H.—2.

"The Arikikapakapa, Ivuirau, Waimangu, and other reserves have been generally maintained, fences kept in order, &c. It is intended to make a thorough inspection of the Hamurana Reserve at an early date, and a report on that particular area will reach you in due course. " Round Trip.—The revenue from this trip has again shown an increase. Waimangu Track has been kept in good order, boats painted and generally maintained, &c. The " Manuwai " has been provided with a permanent top and side curtains, and no further complaints should now be forthcoming in this direction. All boats have been inspected by the Marine Surveyor and all repairs requested by him carried out. The launch " Muritai," being of no further use, was sold during the year, and a new 14 ft. rowing-boat and outboard bought for the use of fishermen. This new boat has proved very popular." Balneologist, Rotobua. " Reviewing the financial returns for the past year one is gratified by the substantial increase in all departments of our working establishment. This definitely indicates the beginning of a return to more normal conditions and the prospect of a prosperous period for our work. During the year many overseas travellers have visited our baths, many coming for treatment, from which they have received considerable benefit. " As a recreational centre the Blue Bath continues as a popular rendezvous for visitors. " The Sanatorium has been increasingly active and there have been several occasions when its resources have been taxed to capacity. During the year approximately 6,000 baths and 9,000 special treatments were given to patients in the institution. The results of these baths and treatments have, in the majority of cases, proved remarkably beneficial. " The Main Bathhouse, as the returns indicate, has been exceptionally busy. The building itself has required constant attention in general maintenance and repairs. " The Massage and Physiotherapy Departments have been exceptionally active, and during the period under review approximately 14,000 special treatments have been given. " Staff. —Throughout the year the staff in all branches of our establishment has worked in loyal co-operation in carrying out their duties. " Summary.—With the increasing popularity of Rotorua, both as a mecca for invalid and tourist, it becomes increasingly evident that many aspects of our spa amenities require attention. In my own domain of balneology I am finding that in the progressive march of medical science we are inclined to fall behind. New discoveries and inventions, new methods of treatment, which have proved themselves valuable aids to spa therapy, have yet to be incorporated into our work, and the time has now come for a serious review and overhaul of this spa. During the earlier part of this year Sir Holburt Waring, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, and a member of the Council of the International Society of Medical Hydrology, paid a special visit to Rotorua. He inspected the baths and treatment-rooms, and gave his valuable advice on points which were needing expansion and improvement. In concluding, I should like to stress these points of needed progress, a progress that is not only a national benefit to health, but a sound business proposition." The Manages, The Chateau, Tongabibo. " The year under review has been a considerable improvement on the previous one in regard to the number of visitors, and the various activities at this resort were all well catered for. The winter sports are steadily gaining in popularity, and fresh recruits are being gained each year. Owing, to a large extent, to the splendid organization of the various mountain clubs, no serious accidents occurred during the year. " Ngauruhoe erupted in December, and for three days the sky was darkened with vast columns of volcanic dust and dense smoke, interspersed with outbursts of steam, some shots being estimated at 1,400 ft. in height. " The golf-links continue to improve and can be considered as one of the best nine-hole courses in the Dominion. " Traffic on the roads in the vicinity of the Park is increasing, and during the hot summer hundreds of motorists took advantage of the temperate climate and made the Tongariro National Park their holiday resort." Manager, Waitomo Caves and Caves Hostel. " I am pleased to report that the revenue for the year shows a substantial increase. " Approximately 16,000 people visited the caves, as compared with 10,000 last year. With regard to overseas visitors, 2,581 stayed at the hostel, compared with 1,835 last year. " This year the Railway Department introduced a number of day excursions from Wellington, Masterton, Ohakune, and Auckland, and altogether brought approximately 1,200 visitors to the caves. " The usual work has been carried on by the guides in the matter of clearing the tracks to the caves, fence-repairs, water-tables, &c." Manager, Lake House, Waikabemoana. " In spite of the adverse weather conditions experienced during the latter part of the season it is pleasing to note that the revenue continues to show an improvement, and there is every prospect of the present year being equally satisfactory. " Improvements effected during the year included the painting of the hostel and outbuildings and the concreting of the entrance drive, hostel paths, and yards. The latter work has greatly improved the immediate surroundings of the hostel. " The usual maintenance-work has been performed and all buildings and equipment kept in good order."

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