GL —7

A water-supply has been installed in both villages, but no sewerage system exists ; it is admittedly a difficult matter to install up-to-date systems, owing to the nature of the ground and the thermal activity, and successive controlling authorities have been unable to find a solution. At Ohinemutu the disposal of nightsoil has been carried out on the dry-pan system, but at Wliakarewarewa there is no system at all beyond the provision, in some cases, of earth-closets. Some time ago a communal closet was built on the opposite side of the river, but it does not appear to have been successful, owing to its distance from the village. The dry-pan system would be difficult in Whakarewarewa owing to the distance that the nightsoil would have to be carried from the dwellings to the collecting-vehicle, which would have to stand on the Rorotua side of the bridge, as the ground in the village is unsafe for the passage of heavy vehicles. At both villages a regular bi-weekly collection of refuse is in operation, but it is not altogether effective, as deposits of rubbish were frequently noted, and this although there is a caretaker in charge. Apparently the powers of the Borough Council are insufficient to insist upon a strict observance of the laws of cleanliness. Electricity is available in both villages, and many of the buildings are lighted, and street-lamps occur at intervals. Owing to the peculiar scenic attractions of this district these villages are visited annually by thousands of visitors from all parts of the world, and the fact that they are the homes of portion of the Native race gives them an added attraction. Apart from the health of the inhabitants, which is of prime importance, it should be a matter of concern to the people of New Zealand, both European and Maori, that the appearance of these villages should be such that the visitor leaves the country with a good impression of the villages and their inhabitants ; whereas we fear that the reverse must often be the case when one views the unsightly structures, more particularly at the approaches to both Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu. Hygiene and Sanitation. This we consider is a matter of extreme importance, and should receive immediate attention. As hereinbefore mentioned, a dry-pan system for nightsoil is carried out by the Borough Council in Ohinemutu, but in Whakarewarewa the conditions are so bad that some remedy should be applied as early as possible. There is sufficient fall from Whakarewarewa to the lake to allow of a gravity flushing system, but owing to the treacherous nature of the ground it is doubtful whether such a system would be reliable. Suggestions were offered by some witnesses that small group systems with separate septic tanks could be arranged (in 1908 the Engineer in Charge, Tourist Department, recommended such a scheme), and we think this method might be practicable ; but it is almost impossible to lay out such a scheme, or give an approximate estimate of the cost, without a detail survey of the locality, showing all buildings and structures and the position of the steam-holes and bad ground. We would therefore recommend that such a survey be made at once, and at the same time a survey of Ohinemutu on similar lines be made to ascertain the cost -of such schemes. With regard to the refuse, we would recommend more stringent supervision and frequent inspection by borough officials in company with the Village Committee in each village. The sight of rubbish of all sorts dumped in holes and round the rims of mud-holes and pools certainly detracts from the attractiveness of the village, and at the same time is a menace to the health of the residents. The refuse-tins provided at Whakarewarewa seemed to be too small, but the size was evidently governed by the fact of the collector having to carry such long distances to the refuse-cart. To overcome this difficulty we would suggest that a light carrier 011 wheels be provided on which the cans be placed. We understand the borough by-laws are being recast, and we would suggest that the Council in framing them should make provision for penalties for the non-observance of them in regard to refuse-disposal.

6