H.-2.

Trout Fry. August 17, Puarenga Stream ... ... ... ... 50,000 „ 22, Pokaiwhenua Stream ... ... ... 50,000 25, Opuria Lake ... ... ... ... 50,000 25, Okara Lake ... ... ... ... 50,000 „ 25, Tutaeinganga Lake ... ... ... 50.000 26, Wanganui River ... ... ... 100,000 September 4, Ongaruhe ... ... ... ... 100,000 9, Waikato River (Atiamuri) ... ... ... 60,000 11, Tauranga (Mr. Southey) ... ... ... 50,000 „ 11, Mangorewa (Mr. Ashworth) ... ... ... , 25,000 14, Rangitaika River (Te Teko) ... ... ... 50,000 14, Waimana River ... ... ... ... 100,000 14, Whakatane River ... ... ... ... 150,000 23, Mokai (Mr. Riddell) ... ... ... 75,000 October 15, Taringamutu Scream ... ... ... 100,000 „ 15, Rangitaiki River at Galatea ... ... ... 100,000 Total ... ... ... ... 1,160,000 A careful watch was kept during the season on the conditions of diseases of the fish in the lakes, and there is a slight improvement noticeable. The fish were, as is usual, not in very good condition in the beginning of the season, but from January onwards a large number of catches of trout of excellent quality were taken from the lakes. In order to supply additional trout-food, six cans, containing approximately 250,000 fresh water shrimps, were brought up from the Waikato River at Mercer, and liberated among the weed in the shallow portions of the south-east and south-west shores of the lake. It is anticipated thatthese will breed prolifically, and will replace to a large extent the diminshing koura. Red Deer (Gervus elaphus). No further liberations of deer have taken place during the year, but several reports have been received of those presented by Mr. Chirnside and liberated on the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti last year, and apparently the herd is increasing. Pheasants (Phasianus torquatus). Pheasast-shooting has proved satisfactory this season. The bags were not large, but good sport is available for those who are prepared to cover a fair amount of country. Quail. Quail are abundant, and give good sport for the gun in the district. Destruction op Shags. The payment of Is. per head for shags has resulted in the destruction of 1,193 shags during the year. In addition to this, the frequent shooting has driven back the birds to the sea-coast, which is perhaps more important than the actual number destroyed. Birds despatched. Tl*e following consignment of birds have been sent away from the aviary in the Rotorua Gardens during the year: —May, 1908: 3 pairs of grey ducks for Milton Poultry Station. February, 1909: 2 pairs white mallard ducks, 4 mallard drakes, 2 mallard ducks, 2 pairs grey ducks, for Queenstown Park. Active and valuable assistance and co-operation has been received during the year from the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club. I have, <fee, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, A.M.I.C.E.', Engineer in Charge. APPENDIX VI. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. Sir, — Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Te Aroha Hot Springs, 21st April, 1909. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year endin<r 31st March, 1909. Although in two cases you will notice a decrease in revenue, all the other items show a marked increase, which may be looked upon, I think, as very satisfactory, and as indicating a steady increase of business, and thereby the fact that Te Aroha is j-ear by year coining more into public favour.

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