H.—2.

Massage and Physiotherapy. —This department has carried through a very strenuous year, and the massage staff have, all told, given over twenty-five thousand special treatments. Despite thehard work, often under trying conditions, they have done fine work with unfailing service. During the year the most modern types of ultra-short-wave diatherm have been installed in both the Chief Masseuse's and Chief Masseur's departments, and have been found of great assistance inmany phases of the work. Buildings.— The usual work of maintenance has been carried out, and the painting of the 1 outside of the Main Bathhouse is now in progress. The Postmaster Bathhouse has been rebuilt, and now provides comfortable service for patients taking those baths. Summary.—The past year has been a hard one from the working point of view because of inadequate accommodation and inconvenience in these old and obsolete buildings. It is to be hoped that the new Sanatorium will be built with the least possible delay and that the work of providing a new and up-to-date treatment-house will also receive urgent consideration. Manager, Waitomo Caves and Hotel. The Manager reports that, as was to be expected, there was a considerable falling-off in traffic owing to the war and petrol restrictions. The reduction in traffic is probably more marked in thisplace than in most other resorts, as the majority of the people stay only for one day. Also, the cutting-off of practically all overseas traffic has probably had a greater effect on this place than in mostother resorts, where they have their regular visitors staying each year for a week or more. Approximately 9,280 people visited the caves and 4,265 stayed in the hotel. There were fourSunday railway excursions from Auckland, bringing a total of 1,083 people to the caves. These excursions have been very popular this year, and all seats were sold a few days after the booking opened. Week-end excursions were run from Auckland on Labour Day and King's Birthday, and in. both cases were well booked. Improvements, Buildings, &c. —No major works have been done during the year, and all maintenance and repair work has been carried out, by our own staff. Reserves and Farm. —As in, previous years, any spare time of the guides has been taken up in. repairs and improvements. The farm is gradually being cleared and fenced, with the result that the outlook from the hotel is much improved. Moreover, the property is able to carry more stock, and fifty sheep are at present being grazed in addition to the milking-herd and dry stock. Patriotic Activities. —The hotel has been the centre for all patriotic activities in the district, and the dining-room in the old building has been used for the Lady. Galway Sewing Guild, packing parcels, &c. During the year approximately £150 Was collected for the central committee as a result of weekly euchre parties and other functions. In November a garden party was held in the grounds of the hotel and £50 was cleared. The hall has been used for send-off parties and Home Guard parades. Manager, Lake House, Waikaremoana. The Manager reports that during the year the resort has been well patronized despite the petrol restrictions and adverse war conditions, lack of accommodation occurring at peak periods. New laundry equipment has been installed, and it has been necessary to have the house rewired electrically during the latter part of the season. Returns from the camping-ground show that the huts have been well occupied over holiday periods, and good business has been done with hiring of boats and outboards. The trips to Waikare-iti and on the lake itself have been as popular as ever! 1 Tracks and grounds generally have been maintained in good order and condition. The Caretaker, Morere Hot Springs. Although a large number of visitors arrived at Morere during the Season in order to take the baths,, a reduced revenue was recorded over that of the previous year. The grounds were kept in good order,, and all paths and tracks maintained. The Caretaker, Little Barrier Bird Sanctuary. The Caretaker advises that the past year has been a favourable one for forest growth, the young kauri trees having come on well owing to the fairly evenly distributed rainfall. The native birds have generally been more 1 numerous in-the vicinity of the homestead, particularly tuis and bellbirds,, while kiwis appear to be- increasing in numbers, being constantly seen and heard at night close to the house. Very large numbers of " Mackerel " gull have been present, on the shores of the island. The house and surroundings have been well cared, for, and fences have been kept in a good state of repair. The war against vermin continues, and a number of cats and many rats have been trapped during the year.

2—H. 2.

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