added territory of the Opotiki Acclimatization District, has been effectively ranged. The frequency of the rangers' visits, both day and night, tended to minimize any poaching raids that were contemplated. More than the usual number of complaints were received, necessitating a considerable amount of careful inquiry, and where the circumstances warranted and the evidence was sufficient prompt action was taken to prosecute the offenders in the law-courts. Action was taken in thirty-three cases, resulting in thirty convictions being obtained for breaches of both the Animals Protection and Game Act, and the Fisheries Act, and their respective regulations. The total amount of fines and costs was £145 12s. Breaches of both the Acts were viewed seriously by the Magistrates, and the infliction of heavy penalties in the cases of illegal taking of trout, opossums, and game during the closed seasons cannot fail to have a deterring effect. One individual offender was fined £17 and costs for spearing trout with a hay-fork, and three young women who were assisting in the offence were warned by the Bench that they would be wise to refrain in future from assisting with such practices. Proceedings were also instituted under the regulations of the 1921-22 Animals Protection Act, against several persons, for trafficking in the skins and feathers of native and imported game. Numerous specimens of indigenous birds had been mounted and given to various shopkeepers, who exposed them for sale, while others had kits and mats manufactured with the feathers of some protected birds. The convictions recorded against the Various defendants have been sufficient to prevent any further open sales of such specimens. The use of car and motor-cycles enabled the rangers to cover long distances in the shortest possible period of time. Deer-shooting.—The deer-shooting season was again opened, throughout the various herds of the district during March and April. The season for shooting Japanese deer was opened during the same period, while the season for dealing with the herd of Sambur deer was opened for the first time in July and August. More licenses were issued than in any previous season, and the fact of widely advertising the details of the herds under this Department's control, together with the quality of the heads taken over previous years, have gone far this year towards creating a record for the number of licenses sold.

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Accounts of the sport already obtained during the opening month show that better heads were shot than ever secured before, with the one exception of the record twenty-two-pointer shot at Mahia by Sergeant Wade four years ago. This year a nineteen-pointer from Rotoiti-Okareka herd holds the pride of place. It was a fairly well timbered head of nice dark-coloured antlers. Many fair heads ranging from eight to sixteen points are reported from the various herds, and most extensive thinning of the herds took place owing to many stalkers shooting large numbers of hinds and young stags for their skins and venison. The red deer have always been well under control in the Rotorua Acclimatization District, owing to stalking being permitted in the young herds after a very limited period of protection. The Japanese herd in the Taupo County (the only one in this Dominion) yielded a number of fine trophies, one being nearly equal to the world's record heads, secured in previous season by Messrs. Holmes, of Te Awamutu, and Jordan brothers, of Auckland. The Waikaremoana herd is showing the effects of the heavy unrestricted shooting, but the exceptionally dense forest cover favours the deer, and the best stags are difficult to obtain in that class of country. The opening of the new direct road from Rotorua to Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, via Te Whaiti and Ruatahuna, to the Department's hostel 011 Lake Waikaremoana will provide shorter and easier access for deer-stalkers in this area in coming years. Three fine heads were secured from the herd in the vicinity of Mount Edgecumbe. Trout-fishing. —The trout-fishing all over the district has greatly improved on that of previous years. The intensive restocking of all the local waters, and the addition of new blood from the Tongariro River Hatchery to all the outlying lakes and rivers will prove of the greatest benefit in ultimately attracting more Dominion and overseas anglers for our wonderful fishing, and the sales of trout licenses is fast increasing. The quality and size of the trout in the Waikaremoana area is particularly marked, and a catch of six beautiful rainbow trout taken from Lake Waikareiti this season weighed each 9 lb., 9 lb., 11 lb., 13 lb., 12| lb., 13 lb., and 19 lb. ; this latter trout only being equalled by one caught in Lake Tarawera. These 19 lb. fish easily eclipse the weights of any trout caught in Taupo Lake for several years past. An examination of the scales of the above trout places them nearly all as maiden fish of five and six years old. They were all taken 011 a medium " barred wasp " fly. There is abundance of trout-food in this lake, which lies at an altitude of some 2,500 ft. above sea-level and is the highest inland trout-water in the district. It more nearly approximates in temperature the waters of that part of America from which our original irideus came; and the great disparity in weight between the average American rainbow fish and those above named can only be due to environment, and the superabundance of the various trout-food supplies. Statistics of the trout problems of both the lakes in this county have been kept over some years by Ranger Cobeldick, together with samples of trout-scales, and the knowledge accumulated will be very useful. The condition of the trout caught in Lake Tarawera during the closing months' of the past season was excellent, and early this season all anglers expressed satisfaction with the condition and fightingqualities displayed by their catches of rainbow trout. Lake Rotoiti is fast becoming a successful fishing rival of Tarawera, owing to the easier facilities for getting fishing, and the many new anglers' cottages of a most substantial nature erected all along the shore testify to the popularity of this lake as an anglers' resort. The trout landed in Rotoiti were of fine condition, but the catches did not quite approximate the weights of those from Tarawera. At