DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (FIRST ANNUAL REPORT).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, H-02

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1902. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (FIRST ANNUAL REPORT).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Superintendent of Touelst and Health Besoets to the Hon. the Minister in Charge. Department of Tourist and Health Eesorts, g IE _ Wellington, 4th July, 1902. I have the honour to submit herewith the first annual report of the Department of Tourist and Health Eesorts for the year ended 31st March, 1902. I have, &c, T. E. Donne, Superintendent. The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G., Wellington. Immediately on coming into existence this Department was required to assist in making arrangements in connection with the tour through New Zealand of the Imperial Representative Military Corps, numbering one thousand officers and men, who arrived in the s.s. " Britannic " in February, 1901. This tour was a thorough success, and our military visitors were impressed in a marked .degree with the agricultural, pastoral, and industrial progress which had been made in so young a colony, and were also delighted with its scenic beauties and thermal wonders. Evidence of the good impression made on these visitors is to be found in the large number of favourable articles written by them which have appeared in various newspapers and magazines since their return to Britain; also from the fact that some members of the Middlesex Volunteer Begiments have returned to make their homes in New Zealand. Boyal Visit. Early last year devolved on this Department, and occupied several months' arduous labour, the task of providing house and hotel accommodation, carriages, transport of luggage, &c, for Their Boyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, their suite and servants ; His Excellency the Governor, suite and servants; hon. members of the Ministry, the Australian guests of the Government, and visiting English pressmen. The whole of the arrangements made were acknowledged by the Government and the Fress of the colony generally to have been excellent. Agencies. Agencies of the Department have been established at Auckland, Botorua (combined with Works office), Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill. An office will be opened in Dunedin as soon as suitable premises can be obtained at a reasonable rental. As far as practicable these offices have been located in positions near the main business thoroughfares. They are intended primarily to afford information regarding New Zealand—such as where to go, when to go, how to go, what to pay —to all inquirers, whether residents in or tourists from outside the colony; particulars of hotel charges, routes, fares, time-tables, and other important matters in connection with travel being kept for the public benefit. Information is also being compiled to enable the district officers to give accurate directions to sportsmen regarding the locality of and means of access to fishing-streams, deer-forests, game-shooting grounds, together with particulars of licenses, seasons for protected game, &c. Visitors to these agencies may also obtain local information, such as the positions of streets, locality of public or other buildings, cab and train fares, &c. For instance, a Christchurch resident going to Auckland, before leaving the former city could ascertain at the Tourist Office the names and localities of hotels in Auckland and their tariffs, or other information, the aim of the Department being to make them, as far as possible, bureaux of general information. The many thousands of inquiries which have been made at the various offices, both orally and in writing, show that they are filling a public requirement. I—H. 2.

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The establishment of branch agencies in Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco, London, and Colombo should; in my opinion, be effected at an early date, so that tangible evidence of the advantages of New Zealand as a suitable country for settlement, and its attractiveness as a land of scenery, natural wonders, and sport, could be brought directly under notice of the great stream of travellers which is continually flowing through the places named. This could be done by the exhibition of products, photographs, sporting and fishing trophies, &c. ; also by the distribution of illustrated pamphlets and books concerning New Zealand in hotels and other public places, and on all outgoing passenger-steamers. The agents at the respective ports, having a knowledge of local conditions, would reach those persons who would most likely be induced to come to this colony, either as settlers or as tourists, more readily and with less expense than could be done from here. I am of the opinion that these agencies could be established inexpensively, and the cost to the colony would be indirectly repaid again and again. As development occurs and the demand arises I would recommend that sub-offices be established in such towns as Wanganui, Napier, Hokitika, Westport, Timaru, and Queenstown. General ignorance regarding New Zealand as a tourist resort prevails in older lands. To quote one or two of many instances which have come under the notice of this Department: A short time ago a party of ten " Around the World Tourists " passed through Auckland, and owing to their having made complete arrangements for their tour before leaving San Francisco they could not spend any time in this colony, much to their regret. Almost every steamer from America which calls at Auckland contains tourists who, having made no plans to "do" New Zealand, merely pass through en route to Australia. This is the result of want of information, before they commence their journey, as to the wealth of scenic grandeur and beauty and the natural wonders of New Zealand. On the other hand, to illustrate what might be effected by the proper distribution of pamphlets I quote the following instance: An American man and his wife were contemplating a trip to Japan, and went to the Oceanic Shipping Company's office, San Francisco, for information. But, seeing there a pamphlet on New Zealand, they were induced to come here instead of going to Japan. They purposed remaining three weeks, but were so pleased with this country generally that they remained for five months. A retired officer of the British army, after reading an advertisement of this Department, was induced to come here for fishing and shooting. So pleased was he with his experiences in this direction that he remained several months, and, leaving all his impedimenta here, has gone to Japan to winter, intending to return to New Zealand next November, and spend six months fishing and shooting. Further, persons desiring to travel to New Zealand could also get reliable information viva voce and " route lists " before commencing a journey to, as far as they are concerned, an unknown land. These offices need not necessarily be expensively conducted. The vast number of inquiries respecting New Zealand made at the office of the Agent-General in London is, to my mind, a very clear indication that the establishment of such offices would be of considerable benefit to this colony. Along with these tourist bureaux could be established depots for the exhibition of New Zealand produce, and, with intelligent officers in charge who could be kept well posted in prices, much might be done towards opening markets of considerable commercial value. Advertising. New Zealand has been largely advertised abroad during the past year by means of newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements drawing attention to it from a scenic and health point of view, the distribution of photographs, pamphlets, and books, and the lending of lantern-slides to lecturers in Australia, Canada, America, and Britain. That these advertisements have in a measure borne fruit is proved by the very large number of letters which have been received from Australia, India, America, and Great Britain, asking for further information. Following are letters typical of those which frequently come to hand : — Sib,— Rockford, 111., U.S.A., 24th December, 1901. I desire to get the fullest information possible of a reliable character in regard to New Zealand and its present condition and future prospects, and I believe the Government has some publications that give pretty full details. I am a Scotchman, long resident in this country, but can never feel at home in it, and think a good deal of making a move with my family, as I imagine that both climate and other conditions would be more congenial in your country. I am interested in knowing the opportunities that exist for a man with small capital—say, £600 or £700 —in farming and other lines, and about the climate, prices of ordinary commodities, and farm produce and tools, &o. Hoping you can get me the desired information with little delay, and thanking you in advanoe, Yours, &c. Sir,— Hospital No. 3, Manila, P. 1., 26th November, 1901. A small party of young Americans, who are at present serving as soldiers in the Philippines, are desirous of migrating to some good colony or country near this part of the world when their respective terms of enlistment expires. We have read to some extent of the opportunities open to emigrants to your country, and are desirous of obtaining reliable information pertaining to same; and, if I have been correctly informed, the Board of Trade of your city sends to applicants such printed matter as is necessary to give the desired information concerning laws of emigration, benefits of country, and chances of advancement, &c. If this be true, kindly send to address given such papers as you may deem expedient for our enlightenment. We are all young men of good standing at home and in the army, of at least a fair education, all with business experience of varied sorts. We are anxious to better ourselves, and believe we have the true American grit and energy necessary to win, Of oourse, we all have a little money, and would not arrive in your country as paupers. I am, &c. Sir,— Calcutta, India, 11th April, 1902. I have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a oopy (January, 1901) of the Beview of Reviews for Australasia.

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I am led by reading it to ask you if you will kindly assist me with as full information as possible regarding New Zealand as a place for Anglo-Indian officers to resort to after retirement, thinking that the climate would be more suitable to them after long tropical residenoe than that of England. The principal points upon which I would like to have information are cost of living, house-rent, servants, sport (especially fishing), &o.,.and if you can assist me I shall be greatly obliged. lam a medical man, and might be glad to practise. Are there any restrictions requiring practitioners to hold local diplomas? I hold the M.D. of Cambridge and the College of Surgeons membership of London. Is there any opening for practice, general or consulting ; and is there any reasonable expectations of a newcomer obtaining any public appointment under the Government ? Any information you can give me I shall be very thankful for. Yours, &c. Sijj _ Colombo, Ceylon, 23rd May, 1902. As I see by a oopy of the Canterbury Times, whioh has been sent to me, that reference is permitted to you for the information for intending sojourners in your colony, I venture to ask if you will b) good enough to forward me by post any printed matter you may have giving information likely to be of use to an Anglo-Indian who is on the outlook for a suitable location for retirement. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, &c. The scope of advertising this colony in other lands will be greatly widened as soon as the Department has its own series of photographs. An itinerary showing rail, coach, and steamer movements, with fares, distances, &c, on the principal tourist routes in the colony has been issued, and found to be very useful to travellers. A specimen page is shown hereunder : —

Wellington to Auckland, viâ Wanganui River. (Service, 1st November to 30th April.)

Guide-book. As the guide-books of New Zealand which have been issued are mostly out of print, and those current do not fulfil travellers' requirements, the Department has arranged to purchase from Mr. Baeyertz, Dunedin, at a satisfactory price, a supply of the illustrated guide-book which he has now in the press. In the meantime the necessary information is being obtained to enable the Department to issue its own guide-book. Post-caeds. A preliminary issue of 100,000 coloured post-cards illustrative of New Zealand scenery is being lithographed. These will be ready for sale at a small price very shortly. Lettee-papeb and Envelopes. A supply of choicely illuminated letter-paper and envelopes distinctly typical of this colony is also being prepared for public use. It is expected that these and the scenic post-cards will prove valuable advertising media. Announcements in the New Zealand Press that these are being prepared have already caused a number of inquiries to be made for them. One business firm of Melbourne has asked, for samples of the post-cards, with the object of taking a supply for Photographs. One of the best means of advertising the colony's scenery, wonders, and agricultural, pastoral, and industrial life is generally admitted to be by the aid of photography; but unfortunately the Department has found serious drawbacks in this direction owing to the high prices for copies, the heavy charges asked for the right of reproduction, and especially the difficulty of getting the class of pictures required from professional photographers. Recognising the advantage of being in a position to supply illustrated newspapers, magazines &c, with photographs at small cost to the Department, and without any drawback as to reproduction, also for the illustration of guide-books and the making of lantern-slides, the Department arranged for a series of views to be taken in the North, Middle, and Stewart

From To Miles. Service. Fares. Wellington Wanganui Wanganui Pipiriki 201 150 58 Bail — via Manawatu Gorge,- dep. daily, 8.20 a.m.; arr. 9.6 p.m. Bail — via Wellington and Manawatu Bailway, dep. daily, 7.25 a.m.; arr. 3 p.m. Steamer —dep. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 7 a.m.; arr. same days Steamer —dep. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ; trip occupying two days First, 18s. lOd. ; second, 12s. 7d. ; single. First, 19?. Id. ; second, 12s. 9d. ; single. 15s. return ; 10s. single. Wanganui Pipiriki and upper reaches and return to Pipiriki Waiouru 80 12s. 6d. Pipiriki .. Waiouru .. Tokaanu 41 44 Coach—dep. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. ; arr. 6.30 p.m. Coach—dep. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 7 a.m. ; arr. 2.30 p.m. Steamer—dep. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, connecting with coach from Waiouru Coach—dep. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7 a.m.; arr. same days Bail — dep. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8.45 a.m.; arr. 5 p.m. Bail — dep. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 8 a.m.; arr. 7.50 p.m. I £2 10s. single ; £4 10s. return. 15s. single; £1 5s. return. Tokaanu .. Taupo 25 Taupo Botorua 56 £1 5s. single ; £2 return. Botorua .. Auckland 171 First, £1 Is. 6d.; second, 14s. 4d.; single. Note.—In all cases where not quoted the return railway fare is double the amount of the single.

