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During the holiday periods there was a heavy demand for accommodation, but owing to the difficulty in obtaining staff it was not possible to accept all bookings. No major works have been carried out for some years, and practically all maintenance and repair work has been performed by the hotel staff. Te Aroha.—The revenue for the year showed a slight decrease as compared with the previous year, due to the fact that the military camp at Te Aroha was abandoned prior to the commencement of the period under review. Statistics show that 32,436 baths were taken, as compared with 33,471 for the previous year. Little Barrier Island.—Reports from the caretaker indicate that native birds have been numerous, bell-birds and parakeets being more plentiful than ever. Buildings were painted and repaired and tracks cleared. During the year the caretaker, Mr. Hardgrave, was called up for military service, and his duties were taken over by Mr. C. F. Parkin. Morere.—The tracks and grounds in this reserve were maintained in good order, and despite the abnormal rainfall during the year little damage was done to tracks and pipelines. The caretaker reports that native birds are plentiful, and that active steps were taken to eliminate deer and goats to prevent damage being done to the beautiful bush. This resort has become very popular with the travelling public and with people who desire a quiet rest amongst ideal surroundings. Lake House, Waiharemoama.-—-This hotel, after having been closed for over a year, was reopened from the Ist September and was well patronized by visitors, particularly from the east coast districts. The hotel was practically fully booked from one week before the Christmas holidays until late in March. The camp sites and huts provided for visitors who do not wish to stay at the hotel were well occupied, particularly during the summer holiday period. The weather during the year was abnormally wet and on one occasion 9-2 in. of rain were recorded in twenty-four hours. Queenstown.—The winter of 1943 was very severe and snow with heavy frosts continued until late October. Trouble was experienced with the heating-system in the propagation house, which resulted in a poor growth of seedlings. This defect in the heating-system, is being remedied. The two bowling-greens and the croquet-lawn were in good playing order throughout the season, and the bare patches which showed up in one of the greens were plugged with Queenstown water-weed. All lawns and flower-beds were kept in good order, and the climbing roses were much admired by visitors. The huts and tracks under the control of the Department in and about Lake Wakatipu are in good order and condition. Tramping was very popular during the season, the weather being very favourable. The tourist business in Queenstown showed an improvement on the past few seasons, and all hotel and boardinghouse accommodation was taxed to capacity during certain periods of the year. Te Anau Hotel, Te Anau.—Considering the times, the revenue has shown a noteworthy increase as compared with last year. Staffing difficulties militated against an even greater' increase. Owing to shortage of man-power a grant made in October last for general renovations has not yet been utilized, nor has it been possible to complete the installation of the stand-by-engine lighting which has been under way for some time. During the year an inspection of Cascade Creek and Glade House has been made, and stores, buildings, &c., were found in a reasonably satisfactory condition. Milford Track and Hotel.—The Milford Track was again closed to traffic owing to restrictions on travel and staffing difficulties. An inspection of the Track revealed that very great damage had been done by avalanches and slips, and a considerable amount of labour will be necessary after the war to put it in good order again. Road-travel restrictions and the suspension of work on the Homer Tunnel have tended' to isolate the Hotel Milford, but arrangements were made with the Public Works Department for a limited number of guests to visit the Sounds through the Homer Tunnel. During the year a number of improvements were made to the grounds, such as the laying-down of lawns and the establishment of a vegetable garden, &c. The Hermitage, Mount Cook.—The Department resumed control of the Hermitage,. Mount Cook, on the 3rd February, 1944, and Mr. N. Wilde was appointed Manager. Tokaanu Hotel.- —The Tokaanu Hotel was purchased by the Government, and the Department took over control on the Ist March, 1944, Mr. J. Scott being appointed Manager. The Department's officers located at London, Melbourne, Sydney, Washington, and Ottawa have been fully employed on supply work during the year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (550 copies), £0 10s.

By Authority: E V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 944. Price 3d .~\

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