Lake Okataina; where a spacious and well-equipped fishing-lodge has been erected, the catches of fish closely followed Lake Waikareiti for the best average in large trout. Two anglers took nineteen on one day and ten the next day, the finest of which scaled 12 lb. An overseas angler, who only fished in the daytime, took a basket of thirty trout for four days' angling, with an average of 4 lb. 81 oz. ; but his best trout just failed to draw 6 lb. These weights have since been beaten for Tarawera fish, but their records, though taken this season, were secured after the 31st March. The fishing in Rotorua Lake is improving slowly, but many fine creels have been filled. The Ohau Channel and Okere yielded good trout, but the local lake-streams held many poorconditioned specimens of late-spawned and even unspawned females till after the New Year. The opinion was freely expressed that all fishing in the Rotorua streams —Utahina, Ngongotaha, Waiteti, Awahau, Haniurana, and Wai-ngae — should be prohibited before the Ist January each year. In the later months of the season much better trout were caught, including a 5J lb. and a 6 lb. fish taken off the weed-bank at Haniurana by visiting anglers from the fishing-lodge there. The prolific weedgrowth in and around this stream holds rich feed in large quantities, and is the sole factor of the good angling obtained there. Trolling the spoon bait still keeps up its popularity for getting good baskets, and harling is rapidly superseding spinning when the trout are not rising to the spoon baits. The other lakes — Rotokakahi, Okareka, Rotoehu, Rotoma, Okaro, and Rerewhakaitu — were all heavily fished, and many fine trout caught. Indications are that the cycle of diseased and illconditioned trout is rapidly passing its transitory period, and if adequate methods are adopted to conserve and increase the food-supply and complete the present survey of the thermal fishing in regard to the elimination of diseased and unfit fish, coupled with other measures of policy, there is little fear that the Rotorua fishing will not again be brought up to the high standard existing twenty-five years ago. The fishing in the larger rivers of the district was good, especially in the Whakatane, Waimana, Rangitaiki, and Whirinaki. Tarawera River was heavily fished, while the Waipunga, Mohaka, Ruakituri, and Waikare-ta-heke were producing good average fish through the season.

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The finest river fishing was, however, obtained in the Waikato River from below the Huka Falls to the Arapuni Lake boundary below Ongaroto. The heavy restocking of the past few years by this Department over this area is now giving great results. It is the intention to do more clearing of scrub along the banks, as in many places the best trout have their feeding-grounds along these almostinaccessible places. Feathered Game.—The season was not noted for large bags of feathered game generally, and the weather was too fine overhead to conduce to the shooting of limit bags of ducks during the first week of the opening. After the first few hours of gun-fire the birds simply congregated in hundreds on the sanctuaries, but with the later advent of rough, squally weather they got on the move over their old lines of travel, and thereafter better sport was obtained. On some favourite feeding-grounds the limit of twenty ducks or twenty head in all of native game was shot several times throughout the season on the Rangitaiki Swamp, Tarawera Swamp, Edgecumbe lagoons, Opotiki district lagoons and rivers, Waikato River, and Whakaki and other Wairoa County lagoons. Splendid shooting as regards ducks and swans was obtained oil Loch Invar, Lake Rerewhakaitu, and Taupo ; and also along the Upper Rangitaiki, Whirinaki, Waipunga River, and Runanga lagoons, and Mohaka River the shooters got many brace of fat ducks. The spoonbill duck was not plentiful, and black teal and pukeko were not open for shooting. Godwits : The godwit season was the best for several seasons past, the birds being in prime condition on the Ist February. Those shooters with motor-cars or who lived adjacent to the beaches and mud-flat estuaries of the Bay of Plenty area or the rich feeding-grounds of the Opotiki and Wairoa Counties got large numbers of this migratory species. The golden plovers and turnstones were not nearly so plentiful, nor did the knots put in their annual appearance in anything like the numbers of previous years. Imported game, both pheasants and quail, were fairly plentiful, good bags of the former cock birds being shot round the scattered maize-patches, and several large bags of quail were taken mostly from the heavy-scrub country. One party of three guns got over four hundred in five days near Mount Tarawera. The limit of ten cocks per gun a day was recorded in the Wairoa, Opotiki, Whakatane, and Rangitaiki areas in well-favoured situations, but others, not having good gun-dogs to assist them, did not prove so fortunate. About the Upper Rangitaiki Plain and the bush areas of Opape, Mokai, Oruanui, also the scrub valleys around Taupo Lake, some good pheasants were shot, and both pheasants and quail through the Upper Tokoroa, Ongaroto, and Atiamuri Valleys. Quail were also plentiful on the Kaingaroa Plain in sheltered places, and where the feed, cover, and a good breeding season allowed a good natural increase of the wild stock fine shooting was obtained. In the more settled areas the big flocks of some years ago have dwindled to small coveys of half a dozen to twenty quail, having either been shot off or moved away to better feeding-grounds, where they are less harassed by pests such as stoats, hawks, weasels, and cats. The Virginian quail is slowly spreading over the Wairoa County, where they were first liberated, and small coveys have been seen in the heart of the bush at Waikaremoana, Upper Ruakituri, and Mohaka Valleys. Two pairs of clutches of chicks were observed along the Waipunga River, but the natural increase of this specie is not nearly what it should be with the amount of visible food-supply available. Sportsmen complain of the plethora of hen pheasants everywhere, and express opinions that many are old, and that a season should be opened to allow them to be shot. Even if the Animals Protection Act was amended to permit of hens being shot, it could only result in greater and widespread reduction of