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1925. NEW ZEALAND.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD.

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

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist August, 1925. I have the honour to submit to you the report of the Tongariro National Park Board, covering its operations up to the 31st March last. I have, &c., J. B. Thompson, Chairman, Tongariro National Park Board. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands.

REPORT. In submitting the third annual report of the Tongariro National Park Board it is pleasing to be able to refer to the rapidly expanding interest taken by the public of New Zealand in the administration and development of this park. The letters received from various citizens, together with published statements and Press comments, furnish abundant proof of the awakening of the people to an appreciation of this wonderful region. Whilst appreciating at all times useful suggestions in connection with the development of the park, it is desirable that a warning note should be sounded against ill-considered or partisan criticism based upon a misunderstanding of the Board's policy or lack of knowledge of the local conditions prevailing. The controlling Board is composed of men who are capable of viewing the problems from every avenue of thought, who are giving their time and services in an honorary capacity, and who are fully alive to the importance of careful and prudent administration of the trust which has been placed in their hands to develop and safeguard 011 behalf of the public. That the Board fully realizes its responsibilities to the public of New Zealand there need be no fear, and a policy moulded on reasonable and safe lines will be vigorously prosecuted. Accommodation and Visitors. —At Whakapapa there are three huts with fireplaces, providing bunk accommodation for forty-six persons, and there are also a number of tents for use of people who cannot be provided for in the buildings. Two bathhouses fitted with porcelain baths and wash-basins have now been erected, where hot and cold baths can be obtained as required. These huts are connected by telephone with Waimarino. The Waihohonu Hut, on the eastern side of the Nga-Puna-a-Tama saddle, is a two-roomed building with a fireplace, and has accommodation for twelve persons. At Mangatepopo there are two huts with twenty bunks, but as there is no firewood in the locality Primus stoves have been provided in lieu of fireplaces. The Ohakune Hut is a three-roomed building, situated at the head of the Ohakune Track, 4,620 ft. above sea-level. This hut will accommodate twenty-two persons. There is also a small hut at Ketetahi. During the year seven hundred persons visited the park. Hostel.—The selection of the most suitable site for the proposed hostel is proving a difficult question, as the members of the Board are somewhat divided on the subject. At the February meeting it was decided to investigate the possibilities of a suitable site between the Haunted Whare and Whakapapa, and a report by the Government Architect is now under consideration in this connection. When the location of the site has been definitely settled the design and size of the building can be more closely gone into, and a decision can then be reached as to whether the Board will proceed with the