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Islands. So far the negatives to hand give prints of great interest and fine quality. An order was placed with Mr. Melvin Vaniman, of San Francisco, for a series of his very fine direct photographs, 48 in. by 16 in. in size, of the various cities, harbours, and some of the tourist resorts. These will be used as a means of advertising. Impeoving Facilities foe Teavel. The Department has communicated very largely with hotelkeepers, steamboat-owners, coachproprietors, and others, with a view to improving the conditions of travel, and in most cases a ready response has been accorded, and the Department's suggestions cheerfully carried out. I have visited most of the principal and some of the minor tourist resorts, and would probably have been to more of the latter but for a serious illness. The demands made on my time in organizing two new Departments and administering them has also prevented my going to some of the outlying districts. Balneologist. In response to advertisements for a balneologist by the Agent-General on behalf of the Government, forty-three applications were received, and Dr. Wohlmann was selected and appointed as Balneologist to the colony, and is expected to arrive in New Zealand on the 7th July. Following are copies of his credentials :— Arthur S. Wohlmann, M.D.B.S. (honours) London, M.R.G.S. Eng., L.R.C.P. Lond., Gurney Hoare Prizeman, Fellow of the Balneological and Climatological Sooiety, Member of the British Medioal Association, Member of Bristol Medico-Chirurgical Sooiety, Member of British Orthopcedic Society, Surgeon-Captain Devon and Somerset Royal Engineer Volunteers, Medical Referee to Royal Exchange and other Insurance Companies ; Author of " The Bacteriology of the Rheumatic and Allied Diseases," "The Clinical History, Pathology, and Bacteriology of Rheumatoid Arthritis," "The Clinical Significance of the Human Hand," "The Bacillus of Rheumatoid Arthritis"; Lecturer on Physiology and on Hygiene at the Technical Schools, Bath ; Lecturer and Examiner to the St. John Ambulance Association. 66, Great Cumberland Place, Hyde Park, W. Dr. A. S. Wohlmann's powers of work have been well known to me for several years. He acted as my dresser at Guy's Hospital, and later on was house surgeon to Mr. Howse and myself. He is emphatically a strong man and one above the average, and in saying this I refer especially to his powers of sustaining active, valuable work, his great clear-headedness, his excellent judgment and sound good sense. He has already had a varied experience in hospital work and ward-management. He held the very best resident appointments at Guy's ; and the appointments at Port Said and Bath show that he has already been found fit to be intrusted with high and varied responsibilities. His M.D., London, proves what attention Dr. Wohlmann has paid to medicine; he showed, however, an early bent towards surgery. The opportunity which he now seeks will, by intrusting him with patients under his own care, prove that he has mastered his subjects ; that he is thoroughly conversant with the modern advancements of his profession, a skilful operator, keenly attentive to the needs o£ after-treatment, a careful administrator as to hospital work, punctual and painstaking, one who will insist on those who work under him maintaining a high standard also. W. H. A. Jacoeson, M.A., M.B.M.Ch. Oxon., F.R.C.S., Assistant Surgeon Guy's Hospital, Surgeon Royal Hospital for Children and Women. Dear Dr. Wohlmann,— Royal Mineral-water Hospital, Bath, 16th December, 1895. I have much pleasure in forwarding (by desire of the committee) the accompanying certificate, and avail myself of the opportunity of expressing the feeling of high esteem in which you are held by myself and by the committee. I am, yours very truly, R. Q. Mainwaring, President R.M.W.H. The committee have muoh pleasure in stating that during the two years and a half Dr. A. S. Wohlmann has held the appointment of resident medical officer at the Hospital he has been most kind and attentive to the patients, and has discharged his duties in a most efficient manner, and to their entire satisfaction. Fred. W. Dingle, Registrar and Secretary. 25, Weymouth Street, Portland Place, W., 21st March, 1892. I cannot speak too highly of Mr. Wohlmann, M.8., 8.5., Lond. I have seen much of his work at Guy's Hospital, for he has been my clerk and also my clinical assistant in the medical wards. Sinoe then he has been house surgeon, besides holding the appointment of resident obstetric, and several special appointments. Mr. Wohlmann is a thoroughly hard worker and a most reliable man in all ways, and I oannot imagine one who is better fitted in all respects to hold a resident appointment at a hospital. There are those who can speak better than lof his surgioal capacity, but he always did his work in the medical wards in such a thorough manner that I am satisfied he is firatrate all round. James F. Goodhart, Physician to Guy's Hospital. 20, Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square, W. Hearing that Mr. A. S. Wohlmann is a oandidate for the post of senior resident medical officer at the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to his professional qualifications. He has been well known as an able and diligent student at Guy's Hospital, where he has taken a very high position. He was for some time my clinical clerk in the medical wards, and afterwards held under me the senior post of clinical assistant; and in both appointments he did his work exceedingly well, making most accurate reports, and showing a thorough acquaintance with all that was of interest and importance in his cases. As a result of this work he wrote some very able essays for the Gurney Hoare Prize, which he obtained. Since then he has held the offices of house surgeon and obstetric assistant, and has taken the degrees of M.8., 8.5., Lond., with honours. Mr. Wohlmann is thus fully qualified for a resident appointment of the kind he is seeking, and I am confident he will, if appointed, give complete satisfaction, both with regard to his professional and personal qualifications. Frederick Taylor, M.D., F.R.C.P., Physician to and Leoturer on Medioine at Guy's Hospital. 59, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W., 24th March, 1892. I have much pleasure in bearing testimony in favour of Mr. Wohlmann's ability and good qualifications as a surgeon. I have known him all through his curriculum at Guy's Hospital, and I have formed a very high opinion of him. He was my dresser for six months, and aoted for a week or two as my houße surgeon during the illness of the regular officer. Both as dresser and house surgeon I found him most careful in his work, regular in his attendance, kind to the patients committed to his oharge, and thoroughly acquainted with the modern methods of treatment and development of surgery. Mr. Wohlmann's position at the University of London, where he has graduated M.B. and 8.5., and the fact that he is the holder of numerous prizes and certificates, have still further guaranteed his position as a first-rate man. I have great pleasure in warmly recommending him for any appointment for which he may wish to compete. H. G. Howse, M.S., F.R.C.S., Surgeon to Guy's Hospital and Leoturer on Surgery, Member of Council and of Court of Examiners of the Royal College of Surgeons, Examiner of Surgery to the University of London.

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MR fI A. S. Wohlmann has been a most able and diligent studenf 'JS& £$£%£% .U*. ? rZltlT g SIX ?T' hS '" wh i ch> aS my hOU3e sur g eon ' he had ohar S e of the patients in my wards Judging from the knowledge intelligence, and conscientiousness which he then showed, and from the extensive experiencein Z™v T glCa ' T k - Whi ° h he haS had ' * beHeVe fchat he is *°K«gWy qualified to fi fa responsible fo stion a the practice of our profession. N . Davies-Colley, M.A., M.C., Cantab., P os ™ oa m Surgeon and Leoturer on Surgery, Guy's Hospital. t „.„.,„. v. i i ~ 26, Weymouth Street, Portland Place, W. 1 have much pleasure in writing a testimonial for Mr. Wohlmann, whose clinical work I have been able closely to follow for more than four years. As house surgeon he was a most valuable medical officer, and I left the most important and critical cases under his care, having complete confidence in his judgment and in his professional knowledge. As clinical assistant in the Throat Department, Mr. Wohlmann gave me the greatest assistance, and here he performed, many tunes, all the usual operations. In addition, Mr. Wohlmann is a most capable anesthetist, and has administered chloroform and ether for me under a variety of conditions. The rapidity with which Mr Wohlmann took his university degrees, the prizes he has won at Guy's, and the senior appointments he has held sufficiently attest his ability. I can only add that to all this he adds a most agreeable manner, and will, lam sure be found an agreeable and desirable medical officer. Charters J. Symonds, M.S., F.R.C.S., Eng., Assistant Surgeon and Surgeon in Charge of the Throat Department, Teacher of Operative and Practical Surgery, Guy's Hospital. , , . , . 27, St. Thomas's Street, London Bridge, S.E., 26th Match, 1892. J. H * V ® ™ u ° h Pleasure in bearing testimony to the professional ability of Mr. A. S. Wohlmann. I shall not speak of his brilliant academic career, nor of the many prizes he has obtained, but of my personal knowledge of his work in my own department of midwifery and diseases of women. For the past two months he has been holding the appointment of resident obstetric assistant at Guy's Hospital. He has had exceptional advantages in acquiring a knowledge o these subjects, and I am glad to have this opportunity of saying that he has utilised these opportunities to the fullest extent. He has, under my supervision, performed many obstetric operations with great success, and I feel confident that his acquirements in obstetrics and diseases of women will prove of great service I wish to add that Mr. Wohlmann is a gentleman with whom it is a pleasure to work. He has my best wishes for his success Peter Horrocks, M.D., F.R.C.P., Assistant Obstetric Physician to and Demonstrator of Praotical Obstetrics and Diseases of Women at Guy's Hospital, Examiner in Obstetrics on the Conjoint Board for England. Dr. Farkes Weber, whose knowledge and experience of thermal baths, &c, are well known and who assisted the Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General, to make the selection, writes as follows' after having interviewed the candidates: " I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Wohlmann out of all the candidates for the post of Balneologist to the New Zealand Government, and in expressing my opinion that they would have to wait long to get a better man." Dr. Wohlmann will be asked to analyse the various mineral waters as soon as possible after his arrival. A treatise on them and their uses will then be published for general information. He will reside at Botorua and take charge of the Sanatorium and baths, giving medical advice and information as to the proper use of the mineral waters at fixed fees to visitors who may wish to consult him. He will also give medical attention and advice to the Sanatorium patients and Natives of the Botorua district. His report to the Agent-General on his observations in connection with Continental health resorts and mineral springs which he visited just prior to embarking for New Zealand is as follows :— * Report by Db. Wohlmann on Continental Health Resorts. I have the honour to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I have made a tour of inspection of a number of the principal mineral-water health resorts of Europe. The number of such spas is of course enormous, and I was compelled to limit my ohoioe to such places as those whose waters more nearly resembled those of Rotorua, or whose reputation was world-wide owing to the completeness of their bathing establishments. I visited Aix les Bains, in France ; Baden Baden, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Homburg, Nauheim, Schwalbach and Aaohen, in Germany; and Carlsbad and Marienbad, in Austria. To visit such a large number of widely soattered places within the short space of three weeks necessitated of oourse, a very short stay at eaoh, and was only managed at all by inoessant and unsparing travel; but lam oonvin'oed that I should not have profited much by a longer stay at eaoh unless my tour had been prolonged into some months so as to enable me to watoh actual cases through weeks of treatment. A great deal of what I saw at a new place was merely a duplicate of what I had already seen at the last one, and of what I was already perfectly familiar with at Bath, so that often a few hours were sufficient for me to examine all the salient points. At the time of year when I was oompelled to make my visit most of the spas, with the exception of Wiesbaden, were " out of season " and empty of visitors, and, though this deprived me of the opportunity of seeing things in full swing, yet it had its compensations, for I was enabled to make a more complete and minute examination of the various bathing appliances and fittings than I should have done had the baths been thronged with patients and the dootors and attendants busy. In this report I am making no attempt to give a detailed aocount of what I saw and heard, but rather a general impression. In my note-book I have a great number of details and drawings, which I have retained for future referenoe. Speaking generally, I was impressed by the faot that wherever springs were situated in large towns the expenses of the bathing establishment were greatly increased. On aocount of the value of land it was often nearly impossible to extend the buildings, and it was necessary to adopt special precautions to prevent sewage pollution of the springs. At the same time expensive artificial gardens and parks had to replace the natural beauties of the neighbourhood. Then, too, in a large town the simplicity of diet and of habits generally whioh are natural enough in the country are only with difficulty maintained. Everywhere I found that the local authorities were fully alive not only to the important financial asset they possessed in their mineral springs, but also to the value of the other gifts of Nature, and that the beauties of the neighbouring mountains, woods, and streams were made accessible, while yet carefully preserved. Through the kindness of several medical men in England, and notably of Dr. Weber, I hai introductions to the leading practitioners of the various soas I visited, and thus was able to obtain the benefit of expert guidance at each place ; and I take this opportunity of recording my warmest thanks for the kind reception given and the unstinted trouble taken by the doctors whom I called on. The principal points which I set myself to observe at each place were :— 1. The general routine of treatment: In this there a certain marked resemblanoe everywhere with minor local differences. '

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2. The general arrangement and structural pecularities of the bath-houses : I obtained rough plans of some of the most important buildings, which may possibly be of service, though the establishments seemed to me to be generally of too elaborate a type to be likely to be suitable to Rotorua. In many of these places, notably in Austria, there was a luxury of architecture, a wealth of beautiful but chill-suggestive marble, that to me, at any rate, seemed overpowering, and I could nat help feeling that there was more real oomfort in the comparatively homely timbered buildings of Nauheim than in all the cold glory of marble palaces. 3. The arrangement of the several baths and rooms, the material of which they were built, and more particularly the resistance of those materials to sulphurous fumes. (a.) Arrangements : In most of the spas it has been found advisable to reserve one part of the building for men and the other for women, and, though this has not been the plan adopted at some English resorts, yet I think it is eminently desirable, more especially as it economizes the use of dressingrooms, and enables heated and dishevelled patients to go to the oooling-room without necessitating a hurried and often dangerously premature toilet. The system prevailing at Aix les Bains of altogether dispensing with a cooling-room and sending the patients home to cool is, I think, entirely to be deprecated. With a separate department for ladies, a great economy of space and money can be effeoted by using the cubicle system of dressing-rooms opening on to a oommon cooling-room. I have notes, too, of the various systems of ventilating and warming the rooms and of warming the floors and the towels by means of the natural heat of mineral water. (6.) Materials : Incomparably the best material for all large baths and for such walls of bath-rooms as are exposed to douches and splashes is certainly a layer of glazed tiles set in cement, and fitting together as closely as possible. There is a slow but certain action of the mineral-water vapours on the cement left exposed in the cracks between the tiles, but if these are closely set the action may be practically disregarded. The beauty of this material too, which may be had in any colour or design, is a great point in its favour. At the present moment lam experimenting with the action of various aoids on tiles, but too much reliance should not be placed on laboratory experiments, and I am therefore bringing out with me a sufficient number of tiles to build an experimental bath-room. I have little doubt that the tiles lam bringing will resist the strongest fumes. For special baths I found various metals used, especially copper and zinc, but where sulphurous acid is present the less metal used the better, either in baths or fittings. Invariably for mud baths, and generally for cold-water treatment, I found wooden baths employed.4. The methods of collecting the waters at the source and the materials used for pipes. 5. The various douches in use and their mode of application: As these douches are amongst the most important of all the implements in the hands of the balneologist, I was careful to take detailed note of the various apparatus in use, but I oould not help being struck by the fact that at Aix, whioh is the home of douche-massage, the mechanical apparatus was of the utmost simplicity, the skilled fingers of the attendant converting one douche into another and taking the place of mechanical devices. The arrangements for maintaining the pressure and for altering the temperature of the douches I examined with most especial care, and I have drawings of various mixers in use, though the interior arrangements of some of the best were kept seoret. I have the names of various Continental firms who make these apparatus, but I can obtain just as good, I believe, in England. At every spa I investigated the action of the various mineral waters on the nozzles of the douches. At Aachen, whose waters appear to closely resemble those of Rotorua, the best metal is found to be messing (a kind of brass). To more thoroughly test the working of the douches, at Aix les Bains I had two massage baths myself, while at Aachen two attendants were bathed and massaged for mo. G. The mud baths, which are coming more and more into favour on the Continent of Europe : The mud is made from peat, ground, mixed with mineral water, and artificially heated. I have detailed notes of the process of preparation, though I understand that in New Zealand Nature carries out the whole process unaided. 7. The various forms of inhalation: Magnifioent arrangements were made for this at several spas —notably at Baden—and I think that a good deal might be done in this direction at Rotorua at small expense. 8. The various forms of looal and general hot-air and vapour baths : With the supply of boiling water in the .Rotorua district most of these might easily be installed. 9. The Zander Institutes for meohanical movements I found in great perfection nearly everywhere, and everywhere the medical men epoke in their praise. The expense necessary to their installation i«, however, very considerable, and I am afraid that we must not think of a Zander Institute for Rotorua for some time yet. 10. The various forms of electrioal treatment were, of course, in use at every spa: A simple form of eleotric bath could be very easily and economically installed. 11. The treatment by oompressed and rarefied air as seen at Baden and at Wiesbaden : This is useful in oertain cases, but involves considerable expense and a certain amount of risk, and I should not advise its adoption. 12. The carbonic-aoid mineral-water baths, of which those of Nauheim are a type : These are of great and growing importance. They can be imitated artificially to a certain extent. 13. The arrangements for bottling mineral waters for table waters. 14. The local government of the spas, and the arrangements made for the recreation of visitors : These varied in different localities. In some the springs belonged to the Government, in some to the town, in some to private individuals. From what I saw I should insist on the importance of the ownership of the springs never being allowed to rest in private hands. As a type of a particularly well-managed spa I will instanoe Baden Baden. Here everything—baths, amusements, gardens, sanitation—is in splendid order, and nothing is allowed to mar the clean, healthy, and beautiful appearance of the place. (a.) At the head of the bathing establishments is a Medical Director appointed by the Government, and who is responsible for the condition of the baths generally. (6.) A medical committee appointed by the practitioners of the town suggests teohnioal improvements in the baths and sanitary arrangements for the consideration of the Medical Superintendent, (c.) A lay committee of three is responsible for all amusements, and levies the "cure tax" on all visitors, which admits them to all the publio entertainments, and to a large extent makes the bands, ooncerts, &c, self-supporting. The committee is composed of a chairman, who at present is a retired military offioer, and receives a salary—he is a permanent official; the Mayor ex officio ; and an elected member of the Town Council. 15. The manner in which the spas are advertised: Many towns spare no expense in distributing handbooks profusely illustrated ; and the illustrations are really first class. 16. Analyses of the principal waters are published, signed by a recognised authority, suoh as Professor Fresenius, of Wiesbaden. I have, &0., Arthur S. Wohlmann. Toueist Besoets and Boutes, Noetheen Auckland. From observation I am of opinion that an interesting and popular tour can be opened up from Auckland vid Helensville, Wairoa Biver to Whangarei, and back to Auckland by the East Coast, or vice versa. With this view .the Department has written to the Hobson and Whangarei County Councils suggesting that the road should be formed from the landing on the Wairoa Biver to Whangarei, about fifteen miles of this road being at present unfit for coach traffic,