the natural stock of wild birds throughout the country than any other means now functioning towards this end, and would only result in defeating the sole object in view, that of keeping up an artificial annual supply of fresh blood to add to the natural increase of the wild birds themselves. There is no fear of disturbing the balance of nature by shooting male birds only. The natural enemies will soon account for any old hens that are beyond their breeding-capacity. It is not always because 110 young chicks can be seen where the hens are in superior numbers that these hens have not laid, but often because the nests have been raided and the eggs or tiny chicks eaten during the nesting season by pests. Opossums. —There was a closed season for opossums throughout the district in 1929. The need for some conservation was clearly indicated in the rapid reduction of the number of skins taken last open season compared with those of the first few seasons. The Waikaremoana skins realize the highest market value for the best black pelts when properly cleaned and stretched. Liberation of Trout-fry.—During the past season this Department's rangers concentrated on the work of rearing and liberating rainbow-trout fry in almost the whole of the lakes and streams of the district. The following list shows the areas and quantities of the rainbow fry liberated : — In Wairoa County— Lakes Waikaremoana, Wairaumoana, Kaitawa, Rotokiokio, Te Number of Pry. Kiri-o-pupae, and Waikareiti .. .. .. 197,000 Ruakituri Valley, Mangaruhe Valley, Waikare-ta-heke River, and Waihau River .. .. . . .. .. .. 52,000 In Taupo County rivers .. .. .. .. .. .. 150,000 In Whakatane County rivers .. .. .. .. .. 208,000 In Opotiki rivers .. .. .. .. .. .. 145,000 In Rotorua County lakes and rivers (liberated by Internal Affairs Department) .. .. . . .. . . .. 1, 635,000 In Rotorua Coimty lakes and rivers—Ova planted .. .. .. 300,000 Total fry and ova liberated .. .. .. 2,687, 000

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The bulk of the Wairoa fry was hatched out by Ranger Frame at the old hatchery at Waimako, and the remainder by Messrs. Bruce and Norris, of Ruakituri and Manguruhe. The supply spring has been concreted in order to collect the water, whence it is led through pipes to the hatchery-boxes. A good deal of excavation was necessary to level the site, and some further work is required to give access to the motor-truck. This will be carried out before the hatching season, and the old site securely fenced, the original fence having fallen into disrepair. A lot of excavation work was also carried out on the Waimata Hatchery site by the rangers. Liberation of Pheasants, —The liberation of pheasants throughout the district was as follows: — Place of liberation. Number. Over Taupo County . . .. . . . . 31 Over Opotiki County .. .. .. .. 40 Over Rotorua, County.. .. .. . . 67 Over Whakatarie County . . . . .. 35 Over Wairoa County .. . . .. . . .. 109 Total .. .. .. .. .. 282 Of this total, fifty birds were liberated on the sanctuaries within the Whakatane, Rotorua, and Taupo Counties. Research Work. —Some hundreds of samples of trout-scales (chiefly Salmo irideus) were collected from fish all over the district, and the particulars recorded for future investigation of the thermalfisheries problems, and a number of trout were marked. So far no marked trout have been recorded as retaken. Many questions regarding the trout and their food-supply, require careful study and muchpatient research. To keep both of these matters up to the highest standard will be the aim of the Department's officers, who all realize the value of a first-class fresh-water fishery both from a financial and sporting point of view. Indigenous Air-fauna. —Notes were made and a list compiled of the existing air-fauna seen throughout the district during the last six months, together with those seen or heard over the past sixteen years. Further reports relative to this question will in future years be of the greatest value in ascertaining the increase or decrease of existing species which are becoming extinct, or whether the natural food-supply is failing and will require to be sustained by artificial propagation, and suggest methods of combating their enemies. The destruction of pests will have to be more ruthlessly undertaken than in the past, and this matter is being attended to. Thanhs. —The thanks of the Department are due to those police officers, rangers, and all fishing and shooting enthusiasts who so willingly gave assistance in carrying out the laws or assisted with the work in connection with both fish and game. It is fast becoming a more recognized fact that to preserve the sport for the sportsmen of the rising generation much further assistance must be forthcoming. Rotorua.—Balneologist's Report. I have the honour herewith of submitting my report on the Rotorua baths for the year ended 31st March, 1930. The year under review, particularly during its latter period, has been an exceptionally busy one, and I am pleased to report an increase in the financial returns. During the past season the number of overseas visitors and patients was considerably below normal, owing, no doubt, to the general financial depression in Great Britain and Australia ; but to balance this falling-ofi a great many more people in the Dominion have availed themselves of the tourist attractions and therapeutic benefits of our spa. The Sanatorium.—Throughout the year this institution has been particularly busy, and the accommodation quite inadequate to meet the demands of our work. The financial returns show a marked increase, and the majority of patients received considerable benefit from the treatment. Approximately 13,000 baths and 14,000 special treatments were given to patients in the Institution. The Mam Bathhouse and other Buildings.—Considerable repairs and alterations have been carried out in the main building, the men's Aix-Vichy-massage department being entirely reconstructed and repaired, and at the present time the women's Aix is receiving similar attention. The Plombiere Douche room is now completed, and will during the coming season prove a valuable ally in our work. A new pyretic-treatment room has been installed. This treatment, which has proved a great success in the Lansdowne Hospital at Bath, England, in aiding the cure and alleviation of rheumatism, is now being carried put here with the promise of an equal success, and I propose to extend its activities with further installations. New Buildings. —At the present moment active building operations are being carried out under the direction of the Department of Public Works. The old Pavilion baths have been demolished, and a new block comprising private baths, swimming-pools, and special-treatment rooms is being erected. In the plans the most up-to-date designs for modern hydrotherapeutic service have been incorporated in comfortable and attractive buildings ; also, the mineral waters in situ (Radium and Old Priest Pools) are being preserved in their natural state. The plans for the new Blue Bath are now practically completed, and this work will be taken in hand this month. When completed, this bath, with accommodation for approximately 500 bathers

