TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, RIGHT HON. SIR J. G. WARD, P.C., K.C.M.G.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, H-02

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, RIGHT HON. SIR J. G. WARD, P.C., K.C.M.G.

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

Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, My Lord,— . 28th June, 1907. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year en-ding (he 31st March, 1907. I have, Ac, J. G. Wars, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

The year under review shows the greatest increase in oversea traffic yet recorded in any one year. The increase is made up chiefly of visitors from Australia, to which country, on account of its comparatively short distance from New Zealand, we must naturally look for the bulk of oversea travellers. The prosperous condition of Australia, coupled with the added attraction of an Exhibition in New Zealand, no doubt accounted for a very large portion of the increase recorded on this occasion. New Zealand, by virtue of its climatic conditions and its varied scenery, so different in character from that of Australia, must ever continue to attract an increasing number from the Commonwealth. With the advent of larger and faster steamers it may reasonably be expected that the increase will be recorded in thousands annually. I think, however, the cardinal factor in bringing about the increase for the past year is undoubtedly the opening of agencies of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department in Sydney and Melbourne, thereby getting into close touch with the people of the Commonwealth. Since the opening of these agencies in June, 1906, a period of nine and a half months, the number of inquiries at the agencies in Sydney and Melbourne total 18,500. These figures need no comment. There is an honorary agency at Adelaide, but no record has been kept of the number of inquiries there. The number of visitors recorded from all countries totals 9,684, as against 7,142 for the previous year, giving an increase of 2,542. Valuing the expenditure made in the country by these additional visitors at £50 per head, the same foundation on which the former year's figures were based, the increase'! value of the traffic is shown to be £127,100, or an advance of slightly over 35| per cent, on the previous year, and an advance of 85 per cent, in three years. The following figures show the estimated value of the tourist traffic from 1903-4 to 1906—7, from which can be gauged the advance made: 1903-4, £261,000; 1904-5, £299,000; 1905-6, £357,000; 1906-7, £484,000. A pleasing result of the year's operations is the amount of direct revenue collected—viz., £18,202 ss. 4d., an increase of £2,381 14s. sd. over the previous year. Under normal conditions tin's amount would have been very much larger. While the Exhibition no doubt helped to add to the number of oversea visitors to the several resorts under the control of the Department, it had the very decidedly opposite effect on the number of visitors to resorts from within the colony. It is safe to say that several thousands of people this year spent their holidays at the Exhibition who would have otherwise taken the usual course of visiting one or other of the attractive show-places. A notable feature of the traffic to most resorts was the absence of the usual number of New-Zea-landers. Thus, Hanmer Springs, which draws the greater number oT its visitors from residents in the Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago Districts, suffered severely in consequence of the Exhibition, and the other places suffered more or less from the same cause, and to a much greater degree than was compensated for by the additional influx of oversea travellers.

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The figures compiled by the Registrar-General show a substantial increase of gross arrivals in and departures from this country during the year. For the year ending the 31st December, 1905, the total moving population was 56,068, with an excess of arrivals over departures of 9,302; for the year ending the 31st December, 1906, the total was 65,618, an increase of 9,550, with an excess of arrivals over departures of 12,848. The excess of arrivals over departures for the five years the Department has been in operation totals 51,772, as against a total of 15,688 for the previous five years. In quoting these figures it is not intended to suggest that the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts is wholly responsible for the increase in immigration, but it is claimed that the advertising of the country by the Department by means of magazine and newspaper articles, lectures, and distribution of literature has greatly contributed to the excellent advance made in securing population of a desirable kind from overseas. As a matter of fact, a large portion of the work of the Department is in the direction of promoting immigration. This position has, rightly or wrongly, been forced on it by virtue of the fact that the great majority of the thousands of letters received from oversea in response to Department's advertisements are from persons in search of new homes—people who desire to emigrate to a land where a freer life, greater possibilities, and more healthful conditions obtain. Offices were opened in Sydney and Melbourne in June last, and officers bearing the title of New Zealand Government Agents appointed to take control. These officers are not merely agents for the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, but are, as their designations imply, agents for the New Zealand Government, and therefore they undertake the work of all Departments, although under control of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. The British Consul at Chicago, U.S.A., has generously offered to act as agent for the Department in that city, and an agency has accordingly been established which, although run at a very small cost, will, I am sure, show good results. A literature-distributing agent has been appointed at Fremantle, Western Australia, whose duty it is to supply literature concerning New Zealand to all persons arriving at that port from oversea. By this means New Zealand's attractions are brought under notice of a very large number of people entering the Commonwealth. The marked increase in the traffic from the Commonwealth since the opening of the agencies in Sydney and Melbourne goes to show that the step taken in extending the influence of the Department has been a wise one, and I am of opinion that good results would follow the establishment of an agency in Colombo and in other centres on popular travel-routes. I also think it would be advisable to add to the High Commissioner's staff in London an officer who would be in a position to take more active steps in bringing this country's attractions under notice of the vast population of Great Britain. New Zealand's action in establishing a department of general information and extending its influence to other States may be said to have met with a full measure of favour in the opinion of Australians. Realising the great success of the work done by New Zealand, already four of the Commonwealth States either have established or contemplate establishing information bureaux on lines more or less similar to those of this country. The Department has since its establishment been in very close touch with sport and the acclimatisation of game and fish; but a somewhat new departure has been made" during the year in placing the control of the fishing, shooting, and general acclimatisation-work in the tourist district around Rotorua under immediate control of the Department. This step was taken in direct response to the petitions of the residents of the Rotorua district, who were dissatisfied with the control of the administration of the fishing and the assistance given them by the Auckland Society. The troutfishing in the Rotorua district has become a matter of colonial importance, and it is considered advisable that it be controlled directly by the Government. Since the taking-over of the Rotorua district by the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts the Government has received a petition from the Wairoa Acclimatisation Society asking that its registration be revoked and their district attached to the Rotorua district and placed under control of the same Department.

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Sin, — Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, 27th June, 1907. 1 have the honour to submit herewith the departmental report for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. I have, <fee, T. E. Donne, The Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, P.C., K.C.M.G., General Manager. Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. It is my pleasing duty to bring under your notice a very substantial advance in the oversea traffic during the past year. Special care has been taken to record the names and addresses of oversea visitors who are bent on sightseeing or health - recruiting missions, as distinct from settlers, and every precaution has been taken to prevent duplications. The total number recorded during the year was 9,684, as against 7,142 for the previous year, showing an increase of 2,542. The expenditure of money in New Zealand by this number, estimated at £50 per head, shows an advance in value of the traffic of £127,100, making a total estimated value of £484,000 for 1906-7, as aginst £357,000 for 1905-6. It is very probable that quite a considerable percentage of travellers has not been recorded, in view of which, and the low estimate taken as the probable expenditure per head, I think that if it were possible to obtain accurate figures, the value of the traffic would be found to be considerably over half a million sterling for the past year. The increase for the year of 2,542 persons is made up as follows: From Australia, 2,149; from the United Kingdom, 18; from the United States and Canada, 111 : from Europe, 85; from Africa, 59; from other countries, 127. There was a decrease of 7 from India. The following table shows the number of visitors to this country from all sources, and the estimated value of traffic for the past four years: —

Revenue. The direct receipts of the Department for the year amount to £18,202 ss. 4d., as against £15,820 10s. lid. for 1905-6, showing a substantial increase of £2,381145. 5d., or 15 per cent. I am of opinion that the revenue would have shown even better results had the. conditions been normal. Undoubtedly the International Exhibition accounted in a very large degree for the absence of the usual number of New-Zealanders from several resorts on which the Department depends for its direct revenue. The absence of local visitors has been particularly noticeable at Hanmer Springs, Lake Wakatipu, and Rotorua. There has been considerable increase in the number of oversea visitors to these places; but as the number of New Zealand visitors usually averages about four to every one from oversea, the increase in the latter, great as it is, does not compensate for the loss by way of direct revenue caused by the absence of several thousands of local people who annually seek change at these places, and who this year found their way to the Exhibition.

1903-4. 1904-5. 1905-6. 1906-7. Australia United Kingdom United States and Canada European Continent ... Africa India Other countries 2,726 1,795 417 102 64 61 68 2,892 2,025 563 146 113 86 167 3,463 2,376 652 175 137 92 247 5,612 2,394 763 260 196 85 374 5,233 5,992 7,142 9,684 Estimated expenditure by visitors £261,000 £299,000 £357,000 £484,000

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The following schedule gives full details of receipts for the year 1902-3, the first complete year of the Department's operations, and for the years 1904-5, 1905-6, and 1906-7: —

Agencies. In June last important extensions were made in the Department agencies by the opening of offices in prominent positions in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. To the work of these agencies 1 attribute very largely the increase of traffic from the Commonwealth. Very fine rooms are provided, where" are shown, by means of oil- and water-colour pictures, photograph enlargements,

1902-3. 1904-5. i-0. Te Aroha — Bath fees and towel-hire Out-patients' fees Tennis-players, library fees, &c. £ s. d. 390 12 10 16 5 6 27 4 0 £ 8. d. 1,071 2 4 365 0 6 106 11 9 £ s. d. 1,095 18 0 413 10 0 123 16 3 £ s. d. 1,022 17 9 419 11 0 91 7 0 440 2 4 1,542 14 7 1,633 4 3 1,533 15 9 Rotorua — Sanatorium patients' fees .". Out-patients' fees Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire Dry massage and electrical treatment Water fees Electric-light charges .. Tennis-players, &c. Round trip: Launch fares, accommodation, guidingfees, &o. " Tea-house " Sale of mineral waters Pishing licenses Launch licenses and wharfage charges Miscellaneous receipts 717 3 3 589 10 0 1,874 5 7 132 12 6 544 19 0 47 7 0 565 5 0 1,004 4 7 871 6 0 2,483 18 5 280 11 0 344 7 6 1,138 13 7 101. 8 3 2,290 0 0 1,014 2 4 673 17 0 2,513 1 8 276 11 6 216 15 0 1,150 17 9 120 12 6 2,045 14 1 892 5 6 748 16 0 2,614 8 6 219 5 9 369 19 2 1,406 6 3 137 8 3 1,933 1 0 144 19 11 458 14 7 142 8 3 448 11 0 181 18 4 395 19 3 216 16 0 55 10 0 105 0 0 174 12 2 17' 7 5 92 14 10 4,616 2 3 9,132 19 7 8,734 16 0 9,269 7 10 Waitomo Caves Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. .. 146 14 4 182 9 10 Lake House, Waikaremoana — Accommodation fees, &c. Oil-launch and boat receipts 66 12 6 370 10 1 79 0 4 326 13 4 82 12 6 532 12 7 135 10 3 66 12 6 449 10 5 409 5 10 668 2 10 Morere Hot Springs — Bath fees .. .. .. ... 35 4 0 51 7 3 50 7 3 Hanmer Hot Springs — Accommodation fees Sale of bath-tickets, and towel-hire Tennis-players, &c. Sale of Guides, pamphlets, &c. Miscellaneous receipts Tea-house receipts 1,200 16 10 778 8 6 11 19 11 1,199 17 0 849 5 6 13 8 6 1 6 0 17 9 7 108 9 11 946 12 6 720 15 6 15 13 9 1 13 0 33 17 6 181 2 6 1,078 4 3 687 3 3 5 10 0 0 3 0 20 10 7 190 3 0 1,991 5 3 2,189 16 6 1,899 14 9 1,981 14 1 Pukaki Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. 131 11 0 535 1 3 446 17 0 653 1 4 " Hermitage" — Accommodation foes, &c. .. 914 15 6 924 13 6 1,082 9 8 1,516 8 4 Queenstoum ParkBowie, &c. 14 12 0 Lake Manapouri— Steamer fares 163 10 0 146 10 0 Te Anau Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees k &o. .. 486 10 0 Lake Te Anau — Steamer fares, &o. 474 19 6 Qlade House and Milford Tracks— '. Accommodation fees, &c. .. Guiding-fees 473 3 6 97 9 6 563 1 0 135 19 6 517 7 6 86 0 6 570 13 0 699 0 6 603 8 0 Head Office— Sale of pamphlets, cards, photos, &c. 240 12 10 637 10 3 553 11 4 620 18 7 Totals 15,820 10 11 18,202 5 4 8,401 1 8 16,018 3 1

