11

H,-2

ROTORUA.

The revenue received from all sources at this resort increased by the large sum of £3,026 7s. 6d., the actual figures being—l9o7-8, £9,651 12s. lid.; 1908-9, £12,678 os. sd. New Bath Buildings. —These were brought into use towards the end of the year, and have been largely patronised. That these baths are greatly appreciated is evident from the fact that although practically open for only half the year, and notwithstanding that all the old baths were also kept in use, the total bath receipts have increased by £612 14s. 9d. Sanatorium and Hospital Buildings. —An additional ward was added to the sanatorium during the year, but the pressure on the accommodation has been as great as before, and many patients have had to be refused admission owing to beds not being available. Mineral-water Supply. — The supply of " Priest " water from the new spring has proved most satisfactory, both as to quantity, quality, and temperature, and this spring will evidently suffice for all needs, however much we increase our bathing establishment. The sanatorium-grounds, comprising gardens, tennis and croquet lawns, and bowling-greens, have been maintained in excellent condition during the year. Tea-house. —The receipts amounted to £661 15s. 5d., a slight increase on the previous years' figures. Waimangu Bound Trip. —This trip continues to increase in favour. The receipts during the year were £2,839 os. 6d., being £1,007 18s. 9d. more than during the previous year. The receipts at the Waimangu Accommodation-house were £190 195., an increase of £40 on the previous year's figures. Whakarewarewa. —A new Spout Bath has been built, at a cost of £1,200, providing four spout or douche—one large plunge—and three private baths, with necessary dressing-rooms and conveniences. These supply a want that has been very marked since the old baths fell into decay. Waikiti, Pohutu, Kereru, and Papakura Geysers continue to play regularly, but Wairoa Geyser has been quiescent for some time. The model pa is steadily progressing, many of the buildings having been completed, and others are well in hand, and it is hoped that when completed Maoris skilled in the ancient crafts of carving, weaving, plaiting, &c, will be induced to live there and carry on these avocations, thus preserving these old-time industries from the extinction which at present threatens them. Electric Light. —The electric-light system has worked very successfully during the year, the plant being operated up to its maximum load, while there was an entire absence of serious breakdowns; 96,000 units were used by private consumers and for street-lighting, and in connection with baths and public buildings. Valuing the current supplied for public purposes at 3Jjd. per unit, the plant has, after providing for working costs, earned per cent, on the capital cost. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand, another wing dam was thrown out at the intake flume at Okere, whereby the capacity of the existing turbines were increased from 95 to 105 kilowatts, and new plant has been ordered by which the capacity of the present works will be increased to 150 kilowatts. Orders for the full amount of current obtainable after installation of the new machinery are already in hand, so that the question of a further extension of the plant will require consideration in the near future. Up to February last the Government has been supplying public lighting for the Town of Rotorua without charge. It was then considered that the time had arrived when the town was in a position to contribute to the cost of this service, and it was therefore decided to make a charge of £157 10s. per annum, which is a very moderate one for the amount of current consumed. Drainage System. —There are now 190 premises connected with the sewers, and an additional 122 are within reach, and will be connected as opportunity offers. The connections already made have effected a marked improvement in the health and comfort of the town and its popularity amongst visitors. Water-supply. —Twenty-nine new consumers were connected during the year, making a total of 255. Valuing the 56,000,000 gallons of water used for public purposes during the year at 6d. per 1,000 gallons, and after providing for working-costs, the water-supply system has earned 7| per cent, on the capital cost. Gardens. —The Rotorua Public Gardens are now probably as fine and attractive as any south of the Line, but I regret to have to say that comparatively little attention has been paid in the past to the cultivation of native trees and shrubs. A nursery has now been established to which 899 native trees, of thirty-five varieties, have been transplanted from the bush, and about 95 per cent, of which have struck and will be available for planting during the current year. This work will make the gardens and parks of much greater interest to visitors. Train Service between Wellington and Rotorua. Under the present time-table passengers travelling from Wellington to Rotorua have to wait at Frankton Junction from 3.38 a.m. till 1.30 p.m., and when travelling in the reverse direction the wait at the junction is from 1.27 p.m. until 12.27 a.m. on the following day. Apart from the fact of the loss of several hours on the trip, the times of arrival at the junction on the up journey and the departure on the down journey are most inconvenient for travellers, and strong complaints are being received from tourists travelling to or from Rotorua of the absence of a better connection with the Main Trunk express trains. I think the question of providing a train for Rotorua, to leave Frankton Junction shortly after arrival of the up-express, is one that merits consideration, if it be desired to stimulate the traffic to Rotorua. A light passenger-train could leave Frankton immediately after arrival of the upexpress, and return with passengers in time to connect with the down-express the same day. Tourists travelling between Auckland and Rotorua do not need to use the Main Trunk line trains, as they are specially catered for by a good service.