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at one time, should be one of the finest bathing establishments in the world. Also, apart from being an exceptionally fine recreational swimming-pool, it is hoped to make it the social rendezvous of Rotorua. Massage and Electrical Therapeutics. —The departments dealing with this work have been exceptionally busy, and are being maintained to the highest degree of efficiency and service. Staff. —In making my report on the work carried out at this spa during the past year, I should like to acknowledge my deep indebtedness to the members of my staff, who by loyal and unfailing service have so materially helped me in carrying out my work as Government Balneologist. Summary. —With every natural asset in climate, scenery, and natural mineral waters, and a judicious exploitation of these, I am convinced that this spa will be the finest in the world, and will do more to advertise the Dominion than any other attraction in this country. WAITOMO CAVES. The cash receipts amounted to £12,968, as against last year's return of £12,406. This shows an increase of £562, and had the weather conditions been more favourable to tourist traffic from Christmas to the end of January the increased returns would have been greatly in excess of the amount shown. During the winter months our returns steadily increased over the corresponding periods of the previous year right through to the end of December, but from then on to the close of the financial year they decreased to as much as £200 a month. Besides the weather, no doubt, part of the falling-off was due to the fall in price of our two chief primary products, wool and. butter. During the year several notable parties of oversea tourists visited here —namely, British Empire farmers, of eighty members; Amalgamated Dairy Co., Ltd., of sixty members; Wheeler's Pacific Tours ; Magic Isles party ; Criswell party ; and the English cricket team. All the members of the various parties were very complimentary in their praise of the enterprise of the Department in providing such a fine hostel and the general arrangements for the comfort of their guests. The playing-grounds, tennis and bowls, which are being constructed by the Public Works Department, are now nearing completion, and will be a valuable asset to the encouragement of visitors to prolong their stay at the hostel, and when the golf-links are completed we will then be the most up-to-date hostel in this country. The work of formation of roads and footpaths around the hostel has been completed by the Public Works Department, and that Department has now made a start on the work of tar-sealing the main road from the Hostel to the Hangatiki Railway-station, which, when completed, will provide a first-class road, so that visiting motorists will have no cause to complain about access to Waitomo Caves. LAKE WAIKAREMOANA. The main items of interest in the period under review were the visit of the viceregal party in connection with the opening of the Waikaremoana hydro-electric scheme, the delivery of the new passenger-launch, and the completion of the Waikaremoana-Rotorua Road. On the 20th November the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, accompanied by Lady Alice Fergusson, was taken for a short trip on the lake. The party landed at Hine Kura Bay, in the Wairau arm of the lake, where afternoon tea was provided. The run back to the Outlet concluded a very successful function and a break in the usual routine, which was greatly appreciated by Their Excellencies. The passenger-launch " Ruapani " was launched on the 23rd January. The increased size and comfort of the vessel has been the subject of much favourable comment by visitors. The new road from the lake to Rotorua has been opened, and, although a considerable amount of work still remains to be done, quite a number of cars have made the journey through. This speaks well for the future popularity of the road, which, according to all reports, is the finest scenic route in the North Island and one that will carry an enormous amount of traffic next season. The unseasonable summer which has been experienced, and also, to a certain extent, the general financial stringency, have adversely affected the number of visitors to the Hostel, particularly those drawn from the Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay districts. On the other hand, there has been a marked increase in the number of visitors from other parts of the Island, so that, given an average summer, the coming year should be a record one for this resort. During the early part of the season a considerable amount of time was devoted to improving the camping-ground, and the returns have amply justified it. During the Christmas holidays, in spite of the indifferent weather, there were as many as a hundred people under canvas at once. There is no denying the fact that the motorist camper has come to stay, and in due course should become a lucrative source of revenue to the Department. The fishing up to the present has been excellent, the season's record bag of 158 fish having been taken by three rods in six days. Some magnificent fish have also been taken from Lake Waikere-iti, the smallest being 9 lb. and the largest 19 lb. —a local record. Beautiful weather prevailed for the deer-stalking season, and, although heads were numerous, the quality was not above the average, the best —a fourteen-pointer—falling to a local sportsman. In conclusion, the Hostel and grounds have been maintained in good condition, and all plant and equipment in good working-order.

