H.—2.

The Caretaker, Morere Hot Springs. " During the year the track was extended beyond the top bathhouse, making a very picturesque walk, taking in a waterfall scene, and the usual maintenance-work on the tracks and baths was carried out. " The bird-life in the reserve is fairly numerous, pigeons, tuis, &c., being well in evidence. " The revenue from the baths shows an increase over that of the previous year. " A number of opossums were trapped and the reserve has been kept as clear as possible of deer. The Hermitage, Mount Cook. " The Hermitage, Mount Cook, leased to the Mount Cook Tourist Co., experienced one of the best years for some considerable time. The winter sports season was highly successful, mainly owing to the company's initiative in bringing out from Switzerland a specialized ski instructor, Mr. Barry Caulfeild, of Wengen, Switzerland, recognized as one of the leading ski instructors in the world. This not only increased the winter sports business, but did a tremendous amount in raising the standard of ski-mg throughout New Zealand. The road to the Ball Hut is completed, and with the help of snow-ploughs the road was kept clear throughout the winter, allowing ski-ing parties to be out on the ski-mg field m a very short time after leaving the Hermitage. Additions to the Ball Hut were completed, and now accommodation is available for 100 guests. " Business during the summer season was far in excess of anything experienced for some years. " The chamois and thar shooting is developing into an important attraction, and some very fine heads were secured. . TT , , , " Facilities for climbing were improved by the erection of the Gardiner Hut on the western slopes of Mount Cook, on the Hooker side." The Honorary Agent, Franz Josef Glacier. " Though the past season has been a very fine one and suitable for mountaineering, very few climbers have visited this district for the purpose of doing high climbing. " Most visitors have been content with sight-seeing on the lower glacier, local excursions, and the less-strenuous climbs. " The most outstanding ascent has been the double traverse of Mount Lendenfeldt and the ascent of Mount Tasman by the north-east arête from the Pioneer Bivouac ; also the first ascent of Mount Eros situated at the head of the Arawata Valley, the party of five, with seven hundredweight of equipment and supplies, being conveyed by aeroplane from the Franz Josef Glacier to a base-camp in the Arawata Valley, a distance of 130 miles, in one day. This would not have been possible under a week or ten days by ordinary conveyance. " The second crossing of Baker's Saddle is also of note, for thirty-three years have passed since the first crossing on the 6th February, 1902, when the Rev. Canon Newton, who made the crossing this year, was also of the party who made the first crossing. . " The alpine huts under our supervision have been kept in good repair through the year. The glacier tracks in the vicinity have also been kept in good order, the walks being greatly admired by visitors to the neighbourhood." The Track-manager, Te Anau - Milford Track. " The 1934-35 season has not been a very satisfactory one from a financial point of view, there having been a decided drop in the returns compared with previous years. The fortnightly excursions towards the end of the season attracted a few extra visitors. " The weather has been, for the most part, exceptionally fine, especially during the latter months. " The track has been maintained in good order throughout." The Manager, Government Hostel, Milford Sound. " The number of tourists visiting Milford Sound during the past season has not been up to expectations. No doubt this can be accounted for owing to the numerous attractions elsewhere— the Royal visit, Melbourne Centenary, and the Silver Jubilee. " The ' Maheno ' has called at Milford Sound on two inward and three outward trips to Melbourne. If this service is to be continued next season our business could be improved if the steamer s call could be made definite. . . " The tourist ships ' Monowai' and ' Wanganella also made one cruise each during the season. The ' Monowai' remained off Bowen Falls for five hours, enabling passengers to land, which was much appreciated. The ' Wanganella 'on her visit came only as far as the Stirling Falls, remaining in the Sound for less than an hour. We also had visits from two cruisers and two private yachts during tlle b ® a^' d p rogregs has been made by the Public Works Department on the new road from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Various sheds and an access road to the Cleddau Valley have been constructed. A new wharf has been erected at Milford. Coastal steamers may now discharge cargo without lighters. The survey party has nearly completed the survey to the Homer Saddle on the Milford Sound side. When this road is completed it should make Milford Sound one of the most patronized resorts in New Zealand. .... , . ~ , " The Grave Talbot Pass has been crossed by thirty-six climbers during the past season. Ihere have also been several parties camped in the Cleddau and Tutoko Valleys. Two parties attempted to climb Mount Underwood, but were not successful owing to bad weather. A successful first climb was made of Barren Peak, 5,200 ft, by Messrs. M. and A. Stewart, of Invercargill. These men also climbed for the first time two other unnamed peaks in the same range. " An improved water-supply and fire main have been installed at the Hostel this season. " The weather has been good throughout the season ; only one party has been delayed by heavy ramS ;< rpj le w ireless station has been well patronized during the season. A daily report of the world's news has been provided for the tourists, which has been much appreciated."

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