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Visitors to the island, principally scientists, included Mr. E. G. Turbott, of the Auckland Museum, who made a colour film of the bird-life, and the American ornithologist, Dr. R. C. Murphy, who also made pictures. Maintenance-work was carried out in connection with the Caretaker's establishment, and tracks have been kept in order. The usual patrols of the reserve have been carried out, and a number of animal aliens (cats and rats) was destroyed. A study is being made of methods employed overseas, especially in North America, of ridding protected wild life sanctuaries of animal pests. (6) Rotorua (1) Electrical System.—The Electrical Superintendent reports a successful year, but points out that the growth in the load and the sale of electric energy has been restricted considerably by Electricity Control Regulations. Nine miles of new line were erected and some underground cable was installed, Nearly 3 miles of lines were renewed and a mile of existing line was recoppered. Nineteen new transformers were installed to give supply to new consumers. New connections totalled 285, and extensions to existing connections were 486. Transformer substations in four localities were increased in capacity owing to growth of load. A large amount of renewal work has been carried out at Mamaku, and more than 75 per cent, was completed at the end of the period. No major breakdowns occurred. (2) Water and Drainage System.—These services were transferred to the Borough Council on Ist December, 1947. Before the transfer a 4 in. main was installed in Shirley Street to give supply to new houses. The main gravity pipe-line in the Hemo Gorge was replaced at the site of the slip that occurred there some three years ago. (3) Thermal Waters. —The supply to the Main Bath Building and Blue and Ward Baths was well maintained. A new 2-|- in. lead main was installed in the Main Bath Building for the Priest water. (4) Wharves and Beacons.—lt was necessary to redeck most of the main wharf at Lake Rotorua. Specially milled red birch was secured for the purpose in the preceding year, and the work was completed during the current period. (5) Waimangu Round Trip. —Unsatisfactory condition of plant, chiefly associated with engine trouble in launches, caused operation of this popular excursion to be intermittent, and eventually the service was temporarily suspended. Installation of new engines in the " Rangitihi " on Lake Tarawera and the " Rotomahana " on Lake Rotomahana, together with the acquisition of the launch " Kahurangi" on the first-mentioned lake, enabled the trip to be resumed after closing down for about two months. General maintenance has been carried out on tracks and jetties and staff cottages. The road frontage to the tea-rooms at Waimangu has been sealed. Improvements to the wharves and jetties on Lake Tarawera are contemplated, and in the meantime jetties on Lake Rotomahana are being replaced with floating landing-pontoons. There is a continuous rise and fall of the latter lake. (6) Gardens, Reserves, and Playing-areas. —Revenue for the year shows an increase. There has been a substantial advance in the proportion represented by golf, bowls, tennis, and croquet. The summer season was a particularly good one, and there was little interruption to games by inclement weather. Special treatment of bowling-greens proved most beneficial and satisfactory. Conditions were especially favourable for plant-growth, and approximately 30,000 seedlings were planted out for display purposes, and, together with a wide range of herbaceous plants, gave a good showing from spring to autumn. Considerable work was undertaken in further improving the appearance of the various buildings within the Model Pa at Whakarewarewa. The work is still in progress and the general condition of the pa is better than it has been for many years and a greater degree of authenticity has been aimed at.

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