6

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Revenue. The receipts for the year 1901-2 show at all resorts under control of this Department an exceedingly satisfactory increase over those of the previous year; the total receipts for 1901-2 being £5,490 16s. 10d., as against £4,179 18s. 1d. for 1900-1, or a gross increase of £1,310 18s. 9d., made up as follows: —

Helensville Hot Spbings. Inquiries are being made with a view to developing the hot mineral springs at Helensville, near Auckland City. The waters of these springs have been analysed for the Department by Professor Pond. Te Aeoha. In connection with the proposed expenditure of £500 advanced to Te Aroha Hot-springs Domain Board by the Department in March, and the proposed further advance of an additional £500 for general improvements, the Inspector of Works at Botorua was sent to Te Aroha to confer with and advise the Board as to the best means of carrying out the necessary new works. The Inspector reports as follows : — I proceeded to Te Aroha according to your instructions, and conferred with the Domain Board re improvements required to be effected, viz.:— 1. Painting all buildings (say, seven) two coats. 2. No. 1 bath building to be renewed and bath altered. 3. No. 4 bath building to be renewed. 4. Laying out grounds at rear of private-bath buildings. 5. Repairing cold swimming-bath. 6. Erecting pavilion for bowling-green. 7. New main entrance (which it is proposed to erect by private subscription). The first six items is a much larger order than can be carried out with the grant of £500. The most important matter, I think, the Board should take into its consideration is that of augmenting the supply of pure thermal water, which often is inadequate to the demand at the new private-bath buildings. The underground concrete conservingtanks, I was informed, are built around the springs, which is a mistake. They should be away and at a lower level, so as to receive all the water that the spring or springs are capable of giving, as when the water is backed up on a spring, or allowed to flow back at a lower temperature, the action of the spring is checked. The Board is endeavouring to obtain the original plans on which the work was carried out, and on receipt of these I may form a better idea of what is to be done to remedy the matter. As soon as time permits I will prepare plans for the Board for buildings to be erected over baths Nos. 1 and 4. The amounts advanced and to be advanced by the Department to the Board will be expended in carrying out, as far as possible, the works outlined in the report of the Inspector of Works. As stated by the Board, it has been found that the subsidy provided for the Medical Officer— viz., £50 —has not proved sufficiently large to induce a competent practitioner to take up his residence permanently at Te Aroha. During a comparatively short period no less than five doctors have endeavoured to establish themselves, but the private practice, added to the Government subsidy of £50, has not proved sufficiently remunerative. I consider that constant changes of medical officers or the total absence of them at these baths operates very greatly to the disadvantage of the baths, and tends to decrease their popularity. I therefore recommend that the subsidy for doctor should be increased to £150 per annum. In accordance with the Board's request, the landscape gardener from Botorua will shortly be sent to Te Aroha to assist the Board in the work of laying out new gardens, and in arranging a scheme for the general improvement of the Domain. The revenue of the Hot-springs Domain Board for the year ending the 31st December, 1901, amounted to £1,007 15s. 9d., as against £1,122 13s. 3d. for the year ending the 31st December..

7

1900-1. 1901-2. i Increase. Rotorua. m. £ s. d. Sanatorium accommodation fees ... ... 668 16 6 Out-patients' fees ... ... ... ... 419 10 0 Sale of bath-tickets ... ... ... ... 1,027 18 5 Water fees ... ... ... ... 77 10 0 Tennis, bowls, &c. ... ... ... ... Nil 2.193 14 11 £ s. 668 16 419 10 1,027 18 77 10 Nil d. 6 0 5 0 £ s. d. 813 13 6 480 7 6 1,522 0 4 144 5 0 36 12 8 £ s. d. 144 17 0 60 17 6 494 1 11 66 15 0 36 12 8 2,193 14 11 2,996 19 0 803 4 1 Zi , ±VO ±'± ±1 Hanmer Springs. Accommodation-house fees ... ... ... 1,139 19 10 Sale of bath-tickets ... ... ... ... 487 6 10 1,627 6 8 1,344 552 1 6 2 4 204 1 64 19 4 6 1,896 7 6 269 0 10 The Hermitage, Mount Cook. Hotel accommodation, guide fees, &c. ... ... 358 16 6 Total increase ... 597 10 4 238 13 10 1,310 18 9

H.—2.

1900, showing a total decrease of £112 5s. 6d., which the Board attributes to unseasonable weather and the depression of the goldfields districts. It is regrettable that this falling-off in revenue should have occurred, especially as last summer the influx of visitors at all the other important resorts was the largest on record. Te Aroha has hitherto been supported very largely by visitors from the Thames and surrounding districts, and any depression in those districts would adversely affect it. The Domain Board has done good work in controlling and improving the Hot-springs Domain, but a very general opinion prevails that it would be to the advantage of the district and the colony to have the springs and Domain reverted to direct Government control, and brought into line with the other resorts now under Government control. I have arranged for periodical visits of the Inspector of Works and the Gardener in Charge at Botorua to Te Aroha to assist the Board as they may desire. These two officers, from their long experience of the springs and landscape gardens at Botorua, are specially qualified to give expert advice to the Board. The Te Aroha Hot-springs Domain Board's annual report is as follows : — Te Aboha Hot-springs Domain Boabd Annual Beport. The following is a summary of the Board's revenue for the financial years ended 31st December, 1900, and 31st December, 1901, exclusive of Government grants :— 1900. 1901. £ s. d. £ s. d. Bath fees .. .. .. .. .. 1,031 1 5 920 12 7 Library subscriptions .. .. .. .. 11 18 0 16 11 0 Towel-hire .. .. • • .. .. 79 1 10 72 12 2 1,122 1 3 1,009 15 9 This total shows a diminution of £112 5s. 6d. as compared with that of the previous year, but it was hardly expected that the continued advance in revenue, an advance extending'over a period of eleven years, would continue indefinitely. The unseasonable weather prevailing last summer and the depression in the goldfields districts undoubtedly tended to bring about the reduction of revenue referred to. With the exception of the extension of the lawn and construction of a bowling-green—referred to later on—no new work of any magnitude has been carried out during the year, the condition of the Board's finances not being favourable. For some years past the Board has experienced a continuous loss through towels being stolen by bathers. All attempts —such as branding the towels—to effectually stop the practice proved futile. Acting on a suggestion from the hotel-proprietors at Botorua, the Board decided to import a specially manufactured towel, and some months ago an indent was sent to an English manufacturer for twelve dozen towels. These have now been received and put into use, and it is satisfactory to find that the pilfering has been practically stopped. The towels are of a substantial nature, 58 in. by 30 in., and have the words " Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain Baths " woven into the texture, so that the towel would have to be considerably mutilated before it could be appropriated to private use. During the year an additional asphalt tennis-court has been laid down. This was rendered necessary on aocount of the limited accommodation provided by the one existing court. The need for the extra court has been shown by the fact that the two courts have been almost continuously occupied during the whole season. The Board has reverted to the former practice of charging for tennis privileges. For the last two years this charge had been abolished, and players provided their own rackets and balls, and were granted the use of the courts free. As visitors frequently came unprovided with either rackets or balls, this was found to be a disadvantage, so now the Board has procured a supply of both these articles, and hires them out to the public for Is. per week per set. In addition to this a charge is made for the use of the courts to the extent of 5s. a yearly ticket for gentlemen and 2s. 6d. for ladies, with a uniform charge of Is. per week for casual subscribers. Tl:ese charges, while not unduly oppressive to players, recoup the Board for any outlay for tennis material and leaves a small surplus. The extension of tee lawn and construction of the bowling-green, a contract which, through various unavoidable delays, extended over a period of nearly eighteen months, has at last been completed, and the result cannot be considered other than a great improvement. The bowling-green was undertaken at the repeated request of visitors, and cannot fail to add to the existing attractions of Te Aroha. The completion of this work, by reason of the unexpected and unavoidable extras, considerably exceeded the grant allowed to the Board by the Government for the purpose, and proved a considerable drain on the Board's financial resources, rendering it necessary for members to seek temporary accommodation from the bank, which was only granted on members' personal security being given. Becently the sum of £500 was remitted to the Board's credit by the Government, this being the first instalment of the £1,350 authorised for Te Aroha Domain improvements by Parliament last session. This sum will be used for the erection of two new bath-houses over Nos. 1 and 4 baths. The existing buildings being in an exceedingly disreputable condition, the Board will now be in a position to rectify matters in this respect, and so remove a cause of complaint. Acting under instructions from the Department, Mr. Corlett, Inspector of Works from Botorua, recently visited Te Aroha to confer with the Board concerning a scheme of works to absorb an additional grant of £500 proposed to be made by the Government. The various works which the Board would like to see oarried out were shown and explained to Mr. Corlett, who will report to his departmental headquarters in due course. During his visit Mr. Corlett gave the Board some useful hints on bath-oonstruction and the conservation of hot water as it comes from the springs. The Board sincerely trusts that more frequent visits may be made by that gentleman, whose long experience in similar work at Botorua enables him to advise the Board on sound lines. There is room for much improvement in the Domain, both as regards laying out the grounds and reDOvating buildings. With reference to the former, the Board would again urge upon the Department the need for a oompetent landscape gardener being sent along to plan a scheme of work, so that whatever was undertaken by the Board in that direction from time to time as funds allowed would form part of the general plan. Only by some such means as this oan anything really satisfactory be done. Another urgent need in connection with Te Aroha is an increase in the subsidy at present granted to the Besident Medical Practitioner. At present £50 is granted per annum by the Government for the purpose, but it must be apparent that this is very inadequate. The private practice available is not sufficiently remunerative to enable a doctor to come to Te Aroha for that alone. Since the subsidy was first granted no less than five doctors have given the place a trial, and all have had to leave. Invalids complain very much of the lack of opportunities for getting professional advioe as to the proper use of the baths and waters, and outside doctors do not care to send their patients here until they know that a resident dootor's services are available. An annual subsidy of at least £150 should be granted. Wm. Hill, Secretary. BOTOBUA. The popularity of this resort is advancing by leaps and bounds. Prom the thousands of visitors of more or less note one hears only a chorus of appreciation regarding its unique and interesting surroundings. The past year has marked an era in its existence owing to the visit of Their Boyal Highnesses the Duke and. Duchess of Cornwall and York, and the large party accom-

8

H.—2.

panying them. The occasion was taken advantage of by the Government to invite all the Natives in the colony to assemble there to meet Their Boyal Highnesses. The result was most successful, and the vast assemblage of Natives carried out their entertaining and interesting programme in such a manner as to leave a proud and pleasing memory in the minds of all who were privileged to be present. That the Boyal party carried back to England pleasant thoughts of their visit to Botorua is shown by letters written to this Department by various members of Their Boyal Highnesses' suite. The Imperial Bepresentative Corps also visited Botorua. The Government baths were thrown open to them, and were greatly appreciated. The following table, supplied by the General Manager of Bailways, shows the number of passengers carried by railway to Botorua during the two years ending 31st March, 1901 and 1902, respectively.

Return of the Number of Passengers booked to Rotorua for Years ending 31st March, 1901, and 31st March, 1902, respectively, exclusive of Bookings from Flag-stations.