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FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER, WESTLAND. The official opening, on the 4tli August last, of the new Aimer Hut was a great success. The building of this hut has opened up the wonderful region at the head of the Franz Josef, and many visitors to the glacier made the trip during the summer. A new hut on Chancellor Ridge, Fox Glacier region, is being erected, and will be available next season. All the tracks and huts in the district have been kept in good repair during the past year, and a new track was formed to the top of Canavan's Knob, and this is now a very attractive walk from the hotel, affording fine views of mountain and glacier, besides a good view of the sea and LakeMapourika. The Main South Road is in splendid order. All the streams from Hokitika to the glacier have now been bridged, and cars can now make the trip in any weather. The great number of private cars doing this illustrates the ever-increasing popularity of this resort. THE HERMITAGE, MOUNT COOK. The climbing season was a little disappointing, owing to the bad weather. Mount Cook was climbed only once, as against four times last year. The winter sports season was very satisfactory, the number in the house being at one time .greater than ever before at such a time of year. The road to the Ball Hut has had Public Works men on it all the year, and is now within a mile of the hut itself. Now, for the first time, every one can see the great Tasman Valley. Before there were very many tourists not capable of walking or riding from the Hermitage. At the Hermitage itself several improvements have been effected. The nine-hole golf-links have been put in good order, and a putting-green right at the doors is proving immensely popular. Moreover, a portion of ground has been levelled oil in preparation for the laying-down of a bowlinggreen. To cater for the increasing number of motorists, a big garage has been constructed, with accommodation for between twenty and thirty cars. TE ANAU - MILFORD TRACK. The season 1929-30 has not been as successful as it might have been had conditions been otherwise. We have not had so many visitors 011 the track as was anticipated, owing in part to the wetness (over 20 in. of rain in December) of the season during holiday periods, and also to the lack of accommodation and conveniences at Glade House. The new building, which was commenced early in January, is now nearing completion, and will be ready for the start of next season. The track has been kept in good order throughout in spite of the fact that heavy rainfall and floods have several times played havoc with bridges and softer formations. The hutkeepers and general staff have performed their duties satisfactorily. A new outboard motor has been installed in boat 011 Lake Ada. This is a big improvement. The whole telephone system has been overhauled, and is working well. The bird-life seems to be diminishing each year, owing to the presence of stoats and weasels, twenty-one of which have been destroyed in the neighbourhood of Glade House since last season. We are looking forward to a busy time next season, when we hope to have more comfort all along the track for the visitors ; also communication with the outside world by means of wireless telephone, which will prove a boon to the travelling public as well as the management of the track. GOVERNMENT HOSTEL, MILFORD SOUND. The s.s. " Hinemoa " has made nine trips to Milford. Each trip has been well patronized. This promises to become a very popular trip, tourists arriving via Te Anau and returning by the Sounds with the steamer. The " Maheno " has called here on two trips this season, disembarking passengers on each occasion. The Grave Talbot Pass has not been used by many mountaineers this year, only three arriving from Elfin 'Bay, and three returning from Milford for Te Anau via the Dore Pass. The Cleddau and Tutoko Valleys have attracted a large number of tourists this year, all being interested in the new track that is iinder construction. They have all expressed their delight with the magnificent scenery on this route. It is the general opinion that a different return route will attract many more visitors to Milford. The new Hostel is much appreciated by all the tourists, who express their surprise at finding such an up-to-date and comfortable house at the end of their walk. The visitors to Milford this season have been fortunate in viewing the mountain-tops, snow-clad, which added to the beauty of the majestic scenery. During the winter months a hut was erected at Anita Bay for the use of visitors to this favourite spot. Also, a new boat-shed was erected at Milford. The weather during the winter months was generally good. The temperatures were quite mild. The first party to arrive by the track arrived on the 19th October, after climbing through the snow over McKinnon's Pass. The next party arrived 021 the 18th November, which was the opening of the tourist season.

