TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. JAMES McGOWAN

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1908 Session I, H-02

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1908. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. JAMES McGOWAN

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

The Minister in Charge of Tourist ahd Healtb Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, My Lord, — L3tb September, 1908. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ending the 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, Jas. MoGowas Minister in Charge, Tourist and Health Resorts Department. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. For the year under review there was a decrease of 1,082 visitors from oversea as compared with ar 1906-7. This was to be expected, as the previous year's traffic was higher than usual on account of the International Exhibition held at Christchuroh. A comparison can only fairly be made with the year 1905-6 : over this year the traffic shows an increase of 1,460. with an estimated increased value of £73,000, giving a normal increase of £36,500 per annum for the two years. As before, the bulk of the visitors came from Australia; there is, however, an increase from the United Kingdom for the present year, but a large falling-off from the United States and Canada, due to the cessation of the direct steam service between San Francisco and New Zealand. The total numbers of visitors for the past four years have been, — 1904-5 ... ...' ... 5,992 | 1906-7 ... ... .. 9,684 1905-6*... ... ... 7,112 1907-8... ... ... 8,602 Estimating the amount of expenditure per head as hitherto, the value of the traffic for the past four years is as follows : — £ £ 1904-5 ... ... 299,000 1906-7 ... ... 484,000 1905-6 ... ... 357,000 1907-8 ... ... 430.000 The normal increase over 1904-5 shown in the number and value of visitors must be considered upon the whole to be exceedingly satisfactory. As pointed out in my statement for 1906-7, although the Exhibition was responsible for an increase in the oversea traffic to NewZealand, it did not, except in one or two cases, contribute largely to the direct revenue of the Department, as a large number of our local people who generally spend their holidays at the several resorts took the opportunity of visiting the Exhibition instead, and, therefore, the direct revenue of the Department was not increased in the same ratio as the increase in the number of visitors to the Dominion. This year it is satisfactory to note, although the number of visitors to the Dominion wa ssomewhat less than last year, the direct revenue of the Department has risen fmm C 15,202 ss. 4d. to £20,487 18s. 4d., showing an increase of £2.285 13s.

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The population of the Dominion by way of immigration, in connection with which the work of the Department plays a large part, shows an increase of 5,730, making a total for the past six years of 57,502, as compared with 11,553 for the previous six years. Although the net increase is considerably less than last year, the increase set out by the iiegislrar-General for 1!)07 can hardly be considered as exact, for the reason that a very large number of people who came to the Dominion for the Exhibition left after the close of the period for which statistics are compiled for the year 1906; the actual immigration for the year under review would therefore probably be close on a thousand greater than the tigures show by merely deducting arrivals over departures. The work done by the Department's oversea agencies is, in my opinion, largely contributing lo the increasing number of visitors that are coming from the Australian States. Many desirable settlers with quite a considerable amount of capital have been secured by the work of these agents. The number of persons calling at the agencies in Sydney and Melbourne for information concerning the Dominion for the year were respectively 16,T0S and 11,982, showing an increase of 3,607 and 6.613 respectively over the previous year. During the year a part agency has been opened in Vancouver, 8.C.; this agency is acting both for the Department of Tourist ami Health Resorts and the Department of Industries and Commerce combined. It is hoped to obtain a large number of settlers of a good class from India. To facilitate this, arrangements have been made with the Imperial Government which are particularly advantageous to the Dominion in this respect. It is the practice of the Imperial Government to pay the passages back to Great Britain to military and civil officers; and men who have served their terms in India, should they desire to return to the Mother-land. Arrangements have now been made with the Imperial Government to give time-expired officers and men the option of a free passage to New Zealand in lieu of returning to Great Britain. Many of these people retire on very comfortable pensions. In consequence of the passing of 'The Rotorua Town Council Act, 1907," the Department assumed control of Hotorua Township in the capacity of a corporate body. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, Mr. Lawrence Birks lias been appointed Resident Officer for exercising the necessary immediate control under the supervision of the General Manager of the Department. The work of administration has proceeded smoothly, and in a manner satisfactory to the Government and the residents of the town. In the administration of the Rotorua Acclimatisation District, which was placed under the Department last year, much good work has been done. The Whakatane ami \Vairoa (Hawke's Bay) Acclimatisation Districts have also been placed under the control of the Department by request of the Acclimatisation Societies who in the past have been administering these districts. Detailed reports of the work done in connection with acclimatisation will be found in the appendices to this Statement. During the year under review very considerable improvements have been carried out at many of the tourist resorts. The new water-supply and drainage system have been completed at Rotorua, and the new bath buildings, which will be a great acquisition to the place, are just on the verge of completion. At Hamner Springs the new water-supply has been carried out, and is proving of considerable service to the place. Owing to the demands of the traffic on Lake Tarawera it has been found necessary to place a very much larger steam-launch on that lake. The launch previously in the service has been transferred to Lake Okataina, in order to open this beautiful lake for the benefit of visitors. The Hotorua Sanatorium has been considerably enlarged to make provision for the public demands. The chief improvements contemplated for the present year to meet the growing traffic are the erection of new aecommoilation-houses at Waitomo Caves ami at Te Puia, north of Gisborne. It is also proposed to erect a large building ill stone near Mount Cook, in the Southern Alps: a large portion of the old building, known as the " Hermitage," built some twenty years ago, is in a badly decayed condition, and the accommodation provided is much too small for the traffic to this resort. The new building will be in keeping with requirements, and, as it is to be built of stone. it will be a work that will practically stand for all time. In addition to this, it has been found necessary to very largely increase the electric-light works at Rotorua: owing to-the very rapid growth of the town the electric-light requirements have far outgrown the capacity of the present works. The time is also not very far distant when it will be found advisable to have electric trains between Hotorua. Ohinemutu, and Whakarew arew a ; but this work is not contemplated at present. Having completed the larger works before mentioned, it will be possible this year to greatly reduce the vote required from the Public Works Fund for improvements in connection with the tourist resorts of the Dominion.

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. SEVENTH ANNUAL HEPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington, Sir, — 11th September, 1908. 1 have the honour to submit herewith the departmental report for the year ending the 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, T. E. Donne, General Manager. Hon. James McGowan, Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department. 1 have to report that the number of visitors recorded from oversea during the past year was 8,602, as compared with 9,654 for 1906-7, and 7,142 for 1905-6, showing a decrease of 1,082 on the number for 1906-7, but an increase of 1,460 over those for 1905-6. The value of the traffic, estimated on the same basis as in previous years, was, for the past year, £430,000; for 1906, 6484,000; and for 1905, £357,000. It could hardly be expected that the increase of 2,542 for 1906-7 over that shown for 1905-6 would have been maintained during the .past year, the increase in 1906-7 being largely due to the special attractions provided by the International Exhibition held at Christchurch, which caused a very large increase in the number of visitors from Australia; and, therefore, the figures for 1906-7 can hardly be taken as a means of comparison for the purpose of estimating the growth of the oversea traffic. To gain a reliable estimate of the increase it is necessary to take the figures of 1905-6. As stated above, the oversea traffic for the past year as compared with that year shows an increase of 1,460, and an increase in value of £73,000, giving an increase per year of £36,500, which must be regarded as very satisfactory. I append a table showing the figures for the last four years, indicating the countries from which visitors were drawn, and the estimated value of the traffic. From this it will be seen that the chief falling-off during the last year, and at the same time the chief increase over 1905-6, is in the number of visitors from Australia. A small increase has been maintained in visitors from the United Kingdom, but there has been a considerable falling-off in those from the United States and Canada due, I have no doubt, to the cessation of the direct steam service between San Francisco and New Zealand: —

Dihect Revenue. The direct receipts of the Department for the year amounted to £20, ISs. 4d., as compared with £ 15,203 ss. 4d. for the previous year, showing an increase of £2,285 13s. Included in this increase is the sum of £503 3s. lid. from Rotorua Acclimatisation District, and £340 ISs. 4d. from Te Puis Hot Springs, these representing sources of revenue which were not previously under control of the Department. It has been the practice in the past to credit the greater part of the direct receipts of the Department to the departmental vote on the Consolidated Fund, and the amount so credited during the year under review amounted to £15,383. The various resorts having now been brought under the provision of " The Tourist Resorts Control Act, 1906," all departmental receipts will be credited direct to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with that Act ; the total vote of the Department will therefore be increased this year by the amount of these oredits without in any way increasing the expending-power of the Department. The following

1904-5. 1905-6. 1906-7. 1907-8. Australia United Kingdom United States and Canada European Continent ... Africa India Other countries ■ 2,892 2,025 563 146 113 86 167 3,463 2,376 652 175 137 92 247 5,612 4,958 2,394 ' 2,442 763 ' 426 260 242 196 166 85 140 374 228 9,684 8,602 5,992 5,992 7,142 Estimated expenditure by visitors ... £2 £299,000 299,000 £484,000 | £430,100 £357,000

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schedule gives details of the receipts of the Department during the last three financial years, also for the year 1902-3—the first year of the Department's operations. From this schedule it will be noted that the direct revenue of the Department has increased from £8,401 1s. 8d. in 1902-3, to £20,506 5s. 4d. for the year under review. The receipts for 1903-4 amounted to £15,344 8s. 11d., and for 1904-5 to £16,018 3s. 1d.

1902-3. 1905-6. 1906-7. 1907-8. Te Aroha— Bath fees and towel-hire Out-patients' fees Tennis-players, library fees, Ac. £ s. A. £ s. d. 396 12 10 1,095 18 0 16 5 6 413 10 0 27 4 0 123 16 3 £ s. d. 1,022 17 9 419 11 0 91 7 0 £ s. d. 1,011 13 2 500 12 6 152 17 6 440 2 4 1,633 4 3 1,533 15 9 1,665 3 2 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 Launch licenses Miscellaneous receipts 717 3 8 I 1,011 2 4 589 10 0 673 17 0 1,874 5 7 2,513 1 8 276 11 6 132 12 0 216 15 0 544 19 0 1,150 17 9 47 7 0 ! 120 12 6 565 5 0 , 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 1,055 16 3 724 12 5 2,577 9 0 199 5 3 343 0 0 1,689 18 3 179 13 6 1,981 8 0 144 19 11 448 11 0 181 18 4 395 19 3 216 16 0 105 0 0 174 12 2 659 1 0 147 16 10 19 0 0 74 12 5 92 14 10 Rotorua Acclimatisation District receipts 4,616 2 3 8,734 16 0 9,213 17 10 55 10 0 9,651 12 11 503 3 11 Te Puia Hot Springs Accommodation-house— Accommodation fees, &c. 340 18 4 Waitomo Caves Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. 146 14 4 182 9 10 584 5 10 Lake House, Waikaremoana — Accommodation fees, &c. .. Oil-launch and boat receipts 66 12 6 326 13 4 82 12 6 532 12 7 135 10 3 367 14 4 94 7 0 66 12 6 409 5 10 668 2 10 462 1 4 Morere Hot SpringsBath fees, &c. 51 7 3 50 7 3 70 13 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 11 946 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 1,180 8 10 716 19 8 4 12 9 39 19 6 233 13 6 Pukaki Accommodation-house — Accommodation fees, &c. 1,991 5 3 1,899 14 9 1,981 14 1 2,175 14 3 131 11 0 446 17 0 653 1 4 625 14 10 " Hermitage" — Accommodation fees, &c. .. 914 15 6 1,082 9 8 1,516 8 4 1,405 12 6 Queenstown Park — Bowls, &c. 14 12 0 44 16 3 Lake Manapouri — Steamer fares 163 10 0 146 10 0 149 2 6 Te Anau Accommodation-house — Aooommodation fees, &o. 486 10 0 598 19 3 Lake Te Anau — Steamer fares, &c. 474 19 6 625 15 0 Qlade House and Milford Tracks — Accommodation fees, &c. Guiding-fees 563 1 0 135 19 6 517 7 6 86 0 6 607 7 0 133 15 0 699 0 6 603 8 0 741 2 0 Head Office — Sale of pamphlets, cards, photos, &c. 240 12 10 553 11 4 620 18 7 843 3 0 Totals 8,401 1 8 15,820 10 11 18,202 5 4 20,487 18 4

