U.—2

1920. NEW ZEAI. A N D.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. NOSWORTHY.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Rehorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. • Nlv [jOHD,— Wellington, 27th July, 1920. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ended 31st March, 1920. I have, &c, W. Noswobtht, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Annual Report ok the General Manager ok Tourist and Health Resorts. Silt.-- Wellington, 18th July, 1920. T have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1920. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. I reported last year that (he direct revenue for the year ending the 31st March, 1919, was the highest in the history of the Department —viz., £33,689 —and I am pleased to report that this year these figures have been considerably exceeded, as the returns give a total of ,£42,218, an increase of ,£8,5.29. This advance may fairly be taken as marking a growth in popularity of our scenic resorts as they become better known in Australia, America, and Europe, and it is safe to look forward with confidence to a considerable advance on the figures for the coming season. The most important fixture in which the services of the Department were availed of was the return visit of H.M.S. " New Zealand " with Admiral Viscount Jellicoe. The whole of the official arrangements in connection with his visit to Rotorua, and his tour of the South Island, and the visits of officers on visits of inspection to I lie West, Coast and other places were carried out by officers of this Department. There has been a decided increase in. the number of visitors from Australia, and for the first time for many seasons there has been no untoward happenings to retard visitors from crossing to New Zealand. Naturally in past seasons the war, the epidemic, and other events have made themselves felt on the tourist traffic. During the past season a great deal of advertising lias been done by way of sending lantern-slides to be used in lecturing-tours in Amercia and England. Among those using them largely in Amercia are Miss M. L. Clemens, Miss Bloomfield, Mr. C. H. Poole, and others. The