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OVERSEAS AGENCIES.

Sydney, New South Wales. The Sydney Agent reports as follows :— " I regret having to report that the passenger-booking to New Zealand for the year was not quite up to the previous one, owing to the disturbed state of affairs in Australia. Much good work, however, was done in furnishing particulars of tours and sport. I feel sure the ensuing year will show a great improvement in this respect. The Department's booking system has received very favourable comment from all returned people who arranged their tours through this office. " During the year the New Zealand Association of New South Wales was formed, and used this office as their temporary headquarters. On Dominion Day they gave a luncheon to the Premier of New South Wales, which was attended by most of the leading citizens and was fully reported in the press. "At various times during the year New Zealand Ensigns, lantern-slides, framed pictures, and cinematographic films have been lent to various lecturers and institutions who wished to lecture on or advertise the Dominion, and in each case New Zealand has received a good advertisement. " I had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. E. C. Chichester on his arrival by air from England, on behalf of the New Zealand Government. " During the year the office pictures were overhauled and all obsolete ones replaced by new and up-to-date views. " Commercial Work carried out on behalf of other Government Departments.—l am very pleased to be able to report that other Government Departments have again this year made great use of the offices. As in past years, the work has principally consisted of buying and paying for Australian hardwood timber required for the Departments of Public Works, Post and Telegraph, and Railways, and for these Departments alone approximately £115,785 was spent. " General.—ln conclusion, lam pleased to report that the usefulness of the offices has been well recognized not only as a tourist agency, but as a general inquiry office, and that large numbers of people, both Australians and visiting New-Zealanders have frequently made use of same." Melbourne, Victoria. The Melbourne Agent in his report states :— "We have kept in step with local movements to promote travel, knowing full well that all activity in this direction must necessarily benefit New Zealand. In most countries a world-wide bid is being made for the tourist, and Australia has joined in the quest. An organization, known as the Australian National Travel Association, has been formed for the purpose, and a sum of money close on £100,000 has already been raised. Of this it is proposed to spend £20,000 a year for five years on publicity alone. Specially selected men are to be sent to America and England to assist in the campaign. The committee of four appointed to control the affairs of the association is a particularly strong one, and is headed by Mr. Harold Clapp, chief of the Victorian Railway Commissioners, with a representative each of hotels, shipping companies, and commercial houses as his companions in office. Its headquarters are in Melbourne, and no opportunity is being missed to make its influence felt. Evidence of this was seen in the magnificent success that was made of the s.s. " Malolo's " visit. Through our close contact with this association we were able at this point to supplement the steps that were being made to give those on board this ship a fitting reception on arrival in New Zealand. " The methods we have adopted to give publicity to the attractions we have to offer have been varied and effective. The exhibition of the beautiful pictures supplied by the Publicity Department, depicting our scenic and other resources, at the Motor Exhibition, the attendance at which numbered 100,000 ; in the Kodak front window, Collins Street; the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau's central window, and afterwards distributed through specially selected hotels, golf clubs, &c., stirred the imagination to the fullest degree. " More arresting still have been our films which have been screened at the above-mentioned exhibition, the theatres, and in public schools. Through the courtesy of Dr. Brooke-Nicholls they were shown in the latter institutions, with explanatory remarks by him, to thousands of children and their parents, and, as he is an attractive speaker and a prominent educationist, his comments would undoubtedly leave a vivid impression on the minds of the rising generation. " Supplementary to these larger displays, the standard and Kodascope films have been utilized extensively, with telling effect, in the suburban churches, the Ski-ing Club, to clubs of various kinds, and to selected groups of people. " Our publicity officers, Messrs. R. M. Firth and W. P. Barnett, have been energetic in their efforts to promote travel and have accomplished much useful work in their respective spheres. Their outside work among the hotels and the following-up of prospective visitors to the Dominion, as well as their trips on board the steamers to New Zealand, have led to increased bookings. The visits they have paid to the States of Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia have had a stimulating effect on our activities in Australia, and have further strengthened our connection with the tourist organizations of these States. These visits have established a firm basis for future operations in co-operation with those similarly interested. With this in view, agents have been appointed to handle bookings on a commission basis in a number of the larger towns.

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" Through the courtesy of the wireless companies we have put over the wires a number of important messages regarding New Zealand, likely to be heard by thousands of people difficult to reach otherwise. " Heavy supplies of our illustrated literature, greatly improved of late, have been broadly distributed through the post and otherwise, and the de luxe publications are doing splendid work in the waiting and reading rooms of leading doctors, dentists, and hotels, where they have been sent." ALPINE CLIMBS. The following is a list of different higli ascents undertaken this season : —

High Ascents from the Hermitage, Season 1929-30.