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AdENCIES. The only extension in agencies of the Department during last year has been the opening of one in Vancouver, 8.C., in conjunction with the Industries and Commerce Department. lam convinced that the Dominion has been compensated many times over for the outlay by the work done in the oversea agencies. Some indication as to the influence that these agencies have in encouraging both tourists and settlers to come to New Zealand may be gained by quoting the number of callers at the Sydney and Melbourne agencies during the past year. They were, Sydney, 16,738; Melbourne, 11,982; being -an increase of 3,607 and 6,013 respectively over the previous year. To get the best possible results from these agencies, however, it is desirable that the Dominion should be very much more largely advertised in the States where the agencies are established. In order to give some more detailed information as regards the work being done by these agencies, I append hereto extracts from the reports of the Agents in charge. The Govei nment Agent at Sydney writes, — " The period under review marks the second year of the agency's establishment in New South \\ ales, and the public have been quick to grasp and take full advantage of the facilities placed at their disposal. At the present time the chief difficulty with many visiting the Dominion is the evil reputation acquired by the Tasman Sea and the ignorance of the comfort with which the trip can be made. The ever-increasing number of visitors in search of information may be accepted as a proof that the office is getting into closer ioucli with the people of the Commonwealth. The office has been used not only by the New South Wales residents, but also by New-Zealanders visiting this country, and 1 have endeavoured to assist the latter in every possible way. The promotion of settlement has not been lost sight of. This year the number of callers amounted to 16,738, representing an increase of 3,607 over the preceding period, which, however, only covered a little over nine months. The figures are all the more gratifying in view of the fact that the International Exhibition was no longer the centre of attraction. Following up last year's precedent, I compiled a return of the actual number of passengers can ied out of the Port of Sydney to either Auckland or Wellington, and this shows an abnormal increase. In 1906-7 the total number was I 1,362, whilst 1907-8 amounts to 18,979, giving an increase of 7.617. These figures, for which 1 am indebted to the shipping companies, require no comment, but, if necessary, should prove most conclusively the wisdom of establishing the oveisea agencies. It is fair to assume that the large number of passengers carried can reasonably be ascribed to the Department's judicious advertising of the Dominion's wealth of scenic attractions, and to the enervating heat of the past summer months in Australia. " Display of Trout. —During the year a magnificent exhibit of trout was made at the agency, and attracted more than ordinary attention. " Tourists from Queensland. —Queensland as a future field for exploitation is fraught with great possibilities, and I am strongly of opinion that the Department would be acting wisely in opening up a sub-agency. New Zealand seems the natural playground for the Queenslander, and the trip to the Dominion could as easily be undertaken as the usual trip to Tasmania. What is required, however, is some central place where one could secure printed information concerning travel. At present the majority of people desiring a change select either the Blue Mountains or Tasmania, both of which are well advertised. " Tourist Traffic. —Every opportunity is taken of supplying the principal hotels, &c, with descriptive matter, and carefully chosen literature is put aboard the mail-steamers. The judicious loan of lantern-slides is also an important factor in more vividly bringing before the people of this State the advantages offered by the Dominion to the health-seeker, sportsman, and prospective settler. During a portion of the year there was on view at this agency a series of fine oil paintings pertaining to settlement, and these came in for a lot of admiration. I regret to state that during the year the intercolonial shipping companies found it necessary to raise their fares, which must have an effect on the tourist traffic. In order to advertise the beauty of New Zealand scenery the Department has sent out framed photographs of the various resorts. These are hung in the shipping offices and hotels, so that people may have their attention directed to our country." The Government Agent in Melbourne writes as follows: — "During the year 11,982 persons visited the agency, of whom 11,091 were local and 891 foreign. From these figures it is clear that the residents of this State, as well as visitors from foreign countries, are making good use of the facilities offered in the shape of securing up-to-date and reliable information appertaining to New Zealand. The major portion of inquiries came, of course, from those who were desirous of knowing more about the tourist and health resorts, and every effort was made to send them away fully satisfied and anxious to pay a visit to the Dominion. Those making a tour of our resorts are, whenever possible, supplied with a carefully prepared itinerary showing time and cost of trip. The general information sought on matters pertaining to New Zealand is naturally wide and varied. One of the principal subjects is that of land, and what is offered in this respect by the Dominion Government. Quite a number of farmers from Victoria and other States have gone across with the intention of settling on the land. The demand for literature relating to this question has been considerable, and, although it is not possible at times to see direct results, it is reasonable to suppose that definite migration will follow. " At all times it is difficult to ascertain the amount of money taken by those deciding to make their homes in New Zealand, and until December I was unable to state as completely as I should have liked the amount of capital taken ; however, I gathered that during the months of December, January, February, and March no less a sum than £21,401 was possessed by those who booked their passages to New Zealand for the purpose of settling there. If these months represent a fair average for the year —and there is no reason why they should not —it is an indication that the

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Dominion is benefiting in this respect through the medium of its agency in this State. A good deal of our time is occupied in supplying information to those who are desirous of knowing from a reliable source the possibilities of opening business in .New Zealand, and it has been gratifying to hear from time to time of those who have been successful. Word was recently received from a young fellow who nine months ago left Melbourne to start business in Wellington, to the effect thai he had now two shops there, and was doing remarkably well—this in face of the fact that he was paying £6 per week for one shop, and started on small capital. "Australian Exhibition of II unit it's Work. —On behalf of Mr, Hamilton, the Director of the Dominion Museum, and with your concurrence, I arranged for the erection and display of an exhibit sent by him of Maori women's work at the above Exhibition, which was held in October last. The exhibit, which consisted of kits, mats, &c, was given a prominent position, and considerable interest was centred on the display. The newspapers gave it a good deal of prominence, and, on the whole, the advertisement to the Dominion was such as to justify representation at the fixture. "Lantern-slides. — When circumstances were favourable during the winter evenings 1 gave lectures in different centres on New Zealand. Mentone in June, Romsey in September, Albert Park in October, and Mansfield in December were visited for the purpose. The lectures were illustrated by the Department's lantern-slides, and on each occasion the opportunity was taken to distribute literature likely to further New Zealand's interests. In addition to above, I had two evenings each in August and September .it the agency at which I gave illustrated lecturettes. These proved very enjoyable to those who took advantage of the invitations. Each evening I invited residents from different parts of the city and suburbs in order that our presence might become known in as many pans as possible. These gatherings were instrumental in inducing quite a number of persons to take a trip and see for themselves the beauties portrayed by means of the lantern. "Advertising.- In December and January an advertisement was inserted in the columns of the Age, Argus, and Herald, drawing attention to the advantages of New Zealand as a holiday resort. This proved effective, as a large number of people called in response, seeking fuller information preparatory to making a trip. The extreme heat at this period helped somewhat to direct attention to a cooler clime. I took advantage of lhe fact that the shipping companies allow a considerable concession on fares to Slate-school teachers, and issued a circular to the headmasters emphasizing the fact, and showing at the same time what sights could be seen, the time it would take, and the cost. Several specimen tours were given showing what could be accomplished in the time over which leave of absence extended. This proved a move in the right direction, as quite a number took advantage of the concession. I intend following up this idea earlier in the coming year, and am confident of excellent results. The principal hotels, coffee-palaces, and clubs have been kept supplied throughout the year with itineraries and suitable New Zealand literature, and as opportunity offered the Home boats calling at Melbourne were similarly treated. On request a number of persons whose relatives and friends reside in Great Britain and other countries have been given suitable literature in order that they could post it abroad. Such requests are indicative of genuine interest, and provide an opening to reach those who may not have other means of becoming familiar with the attractions offered by New Zealand. "Australian \at his' Association Exhibition.- -The New Zealand representation at the Australian Natives' Association exhibitions both in Melbourne and Launceston struck a popular chord. The exhibit attracted considerable attention in both centres." Ai a Zealand Agencies. Within New Zealand the agencies are very largely patronised by the residents, as well as by the tourists from oversea. During the year the visitors to these agencies numbered 41,623. ADVERTISING. The advertising carried on during the year has been as varied and far-reaching as the amount of money ai the disposal of the Department would permit. Less attention has been paid to America on account of the fact that there is now no direct steam service, but a great deal more has been done in India. The number of visitors and immigrants from the latter country shows an increase, and 1 hope to obtain a very large number of desirable settlers from this part. To facilitate this, arrangements have been made with the Imperial Government, which are particularly advantageous to the Dominion in this respect. It is the practice of the Imperial Government to pay the passages back to Great Britain of military and civil officers and men who have served their term in India should they desire to return to the Mother-land. Arrangements have now been made with the Imperial Government to these officers and men the option of a free passage to New Zealand in lieu of returning to (licit Britain. Many of these people retire on very com fortable pensions, and they are of a stamp that makes good settlers. Recent advertisements and newspaper articles which have been published in India through the instrumentality of the Department have led lo a very large number of inquiries being received. Pamphlets. The following new pamphlets were published during the year : " Making a Home in New Zealand.'' 10,011(1: 'New Zealand." 4.915: -'New Zealand "in a Nutshell," 9,623; " Wakatipu," 5,000; view-books, 10,000. The following were republished: View-books. 10,094; " llotoinahana Round Trip." 4,850. Besides the above. 100,000 post-cards were published. The issue of the Department's Itinerary of Travel was considerably increased, residents of the Dominion on holiday bent taking the majority of copies.

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Pamphlets and illustrated newspapers to the number of 88,692 have been circulated during the year in New Zealand and abroad, also 30,X00 post-cards. • 9,136 photographs have been issued during the year for the purpose of illustrating newspaper articles published abroad, and for exhibiting in shipping offices, steamer-saloons, and other places where travellers are congregated. 3,857 lantern-slides have also been issued by the Department for lecturing purposes in different parts of the world. Esperanto. A number of officers of the Department have now made themselves familiar with this new international language, and advertisements in Esperanto have been placed in the Department's "Itinerary of Travel " by several New Zealand firms. Although we have not yet advertised in any Esperanto journals, a considerable number of letters and post-cards have been received from oversea countries as widely apart as Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria, asking for particulars of the Dominion's land system, agricultural facilities, labour laws, tourist resorts, <fee. Sport. The number of oversea visitors in search of angling, deer-stalking, and shooting have been well maintained, particularly those in search of trout-fishing, which are ever on the increase. The sport which is now afforded by the number and size of trout which oocupj our lakes and streams has become well known abroad, and I look to angling attractions with confidence as a means of largely increasing our tourist traffic. I append hereto B schedule showing (he big game imported and distributed by this Department since it came into operation : —

As far as I have been able to ascertain, practically the whole of the game imported and liberated is doing well, and it is only a matter of a few years when much of the country which may now be regarded as absolutely waste lands will provide great attractions for oversea visitors and also a healthy means of recreation for residents of the Dominion. Rotorua Acclimatisation District. The control of the Rotorua Acclimatisation District was taken over by this Department on the Ist February, 1907, and since that date the Whakatane and Wairoa (Hawke's Bay) Districts have also been taken over by the Department on petition from the residents of those districts interested in acclimatisation matters. The area of the district now under control is about six thousand square miles. With the establishment of a controlling officer at Rotorua it has been possible to range the district very much more efficiently for the prevention of poaching than was the case in

Year. Number and Description of Game. Prom. Where liberated. 1901 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 4 red deer 3 „ 7 8 „ 6 thar 6 Japanese deer 5 blacktail deer 10 elk 8 „ 19 Virginian deer 8 red deer 4 „ 5 „ 9 , 8 chamois Wairarapa herds ... ... Lake Waikaremoana. a ... ... Stewart Island. ... Presented by Miss Audrey Cbirn- Tuhua, West Coast, side, Werribee Park, Victoria Ditto ... ... ... ... Lake Wakatipu. ... Presented by the Duke of Bedford. Mount Cook. England Ditto ... ... ... ... Kaimanawa Ranges, near Taupo. ... Purchased in the United States ... Tarawera, Hawke's Bay. ... Presented by President Roosevelt, Fiordland National Park. United States ... Purchased in the United States ... ; 18 in Stewart Island, 1 in Nelson. Presented by Miss Audrey Chirnside, Lake Kanieri, West Coast. Werribee Park, Victoria Ditto ... ... ... ... Tuhua, West Coast. Wairarapa herds ... ... Tongariro National Park. ... Presented by G. W. Chirnside, Wer- Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua. ribee Park, Victoria ... Presented by H.I.M. the Emperor Mount Cook, of Austria 1908 2 sambur ... 6 axis 4 red deer Purchased in Noumea ... ... j Galatea, Rotorua District. ... Purchased in England ... ... fi liberated at Mount Tongariro; 1, which was blind, presented to Wellington Zoo. ... Presented by Mr. Lucas, Warnham Paraparaumu Deer-park Court, England

