H.—2

5

after the fire to lease two houses in a suitable position for the purpose of a sanatorium, and the establishment has been kept going, though under great disadvantages to the staff. As the whole of the furniture in the old building was totally destroyed in the fire, a considerable expenditure has been necessary to equip the temporary premises, but the furniture has been bought with a strict idea of its suitability for the new sanatorium. The plans of this are now in the hands of the Public. Works Department, and will provide for a sanatorium on the most up-to-date lines possible. Hermitage, Mount Cook. The returns for this resort are very satisfactory. The erection of the new building (of which a photo is shown in the report) has had a very stimulating effect on the traffic. As I predicted in my last report, even the new building has at times been sorely taxed to find accommodation for the number of visitors, and the question of preparing plans to provide for an annexe to an extension of the hostel is now before the Public Works Department. The question must be faced sooner or later, and lam certain that the traffic to the alpine regions is now only in its infancy. Many improvements have been and are being effected which will add to the convenience of visitors and the attractions of the district. Chief among these was the erection of a convenient hut on the Mueller Glacier. This work, of the most arduous nature, was carried out entirely and in a most satisfactory manner by the members of the guiding staff. The hut commands a most comprehensive view of the whole glacier and surrounding peaks, and forms a base from which sixteen to eighteen fine ascents can be made, and also is the site of a splendid ski-ing ground. A Norwegian gentleman who visited the hut considered the runs up the Mueller and head of the Tasman were equal to the best in Norway. Had it not been for the unusual circumstances, a programme of winter sports would have been inaugurated at the Hermitage and Mueller this season. A high bivouac has also been erected at the Aimer Hocks, at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier in Westland, and will be a great convenience and help to people crossing from the West Coast by way of Graham's Saddle. A number have already done this striking trip, returning to the Hermitage by way of the Copland Pass, and a largely increased number is looked for next season. The hut at Welcome Flat (Copland Track) has also been fully equipped with bedding, cooking utensils, and other necessary articles. 'fhe guiding staff at the Hermitage has had a very strenuous season, and the work performed has been admirably carried out under great disadvantages. The guides (W. Brass and R. Young) who were filling the places of those lost in last season's fatality (D. Thomson and J. Richmond) both volunteered for service at the front, and one of them (Corporal William Brass) fell in action at the Dardanelles. Mr. Brass was one of the most promising and popular guides in the district. Dining the season the Chief Guide (Mr. Graham), who was recovering from a severe illness contracted in the course of his duty, and was therefore not able to do much high climbing, was ably assisted by Mr. C. Kain, Chief Guide of the Canadian Alpine Club, and a substantia] record of climbs was made. Following is a list compiled by the Chief Guide :—

List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1914-15.

Date. Name of Peaks. Height. Climbed by Name of Guides. Remarks. ' | June 21 September 23 November 8 Dei-ember 23 28 Ft. Sealey .. .. ; 8,ti51 Elic de Beaumont. .. 10,200 Footstool .. .. , 9,073 Unnamed peak .. j 7,000 Sealey F. Milne and R. Young .. C. Kain and F. Milne 0. Kain and R. Young Mr. Sutten Turner Messrs. E. P. Lee, M.P., and Seannalland Walton Messrs. Slowman,Maughan, and Rov. Mr. Fisher Messrs. Lee and Walton .. Messrs. Slowman, Maughan, and Rev. Mr. Fisher Miss Lorimerand Mr. Wright Rev. Mr. Fisher.. F. Wright I First asoenl. First ascent. ! C. Kain. 29 Unnamed pnak on Sealey 8,200 Range Footstool .. .. • »J • ■ First- asoent. January 1 2 12 19 28 Mount Sealey .. .. j Mount, Mabel Mount Maunga Ma .. j 8,335 P. Graham. C. Kain. Also Eagle Peak. 8,500 ft. First ascent, made on same clay as St. D a v i d's Dome. February 3 Mount Beattie .. .. 9,000 Messrs. Hugh Chambers and F. Wright 3 5 St. David's Dome .. 10,443 Mount Sealey .. .. Ditto Professor Robinson and Mrs. Robinson Mrs. J. Thomson Without guide. 56 Unnamed peak on Mount' , 8,000 Saaley Unnamed peak on Mount I 8,287 Darby Mount Munga Ma Mount Walter .. .. 9,507 C. Kain. Messrs. Wright and Robert- ,. .) Mount Darwin .. 9,715 Aiguille Range. . .. 9,731 son Ditto Professor Robinson and Mrs. Robinson Professor Robinson and H. Chambers and Wright Ditto .. Professor Robinson H. Chambers and Miss IS. Holdsworth 11 12 Coronet Peak .. .. 8,265 Mount Meeson .. 8,704 Footstool .. .. 9,073 Munga Ma .. .. 8,335 F. Milne. C. Kain.