The above figures are exclusive of the passengers carried by the Boyal visit and the Imperial Bepresentative Corps special trains. There was also an increase of 30 per cent, in the number of visitors to Botorua via Wanganui Biver and Taupo, exclusive of Natives attending the Boyal visit demonstrations. Notwithstanding that there are four hotels and fifteen boardinghouses in Botorua and Whakarewarewa, the accommodation was not nearly sufficient to fulfil requirements during last Easter, and the Department had to issue warnings to intending visitors not to go there unless accommodation had been secured in advance. As it was, between two and three hundred persons arrived by rail late at night who could not get lodgings, and they had to sleep in railway-carriages, sheds, &c, and return to Auckland the next morning. An additional two hundred had perforce to put up with improvised accommodation, in some cases of the roughest description. If private enterprise does not soon provide the necessary accommodation, it will be incumbent on the Government to consider whether it shall not step in and do so, as has been done at Hanmer Hot Springs. On the representation of this Department the Postal Department has decided that a trial will be made by the Auckland Post-office of making up for despatch by the steamer for Sydney, at 5.30 p.m., a supplementary mail containing the correspondence for Australia received from Botorua by train due at Auckland at 5 p.m. on Mondays. Sanatorium. The Sanatorium has accommodation for twelve male and twelve female patients. Formerly four free beds for indigent persons were included, but owing to the number of demands for free beds, during the winter months, two additional beds were provided, making a total of six free beds. Even this number is quite inadequate to meet requirements, and, allowing the maximum residence for each free patient—namely, three months—all free beds have been booked in order of application up to February next. Also, numerous applications from paying patients for accommodation in the Sanatorium had to be refused during the summer months. When it becomes known that the services of an eminent balneologist have been secured, I am convinced that the applications for admission to the Sanatorium will be much larger than hitherto. This condition of affairs points to the urgent need of increased accommodation. In my opinion, it is desirable that a new accommodation building should be erected exclusively for paying patients on a site in the Sanatorium grounds near Lake Botorua. An excellent position is available. Such new Sanatorium should be furnished and conducted on a scale superior to the existing one, and the latter should be used for indigents. Provision in this connection has been deferred to enable the Department to get the benefit of Dr. Wohlmann's experience and special knowledge, but proposals will be placed before the Government as soon as possible after his arrival. During the past year the Sanatorium has been partly refurnished and otherwise improved, and made much more comfortable for the patients. The number of patients received into the institution during the year 1901-2 was 116, and the revenue collected for accommodation and doctor's out-patient fees was £1,294 Is., as against £1,088 6s. 6d. for the previous year, thus showing an increase of £205 14s. 6d. Bevenue on this account would have been much greater had more accommodation been available for patients. The Doctor's and Matron's duties having largely increased, it has been found necessary to augment the staff of the Sanatorium by the appointment of a clerk and a nurse. 2—H. 2.

9

Ordinary. Return. — Holiday Excursion. Special Excursion. Round Trip. [ Year ending Single. Total. First. ! Second. j . | First. Second. I First. I Second. First. Second. First. Seoond. 1901. March 31... 666 1902. March 31... 1,080 1,458 551 718 395 1,236 175 157 144 106 5,606 2,161 923 1,877 884 4,806 199 192 12,122 Grand total 1,746 3,619 1,474 2,595 1,279 6,042 175 157 343 298 17,728

H.— %

Baths. The Botorua baths have grown in popularity during the year at a rate previously unknown, and the number of baths taken exceed by nearly twenty-four thousand all previous records. For the year 1900-1 56,081 baths were taken (including 9,982 given free to returned contingent-men and Sanatorium patients), yielding a revenue of £1,027 18s. 5d.; and for the year 1901-2 80,003 baths were taken (including 11,488 given to returned contingent-men and Sanatorium patients), yielding a revenue of £1,522 os. 4d., which shows an increase of 23,922 baths and an increased revenue of £494 Is. 4d., or nearly 50: per cent, over the previous year, notwithstanding that at the latter end of last year the bath charges were greatly reduced. The Pavilion, Blue, and Postmaster Baths buildings have been repainted and kept in repair. The Pavilion Baths building is fast decaying, and will have to be rebuilt within the next two years. This building and its baths are altogether out of date, and proposals for a more extensive and better class of building and baths will be placed before the Government later on. One of the Bachel water-cooling tanks has been enlarged to give an additional supply of 16,000 gallons, making the holding-capacity of the two Bachel cooling-tanks 47,400 gallons. In order to maintain the temperature of the Priest Baths, the tail-races leading therefrom into Lake Botorua were extended at a cost of £175. The erection of the " Duchess Bath," which was opened by Her Boyal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and York, and which embraces swimming, private, plunge, shower, and douche baths, lavatories, &c, and well-furnished dressing-rooms, has proved to be a step in the right direction. These baths are popular with visitors, and, although only open to the public for five months prior to the 31st March last, no less than 2,095 baths were taken, giving a revenue of £108 17s. 6d. A Tallerman limb-bath has been procured from London, and later on it is proposed to obtain a full-size bath of the same class. Arrangements are being made to obtain a supply of specially woven towels direct from the English manufacturers for Botorua, Waikaremoana, Hanmer, and Mount Cook. The male and female bath-attendants have been put into uniform. The Postmaster Baths have been connected by telephone with the Medical Officer's office. Regulations. During the year the bath-ticket system has beeu thoroughly reorganized and placed on a proper footing. The regulations for the control of the Sanatorium baths and gardens have been revised and made more comprehensive and complete. They are as follows : — Regulations for the Conservation and Use of the Rotorua Sanatorium, Thermal Springs, and Grounds. Ranfubly, Governor. In pursuance of the powers and authorities conferred upon me by the two-hundred-and-forty-second section of "The Land Act, 1892," I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Raafurly, the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, do by this notification make the following regulations for the use by the public of the reserve and grounds pertaining thereto which contain the thermal springs situate at Rotorua described in the Schedule hereto, that is to say:— REGULATIONS. 1. These regulations apply to the Crown lands at Rotorua, in the Auckland Land District, which are within the area described in the Schedule hereto, including those planted and enclosed, and in which are situated the Rotorua Sanatorium and the thermal springs which supply the bathing-places known as the Rotorua baths and Whakarewarewa baths, and to the reserves made for recreation or other purposes in connection therewith. Sanatorium. 2. Application for admission to the Sanatorium shall be made to the Resident Medical Offioer, Sanatorium, Rotorua, and each applicant shall be subject to examination by such Medical Officer before being admitted to the Sanatorium. 3. No person shall be admitted (unless in accordance with Regulations 5, 7, and 8) except on the recommendation of the Hospital or Charitable Aid Board of the district to which he or she belongs, or the recommendation of the trustees of the benevolent society or hospital (if separate institutions) of the town in which the applioant resides. 4. The Board or trustees in making such recommendation shall guarantee the cost of such applicant patient, shall send him or her at their own charge to Rotorua, be responsible for his or her return passage, and provide a suitable supply of clothing. They shall also furnish a report on the case by a duly qualified medical practitioner, showing nature of complaint, in order that it may be known whether the case is one that is likely to benefit by treatment at the Sanatorium. 5. Members of any duly registered friendly society may be admitted, on the recommendation of the lodge to which they belong, on the same terms as patients recommended by a Hospital or Charitable Aid Board, and Regulation 4 shall be read as applying to them in all respects: Provided that not more than six of such members shall be resident at the Sanatorium at any one time, and that all the hospital beds are not required by patients admitted under Regulation 3. 6. The charges for maintenance and treatment for persons admitted to the Sanatorium under Regulations 3 and 5 shall be £1 Is. per week. 7. When all the beds are not occupied by patients admitted under Regulations 3 and 5 the Resident Medical Officer may, at his discretion, admit such persons as he may consider fit and proper subjects for treatment in the Sanatorium, and who have undertaken to pay £1 10s. per week for maintenance and treatment. 8. When all the beds are not occupied by patients admitted under Regulations 3, 5, and 7, persons may be admitted to the Sanatorium free of charge on the following conditions: — (a.) That each application for admission shall be made to the Superintendent of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, and each such application shall be accompanied by a doctor's certificate showing nature of complaint, and stating that the applicant is a fit patient for and is likely to receive benefit from treatment at the Sanatorium. (6.) That each applicant for free accommodation and treatment shall have been a resident of New Zealand for more than twelve months prior to the application, and shall satisfy the Superintendent that he or she has not sufficient meaus to pay for such accommodation and treatment. (c.) That each applicant on arrival at Rotorua shall be subject to examination by the Resident Medioal Officer before being finally accepted for free accommodation and treatment.

10

H.—2.

(d.) That the expenses to and from Rotorua are provided by eaoh such person, together with a sufficient supply of clothing, (c.) That not more than four such persons shall be resident at the Sanatorium at one time. 9. The residence of each patient shall be limited to three months, but the Superintendent may, at his discretion, further extend the duration of such residence. 10. Patients residing in the Government Sanatorium at Rotorua may, while so residing, and on production of a ticket from the Resident Medical Officer, be admitted free to such baths as he may direct. 11. Visitors desiring professional advice may consult the Government Resident Medical Officer at the Sanatorium, and the charge for each suoh consultation shall be 10s. 6d. Should visitors desire the Resident Medical Officer to visit them at their residences, the charge shall be £1 Is. for each such visit. Baths. 12. Hours of admission to baths shall be as authorised by the Minister in charge of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department. Admission shall be obtained by ticket only, and each bather shall present his or her ticket to the bath attendant, who shall clip and retain it. 13 The charges, except as provided in clauses 14,15, 16,17, and 18 of these regulations, for all baths shall be as follows: One private bath, Bd.; one public bath, 6d. Any child whose age does not exoeed twelve years shall be charged half price. _ . , , ~ . , ~ 14 The charges for baths at the " Duchess Baths " shall be as follows: One private plunge-bath, including shower and douche, use of dressing-room, &c, 25.; public swimming-bath, Is. Any ohild whose age does not exoeed twelve years, half-price. 15. The charge for a sulphur bath shall be Is. for each person. 16 Any person who shall have signed a declaration before the Resident Medical Officer, a Justice ot the Peace, or the Postmaster, truly setting forth that he or she has resided for a period of at least six months within a radius of five miles from the Rotorua Post-office, shall be admitted to all baths, except as provided in clauses 14 and lo of these regulations, on payment of the following charges, viz.: One private bath, 4d.; one public bath, 3d. Any child whose age does not exceed twelve years: One private bath, 2d.; one public bath, Id. : Provided that all persons admitted to baths under this regulation shall provide their own towels. For the purpose of this regulation, the head of any household may sign one declaration for the whole of the inmates of such household, providing the name of each person the declaration applies to is appended to the said declaration. 17 Single commutation tickets for twenty-five baths, having a currency of four months from date of issue, and available for all public baths except the Duchess Baths, shall be issued at a charge of 10s. each. Residents' single and family commutation tickets for twenty-five baths, having a currency of four months from date of issue, and available for all public baths except the Duchess Baths, shall be issued at a charge of ss. each to persons who have complied with Regulation 16 of these regulations. Each family commutation ticket shall be available for the use of members of one household only. . 18. The oharge for private baths set apart for skin-diseases shall be 4d. each. The bather shall provide his own 19 In all cases, unless otherwise provided in these regulations, the use of towels shall be granted free. 20 No garment or clothing of any description shall be worn by any person whilst using any public bath. 21 No person shall wash or place in any bath or swimming-pool subject to these regulations any clothes, soap, substance, article, or thing. Any person committing a breaoh of this regulation shall be liable to a penalty not !6e 22 ng No person shall place, deposit, or leave any bottle or glassware (whether broken or whole), paper, straw, litter, dirt, rubbish, or any offensive or noxious matter of any kind, in any bathmg-house, bath, or pool subject to these regulations. , ~ . ~ , 23 No dog shall be allowed on the premises of any bath or swimming-pool, under a penalty on conviction not excee . bath Qr gwimmin g. poo i subject to these regulations shall oonform to and abide by such regulations; and in case any person shall while using such bath or swimming-pool commit any indecency'or breach of the peace, or be guilty of any disorderly conduct, or commit a breach of any of these regulations the Resident Medical Officer, or any person duly authorised in writing by the Resident Medical Officer, may (without prejudice to any proceedings for a penalty) require any such person to abstain from doing any of the acts aforesaid and forthwith to leave the premises subject to these regulations, and any offender shall leave the same accordingly. Park and Pleasure-grounds. 25. The grounds shall be open to the public from 8 a.m. until sunset each day, free of charge, subjeot to the PrOV '26 n No trsonthan pTck any flower, or break or destroy or injure any plant, shrub or tree growing on land subject to these regulations; and if any person shall commit a breach of this regulation he shall be hable to a penalty not exceeding £5, in addition to paying for the damage done. 27 No person shall place, deposit, or leave any bottle or glassware (whether broken or whole), paper, straw, litter dirt rubbish, or any offensive or noxious matter of any kind, within the grounds or any part thereof. 28 No oerson shall wash or place in any thermal spring subject to these regulations or in any spring, geyser, or nool or'in any water race, channel, or reservoir within the grounds, any clothes, soap substance, article, or thing. P 29 No horse, dog, or other animal will be allowed inside the grounds or any part thereofwh.cn are or is subject to these regulations; and the owner of any horse, dog, or other animal will be liable to a penalty not exceeding £1 for eachtime such horse, dog, or other animal trespasses or is allowed to trespass on the grounds. This regulation does not apply to horses drawing any carriage, nor to saddled horses, nor to dogs which are led Vw a cord or chain, passing into or through the grounds. by a cord^ oaa!n ' P ghall f a B tion of th e reserve within any enclosure which may be set apart for planting, or where the soil is loose, or upon grass kept cut for lawns or ornamental purposes. Any person infringing this regulation shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £1. • this r^ vl * n ° n b S owling-green, tennis-court, and croquet-lawn shall be open to players from the Ist November to the 30th 32* The hours of play on the bowling-green, tennis-court, and croquet-lawn shall be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 33. The fees shall be :— la ) Bowls, 10s. 6d. for eaoh season or part thereof, or 6d. for each game. lb) Tennis 10s. 6d. for each season or part thereof, or 3d. for each set. fc 1 Croouet 10s. 6d. for each season or part thereof, or 3d. for each game. Any person who is a season-ticket holder shall be liable to have his ticket cancelled should he cause a breaoh of any of these regulations. . , 34 All Dlaving-feesshall be paid in advance, and a ticket obtained. 35! teasonTckets shall be obtained at the pavilion ticket-office only, and must be submitted to the attendant for inspection ea attenaant and muBt be gi nup to h ; m 0 n demand. 37.' Materifl for playing shall be obtained from the attendant, and players shall return it to h.m before leaving the B roun^ a hnfc . c than one game or set when other persons desire to play. I! Bow y i players "hall deliver their bowls with both feet on a mat, and must not drop any bowl on the green.