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dec, the chief scenic and other attractions of the colony. These agencies, during the nine and a half months they have been opened, have been visited by persons requiring information concerning this country, to the number of 18,500. A large quantity of booklets and other advertising matter has been distributed, which is calculated to direct the attention of Australian people to the advantages and attractions of New Zealand. Through these agencies we are able to get into close touch with the population of the Commonwealth, and I think the results of the past nine months' work sufficiently indicate the value of these agencies to the colony as a means of inducing many hundreds of people to come here. In New Zealand the agencies still continue to grow in popular favour: no less than 39,066 persons made use of these offices during the past year, an increase of 2,157 over the previous year. A literature-distribution agency has been established at Fremantle, Western Australia, in order that the attractions of New Zealand may be brought under notice of a very large number of oversea visitors arriving in Australia. lam hopeful that by this means many of the visitors to Australia may be induced to extend their tours to New Zealand. Further afield an agency has been established in Chicago, U.S.A., in connection with tinBritish Consulate. Mr. Alexander Finn, the Consul, and his assistants in that city are showing great sympathy with the desire of the colonies to secure settlers of a good class, and I have no doubt that much good will result from the work done in Chicago on behalf of New Zealand. Large quantities of literature are being set for distribution, and by having an agent on the spot we have some assurance that the literature will be placed where the most good will result. The Government Agent in Melbourne writes as follows: — " We would estimate that close on two thousand of the visitors leaving Melbourne for a visit to New Zealand and the Exhibition have passed through this agency. A large percentage of the visitors who were supplied with information before going to New Zealand have, on their return, called and expressed themselves as being highly satisfied with what they saw, and their deep appreciation of the facilities that were afforded them during their sojourn. From time to time New Zealand's enterprise in the matter of the establishment of a general information and tourist bureau in this centre has been favourably commented upon by intending visitors, as the following letter, which is a specimen of others, will show: — " ' Many thanks for the speedy and complete reply of the 4th instant tc my inquiries re Wel-lington-New Plymouth - Auckland trip. The information is precisely what I require, and is given in the excellent manner that all my experience with your office led me to expect I would receive it. I appreciate your assurance of pleasure in furnishing any further particulars, and desire to add that there is no institution, public or private, to which I should go for information with greater confidence in being met with accurate and concise details, supplied with unvarying courtesy.' " In order to bring this agency into as much prominence as possible we have adopted quite a variety of inexpensive methods. " The Victorian Agricultural and Pastoral Association.- —I seized the opportunity of the anuual occurrence of the premier show of Australia to establish an Information Bureau on the grounds. I obtained a good position on a main avenue at a small cost, and the increased number of visitors to the office in the subsequent weeks was sufficient proof of the advisability of what was merely an experiment. One prominent gentleman residing in the Mansfield district, who was supplied with information at the show, was instrumental in inducing three or four other prominent men from his town to visit New Zealand, they being passed on to us by him to arrange their itineraries. " Practically all steamers arriving at and leaving Melbourne are visited, and itineraries and other 'literature relating to New Zealand generally is placed in the reading-rooms and saloons. This method has also proved most encouraging; only a few days ago a gentleman from South Africa who was making inquiries in the office, on being handed an itinerary, stated that he had seen one on the steamer he was travelling by, and that a gentleman, his wife, and daughter, who were on their way to Queensland, had, after reading the same, decided to alter their plans and go on to New Zealand. " Lantern Lectures. —l trust that in the coming year I may be able to extend my engagements in this respect. The leading hotels, coffee-palaces, &c, have been kept supplied with New Zealand itineraries, guide-books, kc. "From time to time we forward back copies of our New Zealand illustrated papers to the various tourist resorts, hospitals, &c, in Victoria. '' A most effective means of drawing attention to our presence has been the placing of a stand in front of the agency for displaying pictorial illustrations taken from the weekly papers. All day long small groups of people are seen gathered round, intently studying the pictures." The Government Agent at Sydney writes: — " The agency first opened its portals to the public in July, 1906, so that practically only nine months have elapsed, during which period a mass of information has been disseminated concerning both travel and settlement in New Zealand. " The location of the office is by general consensus of opinion admitted to be the most desirable situation in Sydney, and the handsome structure wherein the agency is housed, together with the ornate appointments, form a fruitful topic of conversation. " The interior displays artistic photographs, &c, of all the choice beauty-spots of the colony, and is amply supplied with current New Zealand literature, whilst the fullest information, both printed and oral, is available. Affixed to the exterior are large-sized brass plates suitably engraved, so that visitors experience no difficulty in locating the agency. " The salient features which have been kept steadily in view were the development of the tourist traffic and the encouragement of (reciprocal) trade relations between the Commonwealth and New Zealand. In addition to supplying all necessary information to Australian inquirers, T have made

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a point of catering for the comfort of New Zealand visitors to this State, and the laudatory expressions of opinion that find a place in the : visitors' book ' amply demonstrate the usefulness and popularity of the agency. " The monthly attendance of visitors, made up from a daily tally kept since the establishment of the office, shows that no less than 13,131 people visited the agency in search of information. " There is no direct method by which the value and volume of the tourist traffic can be accurately gauged, but I have compiled a return showing the total number of saloon and steerage passengers carried from the Port of Sydney to either Wellington or Auckland, commencing from the month of July, 1906, and ending on the 31st March, 1907. Of this number a fair proportion no doubt made the International Exhibition at Christchurch their objective point, whilst a great many others contented themselves with a tour of the North Island, embracing the Hot Lakes and the Wanganui River. There can be no doubt that the exodus of Australian visitors would have assumed even larger proportions if the customary hot summer had been experienced, but the comparatively cool weather here had the effect of restraining many from seeking a more temperate climate. Cheaper steamer fare would also have been more conducive to travel. An analysis made of the inquiries at this office prove conclusive!}- that the sport offering in New Zealand, both with rod and gun, is no mean factor in diverting tourists to our colony. " The total number of saloon and steerage passengers carried to New Zealand from Sydney by the shipping companies for the period named amount to 5,196 saloon and 6,166 steerage, or a grand total of 11,362. " During the year just ended good results have been attained by the judicious loan of lanternslides to those who, having completed a tour of New Zealand, sought the first opportunity of introducing their friends to the scenic attractions that won their admiration. I have also delivered a number of illustrated lectures in various parts of Sydney, and am hopeful of good results. " Whilst the agency has been but a little time established, it must be borne in mind that all the uphill work incidental to breaking new ground is now a thing of the past, and the future prospects must be considered encouraging. Our sphere of usefulness is generally being enlarged, and must count for the promotion of oversea traffic." Advertising. The advertising policy carried on during the year has been as vigorous as funds will permit. In the way of magazine and newspaper advertising the efforts of the Department have been chiefly directed towards North America. In other countries, such as Great Britain, Australia, and India, the greater part of the advertising done has been in the form of pamphlet-distribution, and this form, I am convinced, is more profitable than the ordinary newspaper advertisement, unless such advertisement can be preceded or followed by articles, with or without illustrations, descriptive of the country. The American advertisements were for the most part supported in this manner, and resulted in many thousands of inquiries being received. The great majority of the writers seem to be men of a desirable class —for the most part farmers with capital. Much more work has been done in pamphlet-production during the past year than formerly. Some 103,800 books and pamphlets have been printed, chiefly made up as follows: Itinerary of Travel; Mineral Waters: Round Trip ; Golden Coast (Westland); Facts about New Zealand; New Zealand in a Nutshell; Southern Lakes Guide; Excerpts from Year-book. Other pamphlets are now in the press. Large numbers of those issued have been distributed abroad, and in addition thereto some 13,900 weekly newspapers and Christmas numbers have been distributed. The total pamphlets and newspapers distributed numbered upwards of 190,000. The demand for the Department's " Itinerary of Travel " is still on the increase, the issue for the past year being 5,000 more than the previous year. In addition to the pamphlets issued by this Department, a large number of books and leaflets issued by the Lands, Agricultural, and Labour Departments have also been distributed. Some 14,500 photographs have been issued for exhibition in shipping-offices, steamer-saloons, public buildings, &c, and for illustrating articles in magazines and newspapers. Two thousand two hundred lantern-slides have been issued for the purpose of illustrating lectures on New Zealand in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Africa, and Australia. Much good work is being done in this direction at very small cost. New Zealand International Exhibition, Christchurch. At this Exhibition the Department secured 3,000 ft. of space in a prominent position in the main building, where an inquiry agency was established and a very comprehensive display made of the country's scenic attractions by means of oil paintings, water-colours, enlarged photographs, &c. Sport was represented by a very fine exhibit of deer-heads, specimens of feathered game, and large trout. Many thousands of people made use of the inquiry bureaux for information regarding both the Exhibition and travel-routes throughout the country. In addition to the Court in the Exhibition building, the Department also established a model geyser and examples of hot pools, mud volcanoes, ngawhas, &c, in the grounds. The " geyser " was made to play in a very realistic manner. These proved very attractive features of the Exhibition, frequently commanding more than two thousand visitors in one day. The Awards received by the Department were as follows : For collective display, gold medal and special award: display red-deer heads, gold medal; display fallow-deer heads, gold medal; display of trout, gold medal; display Maori curios, gold medal; display kauri-gum, gold medal; collection of pictures of New Zealand, gold medal; collective exhibit of photographs, gold medal.