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the past, although the amount of money at the disposal of the Department makes it impossible to undertake that systematic ranging which is desirable. Many private persons are showing great interest in the work of acclimatisation in the district, and a number voluntarily offered to take up the position of honorary rangers. As these gentlemen are mostly enthusiastic sportsmen, good results can be expected from their efforts and assistance. Owing to the fish spawning at a rather later date than is the custom in other parts of the Dominion, it has been considered advisable to open the season a month later than usual, and also to close a month later. Very excellent work has been done in the district in the hatching and distribution of troutova. During the season 1,500,000 ova were taken from fish from the streams immediately surrounding Rotorua Of these, 1,320,000 were successfully hatched, and distributed chiefly in the streams in the outlying portion of the district under control of the Department. In addition to those distributed by the Department, 60,000 ova were supplied to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society and 20.000 to the Tauranga Acclimatisation Society. The Department's acclimatisation work in this district, however, has not been wholly confined to fish : nine red deer presented by Mr. G. Chirnside, Werribee Park, Victoria, were liberated near Rotorua : two gambur deer were obtained from New Caledonia, and were liberated at Galatea. Mr. Benn. an enthusiastic sportsman residing in the district, also imported six sambur deer, which were liberated with those imported by the Department. Four hundred and ten pheasants have also been reared and liberated during the year. An effort is being made to establish the mallard duck, and for this purpose five birds were obtained ; from these eight ducklings were reared, and, in order to provide better foundation for next year's efforts, twenty-eight adult birds were obtained from the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. The paradise ducks which were sent to the district about four years ago are slowly gaining ground. One clutch of seven was hatched by the parent birds on Lake Rotorua and brought by them into the gardens, and remained there until they matured. In order to give better protection to feathered game, several areas of country immediately surrounding Rotorua have been declared sanctuaries. The revenue from the game licenses amounted to £503 3s. lid., and the expenditure to £552 18s. lOd. Seeing it was the first year of the Department's administration, and that a great deal of non-recurring expenditure in the way of establishing fish-hatcheries and pheasantries has been incurred, the result ot the year's operations may be considered very satisfactory. Special attention has been given to the destruction of enemies of the fish; small rewards offered for shags' heads resulted in no less than 711 birds being destroyed. Before closing my remarks on the work of acclimatisation in Rotorua District I desire to record special appreciation of the active valuable assistance and co-operation by the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club, which has spared no pains in its efforts to assist the Department's work wherever possible. Exhibitions. In conjunction with the Department of Industries and Commerce, the Department was represented at the following exhibitions during the year: Irish International, held at Dublin from May to November, 1907; Australian Natives' Association's Exhibition, at Melbourne in January and February, and at Launoeeton in March and April, 1908. The exhibits consisted of paintings, pictures, &c, depicting the scenic and health resorts, farming and industrial life of the Dominion, also stuffed specimens of our large trout. A very considerable amount of the Department's literature was distributed at these exhibitions, and will, 1 have no doubt, show good results. At the Franco-British Exhibition the Department has made a very extensive display of pictures, sporting trophies; and a very large quantity of specially prepared literature illustrating the attractions of the Dominion both from a tourist's and settler's point of view is being distributed. These exhibitions have attracted very considerable interest, and, apart from the knowledge of the Dominion gained by the many thousands of people who visited the exhibitions referred to, the Dominion has obtained very wide and complimentary notice in the Press of each country where the exhibitions have been held; and these Press notices alone, in my opinion, are worth more to New Zealand than the whole cost of the exhibitions. American Tourist Traffic. The Department has been in communication with the Hawaiian Promotion Committee in the matter of formulating a scheme whereby American citizens could be induced to visit the South Pacific lands — Australia and New Zealand. It is recognised that a splendid tour could be offered to the American by bringing him via Honolulu to New Zealand, thence to Australia, from there to the Philippine Islands and Japan, and back to the United States via either Vancouver, Seattle, or San Francisco. The suggestion is that New Zealand should combine with the different Australian States, the Hawaiian and Vancouver Tourist Association, and some of the leading transport companies of Canada and America, and establish United Pacific Tourist Bureaux in American cities for the innpose of disseminating information. By combining in this, the expense to each would be small as compared with what would be involved if each opened individual bureaux. The matter has been gone into, but, owing to the discontinuance of the San Francisco - New Zealand steamer service, it

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is not practicable, in so far as New Zealand is concerned, for the idea to be put into concrete form at present. The Hawaiian Promotion Committee is in the meantime ascertaining the feeling of Australia, and also collecting necessary information regarding cost, <xx., and as soon as there is something tangible to work upon the question will be further considered. The whole matter is, however, in its infancy, but is being kept in view for the furthering of our interests in the near future. Town of Rotorua. The Department has taken over the entire administration of municipal matters in the Town of Rotorua as from the Ist September last, in terms of "The Rotorua Town Act, 1907," and regulations for the purpose of providing for the more effectual carrying-out of the provisions of the Act were made by Order in Council gazetted 16th April, 1908. The Department has, in respect to the town, been created a corporate body, and also a local authority within the meaning of any other Act relating to local authorities. Mr. L. Birks, the Department's Engineer in Charge at Rotorua, and Chairman of the late Town Council at the time of its dissolution, has been appointed Resident Officer to act under my direction. The drafting of new municipal by-laws is in hand, and will be completed at an early date. At the time the Department took over control of the town from the Rotorua Town Council there existed a bank overdraft of £508 lis. 7d. ; but this liability was reduced by £18 Bs. Bd. standing to the credit of the Cemetery Account. Owing to the fact that the Department had a complete working and office stall already engaged in extensive undertakings in the town, the Department has been enabled to administer the municipal works economically and more actively than formerly, owing to the greater specialisation thai is now possible. As the change of administration took place in the middle of the year under review, it is impossible to draw any conclusions from the balance-sheet, but a very active works policy has been carried on during both periods, particularly the latter, and an unusual number of public improvements of a permanent nature have been carried out during the year. The municipal revenue of the Town of Rotorua is derived from two main sources —viz., rem of Crown sections, and a moiety id' the fees received from the Hotorua baths, Neither of these revenues are collected directly, but are paid into the Town Account through the Treasury. The total area within the town boundaries is 4,110 acres, distributed approximately as follows: — Acres. Native lands ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 101 State Forest Reserve, Lands Department ... ... ... ... 870 Recreation reserves, Tourist Department ... ... ... ... 1,020 School reserves, Education Department ... ... ... 121 Railway reserves, Railway Department ... ... ... ... 15 Municipal reserves ... ... ... ... ... ... 58 Roads and streets ... ... ... ... ... ... 265 Crown sections leased ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,600 Crown lands unleased ... ... ... ... ... ... 160 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 4,140 There is no freehold land within the town area. Of the above lands, revenue is derived only from the rents of the Crown sections which are leased, amounting to about £2,000 per annum for the 1,600 acres, and constituting l-l per cent, of the total annual revenue of the town. The remainder of the lands bring in no revenue whatever. These Crown sections are leased at a fixed rental for a period of ninety-nine years, of which about eighty years are still to run. As a result the main source of revenue of a rapidly growing town is a fixed amount, and the municipal expenditure has therefore to be administered yrvy carefully in order that it shall not outrun the available revenue. The apparent increase of £659 in this item for the past year —viz., £2,277, as compared with £1,618 for the previous year--and of £.'127 as compared with the average of the past six years (£1,950) is not due lo any permanent increase id' revenue from this source, but to a specially heavy instalment that was received from the Treasury on the last day id' the year under review. Next to the rent received from Crown lands the most important source of revenue is the moiety of the bath fees received through the Treasury. This amounted last year to £1,294, or 25 per cent, of the total revenue of the town. In addition to these the next item in importance is the revenue received from nightsoil fees. This showed a very considerable increase for the year —viz., from £513 to £050. This was due to a very energetic collection of a large number of old accounts extending over several years, and will not recur. In fact, the revenue from this source will fall to a much lower figure than in the past, owing to the introduction of the sewerage system, from which the town will derive no revenue. and the nightsoil system will probably have to be run at a loss (owing to the restriction of its operation to the suburbs') instead of yielding a substantial profit as in the past. The remaining items of revenue —viz., licenses, library, pound, and dog-registration fees. Ac.-show a slight increase for the year —viz., from £508 to £629—due mainly to more energetic collection, and, to a certain extent to the growth of the town,

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The revenue of the town from all sources since its incorporation in 1901 has been as follows: —

The total increase in revenue for the last year—viz., to £5,150, from an average of £4,022 for the previous five years, a difference of £1,028 —is thus made up mainly of non-recurring itema —viz., .£.127 in Crown rents, and £437 in nightsoil fees—leaving a normal revenue for the pas! year of £1,400. The actual increase in normal revenue is thus only from £4,000 in 1904 to £4,400 in 1908, and for the ourrenl year the total estimated revenue is still less—viz., £4,300. During this period the population has approximately doubled, and the municipal requirements have increased three- or four-fold. The revenue is still sufficient to meet these requirements, but failing any new sources of revenue, it is necessary to spend every pound that is available on such permanent improvements as are calculated to reduce the cost of cleaning and maintaining the mads and streets in future, when the increasing municipal needs will overtake the practically fixed revenue. This is particularly necessary, since under the Rotorua Town Act the town litis no power to raise a loan to cover such permanent improvements. With this object in view, the works carried out during the past year have been of as permanent a nature as possible in the streets and roads, and of a revenue-producing character in other directions. With careful administration the existing revenue should serve the needs of the town for some years to come. Hut the question of seeking supplementary sources, or of increasing the existing sources of revenue, will require to be dealt with later, in order to meet the municipal requirements of a growing community. In addition to the realisable assets shown in the balance-sheet, amounting to £4,328, the following is an approximate estimate of the value of the permanent improvements to the streets and roads, the greater portion of which has been carried out from the municipal revenue of the town during the past eight years: — £ Earth roads formed (1,600 chains, at £2) ... ... ... ... 3,200 Roads formed and pumiced (800 chains, at £4) ... ... ... 3,200 Streets metalled (30 chains, at ... ... ... ... 600 Streets metalled and tarred (80 chains, at £28) ... ... ... 2,240 Wooden culverts (40 chains, at £2) ... ... ... ... 80 Pipe culverts (20 chains, at £4) ... ... ... ... ... 80 Concrete kerbing (200 chains, at £2 55.)... ... ... ... 450 Concrete channelling (200 chains, at £2 55.) ... ... ... 450 Tarred pavements (160 chains, at £6) ... ... ... ... 960 Total £11,260 The expenditure for the year under review has been £5,833, which has been distributed over the following items, the expenditure on the corresponding items for each year since the incorporation of the town being added for comparison: —

1901. 1902. £ 1,198 474 279 168 38 21 29 14 15 1903. 1904. 1905. J L_ L £ £ £ 2,016 1,940 i 1,976 869 ! 1,269 I 1,442 374 411 ; 512 169 ' 165 184 93 81 124 23 34 70 28 ' 81 77 14 22 ' 47 34 22 15 1906. £ 1,870 1,203 517 186 169 62 39 36 25 1906. 1907. 1908. £ £ L.618 , 2,277 1,324 1,294 513 , 950 189 182 128 ' 189 58 | 81 47 50 29 34 57 93 1907. 1908. /rown rents 5ath fees ... lightsoil fees 'ublicans' licenses ... ieneral licenses .library fees 'ound fees )og-registration lundries £ 873 106 149 6 9 15 "*6 Total 1,164 2,236 3,620 3,975 4,447 4,107 3,963 | 5,150

1901. 1902. 1903 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. Works Nightsoil Fire-prevention Isolation hospital Licensing expenses ... Library Pound Charitable aid £ 330 186 £ 1,160 269 £ 2,797 363 £ 2,710 314 39 56 39 104 £ 3,195 412 153 46 20 62 £ 3,429 394 4 17 17 50 5 2 20 374 64 124 £ 2,723 417 151 38 37 170 £ 4,240 485 154 92 22 110 24 6 23 337 157 183 11 13 15 26 Insurance ... Salaries Office expenses Sundries 98 16 74 192 52 105 13 334 55 104 1 19 337 47 42 1 20 335 102 101 18 334 170 70 Total ... 3,707 3,708 4,447 4,500 4,128 5,833 904 1,802 Assets ... 1,387 1,383 4,328

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Town of Rotorua. Balance-sheet of the Rotorua Town Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1908.

General Account. Receipts. £ s d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1907 .. .. .. 225 1 3 Administration— Treasury— Salaries .. ~ 336 19 0 Half-share bath fees .. .. .. 1,294 0 11 Printing and advertising .. .. 51 18 10 Rents of Crown lands .. .. .. 2,276 10 1 Legal expenses .. .. .. 41 3 8 Fees and fines (Magistrates' Court) .. 110 0 Audit ft es .. .. .. .. 14 0 0 Fees— Office expenses, telephone, lighting .. 26 1 8 Nightsoil service .. .. .. 950 3 8 Sundries .. .. .. .. 7 6 5 Public pound .. .. .. .. 50 7 0 Interest on overdraft .. .. .. 15 12 11 Dog-registration .. .. .. 33 15 0 j Bank charges .. .. .. 015 0 Licenses— Miscellaneous— Publicans' .. .. .. .. 182 0 0 | Licensing expenses?, Tauranga County .. 22 5 4 Auctioneers' .. .. .. .. 35 0 0 Public pound improvements .. .. 24 0 8 Vehicles and drivers' .. .. .. 94 0 0 ■ Dog regis-ration .. .. .. 5 12 0 Building permits .. .. .. 22 5 0 Accident insurance .. .. .. 19 14 0 Show .. .. .. .. 15 0 0 Fire insurance .. .. .. 3 5 2 Halls .. .. .. .. 9 0 0 Compensation for accident (Burrows) .. 3 0 0 Billiard-rooms .. .. .. 6 0 0 Rait, Section 39, Rotorua Suburbs .. 8 0 0 Hawkers' .. .. .. .. 4 15 0 Whakatane Bridge Commission— Miscellaneous .. .. .. 115 0 Witnesses' expenses .. .. .. 3 3 0 Rents: Real property .. .. .. 29 12 0 Legal expenses .. .. .. 48 8 3 Publio Library— Rat-txjermination .. .. .. 2 0 0 Government subsidy .. .. ' .. 14 1 7 Charitable aid .. .. .. .. 5 11 10 Subscriptions, rent of room for meetings, Library— catalogues, &c. .. .. .. 67 2 6 Salaries .. .. .. .. 53 13 4 Material sold—Gravel, cement, &o. .. 26 2 6 Books, magazines, &o. .. .. 44 18 3 Lake and wharf— Lighting and fuel .. .. .. 11 7 9 Launch-drivers'licenses .. .. 3 0 0 Section 159, " Municipal Corporations Act, Launch licenses .. .. .. 4 0 0 1900 "— Wharfages .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Band instruments .. .. .. 27 11 6 Boat-shed rents .. .. .. 18 15 0 Dominion Day celebrations .. .. 6 6 0 Dinghy-grid rents .. .. .. 4 15 0 Publio worksWharf telephones .. .. .. 018 0 Streets, labour, material, <fee. .. .. 3,716 19 2 Miscellaneous— Marine Parade improvements .. .. 147 19 5 Legal costs recovered .. .. .. 0 15 0 Nightsoil service— Contributions to work .. .. 010 0 Wages .. .. .. .. 381 10 0 Balanoe, 31st March, 1908 .. .. 456 18 8 Plant and maintenance .. .. 103 0 6 Fire-prevention— New plant .. .. .. .. 133 14 11 Payments to brigade .. .. .. 18 4 8 Lighting station .. .. .. 2 10 0 Refuse-removal .. .. .. .. 22 10 0 Street-lighting .. .. .. .. 16 16 0 Isolation Hospital— Rent.. .. .. .. 47 5 0 Nursing and board .. .. .. 31 1 0 Maintenance .. .. .. .. 13 16 9 Lake and wharf— Boat-shed improvements .. .. 325 811 Insurance, boat-shed .. .. .. 4 10 Wharf-maintenance .. .. .. 6 7 7 Nuisance inspection—Salaries .. .. 73 6 8 Maintenance— Electric lighting .. .. .. 2 7 0 Water-supply .. .. .. .. 3 5 0 £5,832 13 2 £5,832 13 2 Separate Account. — Rotorua Cemetery Account, Section 45, " The Cemeteries Act, 1882." £ s - d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1907 .. .. .. 40 17 8 Repairs and maintenance contract .. 35 0 0 Sales of plots .. .. .. .. 9 0 0 Printing .. .. .. .. 0 17 6 Burial fees .. .. .. .. 17 2 0 Bank charges .. .. .. .. 010 0 Balance, 31st March, 1908 .. .. 30 12 2 566J9 8 £66 19 8 Statement of Balances. Cr. Dr. Accounts — £ s. d. Bank— £ s. d. £ ». d. General .. .. .. Dr. 456 18 8 Town Account — Cemetery .. .. .. Cr. 80 12 2 Overdraft .. .. .. 407 1 1 Unpresented cheques .. .. 57 8 6 Cash in hand .. .. 710 11 Cemetery Account— Balance .. .. 18 18 2 Cash in hand .. .. 11 14 0 38 3 1 464 9 7 38 3 1 Dr. 426 6 6 Dr. £426~~6~6 Examined and found correct —J. K. Wakbukton, Controller and Auditor-General.

