4

E.-'A

The bowling-greens were in very good order throughout the year, and the grass tenniscourts were in good average condition. In order to improve the grass tennis-courts, which are in constant use during the season, soil is being obtained from near Auckland for top-dressing, and, although this is an expensive method of improvement, it will have to be continued for several seasons before any considerable improvement will result, as only very light dressings can be given each year. During the year the officer acting as Government Tourist Agent at Rotorua was transferred to the Department's Sydney office, and the position vacated was amalgamated with that of Resident Officer. The duties of the combined position have been performed by (he latter officer from the Bth December, 1913. Te Aroha. The total revenue received amounted to £1,339, as against £1,.j1'8 lor the year ending 1913. The shrinkage is principally in bath fees, players' fees, and tea-house receipts, and is no doubt due to the causes mentioned earlier in my report. The general work of the whole institution, baths, domains, &c, has been carried mi as usual with perfectly satisfactory results. Helensville. Though the hot springs in this district are not under the control of the Department it has a great interest in them. The springs are of very μ-rcat medicinal value, and fhe local body (under whose control they are) has every reason to be pleased with the patronage extended by the people of Auckland and the surrounding district. A scheme of proper development is now engaging the attention of the Department, and the Balneologist (Dr. Wbhlmann) has made an exhaustive report on the best method of adequately utilizing the springs. Waitomo (.'avks. The Waitomo and other caves in the vicinity have been well patronized, showing a total revenue of £3,775, against £2,871 for 1913, an increase of £904. These caves were particularly well patronized at Christinas and New Year, am! greal difficulty was experienced in meeting the demands for accommodation. During the year the Bangatiki—Waitomo Road was considerably improved, and this will, no doubt, increase fche number of visitors during the winter months, as formerly the house was practically inaccessible in winter-time owing t:> the had state of the road. The exceptional influx of visitors was met by the erection of a number of commodious tents', which answered satisfactorily; but the necessity of further extending the present accommodation is becoming very urgent. Te Puia Hot Sprinos. An officer was sent to report on these springs, and as a result of his recommendations the Department will probably proceed at an early date with the erection of a new bath-house. 'Morere. The traffic to Morere has largely increased, and the erection by the Department of a new bath-house has been justified. The proprietor of the hotel at this resort has recently added an additional twenty-two rooms to his establishment to meet the growing traffic. Waikaremoana. The accommodation-house at this scenic resort is satisfactorily conducted by the lessees. The fishing and shooting are reported to be up to the usual standard. The preservation of the native bush on the shores of the lake is a matter that will probably engage the attention of the Government at an early date. Nelson and Westland. The traffic over the popular route Nelson to Westland and across to Christchurch either by way of the Otira Gorge or by the Copland I , ass to the Hermitage has been very considerable, and these most interesting tripe, whi«rh can be broken by a pleasant stay in the Nelson district, are growing in popularity. The Nelson Advancement Society, Formed on the lines of thai in Dunedin, has done good work in bringing the attractions of the district before the public, ami its work should be the means of a largely increased traffic in the future. Hanmer Springs. The receipts total £2,088, as against £2,299 for the previous year, a decrease of £211. The latter portion of the season has, however, been a particularly busy one, and during the year 267 patients were admitted to the institution —mainly rheumatic and nervous cases—which under the mineral-water, electric, and massage treatment have derived great benefit. The hot mineral water-supply has proved excellent, and the new hot swimming-pool a great attraction. The condition of the gardens and plantations has been very good, and many striking changes and improvements have been made. All the buildings have been kept in order, and the various playing-greens have received careful attention. Hermitage, Mount Cook. The receipts for visitors for board, residence, guiding, <fee, amounted to £2,853, against £2,676 for the previous year, an increase of .£177. Of the 539 visitors during the season, 173 came from oversea, an indication of the growing popularity of the Dominion's alpine attractions to those in other countries. During the year the Public Works Department handed over the new hostel, and full use was made of it during the last three months. Though the new building is a very commodious one, containing fifty bedrooms, and capable of accommodating, at a pinch, a large number of it will be, in my opinion, in a very short while far too small for the requirements of the traffic Nearly every visitor to the district goes away so impressed with its manifold beauties and attrac-