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Esperanto. In view of the extensive use that is now being made of the " international language " known as Esperanto, it has been considered desirable to ask the agents of the Department, both in and beyond New Zealand, to take steps to make themselves acquainted with this language, and textbooks have been provided for that purpose. A number of the officers of the Head Office staff have also taken up the study of the language. Sport. The value of trout and deer acclimatisation in this country is difficult to estimate. Apart from encouraging a healthy means of amusement and recreation for our own people, the sport now offering is the means of inducing a very large number of oversea visitors to spend weeks, and often months, annually in this country, and it plays no unimportant part in the inducements held out to the moneyed class to make their homes in New Zealand. During the past year trout-fishing has been even better than in former seasons. From some lakes and streams enormous catches have been made of fish of great size, notably in Lake Tarawera and the rivers running into Lake Taupo, near Tokaanu. From the latter place fish weighing from 10 lb. to 23 lb. were frequently taken. Among the trophies secured by deer-stalkers there were some very excellent heads. Sport on the whole has been good. After six years of operation it is, I think, not out of place to record the work done by the Department in the introduction and distribution of big game. 1 therefore append a list showing date of importation or distribution, kind of game, and where liberated:—-

It is too early to predict what success will attend the acclimatisation of these imported animals, but from reports to hand very excellent results are expected. In October last the Department obtained, free of charge, from the Auckland Acclimatisation Society 25,000 trout-fry. These were conveyed, at the Department's expense, to the Bay of Plenty, and liberated in the following rivers and streams: Whakatane River, 4,000; Otaia River, 2,250; Waiana, Torere, and Hawai, 8,000; Motu, 1,900; Haparapara, 2,000; Te Kereu, 3,500. About three thousand of the fry were lost, but this, of course, could not be avoided in transhipping them over such rough country as that of the Bay of Plenty. Te Aroha. The receipts at Te Aroha show a slight decrease as compared with last year, the cause of which is chiefly due to several long spells of very wet weather during the summer. Some very important improvements have been made at this resort, the chief of which has been the lighting of all buildings and the grounds by electricity. A gardener's cottage has been built to permit of the head gardener residing in the grounds. This has become necessary in order that he may have better supervision of the gardens and park. A set of meteorological instruments has been supplied, in order that records may be kept of climatic conditions. The bowling-green, laid down by the Domain Board before the park came under control of this Department, has never been a complete success. It is advisable that the green be taken up and relaid.

Year. Number and Description of Game. From. Where Liberated. 1901 1903 4 red deer 3 „ 7 Wairarapa herds Presented by Miss Audrey Chirnside, Werribee Park, Victoria Ditto ... Presented by the Duke of Bedford, England Ditto ... Lake Waikaremoana. Stewart Island. Tuhua, West Coast. 1904 8 „ 6 thar Lake Wakatipu. Mount Cook. 1905 6 Japanese deer Kaimanawa Ranges, near Taupo. Tarawera, Hawke's Bay. Fiordland National Park. ft ti 5 blacktail deer 10 elk Purchased in the United States Presented by President Roosevelt, United States Purchased in the United States 8 19 Virginian deer 18 in Stewart Island, 1 in Nelson. Lake Kanieri, West Coast. 1906 8 red deer Presented by Miss .Audrey Chirnside, Werribee Park, Victoria Ditto ... Wairarapa herds Presented by G. W. Chirnside, Werribee Park, Victoria Presented by H.I.M. the Emperor of Austria 1907 4 „ 5 „ 9 „ Tuhua, West Coast. Tongariro National Park. Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua. 8 chamois Mount Cook.

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Massage-rooms were fitted up and operators installed early in the season, but the result has been anything but satisfactory, very few patients having availed themselves of this class of treatment. . .. . , The question of providing an emergency-hospital ward has been under consideration, and a suitable site has been secured The report of the resident medical officer will be found in the appendices to this report. Waitomo and UuAKurti Caves. There has been a fairly large increase in traffic at the caves during the year. The number of visitors is, however, nothing like as large as one might expect in view of the size and attractive nature of these caves. The want of better accommodation is perhaps in a measure responsible tor lack of patronage It is very necessary that a larger and more comfortable house should be erected at an early date. It is also desirable that the caves should be lighted with electricity to show them to advantage and to prevent destruction of colouring, which is likely to follow the use of magnesiumwire lights and others of such a nature. Estimates of the cost of lighting by electricity now being prepared. The number of visitors for 1906-7 was 5(2, as against 296 for 1905-6, and the revenue £182 9s. 10d., as against £146 14s. 4d. Up to the present the fees for viewing caves and guiding have been paid to private individuals. The proprietary rights in the Ruakuri and the Waitomo Caves have now been secured by the Department, and the fees from this source will m future be paid into the Public Account. Rotohua. The traffic to this resort for the past year shows but a small increase over the previous year. There has, however, been a very much larger number of oversea visitors, and an equivalent decrease in New-Zealanders. The absence of our own people is no doubt due to the Exhibition having attracted them south. „ , . ,„ The following table shows the bookings by rail to Rotorua from all officered stations (flagstations are not included) for the past seven years: — Return of Number of Passengers boohed to Rotorua for Year* ending 81st March, 1901, 1902, WO3, 190/,, 1905. 1906, and 1907, respectively, exclusive of Bookings from t lag-stations.

The township continues to grow rapidly; some very substantial brick business premises have been recently erected, and further houses of good type have been bu.lt lor the accommodation ot VlSlt The total receipts at this resort from all sources amounted to £9,269 7s. 10d., as against £8 7U 16 or the previous year, showing an increase of £534 lis. lOd. This sum was chiefly mvi up from increases in out-patient, bath, water, and electric-current fees. There was a decrease ,S i. itorTum pathents' fees and round-trip fares. With the exception of the cost of medicines, the whole cS to"free medical treatment of Maoris is still being borne by this Department. The nineraririnking-waters continue to increase in popularity. Sales at 2d. realised £216 16 o mineral urmivmg w , . previous year. The round-trip receipts have fallen weather experienced during the season. .Some very important works have been in progress at Rotorua during the past year. The drainage- • 3 and the new water-supply system is well in hand. In both oases there « £jS caS? only tt private connections to place the systems in complete, workingorder When this has been done the town will have a most up-to-date sanitary system and a waterth- second to none in the colony. Another work of magnitude with which good progress has neen m-de I the erection of the new bath buildings. It is expected these will be completed by been made is the «"f"> f , bt] „ eneral i y has been carried on at considerable disadvanSeptember next ™ _»oS eoSiraSt; but it is considered inadvisable to instal expensive formulated. , „___* . llp pWtrio-lio-ht system has for some time failed to

[nary. | Holiday F2Xcui-3ion. Special Excursion. | Round Trip. Year ending Slst March. S Total. Single. Return. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. | Second, i First. Second. .901 .902 :903 .904 L905 L906 1907 666 1,080 1,530 2,080 2,574 2,958 3,114 1,458 2,101 3,659 5,058 5,288 5,546 5,739 551 718 923 1,877 1,081 2,099 1,170 2,886 1,317 3,392 1,249 3,172 1,194 2, <>">"> 395 I 1,236 884 4,806 370 1,089 G71 i "2,389 423 1,687 707 2,788 935 ! 3,010 175 ! 157 'i06 I 421 132 ■■ 1,694 '.'. 484 454 144 199 200 309 354 381 478 106 192 386 040 793 080 665 5,606 12,122 10,891 10,956 15,828 17,955 18,243

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will have been met. There will be considerable revenue from the water, drainage, and electriclight systems. The Government gardens have been maintained as formerly, and continue to be a source of enjoyment to a very large number of people, particularly invalids who are unable to take the various attractive side trips. The geysers in the Whakarewarewa Reserve, although during the first half of the year somewhat less active than formerly, have shown during the latter half more activity than for several years. On 30th April, 1907, Waikiti Geyser became active after a period of thirteen years' quiescence. In March last Mr. L. Birks, Engineer in Charge, was appointed Chairman of the Rotorua Town Council," vice Mr. Wallnutt, resigned. By this appointment the Council gets the services of an experienced Engineer, and the disadvantages of dual control of works in the town by this Department and the Council are to some extent minimised. Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. In accordance with Order in Council of the 18th January, 1906, which constitutes the above lakes a harbour within the meaning of "The Harbours Act, 1878," all steamers and launches plying for hire have been licensed, and their appliances inspected from time to time, and the traffic suitably regulated. During the past year additions have been made to the Rotorua wharf, and new wharves have been erected at Hamurana, Okere, and Te Ngae. The revenue for licenses and wharfage dues for the year amounted to £JOS. A New Round Trip. A new road is being constructed from Lake Rotoiti to Lake Okataina, and a track from the latter lake to Tarawera. This, when finished, and a motor-launch placed on Lake Okataina, will provide an additional and very attractive side trip for visitors to Rotorua. The journey will be made by steamer or launch from Rotorua wharf across Lake Rotorua, through Ohau Channel, and across Lake Rotoiti, then by coach to Lake Okataina, across Lake Okataina by launch, and thence by foot-track to Lake Tarawera, and launch to Te Wairoa, and coach to Rotorua. With the opening-up of this trip the traffic on Lake Tarawera is likely to be greatly increased; it will therefore be necessary to have a much larger launch on this lake than the one at present, which was found of insufficient capacity on several occasions during the past season. Administration of Acclimatisation in Rotorua. In February last a special acclimatisation district was created, with Rotorua as a centre, and this district was placed under the control of the Tourist Department. The Engineer in Charge at Rotorua has been appointed local controlling officer, and under him have been placed a Ranger and Curator. The small hatchery, a short distance from Rotorua Township, erected by the Marine Department has been placed at this Department's disposal, and arrangements have been made for collecting and eyeing a large quantity of ova for distribution in the district, and for sale to other societies throughout the colony. Since this district was placed under the control of the Department a request has been made by the Wairoa Acclimatisation Society that their district should also be joined to the Rotorua district, and controlled in the same manner as the Rotorua district. The sport in the Rotorua district has in the past year been well up to the previous year's standard, and an enormous number of fish have been taken. Lake Tarawera has provided very excellent sport, and to meet the demands of anglers an oil-launch and two new boats have been placed on this lake. Taupo. The Domain at Taupo has been considerably improved during the year. The report of the Board will be found in the appendices to this report. Tongariro National Park. Some improvements have been made to tracks and camping-huts in this park during the year. I feel sure the attractions of this park are not receiving the attention of the people of this country or of oversea visitors that they deserve, due in a large measure to the want of better means of access, and to the absence of a suitable accommodation-house. Its volcanic and thermal phenomena with the magnificent mountain, lake, and forest scenery, make its attractiveness for the holiday-maker and sightseer unique. As a health sanatorium it could not be excelled. The completion of the Main Trunk Railway will make the access to this park easy, and if good accommodation were provided the park would annually draw a very large number of people. I regard its attractions as being amongst the finest in New Zealand. Taranaki. The Egmont Park has attracted its usual number of visitors. Two hundred pounds subsidywas paid to the. Board for maintenance and improvements as formerly. The report of the Chairman of the Board appears in the appendices. Wanganui River. The trip down this river becomes more popular year by year. The sum of £400 has been paid to the River Board for improvements, 2—H. 2.

