H. —2.

" In spite of numerous floods the tracks in the vicinity of the glacier have been kept in good order throughout the season, and the necessary care of all the huts has been carefully carried out. " A new graded track has been commenced up Alex's Knob and, when completed, this will be an added attraction to the district, as from the top of the knob a very comprehensive view of the glacier and surrounding mountains can be obtained." The Lessee, the Hermitage, Mount Cook. " Facilities at the Hermitage, Mount Cook, have been improved during the year. The road has been completed to within 11 chains of the Ball Hutt, and an hour's motor run from the Hermitage gives both young and old an opportunity of viewing the Tasman Glacier. " The trip to the Hochstetter Icefall and the return to the Hermitage can now be done in one day. " A splendid new hut to hold thirty-six has been erected near the site of the old Malte Brun Hut. The view from this hut is considered one of the finest alpine views in the world, and now that the long walk to the Ball Hut is eliminated by the availability of motor transport it is almost as easy to make the Malte Brun trip in a day from the Hermitage as it was previously to go to the Ball Hut. This hut will now come much more into use for both summer and winter seasons. " The New Zealand Alpine Club have erected a new Memorial Hut at de La Beche corner to commemorate the Tasman Glacier tragedy of January, 1929. " The climbing season from the Hermitage was one of the best ever experienced. The fact that overseas climbers are repeatedly coming back to New Zealand proves that our alpine regions are equal to anything in the world. " With the lifting of the restriction of shooting chamois and thar, this form of sport is an added attraction in the Mount Cook alpine region, and several stalking parties have had excellent results and some good heads were obtained during the season. " Interest in the winter sports is gradually increasing every year, and is being developed by the formation of alpine, ski, and tramping clubs in many parts of the Dominion." The Track-manager, Te Anau-Mixford Track. " The season has been exceptionally wet, floods and storms having been frequent. Much of the good work done by track-hands has been repeatedly wiped out by the elements, but in spite of all reverses the track is being left in very good form. " There have been fewer visitors to the track than usual owing to the general depression existing at present, and consequently this season is being drawn to a close at an earlier date than usual. " A regrettable fatality occurred early in the new year, an Australian tourist, R. Ilarridge, having lost his life in a flooded mountain torrent on the Great Morraine during a cloud-burst. This is the first fatality of this nature that has occurred on the track, and every precaution has been taken to prevent a possible recurrence. " The radio telephone has been tested with excellent results, and we have every hope of it achieving still greater success in the near future. This will prove a great boon to the track when installation is finalized, and we are in direct and easy communication with the outside world. " Accommodation was severely taxed at Glade House during Christmas and New Year rushes, but all took things in the holiday spirit, which helped us considerably." The Manager, Government Hostel, Mileord Sound. " This year the number of tourists has been considerably less than last, owing principally to the depression and bad weather, and later no doubt owing to the unfortunate disaster in Hawke's Bay. " The ' Hinemoa ' made only five trips this season. Her bookings were less than the previous year'. " His Excellency the Governor-General and party arrived at Milford on the 22nd January, aboard the G.S.S. ' Matai,' and remained at Milford until the 26th January. During the visit the weather was unfortunately very unsettled. His Excellency and a small party visited Lake Ada and Giant's Gate Falls and also did several shorter walks in the vicinity of the hostel, which were much appreciated. The whole party was very much impressed with the grandeur of the district. " The Union Co.'s Melbourne steamer made two calls at Milford during the season, which enabled a number of tourists to get a good glimpse of this wonderful fiordland. " All tourists who visited Milford this year have spoken well of the trip, and have appreciated the stay at Milford and the comforts of the hostel."

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