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Assets. £ s. d. Liabilities. £s. d. Rotorua Cemetery Account— ! Rotorua Town Account— Balance at bank .. .. 18 13 2 Overdraft at bank .. .. .. 407 1 1 Cash in hand .. .. .. .. 11 14 0 ; Unpresented cheques .. .. .. 57 8 6 Rotorua Town Account—Cash in hand .. 71011 I Accounts outstanding .. .. .. 205 0 0 Nightsoil fees outstanding .. .. 365 0 4 Real property .. .. .. .. 21 5 0 Boat-shed compartments.. .. .. 30 0 0 Dinghy grid and shed .. .. .. 4 0 0 Due by Treasury—Refund of amounts expended on maintenance of electrio lighting and water-supplies .. .. 5 12 0 Estimated — Library building, furniture, and books .. .. .. .. 1,150 0 0 Fire Brigade and plant .. .. .. 550 0 0 Nightsoil buildings and plant .. .. 237 0 0 Poundcottage, <tc. .. .. .. 170 0 0 General working plant .. .. .. 536 00 j Rowing shed and grid .. .. .. 600 0 0 Marine parade .. .. .. .. 162 0 0 Gravel reserve .. .. .. .. 65 0 0 Office furniture and plans .. .. 242 0 0 £4,176 0 5 | £669 9 7 Examined and found correct —J. K. Waebubton, Controller and Auditor-General. Statement of Public Debts. Nil. I Nil.

Statement of Reserves and Real Property.

Section 1, Block 64 .. .. .. Pound-site. 8, „ 23 .. .. .. Stables and yard. , 8, , 23 .. .. .. Library and Municipal Buildings. Lawrence Birks, Resident Officer, Rotorua, 14th May, 1908. Examined and found correct —J. K. Warburton, Controller and Auditor General. Touiust and Health Resorts of the Dominion. North Auckland. The sum of £750 was handed over to the Helensville Domain Board for the purpose of improving the grounds, baths, and buildings, and for the erection of a swimming-bath. Te Aroha. The popularity of Te Aroha as a health and pleasure resort is still steadily growing. The receipts for the year ended 31st March, 1908, amounted to £1,666 3s. 2d., an increase of £131 7s. sd. as compared with the returns for 1906-7. The baths, park, and playing-ground of this resort have been steadily improved during the year. The meteorological instruments referred to in my last report have been erected in a suitable situation near the bowling-pavilion, and the observations are taken daily by the Tourist Agent, who forwards the records to the Meteorological Department in Wellington.

Arrears, 31st March, 1808. Arrears, 1st April, 1907. Rent Payable. Rent Paid. Current Year. I 8 £ s. d. £ s. d. 2 12 0 12 10 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 1 15 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 10 0 15 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 10 0 10 0 15 0 £ 8. d. 2 12 0 25 0 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. lection at Whakarewarewa, W. Bright , 39, Rotorua Suburbs, L. D. Nation & Co. foreshore section 2 W. Rogers , Hot Lakes Ferry Co. W. B. Bennett Joatshed compartments, General Hogg „ Goodson Bros. L. H. Darlot D. W. Steele H. W. Howden , V. J. Lamer Rowing Club )inghy grid and shed, Kusabs, Insley & Co. A. J. lies H. Allen J. Watt G. M. Phillips C. W. Grove V. J. Larner F. G. Lundon 1 year 18 15 0 6 5 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 15 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 10 0 10 0 0 5 0 15 0 10 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 5 0 1 6 0 30 15 0 77 12 0 53 2 0 55 5 0

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A tea-kiosk similar to those which have proved so popular at Rotorua and Hanmer is being erected in the grounds. It is to be regretted that during the very dry weather in the early portion of March a grasstire, which started in a paddock at the north end of the township, destroyed a large portion of the beautiful native bush and vegetation on the north side of Bald Spur, on Mount Aroha, forming part of the park. Waitomo and Ruakuri Caves. There has been a very large increase in the number of visitors to these caves this year, the numbers having more than doubled last year's figures. The number of visitors for 1907-8 was 1,227, as against 572 for 1906-7, and the revenue £584 ss. 10d., as against £182 9s. lOd. The limited accommodation has so far been a great drawback to visitors, and last Christmas week it was found necessary to erect three house-tents for sleeping purposes and a marquee-tent for use as a temporary dining-room. Plans have been drawn up for a new accommodation-house. The Waitomo Caves are in very good order, and considerable improvements have been effected in the access to Ruakuri Caves. Rotorua. The traffic to Rotorua for the year under review shows a considerable increase over last year, the bookings by rail being 20,113, as against 18,243, an increase of 1,870. The appended table showing bookings by rail from all officered stations to this resort for the past eight years illustrates its increasing popularity : —

Return of Number of Passengers booked to Rotorua for Years ending 31st March, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, and 1908, respectively exclusive of Bookings from Flag-stations.

The total revenue from this resort amounted to £9,647 4s. 6d., which, compared with the previous year, £9,269 7s. 10d., shows an increase of £377 16s. Bd. Increases are shown in the receipts from Sanatorium patients' fees, electric-light charges, tennis and other games, round trip, and tea-house, whilst decreases are shown in the out-patient fees, sale of bath-tickets and towel-hire, dry massage and electrical treatment, water fees, sale of mineral water, launch licenses and wharfage charges, and miscellaneous receipts. The new bath buildings are now practically completed, and will be opened to the public in the course of a few months. With the increased facilities offered by these baths, it is expected that the receipts in this connection will be considerably increased. Sanatorium and Hospital Buildings.—An additional male-ward containing all modern conveniences is being added to these buildings, and should prove of considerable service. Arrangements are also being made to supply the bathrooms with hot Rachel water, thus enabling patients to take mineral baths on the premises. The gardens, bowling, tennis, and croquet lawns have been kept in good condition throughout the year. Tea-house. —The receipts at the tea-house for the year amounted to £659 Is., being an increase of £265 Is. 9d. over the takings of last year. During the greater part of the summer an orchestra provided music on the tea-house verandahs, and this no doubt added greatly to the popularity of the tea-house. Waimangu Round Trip. —This trip is still as popular as ever, the receipts for the year being £1,831 2s. 6d., an increase over last year's figures of £53 Is. .'id. It was found necessary to place a larger launch on Lake Tarawera to cope with the passenger traffic, and the launch formerly in use was transferred to Lake Okataina. The receipts at the Waimangu Accommodation-house amounted to £1.">0 ss. 6d., being a decrease of £1 2s. 3d. on the returns of the previous year. W'haharewarewa Reserve. —This popular reserve still continues to be one of the chief attractions of the district. Waikite Geyser, which has not played for about fourteen years, was brought into action by the Department during the year. The other geysers, Papakura, Pohutu, Waikorohihi, Prince of Wales's Feather, and Kereru, have also been unusually active. The old Spout Baths at Whakarewarewa are now entirely beyond repair, and plans are in hand for a modern batli building to replace them and give accommodation suitable for requirements. A cottage has been erected for the Caretaker in a position overlooking the Geyser Reserve, to enable him to continually observe what is taking place, and assist in the preservation of its attractions.

Ordinary. Holiday Excursion. Special Excursion. Round Trip. Year ending 31st March. Single. Return. Total. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. First. Second. Fint. Second. 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 666 1,080J 1,530, 2,080 2,574 2,953 3,114 3,845 1,458 2,161 3,659 5,058 5,288 5,546 5,739 6,613 551 923 1,081 1,176 1,317 1,249 1,194 1,712 718 1,877 2,099 2,886 3,392 3,172 2,655 3,177 395 884 870 671 423 707 935 707 1,236 4,806 1,039 2,389 1,687 2,783 3,010 1,999 175 157 106 l 421 132 j 1,694 144 199 200 309 354 381 478 460 106 192 386 640 793 680 665 674 5,606 12,122 10,891 16,956 15,828 17,955 18,243 20,113 484 454 175 751

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The model pa which is being built on the site of the old fighting-pa of the Ngati-Tama has been advanced a further stage. The whole of the palisading is now completed, and the interior structures are well ill hand. Care is being taken in proceeding with this work to reproduce the details of an old-time fighting-pa. New Ohataina Round Trip. This new round trip was opened up at the end of December, but so far has not been so well patronised as could be desired. In connection with this trip a new launch, the " Itereinoana," has been placed on bake Tarawera, and the " Patiti," formerly in use on Tarawera, has been moved over to Lake Okataina. A cottage has been erected at Te Wairoa for the driver of the launch on Lake Tarawera. The necessary wharves, roads, and tracks in connection with this trip have been carried out. Electric Lighting. —The electric-lighting system has worked very satisfactorily during the year, and this is very gratifying in view id' the fact that the whole plant has been running overloaded every evening excepting Sundays. During the year the capacity of the generators has been increased from Ml to 95 kilowatts. In addition to this it was found necessary to bring an auxiliary supply into operation for lighting new baths and other buildings. Tenders have been called for the extension of the electric works, ami when this contract has been completed it will be possible to considerably improve the town lighting. Water-supply. —The reticulation in connection with the new system for water-supply has been c pleted, and there is now a pressure of 7<) lb. to 801b. to the square inch throughout the town, as against a pressure of from 20 Ib. to 3,") lb. under the old system. The charges to residents for water have been fixed as follow, viz. : Ordinary domestic supply, bj i in. service, £1 10s. per annum; extra for each hose standard, 10s. per annum; for special services— i.e., over Jin. —byIs. per 1,000 gallons—minimum, £3 per annum. Drainage and Sewerage. —The new drainage system has been completed, and about fifty different premises were connected with the system during the year. The new by-laws for the town will provide for connection of all premises with the sewerage mains to be compulsory. Taranaki. There has been a decided increase in the number of visitors to the Egmont Park for the season under review, the number being 5,100, as against 3,900 for the previous year. The report of the Chairman of the Board appears in the appendices. The Government is being urged by the National Board to provide an up-to-date Mountain House to replace the " shelters " now existing, and which provide a very primitive class of accommodation for visitors. No definite decision has yet been arrived at regarding the request. Tongariro National Park. During the year the control of the above park was vested in the Tongariro National Park Hoard, which consists id' the following: Minister of Lands (as Chairman), Surveyor-General (Thomas Humphries, Esq.), Under-'Secretary for Lands (W. C. Kensington, Esq.), General Manager of Tourist Department (T. E. Donne, Esq.), Director of Geological Surveys (Dr. J. M. Bell), Te Heuheu Tukino, the Commissioner of Crown Lauds, Wellington. Lake Waikaremoana. There has been a great falling-off in the number of visitors to this resort, which can only be accounted for as pointed out in my last report—viz., by the great want of a satisfactory means of communication between Waikaremoana and Rotorua. At present, as already stated, the visitors are almost purely those from the surrounding districts, the distance to be travelled precluding others from making the tour. Of the 176 visitors this season, 170 were from New Zealand, and the remaining six from oversea. The revenue collected amounted to £462 Is. 4d., as against £668 2s. Kid. for the previous year. The angling in the lake this year proved very fair, the average weight of the fish caught being 4 lb. 7 oz. The red deer are reported to be steadily spreading, and numbers have been seen close down under the Panekiri Range. Deer-stalking may therefore lie looked to in the near future as an additional attraction to Waikarenioana's magnificent lake and forest scenery. Te Puia Hot Springs. The accommodation-house at these springs was taken over by the Government on the 11th July, 1907. A great amount of work has been done putting the grounds and surroundings in order, draining, planting, improving and metalling paths, fencing off the baths, and other necessary improvements. A large swimming-bath, 66ft. by 45ft., has also been constructed. A post and telephone office has been opened at Te Puia, which, in addition to proving a convenience to the accommodation-house, is of considerable service to the surrounding district. The revenue collected from the 11th July, 1907, to the 31st March, 1908, amounted to £340 18s. 4d., and the number of visitors totalled 1,040. When the accommodation is improved, Te Puia promises to be a very popular resort for local people residing in the immediately surrounding district and Gisborne. At present, owing to the lack of stabling and paddocking facilities for horses, travellers who would otherwise make a short stay to take advantage of the various baths, are compelled to pass on. Suitable paddocking has now been secured, and plans for a new house are under preparation.