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Lake Waikaremoana. There has been a considerable increase in the number of visitors to this resort, but, as previously pointed out, this beautiful lake will not receive the attention it deserves till there is satisfactory means of communication between it and Rotorua. The time taken to reach the lake and the distance to be travelled prohibits other than residents in the district from attempting the journey. The revenue collected during the past year amounted to £668 2s. 10d., as against £409 ss. lOd. for the previous year. Angling has proved one of the leading attractions to the lake. The red-deer herd is reported to be rapidly increasing, and it is only a matter of a few years when good stalking will be available in the vicinity of the lake. During the year, by arrangement with the owners of a private telephone-wire, the Department has had its accommodation-house connected with Frasertown by telephone. Hanmer Springs. This resort has attracted a rather larger number than usual of oversea visitors, but there has been a considerable falling-off of local visitors. In both cases the cause can be attributed to the Exhibition. The receipts'totalled £1,981 14s. Id., as against £1,899 14s. 9d. for the previous year, giving an increase of £81 19s. 4d. There was a slight falling-off in receipts from baths, but an increase in the accommodation-house receipts. A scheme for considerably enlarging and improving the park and gardens has been put in hand, and good progress made. The principal work, however, undertaken at this resort is the new fresh-water system which is being installed by the Public Works Department on behalf of this Department. A number of small but necessary improvements have been carried out in connection with the Spa, baths, tea-house, gardens, &c. The proposal to convert the Spa into a Sanatorium for invalids, with a doctor and nursing staff, has been very adversely criticized by a large number of persons who are in the habit of spending their holidays at this resort. After having considered the matter from all points of view I am of the opinion that it would be unwise to close the Spa, for the reason that to do so would be to unduly limit the accommodation available at Hanmer for visitors, and because the present Spa building is unsuitable as an institution for the treatment of invalids, and would be expensive to maintain as such. I think that the better plan would be to maintain the Spa as a first-class accommodation-house (abolishing the second-class division), and to provide a separate and suitable building for a Sanatorium for the purpose of treating invalids who are able to pay, and indigent patients, under control of a medical man, with qualified nursing assistance. Pukaki House. Owing to the largely increased traffic to the Alps, there has been an increase in the takings at Pukaki House, £653 Is.' 4d. being received, as against £446 17s. for the previous year: increase, £206 4s. 4d. The whole increase is not, however, due to the tourist traffic, but is partly due to accommodation of men employed on road-works in the district. A fairly large quantity'of poultry has been reared and vegetables grown at this place for supplying the Hermitage. Mount Cook Hermitage. The traffic to this resort has exceeded previous records. The change in the means of transport is doubtless largely responsible for this result. During the past season the ninety-seven miles from Fairlie to the Alps was accomplished in one day by means of motor-cars, a journey which hitherto has taken two rather dreary days by coach. The running of the cars has on the whole been very satisfactory, comparatively few delays or breakdowns having occurred. Considerable improvements to the roads are, however, still required to make the trip an absolutely safe one for motor traffic. Over three hundred passengers were carried in the cars between December and April. The receipts for the year from accommodation and guiding amounted to £1,516 Bs. 4d., as against £l",082 9s. Bd. for the previous year, showing an increase of £433 18s Bd. The visitors numbered 304 (of whom 117 were from oversea), as against a total of 185 for the previous YGB.T The Hermitage house, the management of which by Mr. and Mrs. McDonald and family has been praiseworthy, is in a very undesirable condition. It is old and decaying, and the accommodation is now far below requirements. It can be made to provide reasonable comfort for guests for another year at most. To meet traffic for the past season an annexe with twenty beds had to be provided. , With the extra number of visitors, the Alpine guiding has naturally very largely increased. No specially hi°-h ascents were made during the season, but over a hundred persons proceeded to the Malte Bran huts near the head of Tasman Glacier, and a still larger number went as far as the Ball Hut on the same glacier. Five ascents were made of Hochstetter Dome, five ascents of Mount Wakefield, and four crossings of Ball Pass. Sebastopol, Hooker Valley, and other side excursions also drew a fair number of alpinists. Although none of the higher ascents were made from the Hermitage, some good work was done by a party from the West Coast, consisting of Teichelmann, the Rev. — Newton, and Gtiide A. Graham. This party madei the first ascent of Mount Douclas, 10,107 ft., and followed this by climbing Torris Peak, 10,576 ft., Mount Haast, Leudenfeldt, Conway, Alcone, and Glacier Peak, all over 10,000 ft. Chief Guide Graham states that his most interesting trip was one via the Copland Pass to the West Coast, in the company of Professor Spencer and Messrs. Lindbn and Worsley. This party left the Hermitage on the 9th January, and reached Scott's accommodation-house on the West Coast the following day, exceptionally fine weather contributing to make the trip in every way a success. Owing to the increase of visitors, it will be necessary to strengthen the guiding staff for next season.

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During the season Chief Guide Graham took special pains to observe the movement of the Tasman Glacier, and be reports as follows: — " I placed stationary cairns on either side of the Tasman Glacier at the junction of this and the Ball Glacier, and located three large boulders in a line, about 6 chains apart, on the ice. I have taken careful measurements of the movement of each, and the result shows the following forward movement during a period of four months: No. 1, near Ball Glacier, 106 ft.; No. 2, at junction of ice between Ball and Hochstetter Glaciers, 146| ft.; No 3, on outer edge of ice from Hochstetter Glacier, 144f ft." During the winter of last year a heavy snowslide on Malte Brim struck the hut there, and damaged it very considerably. The suspension bridge over the Hooker River was carried away by a heavy gale of wind during the last winter. Both huts and bridge have since been repaired. The construction of a telephone-line from Lake Te Kapo to the Hermitage has been put in hand by the Telegraph Department, and the extension completed as far as Pukaki House, Lake Pukaki. Having the Hermitage connected by wire should materially increase its popularity as a holiday resort for business men and others who find it inconvenient to be cut off from telegraphic communication with the outside world. Lake Wakatipu. The traffic to Lake Wakatipu and environs does not show any material increase for the year. As with other resorts, the usual number of New Zealand holiday-makers have been absent on account of the Exhibition. A number of improvements have been effected in the Queenstown Park during the year which should make it more attractive to visitors, and arrangements have been made to continue this work. The receipts from playing-greens amounted to £14 12s. Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau, and the Fiordland National Park. The increase in traffic to these resorts has not been as large as was expected. There has, however, been an increase of £848 17s. in receipts. This increase is due to the Department having purchased Te Anau House and the steamer " Tawera " running on Lake Te Anau. The total receipts for the year amounted to £1,711 7s. 6d., as against £862 10s. 6d. for the previous year. The accommodation and means of transit have been very much improved during the year in the district. Te Anau and Manapouri houses have been connected with Lumsden by telephone, a new accommodation-house —Glade House—-was completed at the head of the lake, and two roomy huts providing dining-rooms and sleeping accommodation erected on the Te Anau-Milford Track—one on each side of the pass. Many of the bridges on the track had also to be renewed, and thirty-three miles of telephone-wires erected, connecting Glade House, the huts, and Sutherland's house at Milford. The track is now in good order, and very comfortable accommodation can be offered to visitors right through from the railway terminus to Milford Sound. An increase in accommodation at Te Anau has been effected by purchasing two cottages near Te Anau House. A contract has been let for snagging and removing rocks in the Waiau River between Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, but the work has been greatly delayed through unfavourable weather and the river being unusually high during the year. When this work has been completed, it is proposed to run an oil-launch from one lake to the other. This trip will be an attractive one, and will abolish a very uninteresting and somewhat rough coach-drive. It is regrettable to find that the native bush on the banks of the Waiau River and on the shores of Lake Te Anau has in a number of places been greatly marred by fires during the past summer. Birds in the Fiordland National Park. This season it is reported" that there is an apparent increase in bird-life in the Te Anau - Milford portion of the reserve. This is no doubt due to the more vigorous measures taken by the Department the last few years to prevent destruction. The increase is said to be especially noticeable in paradise, grey, and blue mountain duck, teal, wekas, kakapo, kiwis, bell-birds, keas, robins, pigeons, kakas, long-tailed cuckoos, fantails, tuis, and wrens. The stitch-bird, crested grebe, tomtit, and bittern have been occasionally seen. The opossums liberated at Milford some years ago have made their way over the pass, and several are located near Mintaro Huts. These animals seem to be rapidly increasing. Little Barrier Island Bird-sanctuart. It is evident that from year to year the bird-life on this island continues to increase. Several of these rare species now just about exiinct on the mainland are thriving in a very satisfactory manner. The Caretaker in his annual report writes as follows: — " The warm early spring of last year was very favourable for bird-life, and the birds commenced nesting early, so that by December there were numbers of young birds on the flats —tuis, bell-birds, whiteheads, tits, fantails, and wrens being all well represented. There has been a marked increase in the robins and stitch-birds, the former being now fairly numerous, and they have several times been seen in close proximity to the house. This year, for the first time, the female stitch-bird has been observed feeding her young ones; this was on the range just above the

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house. Stitch-birds have also been seen in fair numbers in various parts of the island, and are most certainly on the increase, as many as a dozen females and young ones being noticed in one morning on the mountain-tracks. The rifleman, the smallest of the New Zealand birds, has also been seen several times in different places during the year. The long-tailed cuckoo (koheperoa) has also been very much in evidence, and so far as this island is concerned they are on the increase (possibly due to the preservation of the small birds), their harsh discordant screech being very frequently heard in the bush near the house, so much so that we were quite relieved when in the middle of March they took their departure. The koheperoa is a born thief and an arrant coward, flying from the attack of any small birds whose nests he may have harried. We have even seen one flying with a fantail holding on to his tail, the cuckoo screaming lustily the while. I have also seen him flying across the lawn with a newly hatched bird in his beak, and I am afraid this undesirable migrant makes life somewhat burdensome for the smaller birds, as most of his depredations are committed at night. " Photographs. —l am sending you some photos of the pied shags. There are two colonies of these birds on the island, and since we have been here they have considerably increased, and are also very tame. It is very interesting to watch their habits at breeding-time, and although a shag in a trout-stream is most certainly out of place, on the shores of the ocean, where they have lived from time immemorial, he can do no possible harm. His food consists of small rock-fish of no commercial value, and it is wanton cruelty to destroy the shag, as he has as much right to exist as any other creature. I also enclose a photo of the young of the grey-faced petrel (gouldii) sitting in front of his burrow. These birds are very numerous. Perhaps it is not generally known that the tuatara is found here; but one night we lit a fire on a grassy slope by the western landing, and one of these quaint little reptiles was either attracted by it or was in some brushwood that was carried for the fire. Wo caught him and kept him for several days, photographed him, and then released him in the same locality in which we found him. He was a very fine specimen, measuring 23 in. in length. This is the only one that we have seen on the island, but we have heard from the Natives that there were tuataras here: they have been bitten by them when searching for muttonbirds." Resolution Island. From the reports received from the Caretaker, it would appear that there has been a satisfactory increase in the bird-life on Resolution Island. A report, I notice, has been circulated that ferrets have been found on the island. Had this been the case the Caretaker would undoubtedly have reported the matter. In the absence of such report I think lam safe in saying that the storyis without foundation. On the mainland near the island, notwithstanding the presence of ferrets, weasels, and cats, the weka and roas appear to be holding their own very well, but the kakapo is becoming ijewer in number. I append some interesting extracts from the reports received from the Caretaker of Resolution Island. " Apteryx australis, as I must call them now, are doing well on Resolution and on all the islands where I put them. They are also holding their own on the mainland around Dusky Sound. I only put out one pair on an island this year. Kakapos are doing well in their favourite places on Resolution mainland. I brought a couple now and then when I saw a place to put them, for they are very particular about where they live. Kiwi, or Apteryx oweni, are to be heard at night on many of the steepest coasts of Resolution. I think they are holding their own. Wekas are doing well everywhere, and are plentiful. The small native birds are gradually getting less in all this district." Small Birds and Kakapos. " Natives competing with the imported. "It is very difficult to see the blackbirds eating anything, they are so shy. Here on Pigeon Island they will not let me look at them for half a second at a time, but flit into the bush the instant they see me. I have never seen them eating anything, although I know they eat berries and worms. The thrushes are a little tamer, for I often saw them pulling out the worms, and a few years ago when I first noticed them I saw two of them sucking the honey out of the rata-flowers, and reported it at that time. This last winter (1906) there were scores of blackbirds and thrushes about the house, and, though I often tried, I shot only one blackbird, and perhaps half a dozen thrushes. They annoyed me by pulling up the grass for worms. They destroyed the little plots of grass that were distant from the house, and must have been starving when they got over their shyness sufficiently to come up to the door. Yet in August, when the Panax arboreum came out in blossom, both the blackbirds and thrushes disappeared, and soon afterwards the blackbirds began to sing, which was evidence that they sucked the honey as well as the thrushes and sparrows. Then a few tuis and mokos came, and kakas, and as they were noways shy they would cling to the bunches of flowers within 10 ft. of the window. The ttii would hunt away the moko, and the kaka would drive away the tui, and thus they would go over the same branches several times on a calm morning. It seemed'as if it was the only'honey they could get: that the blackbirds and thrushes had been, beforehand with them at the flowers in the bush. There are not many flowers yet. " Starvation periods occur with all wild animals that I am acquainted with, as if to weed out the inferiors, and then seasons of plenty, as if to give the survivors a good start again. This has been such a season, but Ido not think it starved out any blackbirds or thrushes. They could dig worms in the meantime, and then be all ready to take the greater part of the food when it came. That is evidently one reason why the native birds are disappearing, for the honey was a very important part of their food. When the honey failed them in any particular district they used to