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40. Persons not engaged in the games shall not trespass on the bowling-green, tennis-court, or oroquet-lawn. 41. Persons wearing boots or shoes with nails or heels shall not be allowed on the bowling-green, tennis-court, or croquet-lawn. 42. Any person behaving to the annoyance of others shall be required by the head gardener to leave the playinggrounds, and may be prohibited from again entering them. 43. The Government reserves the right to refuse to issue tickets to any person or persons. The Resident Medical Officer shall determine to whom tickets shall not be issued. 44. Every person using or passing through the grounds subject to these regulations, or any part thereof, shall conform to and abide by suoh regulations ; and in case any person shall, while using or passing through any of the grounds, commit any indecency or a breaoh of the peace, or be guilty of any disorderly conduct, he shall be liable as for a breach of these regulations. 45. For the purpose hereof the Superintendent of Tourist and Health Resorts shall have charge of gardens, grounds, enclosures, paths, and the premises pertaining thereto; and as regards any part of the ground subjeot to these regulations the gardener or other person in charge thereof at the time shall have authority to carry out these regulations. 46. Except when otherwise specially provided, every person committing a breach of or failing to observe the provisions of these regulations shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding £5. Schedule. All that area in the Auckland Land District, containing by admeasurement 2,610 aores, more or less, situated in Tarawera Survey District. Bounded towards the north generally by Lake Rotorua; towards the east generally by Forest; towards the south generally by the Moerangi and Tihoitonga Blocks; and towards the west generally by that lake, the Puarenga S ream, the Rotirua-Make'.u Road, and the north-eastern boundary of Whakarewarewa State Sectirns Nos. 65, 64, 63, Suburbs of Rotorua, the road forming the eastern boundary of Section No. 62, and by Sections Nos. 33 and 31 to Fenton Street, and thence by that street, the railway-line, and the Utuhina Stream to Lake Rotorua. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this eleventh day of February, one thousand nine hundred and two. J. G. Ward, Minister in Charge of Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Gardens. The extension of the landscape gardens and their improvement has been steadily carried on, and they now deservedly rank as the finest in New Zealand. An orchard and vegetable-garden has also been made for the purpose of growing fruit and vegetables for use in the Sanatorium. Hitherto all fruit and vegetables were purchased. The gardens have been properly fenced. A number of additional garden-seats have been provided. Extensive improvements in the way of fencing, clearing, grassing, planting, and path-making have been made in the Kuirau, Pukeroa, and Hamurana Eeserves. The various Government enclosures in Eotorua Township have been kept in order by the Sanatorium gardeners, as usual. The trees, shrubs, and plants used in connection with this Department's work have been obtained from the Government nursery at Whakarewarewa. Their quality has been excellent. To enable visitors to see some of New Zealand's fauna, aviaries have been made respectively for water-fowl and land birds. There have been provided several varieties of duck; also kiwis, wekas, pukekos, and keas. Kakapos and kakas will be added shortly. White and black swans and pea cocks and hens have also been supplied. Playing-fees are now charged for use of the bowling-greens, tennis-courts, and croquet-lawns. These charges prevent abuse of the playing-grounds, and will in a measure help to pay for their maintenance. It is proposed to lay down an asphalt tennis-court for winter play. Buildings. Additions were made to the Works offices to provide suitable inquiry offices. These are conveniently situated just inside the main entrance to the baths, and have been largely availed of by visitors desiring information concerning the district, baths, charges, &c. A cottage has been erected at Okere Falls electrical works for the use of the assistant electrician, and one also in the Sanatorium gardens for the gardener in charge. An old cottage was moved to a position behind the Sanatorium and renovated to provide quarters for nurse and housemaids. The Sanatorium has been repainted and kept in repair, and a number of improvements have been effected inside the building, which add to the comfort of the inmates. The whole of the bath buildings have been kept in good repair, and the Eachel and Priest Baths have been painted throughout. The hot-water-service pipes to the Blue Bath have been taken up and replaced by new pipes. A carpenter's workshop, stables, and stores for timber, lime, and cement have been erected. At Ohinemutu a pagoda was erected over the statue of Her late Majesty the Queen. Water-supply. The water-supply has been well maintained. The settling-tanks are cleaned and limewashed weekly, and the fluming from the tunnel to the settling-tank has been cleaned several times during the year. This fluming is rapidly decaying, and it has been found necessary to reline a portion of it with heart of kauri (totara not being obtainable). The water-service has been extended along Fenton Street from Arawa Street to Whakana Street by 720 ft. of 4 in. piping and fittings, and from Fenton Street to Tutanekai Street by 660 ft. of 2 in. galvanised piping and fittings, and along Pukaki Street by 792 ft. of 2 in. piping and fittings. Electric Works. The installation of the electric-lighting works has added greatly to the attractions of the township. The administration of these works was undertaken by this Department on the Ist Septem-

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ber last. They had then been completed by the contractors to the satisfaction of the Engineer, with the exception of the drainage-pumps, which were found to be unsuited to requirements, and these were replaced by pumps more suitable in February last. The following connections had been made up to the 31st March, 1902 :—■

The revenue from the above lights, exclusive of street lamps and this Department's lighting, is estimated at £600 for the year 1902-3. The cost of maintaining these works will amount to a comparatively small sum. The following is a report of the Engineer in charge of the works :—■ The lighting of the town was commenced on the 13th May, 1901, and the electric-lighting plant has been running steadiy and satisfactorily ever since. Considerable extensions have been made to the private-lighting oircuits since starling, and several new applications have been received, two of which—the Grand and Palace Hotels—will add much to the present load. Tlie average daily load now amounts to the full output of one set of generators, so that any further additions will require the use of both sets. For this reason I would urgently recommend the Department to consider the necessity for providing a spare set without delay, as with both sets in use we shall not have any provision for possible emergencies. Judging by the increasing demand for private lighting, and the rapid growth of the town in the comparatively short time the service has been installed, I feel confident that the present geuerator plant will be fully loaded before the end of the year. The necessary excavations for the extension of the dynamohouse will take some time, so that the matter will require immediate atteution if the work is to be done. There are a number of small additions required for the generator plant. These are noted in the estimate for maintenance, and some are already in course of construction. Owing to the danger the main belts are exposed to in the event of an unusual rise in the river, two large iron troughs are being provided for their protection. As any trouble in this direction would interfere with the working of the plant, these troughs will be placed in position without delay. Although the generator plant is giving satisfaction under the present conditions of work, the existing arrangements for running both sets in parallel are very inconvenient and troublesome; and to remedy this an automatic turbine coupler is being built, and will be ready for use by the time both sets are required. During the month of Maroh the whole of the generator plant was thoroughly overhauled and cleaned. On examining the interior of the turbines, I find that all the irouwork in contact with the water shows signs of rapid oxidation; this is apparently due to the large proportion of acid in the water, and may always be a source of trouble. To prevent this I am trying the electrolytic effect of zinc, and have placed plates in suitable positions within the turbine-oases. So far this appears to be successful, but it will require some time to decide whether the effect will be permanent. The flume and gates are in good repair, and have also been overhauled and cleaned. To strengthen the walls immediately over both tail-races I would recommend providing stay-bolts as a bracing to the frames at these parts. In addition to the oottage for the assistant, substantial steps have been laid down at the approach to station, also suitable concrete drain to carry off the surface-water; these additions are of great service and add much to the general appearance of the station-site. Tne excavations around the station-site have required some attention; the severe weather experienced during Marsh displaced a considerable quantity of loose surface-soil. This has been removed, and any places showing weakness have been made secure. Although it is over two years since the excavations were completed, no serious subsidences have occurred, and the removal of the slips referred to did not interfere with the works in any way. The main line to Rotorua is periodically inspected, and has required little attention. The lightning during a severe thunderstorm on the 25th April destroyed fourteen arms and a number of insulators ; this is the only trouble that has been caused by lightning. It is a very rare occurrence, and under our conditions of work is difficult to guard against. However, every possible precaution is taken to prevent interference wbile working. The line crosses a creek about four miles and a half from R itorua, and owing to the banks being washed away by floods it has been necessary to shift one of the poles. The foot-bridge which spanned the creek at this point has aiso been washed away, and the road approaches damaged. I would suggest that the Survey Department be asked to assist in erecting a permanent protection, which would be more for their benefit than ours, as the road here requires frequent attention after heavy rains. The town-lighting arrangements are in a satisfactory condition. In extending the supply-mains provision has been made for anticipated additions, so that the cost of further extension should be proportionately less. The total amount of lighting now provided for is equivalent to 2,050 eight-candle-power lamps. Of this amount the Tourist Department have a total equal to 414 eight-candle-power for use in baths, offioes, and residences; 420 eight-candle-power are required for street-lighting; and the remaining 1,216 eight candle-power for public offices, halls, and private consumers. Thirteen electricity-meters have been tested and connected. These are working satisfactorily. Forty additional meters and fourteen transformers are required. During the season the place is visited by numbers of tourists, and any assistance or attention they require is willingly given. R. 0. White. Drainage. I regret to have to report that the condition of these works has been found to be very unsatisfactory. The administration was taken over by this Department. The works were carried out in accordance with plans and specifications obtained by the Lands Department from a wellknown engineer. In October last the Engineer was asked to report on the drainage system, and the following is an extract from his report:— " I have visited Eotorua, and made a general inspection of drainage and electrical works.

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8-candle Power. 16-candle Power. 25-candle , 32-candle Power. 50-candle Power. Arc Light. 'rivate consumers (30) ... Jurist and Health Eesorts Department )ther Government Departments Itreet lights 115 70 18 292 112 56 2 65 28 4 1 5 1 15 Total ... 203 460 2 I I 97 21

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" Drainage — The tank was pumped out in ninety-five minutes, and discharged its contents into the settling-pond at the filter-beds. I went into the tank and examined it carefully and found it intact and particularly free from leakage,-which is very satisfactory considering it had to be built on a substratum of boiling springs and some 12 ft. below the permanent water-level The sewers were all scoured out from the flushing-tanks, and are all clear and m working-order with the exception of a section in Whakane Street that had to be built below water-level, and a hot spring has evidently penetrated the pipes in this locality. I have instructed Mr. Beale, with the consent of Mr. Corlett, to strip these pipes and examine the joints, which should be made good ana the leakage stopped. " Connections.— These can be gone on with," &c. _ The Inspector of Works was instructed to proceed with repairs of the Whakane Street sewer reported leaky by the Engineer, with the result that this sewer was opened up and found to be m an exceedingly bad state. After the repair of this section—which occupied several months-had been completed further tests were made, and the Inspector of Works reported as follows on the system generally:— '" , . , . " Eepairs were commenced on the cross-section, Hmemaru Street, when it was found to be in such a state that it had to be renewed with 12 in. cast-iron pipes bedded in cement concrete, including the building of a manhole, at the cost of £315. The Engineer also gave instructions that the receiving-tank and the main central drain at the filter-beds be re-formed in cement concrete at a cost of £31. On the 12th May 60,000 gallons of water were pumped out of the collecting-tank and barely 5,000 reached the filter-beds through the carrier-drain, and again on Monday°a test was made of the first 24 chains of carrier-drain (out of a total of 74 chains). Ihe pumps discharged 60,000 gallons in two hours and a quarter, the whole of which percolated through the pipes in the said 24 chains as fast as it was delivered by the pumps, so that we were unable to use the pipes. One centrifugal was purchased and a second hired to carry out these r6P Subsequent tests point to the conclusion that the leakage is general throughout the system, and the Inspector of Works estimates that at least £2,500 must be expended to place the system in working-order As it is most urgent that the sewers should be in working-order and private connections made before next November, I have to recommend that a competent civil engineer be obtained to report on the present state of the existing sewers, and at the same time to give an estimate of the cost of the sewer-extensions, which have become necessary owing to the growth of the township since the system was laid down in 1899. Until the system is quite free from leakage it would be very dangerous to make any use of it, as serious damage may be caused to the springs by their being polluted by drainage-leakage. Hospital. In December last a building outside the Township of Botorua, and formerly used as a Native schoolhouse was taken over from the Telegraph Department and fitted up by the Health Department for use as an isolation hospital. It was placed under the charge of the Sanatorium Medical Officer. Fortunately, it has not so far been required, owing to there not being one known case of fever in Botorua since its preparation. . As I previously reported, I am very much impressed with the necessity for establishing a small hospital at Botorua. This township is the centre of a very extensive district, throughout which medical skill is not obtainable excepting at Botorua. Oases of injury have occurred m the vicinity of Taupo fifty-six miles away, and the sufferers were taken to Botorua. There temporary medical relief was afforded, and they were kept there one night, being sent to Hamilton (eightysix miles) by rail next day. Instances of disease which required surgical skill have occurred in the Sanatorium, but owing to the want of proper facilities for dealing with such cases the patients could not be treated there, but had to be sent to Hamilton Hospital. Apart from the hardship entailed in individual cases such as I have quoted, I consider that on general grounds a hospital should be provided in the vicinity of such a popular resort for invalids. If such an institution were provided medical attention to Natives which is now given at the Sanatorium could be obtained at the hospital, thereby relieving the Sanatorium Medical Officer from a great deal of work, and enabling him to devote more attention to his balneological duties. Recreation. During summer visitors reside for weeks, and sometimes months, at Botorua, and there is a very general demand for additional amusement and entertainment. A great majority of those who go to Botorua are in good health, and visit that district to see its thermal wonders, and the more recreation and amusement that is afforded them the longer they will stop there. Golf-links would undoubtedly prove a source of pleasure to many of the visitors, and inquiries are being made with the view "of establishing them. There is a proposal afoot amongst the residents to have a Maori war-canoe built and placed on Lake Botorua, it being anticipated that this would lead to competition and the establishment of regattas. No provision is made in Botorua for supplying afternoon-tea to visitors, and I recommend that a tea-kiosk be erected in the Gardens In my opinion, such an accessory would prove popular and self-supporting. The Eotorua Brass Band is subsidised to play in the Sanatorium Gardens bi-weekly, and openair concerts are frequently held there. These performances and entertainments are very much appreciated by visitors and residents. The Department has to acknowledge the receipt of a present of gold-fish from Messrs. H. Crump and Hawthorn, of Wellington, for the ponds in the ornamental grounds of Botorua and Hanmer.

