H.—2.

APPENDIX VII. TAUPO DOMAIN. The following is a report of the operations of the Taupo Domain Board for the year ending 31st December, 1908 : — The work undertaken during the year was the formation of a new footpath along the eastern side of the domain; attention to existing flower-beds and paths, also to bowling and tennis green; erecting a water-trough on roadside of domain and extending water-pipe thereto, with necessary laps. Owing to a landslip, the bath-house received considerable damage, which will necessitate extensive repairs. The roof will also require renewing, having deteriorated through the action of sulphur fumes. The amount standing to the Hoard's credit at the beginning of the year was £7 13s. -'id. The revenue received was £77 7s, (id. The expenditure totalled £29 ss. 9d., leaving a credit balance of £55 fss. Thomas Rtan, Chairman. APPENDIX VIII. EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. ■ New Plymouth, Ist May, 1909. Tin: past season has been a very successful one, the attendance of visitors showing an increase. Egmont (North) House. —The number of visitors to this house during the past year was about 2,150. During the year a change of caretakers has been made, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan taking up the duties of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, who resigned to take a position in New Plymouth. Bathrooms are now being erected at this house, which will be supplied with water from a concrete tank under course of construction. The stable erected last year has been in constant use, and has been highly appreciated. Arrangements have now been made to have the house connected with New Plymouth by telephone. The committee hope to provide a better-class accommodation ere long, a work that will be much appreciated by visitors. Dawson's Falls (South) House. —The attendance of visitors at this house shows a decided increase this season, the number being about 3,500, the accommodation being taxed to the utmost. An addition of six rooms has been made to the Tourist Cottage, which now provides accommodation for a limited number of tourists equal to any of its class in the Dominion. Application is now being made to have telephone connection with the house, a convenience which is very much wanted. The road to the house is in very good order, as are also the tracks in connection therewith. The buildings, &c, are all in a good state of repair and well cared for, and Mi', and Mrs. St. Clair are still in charge of this house, their capable and efficient management adding much to the popularity of the resort. Stratford (East) House. —This house, having been removed to a lower site on the mountain, opened under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Catenby at the commencement of the season, and, considering the state of the road giving access thereto, the number of visitors—3so—was very satisfactory. The Caretaker reports that visitors aie thoroughly satisfied with the accommodation provided. The committee hope to have the road graded next season, so that visitors will be able to drive right up to the house in all weathers. The bush country in the locality is very fine, and will well repay a visit. Rahatu (West) House. —The past season has been a fairly favourable one, the visitors numbering about 150. The committee intend to further improve the track and house. The majority of visitors went on to Bell's Falls, and speak very highly of the trip. The roads and tracks are under the care of the Roads Department, and the work done during the season is shown on the statement attached. Roads, Tkacks, etc. Stratford House to Egmont House. —3 miles 42 chains of rought bridle-track have been improved and maintained. Upper Egmont. —A further length of 17 chains has been metalled, and a new road made to gravel-pit on south side of the house; on it 6 chains of bushwork and 12J chains of dray-road formation have been done. On the whole, 4 miles 25 chains of dray-road have been maintained. Upper Pembroke. — This road is now open to site of house. The work comprises 7J chains engineering survey, 56 chains of -dray-road formation, 75 chains of bushwork, 80 lineal feet culverts, and 3IA chains ditching; besides the maintenance of 2 miles 71 chains of dray-road and 1 mile 19 chains of bridle-track. Egmont House to Hell's Falls. —On this, (i miles 35 chains of maintenance of rough bridletrack has been done, besides 5 lineal feet of culverts and li chains of ditching. It'ahotu House to Bell's Falls. — 60J chains of new bridle-track have been Formed and 5 miles chains of rough bridle-track maintained. Dawson's Falls.- Under special contract, let to J. Krieger, 40 chains of metalling have been done; 20 chains still remain to be done, but it is doubtful if it can be finished this season. 3 miles 50 chains of dray-road have been maintained. Dawson's Falls to Stratford House. — 1 mile 52 chains of bridle-track have been improved and maintained. Rotokare Domain Road (■£/ for £I). —This is a subside to Eltham County Council, but no work has been done. Frank Simpson, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing Q. 900 copies, including maps,, £17 Rs.

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