H.—2

4

Acclimatization . The trout-fishing generally in the Rotorua Acclimatization District has been good, and, although the average size of the fish has decreased somewhat, they are in much better condition. The average weights for the three principal lakes are : Rotorua, 2 lb.; Tarawera, 6 lb.; and Taupo, 5 lb. The general level of the lakes has been lower this year than formerly, and consequently fly-fishers have been better able to fish the streams. The supply, distribution, and liberation of trout-fry in this district has been carried out by the local officers of the Department of Internal Affairs. These have been distributed as follows : Te Wliaiti, 40,000 ; Ruatahuna, 20,000 ; Taumarunui, 50,000 ; Te Teko, 50,000 ; Galatea, 50,000 ; Tahanatara, 145,000 : total, 355,000. Eighty thousand fry were also liberated in Tauranga and 15,000 in To Puke districts. Both these districts are adjacent to the Rotorua Acclimatization District, and some of the streams are common to all three. Shooting. During the deer-shooting season several good heads were secured. The following statistics show actual results, viz. : Rotorua--Whakatane Counties, sixteen licenses issued, thirteen heads secured, ranging from ten to sixteen points ; Mahia Peninsula, one license issued, two heads secured ; Waikaremoana, six licenses issued, seven heads secured : making a total of twenty-two heads secured by twenty-three stalker's. During the y r ear eight young red deer were received from the game-farm at Paraparaumu, and these were distributed as follows : Mahia Peninsula, 1 stag ; Taumarunui, 1 stag and 1 hind ; Rotoiti, 2 hinds ; Okoreka, 1 stag and 1 hind ; Tokaanu, 1 stag. Some Satnbur deer (or Ceylon elk), comprising five hinds and one stag, were captured in the Foxton district, and liberated in the Rerewhakaitu district, where the principal landowners have undertaken to afford the deer reasonable protection. The shooting season for native and imported game was fairly successful, quail particularly being very plentiful. Nineteen cock and twenty-five hen pheasants were received from the Paraparaumu Gamefarm, and fourteen birds have been distributed in different parts of the district. The balance are at present in the pheasantry in the Government gardens, together with ten young birds which have been hatched and reared there. The district has been well ranged, with the exception of some outlying portions. Proceedings for breaches of the law were taken against twenty-six persons. Fines were inflicted amounting to £27, with costs £14. Several cases were dismissed on technical points, and the vigilance of the Ranger has had the effect of appreciably lessening the operations of the illegal, and putting matters on a more satisfactory footing for the genuine, sportsman. The new launch which has been built locally for the Ranger's use was put into the water in January, and has proved very efficient for ranging the lakes, and will be very useful for other departmental purposes. Te Aroha. Te Aroha does not seem to have suffered in popularity, despite the present adverse conditions, the revenue received from the resort being only £24 less than last year—£l,3l.6, against £1,340. The bath fees have decreased, but the playing-ground fees have considerably increased. No new bath-buildings were erected, but inprovements effected in the existing buildings, and a douche apparatus erected in the Cadman Bath-building on the lines of those in Rotorua. Various small improvements were made, and the buildings, gardens, and playing-greens kept in first-class order. Waitomo Caves. The Waitomo Caves revenue is a little less than last year, being £3,503, against £3,775 for last year. The last [few months of the financial year showed a considerable falling-off. The contemplated additions to the hostel were held in abeyance, though many minor improvements in and around the house were put in hand by the Manager and staff. Te Puia Hot Springs. Plans have been prepared of an up-to-date bath-building to replace the present structures, and, the necessary authority having been obtained from Cabinet, tenders are now being called for the erection of the building. Morere. Instructions have been given for the fencing of the valuable bush reserve to protect it from the encroachment of cattle, and also for the destruction of blackberries and other noxious weeds on the reserve. Waikaremoana. This resort has been well patronized during the year, and the house satisfactorily conducted by the lessees. The time has arrived for an extension to the present building and for improved drainage and lighting. Plans have been prepared by the Public Works Department providing for additions to the buildings and for a system of drainage to a septic tank. The question of going on with these alterations is at present under consideration. Hanmkr Springs. The business at Hanmer Springs has been largely affected by the fire which destroyed the sanatorium. The receipts have been £1,574, compared with £2,088 of last year. Arrangements were made