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migrate; but now, no matter where they go, the worm-diggers are there before them. The latter are more plentiful here now than the natives. " There were no berries here late in the last autumn, though it is usual for several of them to last all through the winter. The same thing happened about four years ago, and I wrote about the native birds coming to my door for insipid berries that nothing had touched for years and eating up everything. They came this year in the same way; even the pigeons came right to the door and ate those berries, many of them before they were ripe, so that they must have been very hungry too. ; ' The blackbirds and thrushes never show themselves here while there is a berry of any sort in the bush; they are so shy. And when they are forced to come we may be sure there is nothing left for the natives. There are a few starlings about lately, and I am beginning to think that they must eat the honey too, for I do not know what else they are doing here. " The panax has a cup for holding the honey, like the rata. So have the Australian gums, and they are all evidently adapted to be fertilised by birds. Perhaps that is why those supposed insect-eaters have taken to the honey. The starlings eat the grapes in Australia, and they are sweet, and it is as great a departure from their home fare of insects as it would be for them to eat the honey here. They ma}- eat the honey in Australia too, but it has not been noticed, because so unexpected. It was supposed that a brush on the tongue is necessary for getting the honey out of those cups, but I do not think that a sparrow has any brush on his tongue, and yet he can go over a bunch of flowers as smartly as any native. It may be the same with blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and several other of cur importations, and if that is the case it is quite sufficient to starve out the natives in times of scarcity, because we may be sure that the native population of birds was fully up to the food-supply before we brought the strangers. The latter are more resourceful, and, of course, it it for the ' fittest ' to survive and for the more lovable and friendly to disappear. A few winters ago I found a dead kakapo, quite fresh and without a mark on it, but light as a bunch of feathers. I did not pay much attention to it then, but now when lam on the subject I think it may have been a specimen of starvation by imported birds, and am greatly afraid it will be the fate of all the kakapos, notwithstanding their wonderful faculty for foretelling the seasons and for moving about to meet the changing conditions. Some seasons there may be plenty of berries in one place and few in another, and next season it may be the reverse. Yet the most of the kakapos would be in the best places for berries, though they had to walk to them, while the new berry-eaters can fly and gather up to take the best of everything. At Te Anau it was remarkable the great coats of fat the kakapos used to carry in May, especially the young ones. And here it was common to get heavy ones a few years ago, but it is not so now. The four I caught in last March were as poor as crows, and when they started a hard winter in that condition they would hardly get through it. The four I have in my store now are light and weak (in October). Their former store of food in their fat was becoming for their unreliable seasons, and their failure to breed every year was evidently to meet the same conditions. "There are no signs of wood-hen chickens this year, though it is about two months late, so that they felt the pinch as well as the others." Why the Game Birds disappear. " The grey ducks hold their own, because they are night feeders and get a share of the gleaning to make up for what they lost in native seeds; but all the other seed-eaters that have not a little fat on them in the autumn will be starved out by the sparrows in the winter. Even if we had never brought out a weasel or laid a grain of poison the result would have been about the same under the sparrows, for they will not be kept in check by the winters as they were at Home. "We had the suitable climate for all sorts of birds and the unlimited cover for all sorts of game, with its freedom from noxious things, and all that was wanted was the food in the thousands of pounds' worth of grain and seed scattered about every year. Imagine all the game birds we could have had instead of the sparrows. All the shooters in New Zealand, and all the tourists with them, could not have kept down the quail, and perhaps several others. They would have been the nuisance instead of the sparrows. What a mess was made of it—attained the exact opposite to what was desired —for want of setting a sufficient value on the habits of the commonest creatures. A speaker to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society the other day suggested ' a vigilant eye to the poacher,' as if he thought it was the poachers that destroyed the quails aud pheasants. It is the sparrow that, requires the vigilant eye on him. The most effective destroyer of other creatures is the one that removes their food. Without the food we may save ourselves the trouble of trying to establish any wild seed-eaters. " On the Bth and 9th July I was in Fanny Bay, went hunting there, but there were no brown birds but wekas, which were very shy. I was unable to see any, only heard them. I think there are ferrets there, and that the wekas are* learning to avoid them. The ferrets are few, and the wekas are swift and alert, because they are always hunting each other. That ground is all covered with deep moss, hollow and loose underneath, so that I would have no chance of catching any but a very foolish or blind ferret." " September 6th.—Have just come home frcm a trip up Acheron Passage; was in Wet Jacket two nights waiting for a calm time to get shells for the captain. Kakapos are getting scarcer every year, no matter where Igo in Dusky or Breaksea. This will be their breeding season, and I will "hear them drumming in December. I will write separately about the scarcity of kakapo, for I think it is not all due to ferrets. I never come within hearing of the beach now without hearino- the alarm-cries of the blackbirds and thrashes a's they dive into the bush—when there are no berries. While there is a berry or honey they do not come on the beaches. " Cascade Bush is full of wood-hens, by the way they have the moss all pulled about, and yet I did not see one of them in the bush, though when there were only a few we used to see every

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one of them, for they would come to us, and in that same place. In the last three days they must have continually seen my dog, but in fear of a ferret kept out of sight. It is wonderful that they could make such a change in their manners in about one j'ear. Yet it is a fact, for I left the dog aboard the boat, and then the wood-hens on the beach were not afraid of me. But they could not bear the sight of the dog. His colour is suggestive of a ferret. "October 15th.—Have just come home from Breaksea. Was in First and Second Coves when I had a fine chance of seeing tracks on the beach, for it was neap tides, and after many dry days. I saw the tracks of ferrets, weasels, and a cat. I was surprised to see the latter, but there was no doubt about it." , t " I wrote you once about the curious changes in the fish or their food that come in here in different seasons." This year it is pipe-fish, of which I enclose you specimens. Dusky is full of them since the Ist instant, and there is a great gathering of gulls and fish to feast on them. Blue-cod was scarce before, but now they are plentiful, and all crammed with pipe-fish. The gulls are swallowing them all day long. They have to give a vigorous shuffle to get them down, and every gull in sight is hard at it. The pipe-fish must have come with the ocean currents, and drifted in here with the tide, because they die in here. The beaches are strewn with them. It is an important visitation, for all the creatures will get such a fattening that they will be right for the rest of the year, especially the sand-hoppers. " January Ist, 1907.—0n the 4th December I called at Wet Jacket, and found kakapos there. Three years ago I camped there, and could not find a kakapo, and gave that place up. I could soon get some now if you wanted them for Little Barrier Island, but it would be no use_ unless you could arrange to send them there at once. If they are any time in a cage lam certain that they are useless for lilierating in a strange place; they are so weak and demoralised. They should also be liberated in ihe autumn, and in a season when there are plenty of berries. Very few berries will be here this year. There has been no drumming, and there is going to be no breeding this year. This is the second season they have failed to breed. I knew that to happen before at long intervals. Some prominent people in Wellington do not believe in this intermittent breeding seasons. No doubt it is hard to believe that all the kakapos agree about it, and that none of them breed in the off season ; but it would be easy to get ample evidence by inquiring from the guides and others, and from the officers of the ' Waikare,' who are always here in the season for drumming, if there is any. Of course, they might not notice it sufficiently, and it would be well to inquire to sharpen their observation. The 'Waikare' is always here m the very middle of the drumming. In a few years the drumming will be very seldom heard, lie three kakapos I just caught in Wet Jacket were poor spiritless things—just skm and bone Ihe place is alive with blackbirds, but the kakapos are over the worst of it now, and what are left ot them will do well for the rest of the season. There is a great crop of rata honey. Ihey must get some grass-seed, for they all know how to shell oats. Ido not know what native seed they get to teach them that. The sparrows are likely to take it, whatever it is. I hope there are no sparrows and blackbirds on Little Barrier."

APPENDIX 11. REPORT OF GOVERNMENT BALNEOLOGIST. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Government Sanatorium, Rotorua, 2nd May, 1907. The General Manager, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington. g IR I have the honour to present my report for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. Durino- the past year I have visited and inspected the principal springs under the control of this Department, and also the springs at Helensville and Te Puia. Taken as a whole, considerable progress has been made in the development of the various spas under Government management or subsidy, and when the various works now outlined or in progress are brought to conclusion, the country will possess a very complete series of health There are still, however, as I- urged last year, a few special springs possessing unique therapeutic properties, at present practically wasted, which I would advise should be purchased as opportunity offers, and ear-marked for future development; and I would again emphasize the advisability of a certain amount of supervision of mineral springs outside of Government control but used for the purpose of public baths.