Date. Party and Guide. Name of Peak. Height. I Iioute and "Remarks. 1929. Feet. Dec. 14 Messrs. D. 0. W. Hall and D. Minarets and 10,022 Ascent from Malte Bran Hut; descent by Young; Guide, J. Crombie Mount De la 10,058 same route. Beche Dec. 14 Mr. H. E. L. Porter : Guide, V. Elie de Beaumont 10,200 Ascent from Malte Bran Hut; descent by Williams same route. Dec. 14 Mr. A. J. Scott; Guide, L. Mount Hamilton 9,915 Ascent from Malte Bran Hat via Darwin Mahan I and Bonny Glacier; descent by same route. Dec. 21 Mr. A. J. Scott; Guide, L. Minarets .. 10,058 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin Mahan and Bonny Glacier. Dec. 21 Messrs. D. O. W. Hall and D. Elie de Beaumont 10,200 Ascent via Lendenfeldt Glacier ; descent by Young ; Guide, J. Crombie same route. Dec. 21 Mr. H. E. L. Porter; Guide, V. Glacier Peak .. 9,865 Ascent from De la Beche bivouac up eastern Williams face ; descent along ridge to Frenchy Col after same route. Dec. 28 Mr. A. J. Scott; Guide, V. Mount Footstool 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac on to main Williams divide ; descent by same route. Dee. 28 Mr. J. A. Sim; Guide. L. Mount Hamilton 0,915 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin Mahan and Bonny Glacier; descent by same route. 1930. Jan. 2 Mr. A. J. Scott; Guide-, J. Mount Footstool 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac on to main Crombie divide ; descent bv same route. Jan. 2 Miss M. J. Paterson, Mr. Mount Hamilton 9,915 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin D. O. W. Hall and Bonny Glacier; descent by same route. Jan. 4 Mr. P. V. Norman; Guide, Mount Hamilton 9,015 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin M. Engelstad and Bonny Glacier. Jan. 4 Mr. McFarlane ; Guide, E. Mount Hamilton 0,915 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin Blomfield and Bonny Glacier. Jan. 6 Mr. P. V. Norman ; Guide, M. Minarets .. 10,058 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Darwin Engelstad and Bonny Glacier; descent by same route. Jan. 8 Mr. A. Hayes; Guides, V. Mount Footstool 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac on to main Williams, M. Bowie divide ; descent by same route. Jan. 9 Mr. and Mrs. Webster; Guide, Mount Annette .. 7,851 Ascent from Mueller Hut; descent by A. L. Dewar Sebastopol Ridge to Hermitage. Jan. 12 Mr. J. North way, Mr. J. Bay- Mount Sealey .. 8,651 Ascent from Mueller Hut to Sladden Saddle, Ian; Guide, A. L. Dewar then to summit; descent, climbing Annette on way, then by Baby Glacier to Hermitage. Jan. 12 Mr. N. McFarlane ; Guide, E. Mount Sealey .. 8,651 Ascent from Mueller Hut to Sladden Saddle, Blomfield then to summit; descent to Mueller Hut. Jan. 18 Miss M. Edgar Jones, Mr. R. Mount Sturdee .. 0,652 Ascent via Hooker Glacier and Harper's Twyneham; Guide, V. Saddle; descent by same route. Williams Jan. 18 Dr. J. C. Bradshaw; Guide, Hochstetter Dome 0,258 Ascent via Lendenfeldt Saddle; descent by M. Engelstad . same route. Feb. 22 Miss L. Familton ; Guides, V. Low Peak, Mount 11,787 Ascent from Cook bivouac up western ridge Williams, F. Alack Cook to summit; descent by same route. Mar. 3 Mr. A. Shand ; Miss B. Blun- Mount Footstool 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac, off main divide, den ; Guides, V. Williams, M. to summit; descent by same route. Bowie Mar. 6 Mr. A. Shand, Mr. and Miss Mount Hamilton 9,915 Ascent via Darwin and Bonny Glaciers; Baldwin, Mrs. V. Williams ; descent by same route. Guide, V. Williams Mar. 13 Mr. A. Shand, Mr. K. Parker; Mount Cook .. 12,349 Ascent, Linda Glacier and Green's route Guides, V. Williams, M Bowie from Haast Hut; descent by same route. Mar. 22 Mr. Ken. Parker, Mrs. Vic. Mount Malte Brun 10,421 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut via Malte Williams ; Guide, V. Wil- Brun Glacier and north-western face; liams descent by same route. Climb omitted from, 1928 report. 1928. Dec. 21 Mr. A. P. Harper (president, Fvfe's Pass .. 7,100 Landsboro' Ridge, up McKerrow's Glacier, N.Z. Alpine Club) (leader), over Karangarua Pass (5,800 ft.), and MissR. Harper,Mr. R.Lucas, , down Karangarua Ridge to Scott's farm. Mr. C. Turner Williams (without guides)

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List of High Ascents at Franz Josef Glacier, Season 1929-30.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —'Preparation, not given ; printing (640 copies), £15 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93o.

