4

H.—2

In view of the rapid growth of the tourist traffic the following statement made by the Sur-veyor-General, then Mr. S. Percy Smith, in his annual report, dated the 23rd June 1900, is of special interest. At the time these remarks were made the tourist and health resorts ot the colonywere under the control of that officer: — "The thermal springs, the property of the colony, are very numerous, and trom year to year are attracting an ever-increasing stream of visitors. It is, perhaps, scarcely appreciated by the public generally what this stream of tourists that every year visits the colony to see our scenery and natural wonders means to the people of the colony. Estimates made by people who have opportunities of gauging its volume make the sum annually spent in hew Zealand by these people over £1007000 in hard cash, besides the indirect contributions to the Customs revenue We are in the very early stages of this traffic; its future proportions no one can foresee, but it is not at all rash to predict that, ere the first half of the twentieth century shall have passed, our annual visitors will equal in number the present population of New Zealand. The growth during the five years since the above report was published goes to show that the former Surveyor-General's prediction is likely to be fulfilled. It will be noted that the estimated amount of money expended by tourists in the colony was then over £100,000; at present this amount is estimated at over £299,000, showing nearly 200 per cent, increase in five years The following official figures showing the number of baths taken and revenue received at Hanmer and Rotorua during the last ten years are equally impressive, and show pretty clearly what financial assistance the colony is receiving and may expect to receive from the traffic in the future: — ■

Agencies. The work of the agencies is becoming greater year by year as they become better known. For the year 1904-5 the inquiries at these agencies numbered 35,710, as against 21,044 for the previous year Both our own people and the oversea visitors find these agencies, which are kept fully posted concerning travel-conditions throughout the colony, of great use when preparing their tours. Advertising. The advertising arrangements have been further extended during the year, with the result that it has been possible to give a good deal more publicity to the colony's attractions in America, Great Britain, Australia, &c, than formerly. Owing to the very limited sum at the disposal of the Department for this purpose it is not possible to enter upon anything like a comprehensive scheme However, lam fully persuaded that the colony is getting very excellent value tor the present outlay in this directioV In adition to the ordinary advertising, a large numoer of wellillustrated articles have appeared in a variety of illustrated newspapers and magazines. I rom letters received it is evident that such articles come widely under notice, and attract considerable attention For advertising purposes of various kinds and for lecturing 10,751 photographs and 1,165 lantern-slides have been sent out. The receipts for sales of photos and lantern-slides amOU Tio to rCTiL 2 d l issues of the Department's "Itinerary of Travel" were published during the season totalling 1.6,000 copies, which have been distributed in New Zealand and abroad, the demand for this useful pamphlet increases year by year. Pamphlets from the pen of Dr. Wohlmann, entitled " The Mineral Waters and Health Resorts of New Zealand" have beer, issued spearately for Te Aroha, Rotorua and Hanmer These publications being comprehensive guides to the health resorts mentioned fil a much-fe t want, lar K e numbers of them having already been circulated With some aditional notes on the other resorts these pamphlets will later be published in one volume, and distributed widely amongst the medical profession, &c, abroad. . , •...' A number of useful maps for travellers have also been issued for he following districts: Thermal District, Marlborough Sounds, West Coast Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Te Anau - Milford Track and °eneral maps of Southern Lakes and Sounds. ~,'.. , General Guides to the Southern Lakes and Sounds and to the Southern Alps will be issued shortly together with a pamphlet on sport, &c. ~.••. , • , The correspondence carried on by the Department with inquirers abroad is becoming more varied and extensive, the information asked for requiring at times considerable research and compilation Including official memoranda, 22,256 letters were received and despatched during the year The correspondence entailed by the Scenery Preservation Commission has very considerably added to the work of the Head Office. Colonial and Indian Exhibition, Crystal Palace. It having been decided to send a sport and scenic exhibit to this Exhibition in addition to ~ : n H,,Btrial matter this Department sent the following: Specimens of mounted trout, six oi tintogs of scenery, forty-three photographic enlargements of scenery and deer-heads, several paintings oi . , ' itineraries of Travel, and illustrated newspapers for distribution. th °Thfs attrttinroonsTdtable attention. The advertisement gained hereby and from the St Louis Exhibition should result in the tourist traffic being largely increased during the next season.

Rotorua. Hanmer. Number of Baths. Revenue. Number of Baths. Revenue. 1896 1900 1904-5 28,906 51,507 97,611 £ s. 502 17 914 14 2,764 9 d. 0 0 5 7,781 14,065 25,132 £ s. 240 4 457 17 837 2 d. 8 4 4