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Tarawera Hot Springs. Considerable improvements bav< been effected at these springs by the erection of a new bathhouse containing one large concrete bath < v ' ft. by (i ft., and two ordinary enamelled baths, together with showers and necessary equipment. The waters at these springs are saline, and contain a small amount of iodine, thus proving of value for medicinal purposes; and with the advent of the above-mentioned improvements it is considered that the baths will be in greater demand by residents of Hawke's Hay. They will also add to the popularity of the overland trip, Napier to Taupo and Rotorua. The road from the Taraweia Hotel to the bath-house has been improved, and a track constructed from the main road to the Waipunga Palls situate in the vicinity. The total expenditure amounted to £325 Os. oil. As it was anticipated that the receipts would not warrant the appointment of a permanent official, the bath-house has been leased on a year-to-year tenure to tlie proprietor of the Taraweia Hotel, subject to his keeping it in good order and making Uncharge for each bath taken a sum not exceeding Oil., including use of towel. Morere Hut Springs. The Department's proportion of the bath receipts from tin- springs amounted to £70 13s. 3d., being an increase of £20 6s. over the previous year. Hammer Hot Springs. The total receipts from all sources at this resort for 1907-8 were £2,175 14s. 3d., as against £1,981 14s. Id. for the previous year, being an increase of £11) 1 os. 2d. This year the Spa has been largely patronised by local visitors, the number of oversea tourists being very small. The year just ended shows a decrease in the number of baths taken, but, notwithstanding this, an increase of £39 His. sd. in value is shown. The accommodation-house receipts show an increase of £102 4s. 7d.,' being a considerable improvement on the last two years. The tea-house this season has proved to be a very popular attraction, there having been a daily attendance all the year round including Sundays of 25*25 visitors, and an increase of £43 10s. (id. is shown over last year's figures. There has been a falling-off in the revenue from games, the heat prevailing during the exceptionally dry season making visitors disinclined for exertion. Notwithstanding the dry weather, the grounds have been kept in excellent order. Some very material improve ments anil extensions have been made in the Spa grounds, which greatly add to their attractive new. The planted area baa been greatly increased by the formation of a new park. In this about five hundred assorted trees have been planted in clumps and belts, and an avenue of oaks and ash trees 300 yards long has been formed from the north entrance of the grounds to the creek. The trees planted last year at Conical Hill suffered severely from the drought, and it has been found necessary to plant five hundred more. The waterfall at Dog Creek has been fenced in, paths formed, and 1,000 assorted trees planted Pukaki House. Owing to the heavy wet weather cutting up the roads so that the motor-cars were unable to get through, the tourist traffic fell oil considerably in the months of February and March. The receipts for 1907-8 amounted to £625 1 Is. lOd., as against £653 Is. Id. for 1906-7, a decrease of £27 6s. 6d., and the number id' visitors fell from 761 to 690. Tin' receipts on account of board and lodging show a decrease on last year's figures, doubtless due to the inauguration of the motorcar service between Fairlie and the Hermitage enabling tourists to travel through to the Hermitage in one day instead of staying overnight at Pukaki. Mount Caul, Hermitage. There was a slight decrease in revenue during the year at this resort, as compared with last season's receipts. The month of March, which is usually one of the busiest and most paving periods, turned out wet, and the creeks were in high H 1, so that coaches were unable to get through. As a consequence, a considerable Dumber of intending visitors could not reach the Hermitage, and were compelled to return from Fairlie and Lake Pukaki. The total receipts amounted to £1,40.") 12s. (id., as against £1,516 4d. for 1906—7. The number of visitors totalled 261, and eighty-two of these were from oversea. The winter at Mount Cook was a mild one, little snow falling until the spring, which was an exceptionally cold and wet season. The Hermitage itself stood the heavy spring gales as well as could be expected of such an old structure, but a number of repairs were found necessary. Plana and specifications are in course of preparation by the Public Works Department for a new house, to he built of local stone and concrete, which will be in keeping with the surroundings, and give the required accommodation, which is lacking in the old building, and which the traffic to this resort demands. It is with regret that I have to refer ti what is I believe the first fatal accident which has occurred in the vicinity of Mount Cook since the Department assumed control of the Hermitage. On the 29th December last Porter Napier was returning from the Hall Hutt with horses, and, it is surmised, fell from bis horse and was drowned in the Hooker River. His hat was found below the ford, but, although thorough search was made for the body, it was not recovered. The chamois appear to be thriving exceedingly well in their new home. They were seen several times during the winter and once in the summer, one with young at foot.

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Chief Guide Graham reports as follows on the mountain and glacier work for the season : — '• Immediately on arrival at the Hermitage I made a visit of inspection to the Glacier Huts and tracks in the Tasinan Valley. The Ball and Malte Brun Huts I found to be in perfect condition, no damage whatever having been done to them during the winter. The Tasman and Hooker tracks, however, had suffered to some extent from washouts and slips, which needed a lot of repairing. " Though there was a decrease in the number of visitors to Mount Cook this summer, the guiding staff was kept very busy during the season, showing a decided increase in returns against that of last year. A much larger number of visitors took advantage of the Tasman trip, 196 visiting the Ball Hut and 134 going through to the Malte Brun Hut, against 162 and 100 respectively for last season. Twelve parties were also conducted to the summit of the Hochstetter Dome, 9,250 ft. high. This trip is becoming more popular every year; it is one of the finest minor ascents of the district,' affording a wonderful view of the surrounding high mountains; on a clear day Westland with the silvery line of breakers of the Tasman Sea beyond can be distinctly seen. Three ascents of Mount Wakefield were also made during the season, one of Mount Kinsey, four crossings of the Ball Pass, and three of the Copeland Pass. The Muller and Hooker Glaciers, and all other day excursions, attracted a large number of visitors. " The first successful ascent of the ' Nun's Veil,' 5,975 ft., was made on the 4th December by Dr. Mackay, of the ' Nimrod ' expedition, accompanied by Guide Collett and myself. Leaving the Hermitage on the morning of the 3rd, we camped that night at the head of Guarilla Creek, a small stream from the Liebig Range which flows into the Tasman at the junction of the Hooker and Tasman Rivers. Starting out from here at 3 a.m. next morning we proceeded to the head of the valley to the foot of the Nun's Veil Glacier, which descends from the southern face of the mountain. Skirting around to the left to avoid a hard-ice slope, we made a traverse out into the centre of the ice-field. The glacier here descends very rapidly in a series of ice terraces much broken by crevasses, which had to be carefully negotiated, entailing much step-cutting. After carefully climbing for some hours we crossed cautiously over many half-covered crevasses; then, turning slightly to the left, we ascended slowly the first snow-slopes, reaching the summit at 9 a.m. Being favoured with line weather, the view from the top was wonderfully grand. In front of us rose the lofty summits of Mount Cook, and to the north and west the ice-clad peaks of the dividing range could be followed for miles on either hand. After taking a number of photographs we commenced the descent, retracing our steps by which we came. We soon reached the foot of the climb without any serious difficulty, and after a short rest for refreshments we started for the Hermitage, arriving in the evening. " A most interesting trip was also accomplished to the West Coast glaciers via Graham Saddle in January by Professor Spencer. Mr. Lindon, Rev. -— Fisher, and myself. Leaving the Hermitage on the Bth we went through to the Malte Brun Hut, and made an attempt to cross the pass mi the 10th, but were caught in bad weather when nearing the top of the saddle, and had to retrace our steps, causing a delay of several days. On the 13th, however, we made another start, and we were successful in crossing the pass and reaching the accommodation-house at Waiho Gorge in nineteen hours. The next day was spent in visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. The following morning we started for Scott's accommodation-house at Karangarua, a ride of thirty miles, and started on our return journey by the Copland Valley, which occupied three days. As prearranged, we were joined by Mrs. Lindon. with Guide Collett, on the summit of the Copland Pass, and the party then returned in company to the Hermitage. " The only accident which happened during the season, and which it is my painful duty to record, was the disappearance of Porter Napier, who, it is feared, fell from his horse and was drowned while crossing the Hooker River when returning with horses from the Ball Hut on the 29th December. Though a thorough search and every endeavour possible were made to recover the body, no trace of him was found, save for bis hat, which was picked up some distance below the ford. As the river was low at the time, lam unable to account for the cause of the accident. "With the increased number of visitors to the Tasman Valley the accommodation at the huts is becoming insufficient to meet requirements. It will be necessary to enlarge the huts or to erect now buildings to supply the extra accommodation needed for this trip. " Though the guiding staff was kept very busy during the season, the extra assistance rendered this summer was of considerable advantage, enabling us to carry out extensive improvements to the glacier and to construct a light suspension bridge over the Blue Lake Stream, also forming a new horse-track two miles in extent connecting the Hooker and Ball Hut tracks. This was a much-needed improvement, and is of creat benefit to riders and pedestrians, cutting off numerous streams and a long stretch of the Tasman River bed. "Horses were also in great demand during the season. The two extra ones purchased by the Department for this work were of great assistance in conveying provisions to the Ball Hut and for the use of visitors." Lake Wakatipu. The traffic to Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding neighbourhood during the past year was very much larger than hitherto. In fact, so great was the influx of pleasure-seekers during the Christmas and New Year holidays that the public accommodation proved inadequate. The weekend excursions from Dunedin to Queenstown have proved a very popular feature, and have been well patronised. The improvements at the Queenstown Park have been continued, and the grounds are now in very fair order, and the park is a favourite resort for visitors. The receipts from the playing-greens this season were very satisfactory, and amounted to £44 16s. 3d., an increase of £30 4s. 3d. over last year's figures. Improved steamer accommodation on Lake Wakatipu is an urgent necessity.

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Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau, and the Fiordland National Park. There has been a decided increase in the volume of the tourist traffic to Te Anau, Manapouri, and the Milford district. The total receipts for the year amounted to £2,114 18s. 9d., as against £1,711 7s. (id. for the previous year. Glade House has had a very successful season, the income for the year being £741 25., as against £603 Bs. for the previous year. There was a marked improvement in the traffic on Te Anau this year, the trip up and down the lake being made very popular by extending the run of the steamer so as to include the picturesque North Arm on the up and South Arm on the down journey. To arrange this and to fit in with coach and rail services it was necessary to run the up journey on a Sunday; but, owing to objections raised to Sunday running on the part of certain church authorities, it was discontinued, and the old time-table reverted to. The work of clearing and snagging the Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri was completed in September last; but, in order to make it safe for traffic, wire rope will need to be provided for hauling. When this has been provided the river will bo navigable for a shallowdraught oil-launch. It is veiy desirable that the route should be opened up at an early date. The trip on the river between the two lakes will lie a very attractive one, and visitors will be able to avoid the present rough and somewhat dreary coaching-road between the two lakes. Stewart Island. The tourist traffic to this resort has been exceptionally heavy this season, especially during the period 15th December, 1907, to 18th February, 1908. All available accommodation was usually booked ahead, and consequently many who went over to the island without having made prior arrangements were obliged to sleep in tents. By the courtesy of the Bluff Harbour Board I am able to give the number of visitors to the island (luring last year and the preceding year: Year ending 31st March, 1907, 2,277; year ending 31st March, 1908, 2,476. In addition to this, fifty or sixty were conveyed in the s.s. "Nile." Native Bird-life. —Captain Dore reports a large increase in ducks, weka, and crested grebe in the vicinity of Lake Manapouri. The tui, or parson-bird, is becoming very scarce, and the scarcity is attributed to the ravages of the kohoperoa (long-tailed cuckoo), which destroys the young tuis in their nests. Crows and saddlebacks have not been seen around the lake for some time, and parrakeets are becoming very scarce. There is not much to report with reference to the bird-life in the above park beyond that given in my last annual report, except that during the warm summer there was a big increase of young weka, pigeons, and kaka. Owing to the favourable climatic conditions, the blossoms of the various trees and shrubs were in great profusion, with the exception of the rata, which did not bloom. Native Biro Sanctuaries. Tittle Barrier Island. The increase in the number of native birds on the Little Barrier Island sanctuary is very satisfactory, a noticeable feature being the unusual number and the extreme tameness of the beautiful bell-bird, or korimako. The custodian, Mr. Shakespear, in his annual report, writes as follows: — " Although the year was so wet and stormy, the weather had begun to settle somewhat before the breeding season commenced, and there was therefore no perceptible diminution in the increase of the birds generally, but the very dry summer drove all the feathered tribe, with the exception of the korimako. to the bush. In February of last year there was scarcely a bell-bird to be seen or heard on the flat: strange to say, however, this year they lived in and near the peach-trees, keeping up a deafening noise of song when they were not engaged with a peach, of which they consume an incredible quantity in a day " The robin has also been much in evidence during the last year, more so than in any previous year, and on entering a gully one is suddenly confronted by one or two of these silent trustful little birds, who are readily attracted by any noise, especially chopping, and will even venture within two or three feet of the axe on the lookout for grubs. " Tuis were very abundant on the flat during November, December, and the early part of January, the pohutukawas then in bloom being full of them. After January they betook themselves to the mountains to feed on the rata-blossoms. Whiteheads, too, are very "numerous, and flocks of these little birds are to be met with everywhere waging incessant war against the insectworld. In their habits they remind me of the small English tree-creeper, searching the trunks and branches in much the same manner for their food. " After the last heavy rains a snipe was put up on the flat, but, as I did not myself see the bird, I do not know whether it was the Little Barrier variety or not. " Trespassers. —There have been no signs of tresspassers having landed on any part of the island, and the different varieties of birds are in a flourishing condition." Resolution Island. The custodian reports that tui, bell-birds, kaka, and pigeons were fairly plentiful, and other birds were more in evidence than usual, due to their moving about in consequence of the changeable seasons. Such movements make it hard to decide whether they are increasing or

