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Tongariro National Park. —The Chateau Tongariro : Activities in connection with the main building are nearing completion, and include entire repainting, replumbing, carpentry, plastering, and furniture renovation. A new improved intake for water to drive the hydro-electric installation for electric energy has been constructed. There is also an auxiliary water-supply from a new source which will provide good water for domestic purposes. These undertakings have been on a large scale, and progress has been made to a point where the Chateau Tongariro will again be open to the public on 20th August, 1948. The golf-links are fairly good, and a top-dressing in the near future will restore them completely. It is interesting to record that, despite the fact that the Chateau Tongariro has been closed for so long, the patronage of mountain-lovers and ski enthusiasts has in no way diminished, and the various huts and lodges giving restricted accommodation facilities have been uniformly well booked in all seasons. The Central Southern Alps.—The Hermitage, Mount Cook: This resort again shows an increase in the total number of tourists accommodated, its popularity has been maintained, and the service given has been appreciated. The Hermitage is becoming one of the most sought after summer and autumn, as well as winter and spring, holiday resorts. On the basis of turnover, the Hermitage is the most popular of the hotels at present in operation by this Department. Good progress was made with alterations and improvements to buildings and services. The painting of interiors and exteriors of buildings was continued, and the main block and adjoining structures now present a fresh and uniformly neat appearance. There was a very busy climbing season. One hundred and four peaks were climbed and a number of trans-alpine journeys was made. Of the major climbs, 83 were firstclass ascents and 21 were second-class ascents. Thirty-five were led by Hermitage Guides and 14 by other Guides. Repairs to mountain huts commenced during the year with the dropping of building materials to Haast and Hooker Huts from aircraft. The operation was successful, and the work will continue as opportunity presents itself. Improvements have been made to Ball Hut. The motor-garage was destroyed by accidental fire in November, and plans are in hand for rebuilding. Gale damage to the swing-bridges over the Hooker River has been repaired. Floods at the end of 1947 caused main-road blockage, which was successfully overcome by a detour of 3 miles constructed by the Main Highways Board. A popular addition to hotel amenities was the installation of a 16 mm. film-projector with sound-equipment. Weekly screenings of feature programmes are much appreciated by guests and staff. Additional staff accommodation, including cottages for married staff and better recreation rooms for staff, are needed. Plans are in hand for these improvements. South Westland. —Franz Josef Glacier Hotel: The Glacier Hotel, South Westland, which was for many years conducted by the distinguished and popular alpinists, Messrs. Peter and Alex Graham, passed to the control of the Department on Ist December, 1947. This hotel and its contents are old and much renovation and refurnishing will be necessary to place it in first-class order. Plans and specifications for part of this work—additional and improved staff accommodation—are already completed, and the work will proceed as rapidly as possible in terms of other priorities in the building industry. A 16 mm. film-projector with sound-equipment has been installed, and screenings at regular intervals are appreciated by guests and staff. Southern Lakes and Fiordland.—Te Anau Hotel: In common with other establishments, the Te Anau Hotel has experienced considerable difficulty at times to provide accommodation for the number of guests offering, and occasionally conditions have approached overcrowding. Revenue figures for the year show an increase.

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