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As an additional attraction to Botorua district, I recommend that a model Maori pa or kainga should be established in the Whakarewarewa Beserve, between the water-supply settling-basins and the Native school. There is ample land of a substantial nature available there; also some very interesting thermal action and fresh-water lagoons. My proposals provide for the erection of a runanga (meeting-house), pataka (food-storehouse) —these to be carved in the old Maori style— and several comfortable whares ; a shed to be built near the schoolhouse, in which the young Native boys should be taught carving and the girls mat-making; the whole to be fenced in Maori manner. Later on a model fighting-pa could be added. Selected Native families to be given residence at this pa, and sanitation to be a salient feature of it. The villagers could make carvings and mats for sale, thereby earning sustenance. Thus two important object-lessons would be provided for the Maoris generally, and visitors would have an opportunity of seeing a replica of the old Maori life. The total cost need not exceed £500. Whakarewakbwa. This resort maintains its great popularity. The thermal action in its various forms continues in all its former vitality. The Department has formed new paths, a large number of trees and shrubs have been planted, and a shelter-pavilion is being erected. The douche-baths have been brought under control, and are now regularly cleansed. The question of erecting more pretentious baths at Whakarewarewa will be considered after analyses of its waters have been made by Dr. Wohlmann. A new tour is being arranged, and will be in operation by next season under control of that popular and interesting guide, Alf. Warbrick. Passengers leaving Botorua by coach will pass Lakes Tikitapu and Eotokakahi, and arrive at the site of the buried Village of Wairoa, where the remains of houses wrecked by the thermal outburst of Mount Tarawera on the night of the 10th June, 1886, are still to be seen. Bowing-boat will then be. taken across Lake Tarawera for eight miles, passing Moura, where Tarawera in its eruption exacted a toll of thirty-nine lives, and landing at Te Ariki, where the remains of fifty-one Maoris and Pakeha Brown still lie buried. A short walk will take the visitor to Lake Eotomahana, where, from a point near the former site of the White Terraces, a boat will convey him across Lake Eotomahana, when he will be afforded the unique experience of rowing across boiling water. Passing near the site of the Pink Terraces, he will be landed at the south end of Eotomahana. Half an hour's walk will take him to the southern craters, whence a most interesting view is obtainable, with Lake Eotomahana in the foreground, and Mount Tarawera in the distance. Several large craters are here, and just below are to be seen Echo Crater, with its pretty blue lake of boiling water, and the great geyser Waimangu. Waimangu Geyseb. This geyser came under general observation in April, 1900, and it has played in a more or less irregular manner ever since. It is, without doubt, the greatest geyser known. Its enormous ejections of muddy water, sand, stones, &c, sometimes rising to a height of 1,030 ft., are a source of attraction and interest to tourists. It is distant from Botorua seventeen miles, and a good coach-road has been made from the Waiotapu Eoad, near the Parehura deviation, to within a short distance of the geyser. A guide is located-near Waimangu, and tents have been put up by Messrs. Danks and Shepherd for the accommodation of visitors, but they are quite inadequate for requirements. There is urgent need for an accommodation-house near the site of this geyser, so that visitors may remain in the vicinity long enough to see Waimangu play. I recommend that such a building should be provided ; also that a small shelter-pavilion should be erected on the hill to the westward of Waimangu crater, so that a near view of the geyser may be obtained from a safe vantage-point. Danger-boards warning visitors against going too close to this geyser have been erected at various points around its crater. Two somewhat serious accidents occurred in the vicinity of Waimangu Geyser owing to men approaching too closely to its crater and eruptions occurring without any warning and before they could reach the zone of safety. An ambulance stretcher has been placed in its neighbourhood under charge of guide Shepherd. Should the tour via Lakes Tarawera and Eotomahana previously mentioned develop into one of any magnitude, it would be advisable to construct a road between Waimangu Geyser and the shores of Lake Eotomahana. Waiotapu. Large quantities of trees, shrubs, and plants have been obtained from the Government nursery at Whakarewarewa and planted at this place. Prison labour has converted a wilderness of scrub into a very interesting and park-like resort. The prison huts are models of cleanliness and order. In my opinion, an extension of the principle of employing prison labour to improve some of the larger tourist and health resorts of the colony is well worthy of the consideration of the Government. Taupo. Leading lights for the steamer's service have been provided at Taupo. Messrs. Marshall and Eyan ran their steamer " Tongariro " between Taupo and Tokaanu daily during last season so as to permit passengers breaking their journey at Tokaanu, instead of making the whole trip between Taupo and Waiouru in one day, as required by the altered time-table referred to elsewhere. In former seasons this steamer was run only bi-weekly. Tokaanu. To enable the steamer to go alongside the jetty at all times it has been considerably extended. Plans for baths have been prepared and await consideration by Dr. Wohlmann before the work is proceeded with.

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ToNGARIBO AND EuAPEHU. This Department has arranged with the Eoads Department to erect huts at Kititahi and Mangatoetoanui respectively for the convenience of those who desire to ascend Tongariro or Euapehu. Ngaubuhoe. Ngauruhoe provides the most weird sights in New Zealand, and steps will be taken to provide greater facilities for viewing them. Arrangements have already been made with Mr. McSweeney, at Tokaanu, to guide persons wishing to visit this mountain. At present there is only one change of coach-horses made between Tokaanu and Waiouru. Consequently the journey takes longer to perform than it should. Arrangements are, however, being made for a second change before next summer, and this will enable the coaches to make the journey in quicker time. There is an imperative want of accommodation for coach-passengers to take their luncheon on the journey between Tokaanu and Waiouru, and I recommend that a shelter-shed should be provided similar to the one at Glentanner, on the road to the Southern Alps, before next season. PIPIEIKI. Messrs. Hatrick and Co. are making extensive additions and improvements to Pipiriki House. This Department has had carried out a system of drainage at that resort. Wanganui Eivee. A tri-weekly summer service and a bi-weekly winter service each way are now being run on this river between Wanganui and Pipiriki by Messrs. Hatrick and Co. and the Wanganui Biver Settlers' Steamship Company. Trips to the "upper reaches" are made as required, and in summer Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s steamer runs from Pipiriki to the Tangarakau Biver on Sundays, returning on Tuesdays. An agreement has been made between the Government and the Wanganui Biver Settlers' Steamship Company fixing a maximum charge for the carriage of passengers, goods, and parcels between the various points. Messrs. Hatrick and Co. have recently placed the "Waione," an up-to-date steamer, on this river, the vessel being fast, comfortable, and well appointed. The fleet of the Wanganui Biver now comprises six steamers and launches. During last summer the Wanganui-Taupo service was altered from a bi-weekly to a tri-weekly one each way, and during the forthcoming winter a bi-weekly coach service will be maintained instead of a weekly as in previous winters. It was arranged that the north-bound coaches should leave Pipiriki at 10 a.m. in summer instead of 7 a.m., so that passengers may visit the upper reaches of the Wanganui Biver before proceeding overland, without having to incur several days' delay as in the past. Liquoe Licenses at Pipiriki and Waiouku. The question of granting licenses for the sale of liquor at Pipiriki and Waiouru is one that is being constantly brought under the notice of the Department by overland travellers. A very large proportion of those who travel between Taupo and the Wanganui Biver complain that they are inconvenienced by not being able to obtain liquor at the places named. A common practice is for passengers to take full bottles of ale and spirits when commencing this journey, and in that way more liquor is consumed in individual instances than would probably be the case could it be obtained in small quantities on the trip. Mount Egmont. The three houses are still maintained on Mount Egmont by the Egmont National Park Board. The usual annual subsidy of £200 is being placed on the estimates in connection with this park. Te Puia. Plans have been prepared for the erection of new baths at Te Puia Hot Springs, which are two days' coach journey north of Gisborne. As soon as possible after his arrival, Dr.' Wohlmann will be consulted with regard to the construction of these baths, and the work will then be proceeded with. Arrangements have been made to at once plant the Hot-springs Beserve at Te Puia with trees and shrubs. MOKEKE. Begarding the new baths which are to be erected at Morere, the somewhat limited flow of water and the long distance that it must be conveyed, owing to the physical difficulties which exist preventing the erection of buildings near the source of the springs, makes the project somewhat difficult and one which will entail considerable expense to carry out. Inspector Corlett, of Botorua, has visited the spot and prepared plans and specifications for fluming the bath buildings, and these will be submitted to Dr. Wohlmann for the purpose of obtaining his expert knowledge before further action is taken. Excavations will be made as a site for the baths, and new tracks will be cut through the bush very shortly. Lake Waikabemoana. An accommodation-house to contain fifteen rooms is in course of erection for the Government on one of the wooded promontories jutting into Lake Waikaremoana at its north end. Mr. Gardiner, the contractor for the building, has been considerably delayed in his work by various causes, but it is expected that he will complete it in August next and in time for next season's

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withl'vW n S /S leS ' padd f ° ckS ' ™ w f! eds > & c " ™q»ire to be provided. Inquiries are being made with a view of placing a steam or oil launch on this lake h Pfl v™lT d H etWeen th » M ° k^ U Fa, L s and 0ne P° to completed excepting for about 20 chains of heavy rock-cutting near Bosey Bay The completion of this road at an early date is necessary. A boat-shed for protection of the boat at Lake Waikaro-iti is required. Maeuia. to , I hav /„ een ™able to visit Maruia and Lake Haupiri, but have arranged to send an Inspector iff P ?i, y °?- existing condition of things in connection with the hot springs at those places. After this report is received Dr. Wohlmann will be consulted and a line of action determined Hanmee. . There be en f. lar § c increase of visitors to this resort during the past year. The Sanatorium and bath buildings have been maintained in good repair, and the gardens kept in order A new hot-air bath was obtained from Sydney. Begulations were made providing for three free beds m the Hanmer Sanatorium for indigents. No free beds were given previously. Before next season it is proposed to build a large house to be managed on first-class lines, and to utilise the present house exclusively for those desirous of obtaining cheaper accommodation. The present system of having one house with two tariffs is not satisfactory. It is proposed that the charges tor baths should be revised, and the practice of giving free baths to ordinary boarders at the Government Sanatorium discontinued. The system of issuing tickets will be amended and made more convenient for visitors. It is also proposed to make an additional swimming-bath for males Commencing next season, the baths will be kept open continuously from 6 a.m. till 10 p m during the tourist season. This will necessitate the appointment of two additional bath-attendants for which provision is being made. It is also proposed to form a track to the top of Conical Hill immediately behind the spa, placing seats at convenient distances along it, and erecting a small shelter-pavilion on top of the hill. Sanatorium. The year 1901-2, compared with the previous year, shows an increase of thirty-one visitors accommodated at the Sanatorium, and an increased revenue of £204 Is. 4d., the particulars being as follows: -1900-1: Visitors, 412; receipts, £1,139 19s. lOd. 1901-2: Visitors 443--receipts, £1,344 Is. 2d. ' Baths. n on7 he 7 ear 1901_2 ' compared with the previous year, shows an increase of 233 visitors and 2,304 baths, and an increase of revenue of £64 19s. 6d., the particulars being as follows-—l9OO-1 • Visitors, 2,114; baths, 17,964; receipts, £487 6s. lOd. 1901-2: Visitors, 2,347; baths, 19 985--receipts, £552 6s. 4d. ' ' Mount Cook : Southeen Alps. The road from Fairlie to Pukaki is in good condition, but from Pukaki to the Hermitage Hotel it is not so good and requires repairs. A new road deviating from the present road has been formed for several miles, and it is intended that this should follow the terrace formation along the lake-side. This deviation, if completed to Pukaki, would save one hour on the journey, and permit later starts from Pukaki and the Hermitage Hotel respectively. It is desirable that this should be completed at an early date. Additional and improved hotel accommodation is very much required at Pukaki. Special representations are being made to you on this subject. An excellent coach service has been maintained by Messrs. Kerr and Frayne. I intend endeavouring to arrange fora new coaching time-table for next season, so that passengers may avoid having to stop at Fairhe on Sundays. The reserve at Glentanner, where luncheon is taken by coachpassengers, is being more extensively planted with trees. The Hermitage Hotel is now under control of this Department. The building is in good condition, but a quantity of new furniture is required, which it is proposed to provide before next summer. A new wash-house is an urgent necessity. Some repairs, repainting, and improvements to grounds are necessary, and should be carried out next spring. Arrangements are being made to sell the farm-dray which is now used, and to replace it by a light spring dray which may be used m case of accident to climbers. Four ambulance stretchers, splints, bandages, and medicines will also be provided, the former to be placed at the Hermitage, Ball Hut, Malte Brun Hut, and at the foot of Ball Pass, in Hooker Valley, respectively. Alpine guide Clarke is being instructed how to render first aid to the injured. It is proposed to send books to form a small library. A billiardtable would prove an acceptable means of evening recreation, but to provide for it a special room would have to be built. This matter may, I consider, stand over for a year or two. Telephone connection between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook would be a great advantage to visitors and settlers in that district. Although it could not possibly prove remunerative from a direct-revenue point of view, its establishment would permit business-men from Christchurch, Timaru, Oaniaru, Dunedin, and elsewhere going to the Hermitage for rest and recreation and at the same time be in touch with their business. In the meantime a pigeon service is being arranged for between Lake Tekapo and the Hermitage Hotel. The visitors to the Hermitage this season included a party from Government House, comprising Lady Banfurly, Lady Constance Knox, Captain Alexander, and Mr. Charles Worsley, artist. This party remained for five weeks in the district, and crossed the Great Tasman Glacier, spending two nights in the Ball and Malte BruD Huts respectively. Professor Heim and Dr. Hundhausen, two eminent Swiss geologists from Zurich, also visited the Southern Alps. Following these remarks on the Mount Cook district I have inserted Dr. Heim's interesting statement. 3—H. 2.