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declining in number, but the Caretaker is of opinion that they are all gradually declining, with the exception of roa, weka, kaka, and pigeons. The rumour that ferrets had been found on the island is contradicted by the Caretaker, who has been on the lookout for signs of these animals. Some interesting extracts from the reports of the custodian, Mr. Richard Henry, are appended hereto: — "April, 1907. —There was a good crop of rata-honey, but no flax-blossoms, this year. The flax and rata seem to take turns about in providing summer fare for the birds. There is as much flax as rata on Resolution —bush flax, whose fibre is no good. Both these blossoms last a long time, because they get later as they go higher up the mountains. The fuchsias had also a fair crop of berries, which they seldom have here —they are so easily destroyed with bad weather—but there were quantities on Copper Mountain, in Wet Jacket, when I was there on the Ist of the month. I brought out four kakapos for Resolution, but.it is much warmer and drier in there (in summer), and I had no heart to bring out any more of them, for I am certain that it is a matter of food with them now, as I wrote you in October last. Tuis and mokos were fairly plentiful, also kakas and pigeons—they gathered for the good season here. The two cuckoos were here, though I had not heard them for about three years previously, and other little birds were more in evidence than usual. By this Ido not mean that those birds are increasing, but to show how they move about to meet the very changeable seasons in this place. Such movements make it hard to decide if they are disappearing, but I think they are all gradually going, with the exception of roas, wekas, kakas, and pigeons. None of our importations can get at the roas' food—it is too deep in the ground. The pigeon eats leaves for half the year; the weka is able to compete with any of them ; and the kaka cuts wood and cracks the hard miro-stones; but kakapos miss the berries that used to enable them to lay up their great stores of fat. "June 30, 1907.—1n May and June I was all around those two Sounds, and anchored out at night for two spells of seven or eight days each. In the quiet evenings and mornings I can learn most about the birds that are present, for if I go puffing into a place in the middle of the day I may not see or hear a bird, and then Igo away with the wrong impression. Most of the native birds are disappearing rapidly. The only ground-birds holding their own are wekas and roas, and the only fliers are kakas and pigeons. I heard very few kakapos on Resolution. I found that they were scarce in their favourite places and in poor condition. One poor old fellow was digging up the roots of a fern-tree, with his face all clotted with mud, and when T put him on the fernstem to climb out of danger he was not able to climb, thoutrh in good times he was one of the smartest and ablest climbers. In two places I did not find any kakapos, though it was midwinter, and awfully cold. Whatever is the cause, it has been the same everywhere I have been these last two seasons. May was the month in which they used to be always fat, and comfortably hid away in their dens in the daytime, but now the ones I found were mostly out in the ferns, both on Resolution and on the mainland. Feeding so much in the daytime was new to me, and I thought it might be ferrets keeping them up the trees at night, for they are wise creatures. So I went all around the quiet coasts of Resolution, to every bit of sand and mud I know of, looking for ferrettracks : but there was no sign of them, and I am satisfied that there are no ferrets on Resolution, for they are so fond of being about creek-beds and beaches that they could not keep away, and the birds are all low down at the time. I generally saw some kakapo-tracks, and plenty of roas and wekas. Tn about fifteen different anchorages I did not hear a single blackbird or thrush. Of course, they may have been in some places, but shy and silent: but there are none on Pigeon Island this winter, though they were such a nuisance here last year. At the two heads of Breaksea Sound there was a pitiful silence of all the small birds that used to be there: not a thrush, canary, creeper, tui, or moko did T hear, though those places used to be ringing with them. I only saw tits, fantails, white-eves, and warblers, and heard a few kakapos at night, but very few compared to what there used to be, and when I went for a hunt I did not find one there. I anchored specially under Mount Vancouver to listen for the native thrushes that used to be there; but there were none, nor was there a duck in the creek opposite, where there used to be always some. I met parties of creepers and canaries when I was in the bush on Resolution, but no thrushes, and now on Pigeon Island there are plenty of tuis and mokos, happily singing and playing as if they had honey, but I think it is panax-berries they are eating. Those berries ripen very slowly—only two or three ripe ones on a panicle of several hundreds. Tf they were to ripen all at once the whiteeves would come for them, but they cannot wait, and so the other birds get a chance. There was a great horde of white-eyes here in April that ate up everything that was ripe. Perhaps that was why the blackbirds left. There are more tuis on Pigeon Tsland now than anywhere else I have been in the Soundß. The absence of blackbirds is one reason for it, but there seems to be a great disturbance among the birds, and in their habits. The sparrows stayed here all the summer this year. In other years they went away in January, but in this thoy stayed until May. By great patience T managed to shoot a few of them, and then they all left. "October 9, 1907.—Yesterday T was in the shallow harbour near Waihopai. and the sandy bottom 10 ft. deep wa« paved with crayfish shedding their shells. T always thought that they went away into crevices for safety to shed their shells, but this lot were at the mercy of all the fish. Tn October the cod are always stuffed full of soft crayfish. The crayfish also gather in great companies for their hatching in May. many hundreds of them, not only covering the bottom. but two or three deep in some places. T often saw them in companies in spring-time, but did not know that they were soft-shelled. At North Port in January they were in great heaps in the shallow water, so that a boat would Rtiek on them, but I did not know what business they had on hand there. No doubt there are several applicants for every item of food. If we bring lobsters out here they will have to eat the crayfish or the crayfish will eat them, and the same with all other sea-fish. It will be a case of who is the best fighter and greatest glutton or the best racer.

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" November 1, 1907. — All the birds are going to have good times this year, as the flax, lawyers, broadleaf, and everything are loaded with blossoms. The kakapos are sure to breed this year, and visitors will hear the drumming that has not been heard for three years. "December 3, 1907. —The rats are back again after an absence of six years. They came to Pigeon Island some time ago, and lately I found that they were all over the Sounds as well. The wekas' good times are over while the rats are here. The latter are so keen-scented that they always win in competing with the wekas for food. They robbed my duck's nest this year. They do not tear it up like a weka, but'bore a hole in the covering and steal an egg. By that plan they keep the duck laying. I turned over a big flat stone, and there were the remains of about twenty eggs under it. " July 24, 1907.—There was a family of paradise ducks reared in Goose Cove last season, the first I had seen there. There were six little ones, but they were evidently short of food, and gradually got fewer until there were only two left. When they were able to fly one of them used to come to my cove and swallow the pipefish like a shag, so that it must have had very hard times for a while. My drake thrashed the little visitor one day and drove it into a hole, where I caught it, and found that it was just skin and bone, and only a dwarf compared to others. A family of teal generally come here in the evening, and my new duck ' Sam Weller ' is quite friendly with them, and will eat out of the same dish with them. He is not much bigger than the teal, through the hard schooling he has had. Now he goes away every morning and stays with a few others like himself, and then he comes here at dusk. At this time of the year the young males and females often keep separate, yet a few nights later he brought the little sister and taught her to eat wheat. Though the paradise do not feed at night, this pair do so, thus adapting themselves to circumstances to avoid the enmity of my tame ducks. She is shy, but he is so tame that I have to be careful that I do not walk on him. Somehow the old ducks know when they are here, and will sneak up and drive them away. Yet in a little while ' Sam.' at all events, will be back at 'the door again. No doubt all the real paradise have an inborn friendliness for man, like the wekas. May not that be evidence that the peaceful old pit-dwellers' of New Zealand farmed them? It could have been easily done by kindness, and by using a snare instead of hunting them. The same with the takahea, because its nearest relation, the swamp-hen, is the easiest bird in the world to tame and to keep tame. About the 30th July the two paradise and four of the teal disappeared. " February 18, 1908.—The humble-bees are here now, which means that they are all over Fiordland—more useless honey-eaters, for they are the wrong sort to fertilise the red clover. It is also possible that they may sting the native birds that are fly-catchers and honey-eaters, the two things that would bring them into contact."

APPENDIX 11. REPORT OF GOVERNMENT BALNEOLOGIST, ROTORUA. Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Sir, — Government Sanatorium, Rotorua, 4th June, 1908. I have the honour to present my report for the year ending 31st March, 1908. The event of most far-reaching importance in my section of the Department has been the practical completion of the new baths at Rotorua. New Bath Buildings. —ln regard to the new baths, with the exception of some of the machinery and some of the bath and douche fittings, the establishment is now complete, and should be in full working-order early in August. Cost. —ln view of the expenditure on these buildings and contents of some £30,000, the great bulk of which, by the way, was spent on New Zealand labour and material, a statement as to their earning-capacity becomes of importance. In the first place, I advised that the whole scheme should not be proceeded with at once, but that the main block and three wings should first be erected, and the remaining wings added as the demand arose. The part now completed includes all the more expensive portion of the building, and all the machinery necessary for the complete scheme, so that it will be possible in the future to very greatly increase the accommodation at comparatively small expense. In regard to the utilisation of the buildings, two distinct functions have been kept in view. In the first place, provision has been made for all forms of mineral baths, both for medical treatment and simply for pleasure purposes, and for all the varied forms of physical treatment, including massage, vibration, and the most modern forms of electric light and heat treatments. One thousand persons per diem can thus be treated, provided that there were a proportionately equal demand on the various departments.

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Pump-room. —The other function is to provide something equivalent to the British " Pumpm," or the continental Casino or Ivursaal —a building which practically answers the purpose of a club for all .visitors —where there are shelter in bad weather, light music, and a bright cheerful rendezvous in the evening. This is looked upon as an absolutely indispensable part of a spa by all the managing authorities of Europe, and their reasoning is based on no sentiment, but on the solid experience of cash-receipts. Such a building will add greatly to the attractions of Rotorua as a winter resort. To make this Pump-room self-supporting I have suggested that the British plan of a very moderately priced season ticket, which would admit to all concerts, ivc, be adopted, as the continental system of a kurtax would hardly be tolerated here. Supply of Mineral Water. —For the convenience of the visitor who is compelled to consider as paramount the question of expense, and for the free treatment of indigent patients, I have advised that the old baths be continued as heretofore. This, however, necessitates a greater demand on the supply of Rachel water than was at first contemplated, and additional supplies of alkaline water from the Kuirau Reserve to the extent of 50,000 gallons a day are being procured, which will supply the swimming-baths and douches, and so release 50,000 gallons of Rachel water for bath purposes. Should necessity arise in future years to still further augment this supply, it can easily be doubled from the Kuirau Reserve, while an expenditure of about £2,000 would give a million gallons a day from Whakarewarewa. In regard to the acid water, the new spring discovered last year appears to have an output far in excess of any demand likely to be made on it. Owing to the swamping of some of the old Priest baths by cold underground springs, these baths have been largely thrown out of use during the last year, and this has seriously affected the bath receipts. Fortunately the discovery of new acid springs has minimised the inconvenience of the partial failure of the old ones. Whakarewarewa Baths. —The Spout and Oil Baths have fallen entirely to decay, and a start is being made on a new building which will adequately house both these baths under one roof. 'The Season has on the whole been a very good one. There has been a steady influx of visitors. which has continued long after the official "season" closed. The bath receipts have continued at a high level, but these are now bj no means the index to the Dumber of visitors that once thej were, as so many visitors come simply for the sporting and other attractions of the place. Rotorua is becoming more and more recognised as a holiday resort, and, with more amusements, should become yet more popular. I think there can be no doubt about the success of the provision of constant music in the grounds. The orchestra was paid partly by local subscription and partly by Government subsidy, and I have learned from a very large number of visitors of their appreciation of the cheerful atmosphere created by the music. I think, however, that in future the orchestra should be wholly in the pay of the Department, and be made largely self-supporting. If the band continued all the year round the season, already prolonged to the end of May, should practically continue through the whole winter. The Sanatorium.—To meet the ever-growing demand for beds, a new wing, consisting of eight cubicles with accessory offices, is now under construction, and should be completed in a fewweeks. The amount of work done at the Sanatorium has been greatly in excess of that of any other previous years, and has entailed a great deal of extra work on the staff. I would here desire to express my appreciation of the excellent work done by the staff during the past year. An extra nurse is being appointed to cope with the increased work entailed by the extensions to the Sanatorium. Emergency Ward. —Owing to the anomalous position of Rotorua, belonging as it does to no hospital district, and possessing no hospital of its own, and with a population rapidly increasing in numbers, an increasing number of hospital cases have had to be admitted to the emergency ward, and a large number of serious operations have been performed. The work in this direction has increased a hundredfold in the last two years, and the question of a small general hospital requires urgent consideration. The House Surgeon, Dr. Levis, resigned this autumn, after a stay of three years. Dr. Bertram, of the Auckland Hospital, was appointed to the vacancy. Medical Residence. —A new building, satisfactory in every respect, was completed during the summer. Isolation Hospital. —The old building which has been adapted for some years past as an isolation hospital is fast falling into utter decay, and in any case is hardly suitable for a hospital. Statistics. Receipts for the Year ending 31st March, 1908. 1908. 1907. £ s. d. £ s. d. Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,055 16 3 892 5 6 Out-patients' fees ... ... ... ... ... 724 12 5 748 16 0 Bath fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,577 9 0 2,614 8 6 Mineral water ... ... ... ... ... 147 16 10 216 16 0 Massage and electrical treatment ... ... ... 199 5 3 219 5 9 Players' fees ... ... ... ... ... 179 13 6 137 8 3 Miscellaneous receipts ... ... ... ... 484 760 Total ... ... ... ... £4,889 1 7 £4,836 6 0 Value of free consultations : Out-patients, £124 19s. Od.