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The mineral waters of the colony have been advertised by special exhibit forwarded to the Dublin Exhibition, and the thermal phenomena and the mineral baths were largely represented at the Departmental exhibit at Christchurch. With the completion of the various baths now being built, I would advise the even more extensive advertisement of the New Zealand spas in Australia, Great Britain, America, India, and the South Pacific. Hitherto, with many of the baths in a somewhat primitive condition, there might be some hesitation in attempting to induce visitors to undertake a long and expensive journey; but for the future I think we may safely enter into competition with the most famous spas of the world, and not fear invidious comparisons. In a paper published in the last Official Year-book 1 completed the classification of practically all the known mineral waters of the country, and am now engaged in the completion of the series of popular handbooks to the New Zealand watering-places, and on a similar work, viewed from a more scientific standpoint, for the use of the medical profession. Te Puia. —A complete report on the potentialities of these springs, with recommendations as to the construction of baths and for the general development of the place as a mineral-water health resort, has been submitted to the Department. Helensville. —My recommendations of last year for the construction of the first instalment of a complete bathing establishment have been most satisfactorily carried out by the local authorities. A small but substantial building, containing a suite of porcelain private baths, with a pumproom and ticket-office, has just been completed, and forms the nucleus of the larger scheme outlined in my departmental report. Hanmer. —Considerable improvements have been effected here during the year. A prettily tiled pump-room has replaced the old and somewhat ramshackle structure which formerly housed an ineffectual pump, so that now the waters can be taken in comfort and in daintily clean surroundings. Several other of the suggestions made last year have also been carried out, and I have forwarded plans for the erection of natural vapour baths over No. 1 Spring. The plans provide, in addition to vapour baths, inhalation cabinets, complete suites of douche-massage, dry-massage, and electrical rooms, with appropriate offices, the whole being warmed from below by the natural heat of the spring. If these baths can be erected during the coming winter, Hanmer should be thoroughly equipped next season for the proper and scientific treatment, of suitable cases. What I have urged in regard to Rotorua and Te Aroha, as to the need of the provision of music, applies with special force to Hanmer, which is so self-centred and where visitors are thrown so largely on their own resources. Te Aroha. —Here also improvements have been effected in the bathing establishment. The staff has been strengthened by the appointment of a masseur as well as a masseuse for the season, and several additions have been made to the balneological apparatus at the disposal of the Resident Medical Officer. To utilise the steam from the tunnel spring, a vertical shaft has been carried to the surface, and I am now engaged on plans for a vapour bath and inhalatorium to be erected on this site. The amount of mineral water at present available at Te Aroha militates against a high-pressure douche system; but in every other respect the spa should soon be able to boast of a wery full equipment. Rotorua. —On the whole the year has shown a distinct and favourable increase on the previous one, in spite of the fact that a large proportion of the tourist traffic was diverted to Christchurch, and that exceedingly wet weather has prevailed ever since Christmas. With two exceptions there has been a marked increase, both in the amount of work done and of receipts, in all the departments under my immediate charge. It seemed a pity to house expensive apparatus in our old sulphurous buildings, but in the new baths I would advise that, while avoiding needless extravagance and display in the purchase of the latest outfits merely because they are the latest, the electrical and allied departments should be fitted with the very best and most improved forms obtainable of, all apparatus that has been proved by experience to be of real value in the treatment of disease. Such apparatus should include, in addition to high frequency, .r-ray, light baths, and similar instruments, the machinery necessar}' for the utilisation of vibration and mechanical massage, including eventually a complete Lander outfit, space for which was specially provided when the buildings were designed. The other exception is under the heading of sanatorium receipts. That such a diminution should have occurred during a year which has been marked by exceptionally heavy work is explained below under the heading " Sanatorium." In my first report I urged as the essentials of a properly equipped spa—Perfect sanitation in the matter of drainage; a pure water-supply; a properly equipped bathing establishment; adequate provision of recreations and amusements. The works now completed should insure the first two items. The water-supply, coming as it does from a spring far removed from all possible sources of contamination, should be absolutely above suspicion; its abundance and high pressure should also go far to insure the success of the water-carriage sewerage system. New Baths. —The new bath buildings, while not completing the original scheme, should yet be one which for architectural beauty and for completeness of internal fittings would do credit to the most famous spas of Europe, while for excellence and variety of mineral waters supplied, it need fear no comparison with any bathing establishment in the world. In view of the strenuous competition of the increasingly numerous spas of other countries, a complexity and finish of

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equipment which a few years ago would have been deemed unnecessarily luxurious, are essential if the springs of New Zealand are to maintain and increase their reputation. In Australia the local hot mineral springs are already beginning to receive attention, and while they cannot for a moment compete with the Rotorua waters in point of chemical activity, they have the great advantage of easier accessibility from the great centres of population of Australia. It is hardly necessary to point out at this stage the financial importance to this country of the great and growing annual Australian influx to our springs, and no reasonable effort should be spared in securing our at present unquestioned supremacy. In dealing with the unique and potent acid waters, many unusual difficulties have had to be overcome, one of the principal of which has been the difficulty of finding piping and cement which will neither be injuriously affected by these waters nor react deleteriously on them. The acid waters will be supplied from a hitherto unused spring, very much stronger than the Priest and nearly as strong as the Postmaster, the relative proportions of sulphuric acid being—Priest, 3'7gr. per gallon; new spring, 16'8gr. ; Postmaster, 222 gr. Owing to an alteration in the pumping scheme, a space reserved for machinery under the central hall will be left vacant, and I would suggest its utilisation for the mud baths. Very slight structural additions would be needed for this purpose, and the considerable expense of a special wing could thus be averted, or, at any rate, postponed. The section of the building now nearing completion contains, in addition to the departments for special treatment —douche massage, electrical, vapour, &c. —the administrative block and a large number of private baths, so that no one, whatever kind of mineral water he may require, need bathe in public, or in water polluted by his fellow-bathers. The central hall will, in addition to its use as a pump-room, serve for recreative purposes as a concert-hall and winter-garden. Recreation. —In this respect Rotorua is fortunate in possessing a unique combination of natural attractions, weirdly wonderful thermal phenomena, and a chain of lakes affording not only beautiful scenery but unrivalled fishing, while the public gardens, with their lawns and playing-greens, grow year by year more charming. But these are recreations presupposing fine weather and a moderate physical well-being. For the invalid, and for the tourist in wet weather, some further provision for amusement is required, and I would most strongly urge the importance of the need for good music all day and every day, in the gardens when fine and under cover in bad weather. The fine central hall of the new bath buildings has been especially designed to serve such a purpose, there being ample room in its broad galleries for both orchestra and audience; it will thus combine the main features of the British Pump-room and the Continental Kursaal. Such concerts in the buildings might be made self-supporting by season tickets, and the pumproom and winter-garden would constitute a much-needed rendezvous for visitors. The Sanatorium.--The most noticeable feature of the year has been the entire disproportion between the demand for male and female beds. On the male side the accommodation has been entirely inadequate, while on the female side the ward has often been empty for weeks together, and urgently needed beds have been lying idle. Plans for increasing the accommodation are now in hand, and I am suggesting the advisability of diverting both the present wards to the accommodation of male patients and reserving a new cubicled ward for women. As a consequence of this disproportion between the number of male and female applicants, although there has been an almost unprecedented number of patients applying for admission, the total receipts are considerably below those of last year. The emergency ward for the reception of urgent cases has been practically never empty, and for some considerable time the pressure was so great that I had to accommodate surgical cases in tents, and it is quite obvious that the question of hospital accommodation for the Rotorua district must very soon be seriously faced. This ward has very gi-eatly increased the work of the staff, and I wish to record my appreciation of the ungrudging services of the House Surgeon, Matron, and nurses. Should the present pressure on the surgical side prove to be normal or increasing, it will be necessary to add another nurse to the staff. Out-patients. —The number of patients who have consulted me during the year has increased, as is shown by the increased receipts; but a special feature of the out-patient work is the number of patients who, disappointed of obtaining admission to the Sanatorium, and unable to afford treatment in the ordinary way, have been given free baths or medical attendance, or both. For the first, time a record of the free medical attendance has been kept, and this represents consultations to the value of £235 2s. 6d., while free baths, massage, and electrical treatment have been given to the value of £88 7s. 3d. I think it is hardly realised how much is now being done by this Department, in addition to the Sanatorium treatment, for invalids who are unable otherwise to afford a course of the waters. '" Nationality of Out-patients. —The proportion of patients residing in New Zealand to those coming from outside the country works out at approximately the same figures as last year—viz., New Zealand, 70 per cent. : Australia, 20 per cent. : Great Britain, 5 per cent. ; other countries, 5 per cent. Maori Out-patients. —The work among the Maoris continues to increase, but I think the grant of free medical attendance should be carefully looked into, as there are cases where those attended to can well afford to pay. The poor and necessitous cases should of course be continued. Baths Staff.' —Further development has taken place along the lines of the scheme proposed last year,

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Male and female cadets have been appointed, and are being trained in all the branches of a skilled attendant's duties. In this way I hope eventually to see our own school of massage and physical treatment recognised as the hall-mark of a skilled attendant throughout Australasia. The Old Baths. —The question of the future of these baths yet remains. There will always be a large number of people requiring "free or nearly free treatment, and I would suggest keeping open the majority of the old baths for so many hours a day to meet the demands of this class. An altogether exaggerated idea has got about in regard to the charges that will be made at the new baths, and I would suggest that it would be advisable to make as little increase as is possible in the cost of treatment. Statistics. Receipts for Year ending 31st March. 1907. 1906. Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... 892 5 6 1,014 2 4 Out-patients'fees ... ... ... ... ... 748 16 0 '673 17 0 Bath fees 2,614 8 6 2,513 1 8 Mineral water ... ... ... ... ... 216 16 0 18118 4 Massage and electrical treatment ... ... ... 219 5 9 276 11 6 Players'fees ... ... ... ... ... 137 8 3 120 12 6 Miscellaneous receipts ... ... ... ... 7 6 0 3 18 10 Total ... ... ... ... £4,836 6 0 £4,784 2 2 Total Number of Baths and Special Treatments. Value. _~ , Number. £ p. d. Paid for ... ... ... ... 82,700 3,050 10 3 Sanatorium ... ... ... ... 9,677 696 16 3 Free out-patients ... ... ... 1,635 88 7 3 Total ... ... ... 94,012 3,835 14 0 Correspondence. New Zealand. Foreign. Number of letters received ... ... ... ... 960 20 „ telegrams received ... ... ... 464 „ letters despatched ... ... ... 1,872 45 „ telegrams despatched ... ... ... 276 I have, &c, Arthur S. Wohlmann, Balneologist. APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF ENGINEER IN CHARGE, ROTORUA. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Rotorua, 7th May, 1907. The General Manager, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington. Sir, — I beg to submit herewith my annual report for the past financial year : •Electric-supply System. The supply of electricity has been maintained satisfactorily throughout the year, no stoppage having occurred. The turbines and generators have been thoroughly overhauled, and are now in better condition than they have been for years past. The sides of the flume have been raised some 30 in. enabling advantage to be taken of the extra head at high water, and thus increasing the 3—H. 2.