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Date. I Party and Guide. Name of Peak. ; Height. I Route and Remarks. I . i I L_ j 1929. Feet. April 5 C. R. Hayward, Ethel Hornby, Mount Roon .. 8,000 Ascent from Defiance Hut, traversing Mount Peggy Barr, Marie Munro ; (about) Moltke and ascending Roon by the western Guide, C. Jensen Mount Moltke .. 6,850 arHe from the Baumann Glacier; descent by same waj'. April 11 Daisy Mackie, G. C. Arras; Mount, Roon .. 8,000 Same route as above. Guide, F. Alack Mount Moltke .. 6,850 Nov. 8 G. Farrelly ; Guide, F. Alack • St. Mildred .. 7,800 Ascent by east arete, from Franz Josef Glacier ; descent by west face to Aimer Glacier. Oct. 21 F. Alack .. .. .. Mount Roon .. 8,000 From Aimer Hut to Graham's Saddle, Mount Moltke .. 6,850 j returning to Waiho by traversing over | Roon and Moltke to Defiance Hut on ski. Sept. 15 F. Alack, T. Sheeran . . From Aimer Hut, traverse across the Franz Josef Glacier basin, across Newton Pass, on to Fox Glacier, and down to Chancellor Ridge. (First traverse on ski.) ; 1930. •Ian. 12 Mrs. P. Graham; Guide, P. St. Mildred .. 7,800 Ascent and descent by west face from Aimer Graham Hut. Jan. 12 Dr. Bradshaw ; Guide, J. Fluety Mount Moltke .. 6,850 Ascent and descent by north-east arHe from Defiance HutJan. 13 Dr. Bradshaw; Guides, F. De la Beche .. 10,058 Traverse. Ascent from Aimer Hut to Alack, J. Fluety ! Graham's Saddle and thence south - west arete to top-? descent by east face to Malte Brun Hut. Jan. 15 Emily Paterson, Margaret Pater- St. Mildred .. 7,800 Traverse. From head of Franz Josef son, F. Dorothy Davies: Glacier; descent to head of Aimer Guide, M. Lysons Glacier, to the Aimer Hut. Jan. 30 W. D. Fraser, A. C. Snowden, I St. Mildred . . 7,800 From head of Franz Josef Glacier; descent F. Beven Brown, Duncan to head of Aimer Glacier, to Aimer Hut. Murdock ; Guide, F. Alack Jan. 31 Same party ; Guide, F. Alack Mount Drummond 8,200 Traverse. Same as above. Jan. 18 Miss M. Purcy, Mrs. P. Graham, Mount Moltke .. 6,850 Ascent and descent by north-east arete from Garland Graham, Hester Defiance Hut. Graham ; Guide, P. Graham Feb. 1. W. D. Fraser, A. C. Snowden, Minarets and De 10,022 Ascent from Aimer Hut to Graham's Saddle, Dr. F. Beven Brown, Dr. la Beche traversing across south-west face De la Duncan Murdock ; Guide, Beche to east side, and thence to top of F. Alack the Minarets, climbing De la Beche on return ; descent, same way. Feb. 3 J. Fluety, M. Lysons .. Minarets and De 10,022 Ascent from De la Beche bivouac to la Beche Graham's Saddle, thence by south-west arete to top of De la Beche, and thence to summit of the Minarets ; descent to Aimer Hut. Feb. 13 G. M. Jackson, P. S. Grant, Mount Drummond 8,200 Traverse. From head of Franz Josef P. C. Weenink ; Guide, F. St. Mildred .. 7,800 Glacier to top of Drummond, traversing Alack St. Mildred Peak, and return to Aimer Hut. Feb. 14 Same party ; Guide, F. Alack Mount Rudolf .. 9,039 Ascent was made up the ice face on east. side from Graham's Saddle. Feb. 19 Daisy Mackie, G. C. Arras; Mount Spencer .. 9,878 Ascent by north face from Franz Josef Guide, J. Fluety Glacier basin, from Aimer Hut. Feb. 19 Miss L. Roberts, Marion Scott, Mount Jarvois .. 8,679 Ascent and descent by north arSte from A. E. Stevenson, J. W. Franz Josef Glacier basin, from Aimer Hut. Mitchel; Guides, A. Graham, T. Sheeran Mar. 3 Daisy Mackie, G. C. Arras; Minarets .. 10,022 Ascent from Aimer Hut to Graham's Saddle, Guide, J. Fluety thence by south arete and east face of De la Beche to top ; descent by same way. Mar. 3 W. G. Blundell, G. W. Skyel- St. Mildred .. 7,800 Ascent and descent by west face from the leyss, C. J. Berryman; Aimer Hut. Guide, J. Cox Mar. 6 Christina Irving; Guide, F. Mount Drummond 8,200 j Ascent by east ridge ; descent by west face Alack j traverse. Mar. 28 Frances Roberts; Guide, J. ; Mount Jarvois .. 8,679 j Ascent and descent by noith arete from Fluety | Aimer Hut.