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The x-ray plant is functioning efficiently and lias been in steady use throughout the year. Major repairs have been made to the main Cadman bath building and to the ladies' bath building, old electric-light fittings in the public baths have been replaced with fluorescent lighting, and there has been a certain amount of minor renovation of bath installations and some rebuilding. An ex-Army building has been obtained as the nucleus for extension of pavilion facilities. Morere Hot Springs.—The number of visitors to this small but consistently popular thermal resort remains fairly constant compared with previous years, and revenue receipts are unchanged. The co-operation and interest of local settlers occupying land adjacent to the reserve, which is the sole remaining area of unspoiled native forest in the district, have been invited with a view to preventing possible damage by fire, and their unanimous publicspirited response has been received. Improvements to the main highway which passes the resort will probably result in increased patronage. The various buildings have been repainted and minor repairs and all essential maintenance work have been carried out satisfactorily. (2) HOTELS, ETC. Waitomo Caves. —The Hotel Waitomo : Approximately 20,160 visitors inspected the Waitomo Caves during the year, and of these, 11,128 were accommodated at the hotel. Visitors from overseas arrived in greater numbers. Australians have been in the majority, but there has also been a fair proportion from Britain and the United States of America. Wairakei.—Wairakei Hotel: The Wairakei Hotel is not yet open for the accommodation of guests, but the Public Works Department commenced renovation in November, 1947, and steady progress is reported. The golf-course has been restored to good order after some years of inattention, and other playing-areas attached to the hotel have been reconditioned. . Sightseeing side-trips to the Wairakei Geyser Valley have been operated as usual throughout the year. Lake Taupo.—Tokaanu Hotel: Owing to the age of the buildings at this fishing resort, a great deal of maintenance was required, and renovations and repairs have involved constant attention. The drainage and the water-supply have continued to give trouble, but these matters have received attention, and improvements in the near future may be expected. The fishing season opened well, but continued dry conditions with low lake-levels affected the sport adversely. Nevertheless, trout taken during the season have been bigger and in better condition than for many seasons past. The hotel is patronized chiefly by anglers and, in lesser degree, by transient travellers and those in search of rest or relaxation. Lake Waikarenioana. —Lake House: Weather conditions at this resort have been uniformly good throughout the year, and the hotel accommodation has remained fairly well booked accordingly. There has, however, been a falling off in patronage of the huts and camping-ground. This is probably due to a shortage of petrol and to the epidemic elsewhere referred to. The major side-trips have been operated to capacity. Progress continues with additional amenities projected at this resort. A community hall at the camping-ground should be ready for use by next season, and work is continuing with the excavation for the recreation rooms to be constructed at the rear of the hotel.

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