8

H.-2

In order to obtain a greater supply of Rachel water, the spring was successfully tapped at a lower level and the supply-main lowered. This was a very difficult work, and was successfullycarried out by the Engineer, Mr. White. For the better protection of the buildings from fire, 500 ft. of canvas hose has been procured. Cold-water Swimming-bath. A cold-water swimming-bath would be a desirable acquisition to Rotorua. There is an excellent spot in the lake at Picnic Point for this purpose. A fine bath could be provided there at very little expense, which could be used for swimming competitions and other aquatic sports. New Bath Building. Tenders for the first part of the new bath buildings are now about to be called. A good deal of unavoidable delay has occurred in revising the plans and specifications for these buildings. The work is of an exceptional character, and consequently a great deal of inquiry regarding most Suitable material has been necessary. Tea-house. The tea-house is a very popular resort, and has been much used by ordinary visitors to the ground and by those making use of tennis and bowls and croquet. The receipts amounted to £458 14s. 7d., as compared with £295 14s. 3d. for the previous year, which was, however, for eight months only. Gardens. No further extension of the grounds has been undertaken. The present gardens and parks should meet all the requirements of Rotorua for some years. The shrubs and native trees that were planted in the Queen's Drive borders are growing satisfactorily, thus making this fine drive a popular promenade. A number of tree-ferns have been well established in protected portions of the grounds, and are making good progress. The increasing demand for playing-greens will necessitate extra areas being taken for bowling. An asphalt tennis-court has been laid down during the year to provide necessary extra playingspace, and also to provide amusement for winter visitors A pavilion for the shelter of bowlers and tennis-players and the accommodation of material is a very urgent necessity. The experiment of providing music in the grounds during the day was tried, and proved a great success. The grounds were much enlivened, and those visitors who are unable to move about sight-seeing received much pleasure from the playing of the orchestra. Pukeroa, Kuirau, and Hamuana Reserves. The Kuirau Reserve fence will require rewiring in places, and the tracks in the reserves clearing. A small amount was spent on this and the Pukeroa Reserve for maintenance. In the last-mentioned reserve golf-links were laid during the year. These can only be regarded as temporary : more extensive links of a better class are very much required. At Hamurana it will be necessary to have some fencing done, as stray cattle are reported to be destroying the native bush, which is such an attraction at this popular reserve. Wharf, Hamurana A new wharf, 239 ft. long, has been built by the Department at Hamurana, the old structure having collapsed during the early part of the season. Rotorua Wharf. Plans, &c, have been prepared by the Roads Department for the extension and improvement of the wharf at'Rotorua. The present structure is entirely inadequate for requirements. Electrical Works. The generator plant at Okere is practically in the same condition as it was last year. As the plant has been for some time fully loaded, no increase in the amount of lighting has been possible. To meet the demand for more light, preparations are being made to strengthen the main-line equipment and duplicate the wires from Okere to Rotorua. This will provide for an increased output of about four hundred 8-candle-power lamps, and temporarily meet present requirements. Further additions to the generator plant should be put in hand at an early date. In case of a breakdown in the present generator plant the position would be serious, owing to there being no spare set to provide current during repairs. I hope to be able to submit a comprehensive report at an early date. The receipts for electric-lighting during the year amounted to £1,138 13s. 7d., an increase of £105 13s. 9d. over the previous year. Water-supply. The usual repairs to water-race, tunnel, and settling-tank were carried out. The water rates for the year amounted to £344 7s. 6d., compared with £236 in 1903-4, and £132 12s. 6d. in 1902-3. The inadequate supply of water during the dry season emphasized the need for putting in hand the new scheme which the Public Works Department are about to carry out. Drainage. The Public Works Department are completing the drainage system, and it is hoped that this great improvement to the town will be in use at an early date.