H.— 2,

8

The bulk of the Wairoa fry was hatched out by Ranger Frame at the old hatchery at Waimako, and the remainder by Messrs. Bruce and Norris, of Ruakituri and Manguruhe. The supply spring has been concreted in order to collect the water, whence it is led through pipes to the hatchery-boxes. A good deal of excavation was necessary to level the site, and some further work is required to give access to the motor-truck. This will be carried out before the hatching season, and the old site securely fenced, the original fence having fallen into disrepair. A lot of excavation work was also carried out on the Waimata Hatchery site by the rangers. Liberation of Pheasants, —The liberation of pheasants throughout the district was as follows: — Place of liberation. Number. Over Taupo County . . .. . . . . 31 Over Opotiki County .. .. .. .. 40 Over Rotorua, County.. .. .. . . 67 Over Whakatarie County . . . . .. 35 Over Wairoa County .. . . .. . . .. 109 Total .. .. .. .. .. 282 Of this total, fifty birds were liberated on the sanctuaries within the Whakatane, Rotorua, and Taupo Counties. Research Work. —Some hundreds of samples of trout-scales (chiefly Salmo irideus) were collected from fish all over the district, and the particulars recorded for future investigation of the thermalfisheries problems, and a number of trout were marked. So far no marked trout have been recorded as retaken. Many questions regarding the trout and their food-supply, require careful study and muchpatient research. To keep both of these matters up to the highest standard will be the aim of the Department's officers, who all realize the value of a first-class fresh-water fishery both from a financial and sporting point of view. Indigenous Air-fauna. —Notes were made and a list compiled of the existing air-fauna seen throughout the district during the last six months, together with those seen or heard over the past sixteen years. Further reports relative to this question will in future years be of the greatest value in ascertaining the increase or decrease of existing species which are becoming extinct, or whether the natural food-supply is failing and will require to be sustained by artificial propagation, and suggest methods of combating their enemies. The destruction of pests will have to be more ruthlessly undertaken than in the past, and this matter is being attended to. Thanhs. —The thanks of the Department are due to those police officers, rangers, and all fishing and shooting enthusiasts who so willingly gave assistance in carrying out the laws or assisted with the work in connection with both fish and game. It is fast becoming a more recognized fact that to preserve the sport for the sportsmen of the rising generation much further assistance must be forthcoming. Rotorua.—Balneologist's Report. I have the honour herewith of submitting my report on the Rotorua baths for the year ended 31st March, 1930. The year under review, particularly during its latter period, has been an exceptionally busy one, and I am pleased to report an increase in the financial returns. During the past season the number of overseas visitors and patients was considerably below normal, owing, no doubt, to the general financial depression in Great Britain and Australia ; but to balance this falling-ofi a great many more people in the Dominion have availed themselves of the tourist attractions and therapeutic benefits of our spa. The Sanatorium.—Throughout the year this institution has been particularly busy, and the accommodation quite inadequate to meet the demands of our work. The financial returns show a marked increase, and the majority of patients received considerable benefit from the treatment. Approximately 13,000 baths and 14,000 special treatments were given to patients in the Institution. The Mam Bathhouse and other Buildings.—Considerable repairs and alterations have been carried out in the main building, the men's Aix-Vichy-massage department being entirely reconstructed and repaired, and at the present time the women's Aix is receiving similar attention. The Plombiere Douche room is now completed, and will during the coming season prove a valuable ally in our work. A new pyretic-treatment room has been installed. This treatment, which has proved a great success in the Lansdowne Hospital at Bath, England, in aiding the cure and alleviation of rheumatism, is now being carried put here with the promise of an equal success, and I propose to extend its activities with further installations. New Buildings. —At the present moment active building operations are being carried out under the direction of the Department of Public Works. The old Pavilion baths have been demolished, and a new block comprising private baths, swimming-pools, and special-treatment rooms is being erected. In the plans the most up-to-date designs for modern hydrotherapeutic service have been incorporated in comfortable and attractive buildings ; also, the mineral waters in situ (Radium and Old Priest Pools) are being preserved in their natural state. The plans for the new Blue Bath are now practically completed, and this work will be taken in hand this month. When completed, this bath, with accommodation for approximately 500 bathers