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The total revenue collected at the Hermitage for year 1901-2 was £597 10s. 4d., as against £358 16s. 6d. for the previous year, which gives the satisfactory increase of £238 13s. lOd. A track has been formed by the Boads and Bridges Department between the suspension bridge across the Hooker Biver and the track leading to the Tasman Glacier. There remains some light bracket bridging to be made to complete this track, and this will be done next spring. It will then be available for pedestrians going from the Hermitage Hotel to the Tasman Glacier, and will avoid fording or crossing the Hooker Biver in a chair, and will enable this trip to be made even when the Hooker Biver is in flood. The Ball Hut, 3,500 ft., and the Malte Brun Hut, 5,700 ft., are in good order, clean and comfortable, and well supplied with blankets and food. The number of visitors to the Malte Brun Hut is as follows : 1899, 13 ; 1900, 16 ; 1901, 14 ; 1902, 28. There is a great difficulty in providing fire for cooking at the Malte Brun Hut, and a meagre supply of small veronica brushwood has to be relied on, which has perforce to be used most sparingly. There is no means of reaching this hut with a horse, and all supplies have to be carried by men across the Great Tasman Glacier for a distance of eight miles. To endeavour to overcome this dearth of wood it is proposed to plant a species of tree which would be likely to thrive under the conditions which exist there. A new locality map showing the routes over that portion of the Southern Alps in the vicinity of Mount Cook is in course of preparation. DR. HEIM'S IMPRESSIONS. Sib,— I have much pleasure in giving you some of my impressions of the Mount Cook region. The first thing that strikes the European mountaineer is the ease with which he can approach and mount the glaciers on their inferior parts. The cyclist can ride to within a few hundred feet of the glacier-foot. Once having reached the ice the European mountaineer will find the phenomena that he has been familiar with in Switzerland, Norway, and the Caucasus. The snow and ice in-their general shape and in their structure are the same. The chief difference he will find is the great extent of moraine-matter that covers the lower reaches of the great glaciers. In the glacier regions of Europe there is much more variety in the slopes, terraces, and rapids, whilst in the Mount Cook region the slopes are nearly of the same steepness from the summits down to the flat ground of the valleys in which the ends of the glaciers lie. A peculiarity of the New Zealand mountains is their advanced state of weather-wornness. The supraglacial parts have quite the same character as the higher Swiss mountains. Mount Cook has a close resemblance to the Weisshorn, near Zermatt, and the elevated scenery as a whole suggests comparison with the most beautiful in Switzerland. Out of the glaciated region the European Alps show far more variety and beauty in slope and terrace, in summits and rapids, than do the New Zealand mountains. In geological features the mountains of New Zealand are much more monotonous than the Swiss Alps. The student of glaciation is much disappointed as he travels in New Zealand from the sea to the peaks above the ice. He finds only moraines and sometimes glacier-scratched blocks, but the rocks moutonnies are not to be seen. The rocks of the mountains do not bear, or if they bear they do not preserve, the polishing that glaciation produces nearly everywhere in the European Alps and in Norway. Only occasionally the rocks are somewhat rounded. The blocks of the moraines I never found polished. The glacier-action in the Mount Cook region is not erosive but consists in the export of shingle and the accumulation of moraines. In the scenery of New Zealand the native bush is of extraordinary beauty. On the other hand, the European mountains form a contrast by reason of the beautiful and immensely varied colours of the flowers in the meadows that make the slopes and the valleys so delightful. Here in New Zealand the meadows and downs are yellow with tussock-grass till we reach the level almost of the glaciers, and there the flowers that meet the eye are nearly all white. In general, the non-glaciated mountain-ranges of New Zealand are not at all so beautiful as the non-glaciated ranges in the European Alps, but the glaciated ranges are of the very same beauty here and there. The native bush in the Sounds, and the Sounds themselves, are quite another thing; and Milford Sound seems to us to exceed in beauty all the Norwegian fiords. When once the mountaineer reaches the Hermitage at Mount Cook he has plenty to see and to do, and there is every facility to help him in his pursuits—an excellent, well-supplied hostelry, a guide as familiar with the work of mountaineering as the best Swiss guides, and huts for shelter at some of the most available points. I have, &c, De. Alb. Heim, Professor of Geology, Zurich. The Superintendent of Tourist and Health Resorts. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, 14th May, 1902. Sib, — Alpine Guiding at Mount Cook. I have the honour to hand you the report of my work for the season 1901-2. In accordance with your instructions I,proceeded from Hanmer to the Hermitage, arriving there on the 9th November. The winter had been a particularly severe one, heavy gales doing considerable damage to the house carrying away a portion of the stables and wrecking the Hooker suspension bridge. My first work was a visit of inspection to the Tasman Glacier huts. Walking fourteen miles the first day, I made the track passable for a pack-horse in places where winter snow and rock avalanches had blocked it in the early spring, reaching Ball Hut at dark. Leaving early next morning with a swag of provisions, I arrived at Malte Brun Hut, 5,700 ft., in four hours. I had never seen the Tasman in better order for travelling. The glacier was beautifully levelled for miles, scarcely a hummock or piece of broken ice to be found on the main stream above the Hochstetter Ice-fall. It is a pity that there are so few visitors to take advantage of such favourable conditions at this early season, as the ordinary walker could then make the trip through to the upper ice-fields with comparative ease. I found both huts safe, and no evidence in either building of the severe strain they must have been subjected to during the winter months. Everything was dry inside. The sleeping-bags, blankets, provisions, &c, had been carefully packed away in separate damp-proof lockers. After erecting the water-tank and doing a few necessaries, I returned to Ball Hut the same night, and to the Hermitage the following day. I then proceeded with the work of provisioning, taking in all three pack-horse loads to Ball Hut, a quantity of which was carried on to the Malte Brun as opportunity offered. On Sunday morning, 29th December, I left the Hermitage with two climbers, taking sleeping-bags and provisions, with the intention of crossing the Main Range to the head of the Copland River, via Fitzgerald's Pass. Tho climb up the shattered rock-spur to the snow-fields is fatiguing when carrying a swag, but is neither very difficult nor dangerous in good weather if travelling light. We made the crossing at noon, and had to descend the first 2,000 ft. in a dense fog and snow. The upper basin of the pass on the west side is comparatively safe, but is usually covered with fog, and we made good time down to a comfortable camp in the bush, high above the river, where we had a panorama of some of the grandest and wildest bush and glacier country in New Zealand. The following day we made the return journey to the Hermitage in ten hours,

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19

On Ist January Professor A. Heim, Director of the Geographical Survey of Switzerland, and his friend Dr. Hundhausen, arrived at the Hermitage. With me they visited the Upper Tasman, Hooker, and Mueller Glaciers and Murchison River. They were especially interested in the enormous quantity of moraine distributed over our glaciers. Professor Heim very kindly wrote his opinion of the Southern Alps and glacier system, which I beg to enclose: I was advised from Hokitika that a climbing-party, consisting of Rev. Mr. Newton, of Ross, and Dr. Teikleman, of Hokitika, were leaving for the Hermitage via Copland Valley, expecting to reach the Hermitage on 24th January. As they did not arrive on that date, and as the pass is hard to find from the western side in bad weather, I decided to go and meet them. Taking James Smith with me, we crossed the range, and camped at a point within two hours of Welcome Plats. During that night and following day rain fell heavily, and the narrow Copland River soon became flooded, making progress along the course of the river impossible, so we had to return to the Hermitage. A week later, while in the Tasman Valley, I met the party referred to. The flooded Waiho River had prevented their going south, and they had crossed by Graham's Saddle. Wishing to make a new route back to Westland, we agreed that as Baker's Saddle (6,360 ft.) and Strachan Glacier offered the most interesting crossing we would return that way. The Hooker Ice-fall was badly broken, crevasses running in every direction ; but we succeeded in getting through, and bivouacked on a ledge on the steep rocks above the ice-fall. On 6th February we crossed the pass, and, working through some bad bergschrunds, followed the Strachan Glacier and Valley down to the Copland. Excellent views were obtained of Mounts Cook, Sefton, and the western peaks from the terraces of the Strachan. There is also a fine rock-face on Mount La Perouse, so sheer that a stone thrown out from the top would not strike until reaching a distance over 3,000 ft. below. The pass itself is a good one, but, owing to the difficulty of ascending or descending, the Hooker Glacier will seldom be used except by alpine men. We had to "-spar" the Copland River to reach the track. There I left the party to continue down-the river to Scott's, and I returned over Fitzgerald's Pass alone. It was during my absence on the Westland expedition that the only mishap of the season occurred. Lady Alexander and Mrs. Gough engaged the services of James Smith, assistant gnide, to do the Hochstetter Glacier. Arriving at Ball Hut, they proposed going on to the Malte Brun Hut, and overcoming Smith's strong protest that the ground was too rough and his doubts of their ability to stand the strain, they persisted in making the attempt. Half the journey was accomplished in fair time, but during the afternoon one of the ladies began to tire and progress was necessarily slow. A north head wind added to their difficulties, but they reached the side of the Glacier, where the ice was badly broken, just at dark, and here Lady Alexander became completely exhausted. A dark, rainy night, a maze of crevasses, with a helpless member, advance was impossible, although they were within an hour's journey of the Malte Brun Hut. Smith did all in his power to make them comfortable, but it was not safe to leave them and goto the hut for blankets or sleeping-bags. Fortunately, the morning broke fine and they soon reached shelter, recovering sufficiently to return to the Hermitage two days later. It may be worth recording that although exposed on clear ice during a stormy night none of the party suffered through it, even from a chill. Lady Ranfurly, Lady Constance Knox, Captain Dudley Alexander, and Mr. Worsley spent five weeks in the mountains. I had the honour of escorting them on a five-days expedition in the Tasman. They visited the upper ice-fields, spending two nights at the Malte Brun Hut. Lady Ranfurly and Mr. Worsley made several fine alpine paintings. The party afterwards made expeditions to the various points of interest from the Hermitage. Perhaps the most energetic visitors of the season were Miss Maud Williams and Miss Elfie Williams, Wellington. With Lady Constance Knox they did the glacier and ice-fall under the precipitous face of Sefton, Stocking Glacier, Hooker Glacier, Mount Ollivier, and, later, alone they made the ascent of Sebastopol (highest rock-peak) and rocky main spur of Mount Wakefield. The Misses Williams then spent fourteen days in the Tasman, twelve of which were at the Malte Brun Hut. From there they climbed Hochstetter Dom, Turnbull Peak, and made various excursions in the vicinity. My last expedition for the season was with Mr. Donne, Wellington, and Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, Dunedin. Leaving the Hermitage on 25th April, we rode to Ball Hut, and spent the night there, the following day proceeding to Malte Brun Hut. The glacier was hard, especially above the ice-fall, and the use of the rope was necessary in crossing the broken ice during the last hours of the journey. The weather continuing fine made the party ambitious to see the West Coast from the slopes of Hochstetter Dome. Starting about 6 a.m., we made good progress for three miles, beyond that point the light crust on the new winter snow would not carry us, and we sank at every step, there. being a depth of 39 in. of new snow. Crevasses were numerous, and great care was required in crossing the snow bridges, which are anything but strong at that time of the year. Reaching Lindenfeldt Saddle at noon, the party were rewarded for their fatiguing climb by seeing the West Coast, without the suspicion of a cloud, from the coastline to the Main Range. Going some distance up the slopes, we bad lunch, and then retraced our steps. The snow was softer for the descent, and two of the party fell through snow bridges into ice- crevasses, but with the rope in use no injury resulted. This is the latest trip which has been made to the upper ice-fields of the Great Tasman Glacier. Next day, after leaving the huts secure for the winter, we made the through journey to the Hermitage. The various tracks are passable, but urgently need repairing. The new track from the Hooker Bridge to the cage is almost finished. It will be of great service to visitors. The Hooker cage still stands ; as the river had deviated from the left bank to the centre of the bed, it may hold for some time yet. The Hooker Bridge has been thoroughly repaired and improved, strongly stayed up and down the river, and two heavy steadying-cables fastened and strained along the decking prevents the bridge from rocking. Blue Lake Stream foot-bridge, which was carried away in 1890, has not been replaced. A foot-bridge is urgently needed for travellers between the Hermitage and Tasman. A rough track has been " slashed " through the bush in the Copland Valley from Scott's to a point within ten hours' walk of the Hermitage. This will be a great boon to parties crossing to the West Coast. The huts are in good repair, sleeping-bags, blankets, and an excellent assortment of canned fish, meats, fruits, &c, are stocked in the zinc-lined lockers at both huts. The season has been a particularly busy one. Much more travelling was done than in previous years. Twentyeight persons visited Malte Brun Hut, and over fifty made use of Ball Hut. I have, &c, J. Clabke, T. E. Donne, Esq., Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. Alpine Guide. In my opinion, a coach service should be established between Mount Cook and Lake Wanaka, even if maintained once a week only as a commencement. Tourists naturally dislike travelling twice over the same route, and to avoid the necessity for this I propose that a Southern Tour should be developed as follows : — From north travellers would leave the main line of railway at Timaru, going to Fairlie, thence coach to the Hermitage Hotel, Southern Alps, thence direct to Lake Wanaka and across the Crown Bange to Lake Wakatipu, vid the Mount Nicholas and Mavora Tracks to Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, via the Waiau Biver to Otautau, and on to Invercargill, diversions being made to Milford Sound and other places of interest as desired. Passengers from Melbourne and other visitors from south would commence their journey at Invercargill, and, travelling this route the reverse way to that indicated, join the Main Southern Trunk Bailway at Timaru. Lake Wanaka. It is proposed to plant the reserve of 10 acres on Hemby's Point with trees; also to plant trees, place additional seats, improve tracks in the vicinity of Paradise Lakelet, and extend the j-etty on Manuka Island.

