H.—2

10

from Rotorua. The new tepid bath was opened in November, 1928, and has been freely patronized. The baths and mineral-water supplies have given no trouble during the year. Eighty cans of No. 15 water were sent to Rotorua, as compared with ninety-six the previous year and 138 in 1926-27. Buildings, <&c.—A kitchenette has been added to lower pavilion, and is much appreciated by the croquet and bowling clubs. The roof of the upper pavilion has been repaired and painted, and new planking put around the upper bowling-green. The veranda of the head gardener's cottage has been widened and converted into a nice room ; with the exception of the kitchenette this work has been carried out by Head Bath-attendant, Howell. Night Bowls. —The sum of £33 12s. was taken for the season, as compared with £29 9s. for 1926-27. Games. —The revenue from this source shows a decrease of £91 9s. 4d. as compared with the previous year. The very hot weather during the last quarter and the small sale of bowls season tickets at £2 10s. accounts for this loss. Only nine season tickets at £2 10s. were sold, as compared with thirty at £2 2s. the previous year. Music in the Domain. —The Te Aroha Municipal Band has rendered a good number of programmes during the year. Nelson and Westland. The business at the Nelson and Greymouth booking bureaux has maintained the standard of the previous season, and these offices have proved of great use to local people and visitors. Though the Department has no places actually under its control in Westland, except the Maruia Springs, it is naturally interested in the traffic to this favoured part of New Zealand, and it is understood that the two main resorts —the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers—have had a very busy season, the Franz Josef in particular. As regards the Fox Glacier, it has many peculiarities and beauty-spots to offer the tourist. The Hostel has not had the busy season that the Franz Josef Hostel has enjoyed, no doubt on account of the fact that it is not as yet so well known to the travelling public, but will come into its own, rewarding the enterprise of Mr. Sullivan on opening his fine house. It is only a matter of a short period of time when the Fox Glacier will become a rendezvous for numerous visitors. The month of March and also part of April proved a very busy time at the Fox Glacier Hotel. Overseas tourists have called into this office and stated that the glaciers, in their opinion, offer the most wonderful scenery that could be obtained anywhere. Some prefer this trip to any other in New Zealand. The motor trip from Hokitika to the glaciers is full of interest, the road winding through beautiful bush scenery and passing many typically beautiful lakes. The Department will do its best during the coming season to assist in ensuring a reward for the enterprise of those responsible for the opening-up and maintenance of the travelling conveniences in this district. All possible assistance will be rendered by its officers. Reports generally show that the excellent standard of motor transport, &c., has been maintained. Westport to Greymouth Road. —This road is being rapidly formed. The main works now to be completed are two bridges, one of which is over the Fox River. When the road is completed —and it should not be long now —the distance between Greymouth and Westport will be sixty miles, approximately. On the way tourists will have an opportunity of viewing the Pancake Rocks at Punakaikai, and the nikau-palms at the same place. Maruia Springs.—This is another resort which should come into more prominence in the near future. I understand that there are as many as one hundred visitors at the Springs during the weekends in the summer season, and during the week also the resort is well patronized. The scenery on the way from Reefton to the Springs is admirable ; at times the car goes through avenues of trees whose branches from each side cross over, forming an arch. The Springs at Maruia are very hot, and many cures have been effected there. Certain works on the Fox Glacier section have been referred to in my introductory remarks, but these are matters more for the Public Works Department than the Tourist Department. Messrs. Graham Bros, supply the following list of climbs on the Westland side of the Alps :—

List of High Ascents at Franz Josef Glacier, 1928-29.

Date. Party and Guide. Name of Peak. Height. Route and Remarks. 1928. Feet. Aug. 26 Guides, Frank Alack, Charles Graham Saddle .. 8,759 First winter crossing—from Aimer Bivouac Jensen to Ball Hut: first crossing of Southern Alps on ski. Wonderful trip in beautiful weather. Sept. 4 Guides, Frank Alack, Charles Copland Pass .. 8,750 From Hooker Hut to Copland Valley; also Jensen on ski. Nov. 30 Alan James; Guide, F. Alack Elie de Beaumont 10,200 Ascent and descent from Malte Brun Hut by south face and head of Tasman Glacier. Dec. 2 Alan James; Guide, F. Alack Minarets .. 10,058 Traverse. Ascent from Malte Brun Hut De la Beche .. 10,022 by Ranfurly Glacier to summit of Minarets and thence to top of De la Beche ; descent by south-west face to Graham Saddle and ; Franz Josef Glacier to Defiance Hut.