18

H.—2

Te Aroha.

During the past year considerable improvements have been made in the bathing establishment, and this is now in a very satisfactory condition. . Owing to the limited supply of hot mineral water and the scattered nature of the springs, the water in several of the baths was habitually so cold that they had fallen into practical disuse. Improperly insulating the supply-pipes, and by minimising the loss of heat from the baths the difficulty has been almost entirely overcome, and they can now always be kept at the desired tempera'To complete the equipment of this spa, I would advise the erection of—(1) a vapour bath and inhalation-room over the tunnel spring; (2) a room for dry massage and electrical treatment; CA) a tea-house, on the model of the one at Rotorua, but including a pump-room for the supply of mineral drinking water ; (4) a band to play in the grounds during the daytime throughout the season. These are all improvements which, while not urgent, could be added with advantage from time to time. , . , . Owing to the limited supply of water, I think it would be extremely unwise to attempt anything in the nature of douche massage. Hanmer. Very great improvement is noticeable at Hanmer, both at the Spa itself and at the bathingestablishments. A scheme of improvements was drawn up last year and although much of the scheme has still to be carried out, yet much has been done, and the whole place shows unmistakable signs of energetic and capable management. The principal suggestions that I have to make are(l) There is need of further amusements for the visitors, especially bearing m mind the isolated situation of the place: a band of even two or three performers playing in the gardens morning and afternoon during the season would do much to dispel the ennui which visitors, who are thrown so much on their own resources, may feel. (2.) Certain improvements, which I am specifng more fully in a separate report, might be carried out at the massage-rooms (3.) I would substitute a natural vapour bath over a spring for the present artificial vapour bath.

APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. s Te Aroha Hot Springs, 27th May, 1905. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. The following is a summary of the revenue tor the year : £ s d Bath fees ... ■•• •■■ ••• ■•• '„„_ q g Out-patient's fees ... •■■ •■• ■•■ ' _ „ „ Player's fees ... ■ ■•■ ■■•• ■ 630 Library fees ... ••■ ••■ 42 15 8 Towel-hire fees •■ ••■ ■•• • • ■ -ike »«•• ii ■ •■ ol 5 b Miscellaneous ... ■•• •■• ••■ ■■■ Total ... ... ••■ - • £1 ' 542U 7 Number of baths taken — 328 p"™* 6 " ::: u',531 Public .. ••• ■■• ••■ -Qg Free ... ••• ••• ••• ■■■ Total ... - - • 38 ' 975 No accurate comparison can be made between these figures and those of theJ re ™ as during the year just closed there was a complete rearrangement of all he bath tol, and laylS fCVostly'in the direction of reduction ™ I ££^' W » ** JS&2S pronounc/d but for t£faot that dtingTe Pring and early summer of 1905 we experienced a prolonged spell of phenomenX cohl wet weather g which materially lessened the number of visitors who come to Te Aroha for health and plea u su t re ioged ■ r rf improvements undertaken bath in Te Aroha-viz Is. recommended the removal from the present posiIn my report of 1903, and again in i w* i x would int Qut tion, and the re-formation of douche baths *»*"»» Z douche for the proper treatment of the that many ailments, especially joint the y were deriving most benefit case. We have had several such cases at Te Aroha, ana just wneu *,