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Maximum load for year: 1,666 kVA., 5.30 p.m. on 14th June, 1939. No. kW. New consumers, light and heat .. .. .. .. 392 651 Extensions, light and heat .. .. .. .. 186 276 • 3 Ranges .. .. .. .. .. ..103 633-4 Motors.. .. .. .. .. .. ..160 257-9 Total new load for year, 1,818-6 The above figures are perhaps the best indication of the amount of work handled in the year, and new records have been made for the number of consumers connected, new connected load, and total units. Water-supply.—Owing to the insufficiency of fire-fighting equipment at the Rotorua Public Hospital this Department replaced on behalf of the Waikato Hospital Board ten fire-stand pipes with ten-ball hydrants, the cost of this work being met by the Board. The usual maintenance-work on all town mains, fire-plugs and service pipes, two booster pumps, and the small reservoir at the source of supply has been carried out. Drainage System.—Maintenance-work has been carried out on all mains, manholes, branch mains, and pumping plant. General Plumbing.—Maintenance-work on all departmental buildings, gardens, and other sections of the Department has been carried out as required throughout the year. Batlis.—A good deal of work was carried out during the year by the plumbing branch for the baths. Hot and cold water was laid to basins in the Massage rooms at the Ward Baths. Waikaremoana. —A visit was paid to this resort by the Overseer Plumber for the purpose of examination and cleaning. Round Trip.—The trip has operated quite smoothly and maintained a regular and efficient service, co-operating with the motor-transport interests in providing the necessary facilities to enable tourists to inspect this very interesting region. Due attention was given during the winter season to the care and maintenance of launches, tracks, footbridges, wharves, &c. For this purpose, in accordance with the usual practice, the round trip was closed down for two weeks to coincide with the visit of the Marine Department's surveyor of ships. The survey proved satisfactory, only minor repairs being required, and the necessary certificates were forthcoming in respect of all launches. Buildings : Carpenter's Report.—A good deal of maintenance-work has been carried out on all departmental buildings and other structures. The main works undertaken, however, are briefly summarized as follows : — A start has been made on the erection of the new Postmaster Bath buildings. For Waikaremoana six new huts were made up in sections in the workshop at Rotorua, transported to the camping-ground at Lake House, and erected by the Department's staff. Ward Baths : Although a comparatively new building, certain panelling in the Radium and Priest Baths became prematurely decayed, due to the action of the fumes from these waters. The panels in question were dismantled and refitted in Yitrolite glass. This not only improves the appearance of the baths, but is anticipated to stand up to conditions for many years to come. Buildings : Painter's Report.—Sanatorium : This building was completely renovated during the year. Reserves : The entrance gates at Waka were renovated. Waikaremoana : The entire roofs of the hostel and other buildings were cleaned down and repainted. The Chateau : The painters also visited this resort and painted six huts. Gardens.—The very high standard set in previous years has been well maintained this year, and although a very dry season was again experienced the floral display has been particularly brilliant and the subject of very favourable comment by all who have visited the Sanatorium grounds. In addition to the main display, plantings have been maintained for cut-flower purposes,, and supplies have been forwarded regularly to Lake House, Waikaremoana, and the Chateau. Plants have also been supplied to the Chateau, Morere Hot Springs, and the Studios at Miramar, Wellington. All paths, drives, hedges, verges, &c., have received the usual seasonal attention, and have been maintained in good order. Reserves.—At Whakarewarewa the track to the trig, station has been overhauled and is now in good order. All paths have been dressed with pumice, and provide a dry surface. The boundary fences in other reserves have been overhauled and made stock-proof, and the various areas cleared of noxious weeds from time to time. Balneologist, Rotorua. The Government Balneologist reports as follows : — The financial returns for the past year show a decline on those of 1939, particularly regarding the baths taken by casual visitors. However, the counter-attraction of the Exhibition, the difficult conditions during the war period, and the rationing of petrol have all contributed to this fall in receipts from baths. Also, the usual visitors from England and abroad have, owing to travelling restrictions, been reduced in numbers.

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