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Total Number of Baths and Special Treatments. Number. Value. £ s. d. Paid for ... ... ... ... ... ... 98,070 2,973 14 9 Sanatorium ... ... ... ... ... ... 11,417 897 8 3 Free out-patients ... ... ... ... ... 1,751 127 11 3 Total ... ... ... 111,238 £3,998 14 3 Correspondence. New Zealand. Foreign. Number of letters received ... ... ... ... ... (Not recorded) 30 „ telegrams received ... ... ... ... ... „ „ letters despatched ... ... ... ... ... 1,971 40 „ telegrams despatched ... ... ... ... ... 352 Nationality of Patients. The total number of new patients who consulted me, apart from the Sanatorium, was, roughly, 600. As far as could be ascertained, of these, 100 came from Australia, 45 from Great Britain, and 20 from other countries; the remainder were New-Zealanders. I have no means of ascertaining the nationality of the visitors who took the baths but did not consult me. I have, &c, Arthur S. Wohlmann, Government Balneologist. The General Manager, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Wellington.

APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF ENGINEER IN CHARGE, ROTORUA, ON WORKS. Sin, — Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Rotorua, 16th June, 1908. I beg to report on the works under my supervision as follows: — Electric Light. The electric-light plant has run very satisfactorily during the year, and has not been shut down once between sunset and sunrise during that period—a very satisfactory record in view of the fact that the whole plant has been running overloaded every week evening. The limit and the output of the plant is the maximum power that the turbines will generate with the low head available, and at the beginning of the year this amounted to 80 kilowatts, with both generators running. During the year a' wing dam has been thrown out from the head-gates, extending about 20 ft. into the swiftest part of the stream. This was a very difficult work indeed, owing to the strength of the current, but was carried out very successfully by the engineer, Mr. Beal, at the very low cost of about £320. This has resulted in an increased head and flow through the turbines, which has increased the capacity of the generators to 95 kilowatts. As a result, some twenty-five new premises, each of small consumption, were connected up to the mains during the year. The total output for the year has been about 93,800 units delivered in Rotorua, which has been distributed as follows :— Units. Private lighting ... ... ... ... ... ... 65,930 Street-lighting ... ... ... ... ... ... 12,960 Baths, tea-house, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 10,550 State Nursery ... ... ... ... ... ... 960 Rotorua Gardens ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,200 Works ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,200 93,800 The cost of operation for the year has been as follows:— £ Salaries ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 540 Wages and stores ... ... ... ... ... ... 339 Proportion of office expenses ... ... ... ... ... 200 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... £1,079 That is, 2'Bd. per unit.

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The revenue for the year has been £1,689 —that is, 6d. per unit sold. Valuing the current supplied for public light, baths, tea-house, State Nursery, &c. (27,870 units) at 4d. per unit, the plant lias earned £464 from such supplies, making a total equivalent revenue of £2,153 — i.e., s'4d. per unit, and showing a working-profit of £1,074. The capital cost at the end of the year was £19,000; and, allowing 5 per cent, for interest and sinking fund (£950), the plant has paid for itself, lighted the baths, streets, and public buildings at a very cheap rate, and earned a net profit of £124 for the year. The work of excavating and preparing for the additional plant to be installed has been pushed on, and the site is ready for the extension of the power-house. The Carnival Grounds and dancing-platform were successfully lighted during the Carnival month, and eight permanent lights have been placed on the Marine Parade. The bowling-greens were illuminated during the three nights of the evening tournaments, and proved a very successful feature. Five street-lamps have been erected during the year in Ohinemutu Village, constituting a much-needed improvement, and the Native meetinghouse of Ohinemutu, " Tama-te-kapua," has been connected with the mains. In order to supply the new Bath Buildings pending the completion of the extensions at Okere power-house, an oil-engine generating-set of 18 kilowatts capacity, was installed during the year, ami has pioved of great assistance on several occasions in relieving the overload on the Okere plant. Water-supply System. The new water-supply system recently installed by the Public Works Department has not been taken over, but water has been supplied throughout the year from the new mains, giving a pressure of 70 lb. to 80 lb. throughout the town, as compared with a pressure of 201b. to 351b. given by the old system. The result has been most satisfactory in dealing with fires, and, in each case in which the brigade has been called in reasonable time in case of tire, the fire has been promptly extinguished; whereas, with the old pressure, the brigade were never able to do more than save the surrounding buildings. The revenue from water rates during the year has been £343, and the expenditure on maintenance £146. This latter item will probably increase very considerably with the main (six miles) and reticulation (eight miles) of wood-stave pipes comprising the new system to be maintained. In addition to the wooden-pipe system laid by the Public Works Department, some two miles of smaller distributing-pipes have been laid in suburban streets during the year, and fifty-nine new water-services laid on. In accordance with the recommendation of Captain Hennah (Fire Inspector), twelve standing hydrants have been placed round the various buildings belonging to the Department, with hoses, branches, and nozzles attached, ready to run out at a moment's notice. In case of fire these standing hydrants may be the means of saving a whole building, which, were it necessary to wait the five or ten minutes before the brigade could be alarmed, would be entirely destroyed. Drainage. The new drainage system has been completed, and put into operation by the Public Works Department during the year, and has since been taken over by this Department. It is working very satisfactorily, and is making a very marked improvement in the health and comfort of the town. Some fifty premises were connected at the end of the year, and others are coming into line at the rate of one or two per week. It is anticipated that this drainage system will be effective in entirely obviating typhoid cases in future in the premises connected up to it. Bath Buildings. The old Bath Buildings have been maintained in good working-condition during the year at a cost of £433 6s. 3d. The electric wiring, mineral-water supply, and a number of other works have been carried out at the new Bath Buildings under the direction of the Balneologist, Dr. Wohlmann. Sanatorium and Hospital Buildings. Urgent repairs to these have been carried out during the year at a cost of £56 10s. 5d., and considerable improvements were effected in connection with the installation of the drainage system; but a further expenditure of £200 is urgently required for painting and renovating these buildings, which are deteriorating rapidly for want of such renovation. The shingle roof will also require replacement within a couple of years' time. An additional male-ward of eight cubicles is in hand. Balneologist's Residence. A ten-roomed residence has been erected during the year in Hinemoa Street in place of the old building. Rotorua Gardens. These have been maintained during the year in first-class condition on the limited amount available for such an extensive area. The flower-displays have been of the best description, particularly the azalias, dahlias, roses, gladioli, and daphne amongst the perennials; schizanthus and pansies amongst the annuals; and the daffodils amongst the bulbs. Some seventy thousand individuals amongst the annuals were propagated and planted out during the season.

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The bowling, tennis, and croquet lawns have been maintained in better condition than in any previous year, and have been kept in first-class playing-order right to the end of the season. The revenue from the playing-greens has been £179 13s. 6d., as compared with £137 for the previous year, but still remains only a fraction of the cost of upkeep of these greens. The aviary and water-fowl enclosure continue to serve as interesting attractions to tourists, and have been very useful in connection with acclimatisation matters in the district. Wiiakarewarewa Reserve. This has been maintained in good order during the year, and remains one of our main attractions to the district. Wairoa Geyser has been soaped only four times during the year, and responded on three occasions. Waikite Geyser still plays continuously. The other geysers, Papakura, Pohutu, Waikorohihi, Prince of Wales's Feather, Paeria, and Kereru, play at intervals. The old Spout Baths at Whakarewarewa, which have done service for many years, are now entirely beyond repair, and plans are in hand for a modern bath building to replace them. A cottage of six rooms has been erected for the Caretaker, in a commanding position overlooking the reserve, thus enabling him at all times to observe what is taking place therein. Kuirau Reserve. Very little has been done in this reserve, as we have ample attractions elsewhere, but it will prove very valuable for future development. Hamurana Reserve. This reserve has been maintained in good order, and a new landing-stage built for the Hamurana Spring. The river has been cleared, and is now easily navigable by rowing-boats. The tea-tent has been maintained throughout the year, including the winter, and has proved a great convenience to tourists and fishermen. The Roads Department are now building a bridge at the mouth of the stream, which will connect the main Rotorua-Tauranga Road with the Kaharoa Road. Okere Reserve. This reserve has been maintained and very much improved during the year. A fisherman's track has been opened up on the eastern bank of the Kaituna River, which was formerly quite inaccessible, and a series of three experimental fish-ponds have been formed at the head of the Okere Falls. The Tuatea Falls, some 10 chains below the Okere Falls, have always been a very attractive sight, I hough visible only from the top of the adjacent hills, being quite inaccessible for closer inspection. In exploring the spot for a suitable outlet for the electric tail-race, Mr. Beal found an interesting series of caves at the foot of these hills, and cut steps, tunnelled through the solid rock, to give access to them, forming a useful addition to the tourist attractions of the neighbourhood. Wharves and Lake Services. The wharves and beacons on Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti have been maintained, and a number of additional beacons erected. The entrances to the Ohau Channel, connecting these lakes, have been beaconed and cleared, but extensive deepening is required here, as only boats of 20 in. draught or less can get through during the latter half of the summer, and then only with difficulty. As the best scenery is in Lake Rotoiti, necessitating the passage of the Ohau Channel, it is urgent that this be deepened by an additional 6 in. to 12 in. Waitomo and Ruakuri Caves. Considerable improvements in the Ruakuri Caves were effected during the year, rendering them accessible without inconvenience or danger. The Waitomo Caves were already in very good order. The Waitomo Accommodation-house has been thoroughly overhauled, and rendered much more comfortable. Okataina Round Trip. This new round trip was opened up at the end of December, and in connection therewith a new launch, the " Reremoana," was built for service on Lake Tarawera, the former launch on this lake, the " Patiti," being moved over to Lake Okataina. The " Reremoana " is a fine cabin launch, 55 ft. long by 10 ft. beam, with panel cabin, 15 ft. long, the full width of the boat, and a separate ladies' cabin. It has a capacity of about eighty passengers comfortably seated, with ample promenade- and main-deck space, and is driven by a 50-horse power Monarch engine, giving a speed of between ten and eleven miles an hour. The construction of the launch was carried out by Messrs. Robinson and Mcintosh, of Rotorua. The high speed enables both the Okataina and Waimangu passengers to be landed in the same time as was formerly taken on the Waimangu trip alone. A four-roomed cottage has been erected at Te Wairoa to accommodate the driver of the launch. The necessary wharves, roads, and tracks in connection with the new round trip have also been carried out.

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Whakarewarewa Model Pa. The model pa which is being built at Whakarewarewa has been pushed on a further stage. The whole of the palisading is now completed, and some of the interior structures are in hand. Great care has been taken, in proceeding with this work, to consult, down to the minutest details, all possible authorities in the forms of monographs, and the memories of the older Natives of the district. In deciding on a suitable design difficulty was experienced in avoiding European influences. This applied more particularly to those features of pa-building which were introduced (through the use of rifles) during the wars of 1845 and later, and which are obviously not truly characteristic of the Maori. Every attempt, however, has been made to keep the detail as true to original Maori custom as possible. I have again to acknowdedge the very loyal and energetic assistance received from each of the responsible members of the staff, without which it would be impossible to satisfactorily carry out the various works outlined above. Yours, &c, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, A.M.1.C.E., Engineer in Charge. The General Manager, Tourist Department, Wellington.

