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(10) Fiordland (The Milford Track) The season for the Milford Track opened on Ist December and although on occasions the weather conditions have been unfavourable and at other times snow lay heavily on Mackinnon Pass, the number of trampers who undertook the overland journey was greater than during previous seasons. The state of the track prior to the opening was not very good and a great deal of labour was necessary to put it in order. The packing-in of supplies is a problem presenting difficulty and the need for some form of mechanical transport has become more apparent. (Arrangements are being made for the provision of a suitable vehicle.) Pompolona Hut is due for extensive improvements and repairs which it is anticipated will be completed prior to the commencement of the next tourist season. A swing-bridge was constructed over Poisedon Creek and this work, together with other improvements to the track on the Milford Sound side of Mackinnon Pass, has made it possible for walkers to proceed along the western shore of Lake Ada instead of" covering portion of the journey by outboard boat as hitherto. This also enables certain outstanding natural features to be seen to better advantage. Building-material for improvement and maintenance purposes was also packed in to Quintin Huts. (11) Milford Sound (Hotel Milford) The Hotel Milford again experienced a record season with a consequent advance in revenue as compared with the preceding year. The destruction of the east wing of the building by fire on 15th February, 1950, reduced accommodation facilities seriously for a few days, but the local management with commendable resourcefulness speedily made alternative arrangements. The new post-office building was converted into a dormitory and the maximum accommodation potential was restored, so that it was possible to honour all bookings for the remainder of the season. The provision of additional permanent accommodation facilities is under attention. -A large proportion of the guests at Hotel Milford during the period comprised overseas visitors, mostly Australians and Americans. The Department's sightseeing launch, " Donald Sutherland," operated to a two-trip daily schedule throughout the season' and was booked to capacity on every cruise. Large numbers of visitors and guests made the day round trip to Lake Ada via the Giants Gate Falls. (ii) ROTORUA (1) Waimangu Round Trip The year's activities have resulted in improvements to launches and other facilities for handling visitor traffic over this celebrated side-trip route. The launch " Nissan " taken over from the Army Department was redesigned for passenger accommodation and placed in service. Extensions were made to the two principal wharves on Lake Tarawera and better berthing arrangements have thus been provided. Two small jetties were also erected at the outlet of Lake Tarawera. Important alterations were made to the launch " Rotomahana " which resulted in better passenger accommodation and an increase in licensed, capacity to thirty-seven persons. Building alterations were carried out in connection with boat-sheds, &c., at Tarawera. Routine maintenance included servicing of tracks, landings, bridges, overhauls of vessels, &c. Another rowboat and a 16 ft. inboard boat were built by the Department's launchmaster at Tarawera. The Waimangu Round Trip again proved popular and is considered to be a useful and necessary service to tourists which also keeps open many points of thermal and historical interest. Launch excursions on Lake Tarawera and the hire of row-boats were largely availed of by visitors.

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