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power to a certain extent. The revenue shows a satisfactory increase for the limited plant available, having risen from £1,150 for the former year to £1,406. Meters are being installed as fast as possible in all premises, and are accountable to a considerable extent for this increase of revenue. The output of the plant for the year has been 76,800 units, of which 54,000 were sold to private consumers, bringing in the above revenue of £1,406, and 9,400 units were used for the baths, Sanatorium, tea-house, and other public buildings, valued at £235, and 13,400 units were consumed in public lighting, valued at £335. The working-costs for the year have been as follows: Salaries, £392; wages and materials, £348; proportion of office salaries and expenses, £100: total, £840— i.e., 2'62d. per unit generated. The working-profit from the portion of the output sold to private consumers is thus £666— i.e., 4 per cent, on the capital outlay of £16,364. The value of the free public supply amounts to an additional £570, or 3J per cent, on the outlay. These results will be largely improved when the plant is extended, as the output can be increased to the extent of three or four times the present output without increasing the workingexpenses. The plant is now loaded up to its full capacity, and will require immediate extension. The Kaituna River has been indicated by the Public Works Department as being the most feasible of the large electric-power schemes under consideration. In view of this I have designed an immediate extension to the extent only of duplicating the existing plant, bringing it up to a total capacity of 200 kilowatts. I estimate the increase in demand for the district for the next ten years at about 100 kilowatts per year; and if the larger scheme is to be delayed for any considerable period we shall have to make provision for still further extensions in the meantime. Water-supply System. The old water-supply system-has carried on the service very satisfactorily for the past year, as far as the central portion of the town is concerned. But the low head available, and the heavy demand, particularly for pumping at the baths, has reduced the pressure during a large portion of the day from 35 Ib. to 201b., with the result that in the outlying portions of the distribution the supply has been very unsatisfactory. Even the higher pressure is not sufficient for fireextinction purposes. The new water-supply system being installed by the Public Works Department will overcome these defects entirely, and give a pressure of 70 lb. to 80 lb. In the town, which will be ample for all purposes, as well as a much-improved quality of water. Water from the new source was turned into the old reservoir on Christmas Eve, and caused a marked improvement in the quality of the water in the town. The revenue from the water rates for the year has amounted to £370, and the expenditure to £128, leaving a balance of £242 towards interest and depreciation on the capital cost. Drainage and Sanitary Matters. The new drainage system has been completed by the Public Works Department, and is ready to put into operation as soon as the improved water-supply is available for flushing. Steps are being taken to convert the Department's sanitary conveniences from the dry system to the drainage system, and it is to be hoped the residents in the town will follow the same course as soon as the drainage system is available. Sanitary matters in the Maori villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa call for urgent attention if their attraction to tourists is to be enhanced to the extent that they are capable of. The question is being dealt with. Bath-buildings. Special attention has been paid to the old bath buildings during the year, and they have been brought up to a very good order of maintenance considering their condition, and, if required, will be available for service for many years to come. As the new bath-buildings should be in use within a year, it is not so necessary to maintain the old buildings in the same condition as it would be otherwise. The expenditure on this work has amounted to £456 for the year, including repainting and reroofing, as well as ordinary repairs. Sanatorium Buildings. Urgent repairs have been carried out on these buildings at a total cost for the year of £31, but they are deteriorated very largely, and will require a considerable expenditure if they are to be put into first-class hygienic condition. The sanitary works now being carried out will improve them very largely. Plans for extension are in hand. Other Buildings. The tea-house building has been maintained during the summer, at a cost of £12. The Head Bath-attendant's cottage has been moved from its old position to a more secluded one on the lakeshore, and enlarged, overhauled, and renovated at a cost of £228, and is now in first-class order. The new ticket-office has been built in the grounds for the issue of tickets to the Blue Bath and for the recreation-grounds at a cost of £106, and has proved a great convenience. A new bowling and tennis pavilion has been erected and equipped at a cost of £335, and will also add largely to the convenience of the gardens. Rotorua Gardens. The gardens themselves have been kept in good order. A very good show of annuals and shrubs has always been maintained. The tennis, croquet, and bowling greens have afforded constant attraction, and have yielded a revenue of £138 for the year. The aviary has proved a useful attraction, and one which is worth developing, as is possible, at a very small cost. Music has been provided in the grounds in the form of thirty-eight concerts supplied by the local town band

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under arrangement with the Business Men's Association. These concerts have been very successful. The " Besses o' the Barn " Band gave a performance on Sunday, 7th April, which was attended by some 2,500 visitors. Apart from this it has not been possible to arrange for any daylight performances during the year. Whakarewarewa Reserve This has been maintained in good order, and has proved a constant source of attraction to the tourist. Wairoa Geyser was soaped thirty-five times and played twenty-nine times, with an average attendance of three hundred visitors on each occasion. It was quiescent from the 14th October, 1906, to the 17th March, 1907, but on the latter date it responded to the soaping successfully. A rustic bridge has been built across the Purenga Stream from the Whakarewarewa Reserve to the new Maori pa and the Arikikapakapa Reserve. Pukeroa Park. This has been maintained in good order, and the football-ground has been in constant use by the local clubs. A small club-house and pavilion would be of great service here, and would give an ample return on the outlay in the form of rents. Kuirau Reserve. Ordinary maintenance has been carried out on this reserve, but its main attractions, which will prove very valuable in time, are reserved for development in future years. Waitomo Caves. A few necessary repairs have been carried on at the accommodation-house here, and the question of illuminating caves by electricity has been investigated. Te Aroha Domain. The mineral-water-supply system to the baths has been maintained. The Department's coldwater reservoir has been considerably enlarged to provide a reserve in case of a shortage in the town supply. The bowling pavilion has been enlarged and made more convenient. A new gardener's cottage has been erected in the Domain, which will give the head gardener much more direct control and supervision of the ground outside of working-hours. The hot-water tunnel has been relined with totara —a very difficult work, owing to the former lining having decayed entirely, and to the treacherous nature of the ground. Ohakeikorako Reserve. The paths in this reserve have been cleaned and maintained and fresh paths cut where neces•ary. Tokaanu Baths. These baths have been overhauled and repainted. Hamurana Reserve. This reserve has been maintained as required, 2ind is proving an increasing attraction to visitors. A branch from the Tauranga Road to the reserve has just been completed by the Roads Department, thus giving access both by launch and vehicle from Rotorua. A large tea-marquee has been erected as a tea-tent and accommodation-house for anglers, and has increased the popularity of the reserve. Okere Reserve. The paths at Okere have been maintained, a number of sign-posts erected, and other conveniences supplied which will add to the attraction of this popular resort. Wharves and Launch Services, Lake Rotorua. New wharves have been built during the year at Hamurana, Okere, and Te Ngae, and have added very much to the convenience of tourists. The Rotorua wharf has been maintained and improved by the addition of a boat-shed with necessary conveniences. A set of beacons have been erected on the reefs and other shallow spots on the lake as a warning to boats, and the Ohau Channel has been cleared as required to allow the traffic to be maintained. The arrangement of the launch services on the lake, which is in the hands of three private companies, remains in a very unsatisfactory condition, as only the one regular trip is offered—viz., the Hamurana and Okere trip, with a return by coach via Tikitere. This is an excellent trip, but the ordinary time-table takes the visitor over it much too quickly to enable it to be appreciated, and the majority of the beauty-spots of both lakes are visited by very few. An excellent trip was instituted by one of the companies during the summer, covering the whole of the north shore to Lake Rotoiti from Okere to Tapuaeharuru but unfortunately has been discontinued. The departmental revenue from the lake services, including launch licenses, drivers' licenses, and wharfage, has amounted to £105 for the year.

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Waimangu Round Trip. This service has been maintained satisfactorily throughout the year, the boats having run on 298 days out of the 365. Wharves have been erected at Wairoa and at Otukapuranga, and are in hand at Ariki and Rotomahana, which will add further to the convenience. The launches on Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana have both been thoroughly overhauled and repainted, the service being carried on meanwhile by means of the old rowing-boats. A new road has been constructed down to the wharves at the Wairoa Landing, and a new track across the Rotomahana Neck is in hand. The track from Otukapuranga to the Waimangu accommodation-house has been maintained and improved. The Roads Department is cutting a new road between these points, which will make the walk considerably easier. The revenue from the trip during the year has amounted to £1,778 and the expenditure to £985, including £150 as a proportion of office-expenses. Oxataina Round Trip. . This trip will be ready in good time for next season. The road from Ruato, on Lake Rotoiti, to the north end of Lake Okataina has been completed by the Roads Department. For a distance of four miles it is available for vehicular traffic, and for the remaining mile down to the lake-shore as a foot-track. The track from Lake Okataina to Lake Tarawera has been formed and graded, and wharves are in hand at each terminus. Fishing, Lake Tarawera. Two rowing-boats and a 30 ft. oil-launch were placed on Lake Tarawera at the beginning of February for the convenience of fishermen, at a total cost of £280, and have proved a great attraction, the revenue for the two months to the end of the financial year having amounted to £58. These conveniences will need to be improved next year to deal with the requirements. Acclimatisation. Acclimatisation matters in the district were taken over by the Department on the Ist February, 1907. The fishing season closed very successfully, the revenue from this source for the two months being £55. Rotorua Town Council. On the 23rd March I was appointed Chairman of the Rotorua Town Council, and have gone fully into the details of municipal control and works of the town. This is involving a great deal of additional work which will not appear in the departmental records, but which will assist in making the place attractive to visitors, and thus in increasing the revenue of the Department. Staff. During the year I have had the most loyal assistance from the members of the staff. Special recognition is due to the Okere power-house staff, and to the office staff for the long hours they have put in when circumstances required it; but all have assisted willingly and eagerly to make a thorough success of the undertakings of the Department. Yours, &c, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, A.M.1.C.E., A.M.1.E.E., Engineer in Charge. APPENDIX IV. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Te Aroha Hot Springs, 2nd May, 1907. The General Manager, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. In spite of the drawbacks to the general patronage afforded Te Aroha and the Government baths, due in the first place to the large attendance accorded to the New Zealand International Exhibition at Christchurch, an I, secondly, the fact that this district has suffered practically two floods this season, the first of which very seriously disorganized all traffic and greatly interfered with the movements of tourists and others intending to visit Te Aroha, the result of our returns, however, show but a very small total shrinkage in revenue received for the twelve months —viz.,£loo. The receipts for the year ending the 31st March, 1906, totalled £1,633 4s. 3d., as against £1,533 15s. 9d. for year ending the 31st March, 1907. Under the circumstances, these figures, I think, prove most emphatically that in spite of all counter-attractions Te Aroha has enjoyed a very fair share of public favour. There is a slight decrease in revenue receipts under all heads except that of "out-patients' fees," which shows an increase over the figures of last year.