H.—2.

QUEENSTOWN. In my opinion, this township will be the recognised tourist centre of the South Island as Botorua is of the North Island. Comparatively speaking, little has been done to beautify and make the township attractive to visitors. With the advent of the Government steamer and cheaper fares there should be an ever-increasing flow of tourists to this district. The peninsula on the east side of the township and the Esplanade, which are now practically forests of eucalypti, should be properly laid out as a park and esplanade respectively, and be improved during a course of years by judicious expenditure. I would recommend that the Town Council should be subsidised and required to carry out the work under the supervision of this Department. I would also recommend that a track about two miles in length should be made to the top of Queenstown Hill, which affords a magnificent view. It is proposed to subsidise the Queenstown Brass Band for playing on specified evenings during the tourist season, the same as is done at Te Aroha and Botorua ; also to build a band-rotunda on the Esplanade, as part of the improvement scheme. A sum of money should be spent annually on the newly made road along the western shores of Lake Wakatipu until it reaches the Seven-mile, when it could be extended at very small cost to Moke Lake. A jetty is required at Elfin Bay, Lake Wakatipu, for use of visitors to Bere Lake. Items will be placed on the estimates for carrying out these works. Other improvements which are considered desirable may be allowed to stand over in the meantime. Lake Te Anau. The road between Lumsden and Lake Te Anau is in good condition, excepting for a few miles near the lake. Some distance could, I understand, be avoided on this journey by a road-deviation from Whitestone Biver to Lake Te Anau, instead of going via Linwood Station homestead. The formation necessary would, I am informed, amount to lit.tle more than the removal of tussock grass. The question of rearranging the coach service between Lumsden and Te Anau in order to form a better connection with the arrival of the Melbourne steamers at the Bluff is now under consideration. The owner of the steamer " Tawera," has been paid a subsidy of £200 per annum for running this steamer, in addition to a postal subsidy of £2 2s. for trip. I propose that for this year the subsidy from this Department should be £100. During the last year a good track, 6 ft. wide, of easy grade, and gravelled, has been completed between the head of Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound. New huts have been built on this route as follows : Two each at Midcamp and Mintaro, with bunks for sixteen persons in each hut. Boss Brothers will continue to act as guides for this trip, providing food and other requisites as necessary. The visitors to Lake Te Anau, not including roadmen, have been as follows : 1900, 103; 1901, 156 ; 1902, 169. Lake Manapouei. Arrangements have been made to build a jetty on the northern bank of the Waiau Biver for convenience of passengers using the steamer on Lake Manapouri. A good track exists between the head of this lake and Doubtful Sound. Mr. Murrell acts as guide, and provides food and other requisites for the journey. There are Government huts at the head of Lake Manapouri and at Doubtful Sound for the use of travellers. It is proposed to pay the usual subsidy of £50 to Mr. Murrell for keeping open View House, and £50 to Mr. Dore for running the steamer " Titiroa " on the lake. The visitors to this lake have been as follows: 1894-95, 82; 1895-96, 139; 1896-97, 91; 1897-98, 121; 1898-99, 162; 1899-1900, 103;" 1900-1, 153; 1901-2, 169. Milfobd Sound. Mr. Donald Sutherland intends placing a steam-launch on Milford Sound before next season. It is proposed to grant him the usual subsidy of £50 for guiding, and an additional £50 for providing a steam-launch service at Milford Sound. The two Government boats of Lake Ada were repainted during last season. Stewaet Island. This Department is now negotiating with Mr. Traill for the purchase of two huts, situated at Paterson's Inlet, for the use of tourists. Development op Peincipal Eoutes. I am of opinion that the undermentioned principal routes require vigorous development:— 1. Auckland to Auckland, via Wairoa Biver and Whangarei. 2. Auckland to Wellington, via Te Aroha, Eotorua, and Wanganui Biver. 3. Wellington to Christchurch, vid Blenheim, West Coast, Duller, and Otira Gorges. 4. Christchurch to Hanmer Hot Springs. 5. Timaru, vid Mount Cook, Lakes Wanaka, Wakatipu, Te Anau, and Manapouri to Invercargill. 6. Invercargill, Stewart Island. These tours, with their various side-trips, provide scenery that is most lovely, grand, magnificent, weird, and interesting, and which cannot be surpassed in any other country. During the hot months in Australia there is a fair stream of visitors from there to New Zealand, and an increase in its volume may naturally be looked for as facilities for travel are improved. The most important factor in this connection is the steamer accommodation. Larger

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steamers are imperatively called for by travellers who cross the Tasman Sea. It is well known that many Australians, and visitors to that country from abroad, avoid coming to New Zealand solely on account of the comparatively small steamers which ordinarily maintain the service between the Commonwealth and this colony. Soeneey-peesebvation. Vandalism has been responsible for past destruction and waste of some of New Zealand's most beautiful pieces of forest, and, in my opinion, the preservation of scenic bush merits the most serious consideration of the Government. At present this remark applies with force to the conservation of forest along the route of the Main Trunk, Wellington-Auckland, Bailway. This line will pass through some magnificent areas of forest, which, if preserved in its primeval beauty contiguous to the railway, will afford a great attraction to travellers generally, and will prove a splendid inducement for those travelling between Wellington and Auckland to go by train instead of by steamer, whereas miles of burnt and blackened logs would prove a weariness to the spirit. Impost ation op Game. Some time ago the various acclimatisation societies were asked whether they would be prepared to assist the Government in the importation of game. Most of them responded, offering contributions of money, but stipulating that certain varieties of game should be imported and liberated in their respective districts. The cost of importing the game variously specified would have amounted to a sum largely in excess of contemplated expenditure, and the offers were in many cases unreasonably small in comparison to the demands. The matter was then handed over to this Department. Following this, a circular letter was issued asking whether the acclimatisation societies would assist in importing moose, wapiti, wild geese, and ducks. So far the replies received indicate a general willingness to assist in this work, but in most cases request is made that some of the game imported should be turned out in the district contributing. A notable exception is the Otago Society, which offers £100 without conditions, and agrees to the Government placing the game wherever it deems best. In my opinion, it would be a mistake to endeavour to import and acclimatise too great a variety of big game. Efforts should be devoted to getting a fair number of suitable animals and insuring success in their acclimatisation. From inquiries which have been made in America I find that moose and wapiti are obtainable. These splendid members of the deer family should be well adapted for acclimatisation, in this country. A small herd of moose have already been established on the West Coast. They and wapiti are of the same hardy nature as the Scotch red deer, and should afford magnificent sport on our forest-clad ranges, and provide the very best training in the use of rifle and camp life for our future military defenders. The above-mentioned animals successfully acclimatised would undoubtedly be the means of attracting wealthy sportsmen not only to visit, but to reside permanently in this country. Letters from India indicate this very clearly, as those from intending settlers nearly all ask what sport is to be had in New Zealand. Owing to the decimation of pheasants, quail, and native birds by stoats, weasels, poisoned grain, and bush-fires, I do not recommend that the importation of birds other than water-fowl should be attempted. To do so under existing conditions would be, in my opinion, a waste of money. New Zealand being a magnificently watered country, its lakes, lagoons, and rivers afford most favourable conditions for the breeding of water-fowl, which are not adversely affected by vermin or bush-fires, and, if at all, to a very small extent by poisoned grain. I would therefore recommend that the Government should confine its efforts for the present to importing the abovementioned animals and two species of water-fowl—say, Canadian geese and a good variety of duck ; also that the assistance of those societies who are prepared to waive local claims and contribute a quota for the general benefit of the colony should be accepted. During last year six red deer were liberated at Lake Waikaremoana in the same locality as the previous lots, and ten on Stewart Island, six of the latter being obtained from Victoria. Forty brace of those fine game birds, paradise-ducks, were obtained from the South Island, and are to be liberated in various parts of the North Island as soon as the present shooting season expires. The Union Steamship Company have generously carried game for this Department without charge. The Eailway Department also made no charge for its transit. Deee-stalking. Deer-stalking in New Zealand is attracting attention in other lands by the fine quality of the trophies obtainable, and during the last season—March and April—visitors came from Australia, Canada, India, and Great Britain purposely to stalk red deer. Notwithstanding the limitation of five heads per license fixed by the Government, reports to hand show that there has been a great deal of wanton destruction of deer in the Wairarapa district, some license-holders shooting large numbers of deer, irrespective of age or sex. As neither the venison nor skins are made use of, this destruction is altogether inexcusable. As a check against indiscriminate slaughter of this sort, and to provide in a measure some good stalking for genuine sportsmen, especially those from distant countries who may be induced to come here by the reputation of the colony as a sporting resort, I would recommend for consideration of the Government that all that piece of forest lying between Martinborough and the Cape Eiver, locally known as the " Government Bush," should be proclaimed a deer-forest, permission to shoot therein being granted to individuals only on approval of the Government. This bush has, I understand, little or no value as timber, and the land is very rough and of poor quality. Unless some action of the kind is quickly taken the fame of the deer-herds of the Wairarapa will soon be a thing of the past. This Department could undertake the protection of deer in this forest against illegal slaughter.

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Teout-pishing. Trout-fishing during the past season was excellent in most of the fishing districts. Anglers complain that the large amount of licensed netting which takes place in Lake Botorua is rapidly spoiling the fishing in it and its tributaries. As showing the extent to which netting is carried on, I may mention that poundage was paid on 10,806 lb. (4f tons) of trout which was forwarded from Botorua by railway last season; this was, of course, in addition to local consumption. This heavy tax on the fish in these waters cannot continue without depleting them to a very serious extent. At Queenstown the residents are very much concerned at the present scarcity of trout in Lake Wakatipu, and also at their alleged deterioration in quality. Systematic legalised netting has been extensively carried on in that lake for between fifteen and twenty years. The lessee of the waters for last season informed me that he generally set as many as sixty-five nets at one time. This being so, the cause of depletion is not difficult to trace. A deputation representing the Lake County Council and the Queenstown Municipal Council which waited on me urged that the Fisheries Inspector, Mr. Ayson, should be sent to report on the questions of conservation and improvement of trout in that district. A very general desire has been expressed by anglers that they should be afforded legal right of way along the beds of trout-streams which run through privately owned lands. Generally speaking, access to such streams may be obtained by asking, but in some cases good trout-streams are reserved by the landowners for the purpose of leasing the right to fish therein, or for the exclusive use of themselves and friends. This question is one of such wide issue that Ido not feel called on to make any recommendation regarding it. Ethnological Museum. Maori carvings, weapons, implements, and ornaments are being constantly taken out of the colony by visitors, and genuine articles illustrative of Maori life in former times are daily becoming more rare. With the exception of the Auckland Museum, there is no public collection of Native weapons, implements, &c, of sufficient size and variety to prove interesting to students of ethnology in the colony or to visitors from abroad. I would strongly recommend for the early and serious consideration of the Government the question of establishing an ethnological museum for the colony. Bepobt on Little Baebieb Island. Sib,— Auckland Museum, Auckland, 26th May, 1902. I have the honour to forward the following report on the Little Barrier Island : — As you are aware, the Auckland Institute acts as custodian of the island, the Government contributing an annual grant of £200 to cover the cost of maintenance. Of this sum, £150 is devoted to the salary of the resident curator, Mr. Shakespear. The balance of £50 is absorbed by the numerous small expenses necessary to keep the curator in his position on the island, and to enable him to exercise proper vigilance over it. The chief of these expenses are as follows : (1) To provide means of communication with the island during the intervals between the trips of the " Hinemoa," so that the curator may obtain the stores necessary for the support of himself and his family ; (2) to keep in good order and condition a small sailing-boat, so that the curator may regularly visit the northern portion of the island, which is inaccessible by land, and which it would be unsafe to leave unwatched ; (3) insurance, repairs to house and buildings, &c. The curator has resided on the island for the whole of the year. He reports that no attempt whatever has been made to land for the purpose of molesting;the birds, or any other portion of the fauna. From a small hill at the back of his house a view can be obtained of the shore, stretching from the south-east corner to the western side. During favourable weather the other part of the island is regularly visited, and, as it is only during such weather that a landing can be effected on the north side of the island, it can safely be concluded that the island has not been visited by collectors. He further reports that birds of all kinds are abundant, and that from their behaviour it is evident that they have not been interfered with. I may say that this statement agrees with what I noticed myself during a visit of inspection made about a year ago. In accordance with his instructions, the curator has kept open a track leading from his house to the top of the highest peak on the island, which attains a height of 2,450 ft. All other tracks necessary for the inspection of the southern side of the island are kept in good order ; but in other parts of the island it has been thought advisable to allow the old Maori tracks to become overgrown, as if kept open they might be the means of allowing people surreptitiously landing on the island to rapidly reach the interior and conceal themselves there. The only enemy to the native birds on the island appears to be the wild cat. No doubt these were introduced by the Maoris during their occupancy of the island. By poisoning and trapping their numbers have been much reduced, and they are now seldom seen. The house and all other buildings on the island are in a good state of repair, and are well looked after by the curator, who also keeps up a large garden. Visitors by the '' Hinemoa '' usually express their surprise "at seeing the neat and well-tended appearance of the homestead and its surroundings. On the whole, there appears to be every reason for believing that, if a resident curator is maintained on the island to prevent the visits of collectors, the indigenous birds will keep up their numbers for many years to come. It may not be out of place to suggest that it would be well for the Government to obtain some living huias for liberation on the island. They are rapidly decreasing in their special locality, and the only hope of saving them is probably to transfer some to a habitat where they can be carefully protected. I have, &c, T. E. Donne, Esq. T. F. Cheeseman, Secretary.

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