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were of great value to those who made Mount Ruapehu the venue for their sport. InterDominion and New Zealand Ski Championships were held on Ruapehu during the season and an Australian ski team competed. The playing-area near the hotel has been maintained in excellent order. The golfcourse is reported to be in good condition. The construction of the bowling-green has been proceeded with and it is likely that it will be ready for play during late spring, and another tennis-court is under construction. (5) Lake Taupo (Tokaanu Hotel) The Manager of Tokaanu reports another successful trading period. Whereas houseguests at this establishment are mostly sporting visitors and transients, an effort was made during last winter to attract " overflow " parties from the Chateau Tongariro. Several parties were so accommodated and travelled to and from the ski-ing grounds daily by bus, and expressed themselves well satisfied with the arrangements made. Extensive repairs, renovations, and additions were made during the year in addition to normal maintenance. The natural hot-water bore sunk in the grounds last year was brought into operation and has been providing a useful service. Water to bathrooms, piped from this source, is delivered at a constant temperature of 165° f. Arrangements for major works in hand include a new drainage scheme, needed alterations, a new store, installation of a new Diesel engine to provide electric energy at a voltage of 230 A.C.,' and painting of all buildings. Fishing in the lake has been very good, and, according to local report, better than for some ten years past. On the other hand, the river angling conditions, particularly on the Tongariro, are considered to have deteriorated. (6) Mount Cook (The Hermitage) Aggregate revenue has been maintained at the level of the gross earnings for the record year of 1948. In general, the year's activities have been highly successful and the Hermitage continues to enjoy prominence as one of the main resort centres with a high standard of service and comfort. The works programme at the Hermitage and the mountain establishments has not been completed owing to insufficient labour and material, but some progress has been made with limited or local resources. Fire-protection installations are being proceeded with. It is expected that the Malte Brun Hut will be brought up to first-class condition in the immediate future, and that a new water reservoir for Ball Hut will shortly be installed. Ball Hut has been well maintained during the year and is in excellent order. The winter sports season proved an exceptionally good one and Ball Hut was in maximum use throughout. Increasing popularity is creating accommodation problems and extensions to existing facilities will require to be given consideration. The climbing season has not been particularly good and activities in this field were hampered considerably by the unfavourable conditions that prevailed over the Christmas - New Year period. Part refurnishing of the interior of the main buildings is contemplated and renewed efforts are being made to give effect to plans projected for adequate staff accommodation, which will result in additional accommodation being available for guests. (7) Franz Josef Glacier (Glacier Hotel) It is evident that the idea prevalent for many years past that this locality is a seasonal one is giving way to the knowledge that it is an attractive resort at any time of the year. Notwithstanding the geographical situation, winters in South Westland are extremely mild and comparatively frost free.

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