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Number of Baths taken. 1906. 1907. £ r^ ate 21,015 18,769 J ubhc ■•■ •• .. ... 19,891 20,598 Pree ••• .. ... ... 139 74 Totals ... ... ... 41,045 39,441 This year's experience shows that the public baths still retain their popularity as against private baths, but this is easily explained as follows: An additional public bath in the shape of a fine, large, cold-water swimming-bath was open during the whole season. Last year this bath was completed only in time to be enjoyed by the public for a very short space of time. Then, again, there is attached to this spa a public bath reserved entirely for the use of children, and as the summer has been a particularly long, hot, and wet one, this bath has been in great demand. These facts, I think, explain the discrepancy, which, in my opinion, would be very much greater if only the swimming-bath were supplied with hot instead of cold water. The number of excursions of school-children and others to Te Aroha has not been so great this year as last, due, I think, partly to weather-conditions, and partly to the local interest taken in the great Exhibition at Christchurch. The inauguration of electric baths and massage has not met with that public support one would have expected, but this, I think, is purely due to a want of education. The public are not yet generally aware of the benefits afforded by this form of treatment, and I think it is only a matter of time—when they become sufficiently educated to appreciate massage and electrical treatment—that this branch of our work will be able to show very different results. Although this year's revenue has not reached that of last year, the improvements effected by the Government in the Domain during the last twelve months have far exceeded those of the previous year, and the comments of the general public and visitors upon these have been unstinted and most gratifying. The swimming-bath, which on certain days of the week was thrown open to females, received a large patronage, the total number of baths taken for the year being 2,223. Massage Building. —This building has been supplied with an electric-light bath and a constantcurrent battery, both of which will prove useful adjuncts to the apparatus already there. Bowling-pavilion. —A new and broad verandah has been placed in front and on two sides of this building, greatly increasing the shaded accommodation for visitors. The front of the open space in the centre has been closed in with a glazed partition, giving greater security and privacy to the pavilion as a whole. These improvements have greatly enhanced the general appearance of the bowling-pavilion, and added much to its utility, points which have been highly appreciated by the pubiic in general and bowlers in particular. Electric Light. —A system of incandescent lamps has been installed in the administrative buildings and in all the baths, while five fine arc lights have been placed at various points of vantage in the grounds. It is needless to state how great an improvement this is upon the old system of lighting by kerosene, and how much appreciated it is by everybody. Telephone. —The Government having established a telephone bureau in Te Aroha in communication with the outlying districts of Gordon, Aratiatia, Shaftesbury, Manawaru, Waihou, Mangaiti, &re, the Department has connected the Clerk's office and the Resident Medical Officer's private residence with this telephonic system, which must prove both an up-to-date convenience and a very great saver of valuable time. Grounds. Fountains. —Two ornamental porcelain drinking-fountains have been erected in the grounds, one in the Octagon for the supply of the waters of No. 8 Spring, and the other in the centre of the lawns directly in front of the Cadman Bath building. The latter fountain supplies pure drinkingwater laid on from the borough mains. These fountains, being picked out in the colours of the Department—viz., white and blue —are in perfect keeping with the baths and administrative offices, and assist very much to further adorn our beautiful grounds. Tennis-court.— A neat new back fence, or barrier, has been erected at the north end of the asphalt tennis-court to stop the balls being driven across the main pathway, or in amongst visitors who may be sitting viewing the play. This fence has supplied a much-felt want, and its establishment has given universal satisfaction. Seats. —Six .seats have been erected at various points on the track leading to the top of the Bald Spur for the convenience of aged or weak people who are not able to go long distances without a rest. These seats have been much appreciated, and the thoughtfulness of the Department in placing them there has met with frequent favourable mention in the columns of the local Press. Bush-house. —-What was once a prominent and unsightly patch in the Domain Grounds on the south side of the cold-water swimming-bath has been converted into a most charming little bushhouse or native fernery. When inside this delightful little retreat, the proximity of trickling water and the shade of the beautiful native ferns, shrubs, and creepers—only requiring another year or two's growth to attain perfection—makes it difficult for one to believe that he is not in reality in the heart of a picturesque bit of New Zealand bush.

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Gardener's Cottage. —The Department has built a very pretty and comfortable cottage, on an elevated position in the centre of the Domain grounds, for the occupation of the head gardener, who may thus be enabled to exercise proper supervision over all parts of the Domain. The building has assisted to render a somewhat bare slope picturesque, and thus has helped to add further beauty to an already " beautiful little spot," a phrase describing Te Aroha often heard from the lips of visitors. Meteorological Instruments.—A supply of these instruments has been forwarded to this spa, and will be placed in position as soon as the enclosure for them is completed. Enlargement of Cold-water Reservoir. —Hitherto, in seasons of drought, when the borough water-supply has run low in the reservoir, the water-service to the Government baths has been on several occasions cut off. The Department having enlarged its own reservoir considerably during the last twelve months, we now have several thousands of gallons of clean cold water in reserve, and if the town supply should in the future be denied us, bathers are not likely to go short, as our private supply is capable of answering all needs for, at any rate, a time long enough to tide over any emergency.

APPENDIX V. TAUPO DOMAIN. The following is a report of the operations of the Taupo Domain Board for the year ended the 31st December, 1906: — The principal work was sinking a well 32 ft. deep to obtain a water-supply. A new Samson windmill was purchased and erected to raise the water into tanks. Owing to the crumbling nature of the sides of the well, it was found necessary to plank it from top to bottom. The tank-stand is erected, and tank ordered. The lawn is now covered with a fine sward of grass, and kept in good order, also the paths, flower-beds, and trees. When the water-supply is ready it is proposed to convey it by pipes to the lawn and flowerbeds, at an estimated cost of £20. It is proposed to set apart half of the lawn for a bowling-green and to top-dress the same during the winter, at an estimated cost of £15. Bowls and tennis requisites will be required, also tool-house made under tank-stand. The A.C. bath requires new spouting and minor repairs, also repainting, as it is greatly discoloured with chemical action. The Board recognises that the annual grant of £50 will be totally inadequate for the future maintenance of the grounds, &c, owing to the recent improvements, and unless a further grant is given the whole of the grounds will suffer through inattention, as we shall have no funds to pay wages. When the bowling-green is finished and tennis requisites procured, it is hoped that a small source of income will be derived from them. A few more seats are also needed in the grounds. During the year Mr. Gallagher retired from the Board's membership, and Mr. Finch Owen, farmer, was elected in his place. The Board commenced the year with a credit balance of £30 18s. lid. Revenue during the year, £52 55.; expenditure, £70 14s. Bd.; credit, balance at end of year, £12 9s. 3d. Thomas Ryan, Chairman. APPENDIX VI. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Annual Report, 1906-1907. The season just closed was of a somewhat similar nature to its predecessor, and the attendance of visitors to the Mountain House has been about the average. Unfavourable weather in a measure hindered the road-works in course of construction, and the attendance suffered in consequence. At the Egmont (North) House the visitors numbered 1,600, with receipts from all sources of £262 2s. 10d., and expenditure £273 3s. 4d. During the season just closed further improvements have been made—viz., a new verandah at the main house, and a verandah at the cottage. These improvements were much needed, and were highly appreciated.

APPENDIX VI. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Annual Report, 1906-1907. The season just closed was of a somewhat similar nature to its predecessor, and the attendance of visitors to the Mountain House has been about the average. Unfavourable weather in a measure hindered the road-works in course of construction, and the attendance suffered in consequence. At the Egmont (North) House the visitors numbered 1,600, with receipts from all sources of £262 2s. 10d., and expenditure £273 3s. 4d. During the season just closed further improvements have been made—viz., a new verandah at the main house, and a verandah at the cottage. These improvements were much needed, and were highly appreciated.

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A cooking-range has been provided for use at the main house, and is proving very useful. The money for this has been raised by public donations collected by Mrs. Morriss, wife of the Custodian of the house. The room in which the stove is placed has been floored, lined, and ceiled, adding considerably to the comfort of the house. The question of an increased water-supply, a bath-room, and stable accommodation for horses are matters that must shortly be forced upon our notice for consideration. At the Dawson's Falls (Southern) House the visitors have been more numerous than last season, some 2,200 having made the trip by this route. A very serviceable cottage is a great factor in the increase, and conclusively shows that improved accommodation will attract more visitors. The receipts from fees totalled £70 lis., and expenditure was £54 14s. 7d. At Rahotu (Western) House the number of visitors has been about 100; the receipts from all sources £16 14s. 9d., and expenditure £13 13s. lO^d. The Stratford (East) House has had a floating population, mainly visitors between the North and South Houses, and the small amount of fees had been absorbed by necessary expenditure and upkeep. In fact, now that the system of tracks between the various houses is being inaugurated, the tourist drifts either to the North or South House as a fixed abode, and uses the East and West Houses as stopping-places to inspect objects of interest in the locality and break the journey. Apportionment of the Board's Funds. From rents, £45 18s. 3d.; cattle trespass, £1; Government grant, £200; and a balance from the previous year of £61 15s. 6d. The Board had a credit of £308 13s. 9d. Expenditure, mainly track-work, supplies, insurance, <fee, amounted to £138 Is. 2d., leaving a credit of £170 12s. 7d. Tourist Roads. The undermentioned work has been done for the past year out of tourist votes, granted and expended under the jurisdiction of the District Road Engineer, New Plymouth: — Stratford House to Egmont House. —It is now possible to take horses over four miles of track connecting the houses, 102 chains having been made during this year. A track had to be blasted out of the solid lock for about 15 chains at Manganui Gorge. Expenditure, £270. Upper Egmont. —On 12th January last a contract for 70 chains metalling was let to Bayly and Sole, but by the end of the financial year they only had a tramway (19 chains) done. By the Department 5 chains bush-work were done, 5 chains dray-road were formed, 5J chains metalled, and 335 chains maintained, besides 20 lineal feet culverts constructed. Expenditure, £75 9s. 6d., out of £400. Upper Pembroke. —40 chains bridle-track have been formed, and two miles maintained. One contract, ditching and dray-road formation, is now in progress. Two miles engineering survey were also done. Expenditure £111 4s. 4d., out of £200. Dawson's Falls. —Under contract let to Mapp Bros, on 3rd January last 30 chains road have been reformed and metalled. A short extension of metalling is now in progress. The whole road (three miles and three-quarters) has been maintained. Expenditure, £224 15s. 3d. Dawson's Falls House to Stratford House. —This is now a good bridle-track. Forty chains bush-work and 73 chains bridle-track were completed during the year, and two miles maintained. Expenditure, £149 19s. 10d., out of £150. Manaia (Upper).— -Under grant to Stratford County Council, 35 chains dray-road up to the radius line has been metalled, and 40 lineal feet culverts constructed. Expenditure, £150. Egmont House to Bell's Falls. —Owing principally to unfavourable weather, this track is not yet completed. One hundred chains engineering survey have been done, and two miles track cleared, formed, and maintained. Expenditure, £166 os. lOd. Rahotu House to Bell's Falls. —Owing to unfavourable weather, this track is not yet finished. Two miles and a half engineering survey have been done, and two miles track cleared, formed, and maintained. Expenditure, £158 15s. 6d., out of £250. Works not specially provided for. —A shelter-hut, 18 ft. by 12 ft., with timber framing and malthoid sides and roof, has been built, at an elevation of 4,447 ft., for the use of the workmen and tourists, and for storage of tools. A bridle-track, four miles long, has been cut from Okato, via Saunders Road, to join the Rahotu-Bell's Falls Track near the Moss. I vain Simpson, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (2,100 copies), £16 14s.

Authority ; John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o7.

Pric* 9d.]