APPENDIX IV. REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER, TOWN OF ROTORUA. Sir, — Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Rotorua, 23rd June, 1908. I have the honour to report on the municipal administration of the Town of Rotorua for the year ending March, 1908, as follows : — The most important addition to the scope of my duties as an officer of the Department during the year was my appointment as Resident Officer under " The Rotorua Town Act, 1907.' ; On the Ist September, 1907, I took over under your directions the control of the Town of Rotorua from the late Town Council, of which body I had been Chairman by Government appointment since March, 1907. The electric light and water-supply works were from their installation controlled by the Department, and the expert staff employed in connection with these works made it possible for the Department to take over the remaining works in connection with the town administration, and carry on the complete management of the town in a more economical manner than had been the case in the past under divided control. The revenue ol the town for the past eight years has been as follows : — £ £ 1901 ... ... ... 1,164 1905 ... ... ... 4,107 1902 ... ... ... 2,236 1906 ... ... ... 3,963 1903 .. ... ... 3,975 1907 ... ... ... 5,150 1904 ... ... ... 4,447 The increase in revenue for the last year over the previous year is chiefly due to outstanding nightsoil fees, which were in arrears at the time the Department assumed control of the town, and the receipt of a heavy instalment of fees due to the town account from the Treasury on the last day of the year. The expenditure for the year has been heavier than usual, owing to the amount expended in road and street construction ; expenditure on work of this description will be reduced for the current year. The revenue for the current year is estimated at £4,300, and this amount will be sufficient to carry out the necessary works and administration of the town; but it will be necessary, in my opinion, to gpend the whole of the sum available on such permanent improvements as are calculated to reduce the cost of cleaning and maintenance of roads and streets in future. The receipts and expenditure for the year have been as follows: — Receipts. £ Expenditure. £ Crown rents .. .. .. .. 2,277 Works .. .. .. .. 4,240 Bath fees .. .. .. .. 1,294 Nightsoil .. .. .. ..485 Nightsoil fees .. .. .. .. 950 Fire-prevention .. .. .. 154 Publicans'licenses .. .. .. 182 Isolation Hospital .. .. .. 92 General licenses .. .. .. 189 Licensing expenses .. .. .. 22 Library fees .. .. .. .. 81 Library .. .. .. .. 110 Pound fees .. .. .. .. 50 Pound .. .. .. .. 24 Dog-registration .. .. .. 34 Charitable aid .. .. .. .. 6 Sundries .. .. .. .. 93 Insurance .. .. .. .. 23 Salaries .. .. .. ..337 Offioe expenses .. .. .. 157 Sundries .. .. .. ..183 £5,150 £5,833

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Streets and Roads. The expenditure on the maintenance and improvement of the streets and roads during the year has been £4,240, the largest of any year hitherto. The greater part of this has been done on works of a permanent nature. In the autumn of last year special attention was first paid to the three main roads giving access to Rotorua from the surrounding districts—viz., Maketu, Taupo, and Tauranga Roads. All three were heavily sheeted with pumice, which lasted well throughout the year, and remained in perfect order up to the end of the summer. The Taupo Road was also graded, and an embankment made at the second mile peg, which has constituted a great improvement. Vehicles were formerly frequently bogged in the thermal clay here, whereas it is now a lirst-class piece of road. The grading of the Whakarewarewa Road, between the town and Whakarewarewa, which had been commenced during the previous year, but abandoned pending the completion of the waterworks, was energetically taken up, and so far completed that the roadway has been formed on the new permanent level. In grading this road the old 8 in. cast-iron water-main had to be lowered in one place for a length of 6 chains to a depth of 4 ft., and in another for a length of 12 chains to a depth of 6 ft. This was most successfully accomplished without interfering with the supply of water to the town through the pipe. This main road has also been repaired constantly, but is very difficult to maintain pending its being thoroughly metalled for its whole length, which will be completed during the current year. During the current year 1,369 cubic yards of a good hard quality of local stone has been quarried on the banks of the Puarenga ready for ballasting this road as soon as the opportunity offers for proceeding with the work. Of the other roads, in addition to these, the following were recrowned, pumiced, and put into good order: Cemetery Road, 60 chains; Old Taupo Road, 30 chains; Malfroy Road, 5 chains: Slaughterhouse Road, 3 chains; Tarewa Road, H* chains: Postmaster Bath Road, 35 chains. Within the central portion of the town the great difficulty which has always been encountered hitherto has been that of finding a suitable material for standing the heavier traffic. Pumice gravel forms excellent foot- or buggy-traffic roads, and in dry weather will stand a fair amount of heavy traffic. But in wet weather it breaks up very rapidly under heavy traffic, and it is only its very low cost —Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per cubic yard—that justifies its use. The late Council bad used a great deal of soft rock from the Koutu quarries, for which the Natives charged 4s. 6d. per cubic yard broken at the quarry. As it cost as much again to cart it into the town, the cost was quite beyond its value, being only a third-class material in any case. Tenders were therefore called in May, 1907, for 1,000 cubic yards of first-class metal, and a very satisfactory range of samples was submitted. The metal selected was Te Kuiti limestone, costing 4s. per cubic yard at the quarry, and 4s. 9d, per cubic yard for freight, bringing the total cost of a first-class limestone to practically the same as was formerly paid for the soft Koutu rock. Tutanekai Street (33 chains) and Arawa Street (10 chains) have been sheeted with this Te'Kuiti limestone with very satisfactory results, and this work is being pushed on very energetically during the current year. A very successful experiment was tried in Arawa Street of finishing off with tarred limestone screenings, which has formed a surface as good as that of a full-tarred metal road at about one-half the cost. The total quantities of metal purchased during the year were as follows: Te Kuiti limestone, 782 cubic yards, at an average cost of Bs. 9d. per cubic yard; Puarenga metal, 1,369 cubic yards, at an average cost of 3s. per cubic yard: total cost of metal and freight, £515. In addition to this metalling, the active policy of kerbing and channelling initiated by the late Town Council has been carried on, the following streets being dealt with during the year: Tutanekai Street, 8 chains; Hinemoa Street, 10 chains; Haupapa Street, 42 chains; Pukuatua Street, 22 chains; Amohia Street, 4 chains : total, 86 chains: at a total cost of £400,'0r £4 10s. per chain. The trees in the streets have been trimmed and pruned as required, and additional planting is being put in hand. Parade Improvements. The value of the lake-shore as a recreation-ground has not been taken advantage of by the former authorities, and even now its possibilities are only partially realised. A rowing club was formed during the year, and the old boatshed on the parade repaired and enlarged, at a cost of £300, to give accommodation to the four-oared racing-boats. It was at the same time moved to a more convenient situation nearer the wharf, thus leaving an uninterrupted view of the lake from Kenton Street. The whole parade was also cleaned up, the fencing repaired, and new gates put up when required. The total expenditure on these improvements amounted to £147 19s. sd. As a result the ground was in excellent condition for the Citizens' Carnival, which was held in it from the 19th February to the 13th March. Bridges. The bridges in the town have been regularly inspected, and the Puarenga bridges at Whakarewarewa and on the Whakarewarewa Road were redecked. Nightsoil Service. The nightsoil service has been carried on satisfactorily by the town staff at a cost of £485 for the year. The excellent work done in this connection as compared with other towns conducting a similar service may be judged from the fact that not a single complaint has been received from householders.

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Refuse-removal. This work has been carried on satisfactorily at a cost of £90 for the year. This service is rendered free to all householders in the inner area, it being considered by the late Town Council that the fee for removal of nightsoil was sufficiently high to cover collection of refuse. In the near future the question of making a reasonable annual charge for removal of refuse from hotels, boardinghouses, and shops may have to be taken into consideration. Library. The library and reading-room have been carried on very successfully, and 150 books have been added to the shelves during the year, bringing the total number up to 2,000. The revenue has been £81, and the expenditure £110, including £51 for books and £17 for magazines, &c. A special effort has been made to make the library characteristically local in the number of books dealing particularly with New Zealand interests, Maori customs and traditions, and the special features of the thermal-springs districts for the benefit of the visitors desirous of making themselves familiar with these matters. The free public reading-room, equipped with the standard papers and magazines, is very popular. The Victoria Institute public room has been used very frequently for evening meetings, and is occupied by the Chamber of Commerce as an office during the day. Pound. The pound has been considerably improved at a cost of £24. The ranging has been satisfactorily carried on, pound fees yielding £50 during the year. A stack of 10 tons of grass hay from Pukeroa was harvested during the summer and stacked at tiie pound, thus economising largely in fodder. Sanitary Inspection. A rigid sanitary inspection has been maintained, and a large number of improvements effected by householders. The general health of the town has been good, and with the introduction of the drainage system will continue to improve. The various additional duties of the Sanitary Inspector — viz., the inspection of licensed halls, the control of licensed vehicles and drivers, the registration of dogs, inspection of boardinghouses with particular reference to the fire-escape facilities, &c. —have been satisfactorily carried out. Public Health. The Isolation Hospital, which under "The Public Health Act, 1900," came under the ad- ' ministration of the Town Council, has been carried on as well as the circumstances would allow, the expenditure during the year a mating to £47 for rent, and £45 for the nursing and maintenance of the five patients treated. This year, owing to an increased number of patients, this cost will come out a great deal lighter. In other boroughs such charges are met by a levy made by the Hospital Board of the district on all towns within such district, the charges on any one borough being comparatively small. Hotorua is unique in that it is not included in any special hospital district, and lias therefore to maintain its own hospital, which serves on emergency for the whole district, in addition to the town proper. Building-inspection. During the year eighteen building permits have been issued, the fees amounting to £20 ss. The general quality of the buildings is rapidly improving, and an excellent lead has been set in this direction by the new buildings of the Tourist Department and the Bank of New Zealand. Three large first-class boardinghouses were built during the year, and three others enlarged and brought up to date in their appointments. With the introduction of the sewerage system, considerable improvements have been made in a large number of boarding and private houses, and the general standard of both interior and exterior architecture is being raised. The old town by-laws were not administered very firmly, and no inspection was formerly carried on outside the inner area. This has rendered it difficult to insist on a better class of building; but with amended by-laws it is anticipated that a distinct improvement will be effected. In a tourist resort this is a most important consideration. The desirability of painting all exposed surfaces, both walls and roofs, in good permanent and tasteful colours cannot be insisted on too strongly, both for the sake of the improved appearance of the town and the preservation of the buildings from decay due to the specially corrosive nature of the atmosphere in the thermal districts. Fire Brigade. The Volunteer Fire Brigade has carried on operations during the year very successfully, owing to the keen interest and co-operation of Captain W. E. Bennett and the members. Its effectiveness in suppressing outbreaks has been enoimously increased by the introduction of the higher water-pressure from the new water-supply system completed by the Public Works Department during the year. A pressure of 70 lb. to 80 lb. per square inch is now available, as compared with 30 lb. to 40 lb. under the old system, and three or four jets can be played on a fire at once. Four fires were attended to during the year. The expenditure for the year amounted to £18 4s. Bd. in payment to the members, and £133 14s. lid. for new plant and improvements to the fire-station. A new manual hose-reel furnished with an extension ladder and new double-head valve hydrant was added to the equipment. The obsolete hose-reel formerly in use by the brigade was converted into a very useful apparatus-carriage for conveying ladders, &c. The fire-tower was thoroughly overhauled, painted, and made weatherproof. The personnel of the brigade con-

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•ists of sixteen members, and the full complement has been maintained throughout the year. Practices are held weekly, and the average attendance at same was 80 per cent. Three members of the brigade reside at the fire-station, and are available for service at a moment's notice. The brigade with its present equipment is capable of coping with any outbreak likely to occur in the town. Salvage Corps. A Volunteer Salvage Corps was formed during the year, and has rendered valuable assistance in several fires.

Statement of Reserves and Real Property.

14th May, 1908. Lawrence Birks, Resident Officer.

APPENDIX V. REPORT ON ROTORUA ACCLIMATISATION DISTRICT. Sir,— Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Rotorua, 26th May, 1908. The administration of the Rotorua Acclimatisation District has now been in the hands of .the Department for thirteen months, having been taken over on the Ist February, 1907, and the year now closing has been one of active and useful work in conserving and developing fluinterests of the sportsman. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). While the sportsman can obtain plenty of opportunities amongst the fish and feathered game in the neighbourhood of Rotorua, there has been hitherto no opportunity of stalking larger game. Mr. Chirnside, of Werribee Park, Victoria, presented the Department with nine red deer, which arrived on the 15th March, 1907. As they were then only three to four months old, they were kept in the Grounds, where they formed an attraction of considerable interest to visitors, until the 23rd May. when six were liberated on the north shore of Lake Rotoiti. The remaining three (one male and two female), not being so strong as the others, were retained until the 15th November, 1907, and were then liberated at the same spot. The country behind this point extending right to the coast is very wild, practically unoccupied, and should form excellent ground for breeding and hunting. The herd have been sighted several times since liberation, and are apparently doing well. In addition, the herd of eleven deer which Mr. Benn liberated at Lake Okareka some three years ago, has been increased during the year by three, also from Mr. Chirnside's estate, and several fawns have been seen in the herd. Sambtjr Deer (Cervus aristotelis). In addition to red deer, two sambur deer were obtained by the Department from New Caledonia. With his usual keen interest in sport Mr. Benn had also gone to the expense of bringing over six others from the same herd, and undertook the supervision and the expense of the liberation of the whole eight at Galatea, where they should give excellent sport in the course of time.

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Property. Lessee. Arrears, Lease. 1st April, 1907. Kent payable. Rent paid. Arrears, 31st March 1908. Section at Whakarewarewa .. Section 39, Rotorua Suburb- .. Foreshore Section 2 W. Bright L. D. Nathan and Co. W. Rogers Hot Lakes Ferrv Company W. B. Bennett " General Hogg Goodson Bros. L. H. Darlot D. W. Steele .. H. W. Howdeu V. J. Larner Rowing Club Eusabs, Insley, and Co. A. J. Ilea H. Allen J. Watt C. M. Phillips C. W. Grove .. V. J. Larner .. F. G. Lundon Pound-site Stables and yard Library and municipal buildings Years. £ s. d. 18 15 0 £ s. d. 2 12 0 12 10 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 1 15 0 10 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 15 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 £ s. d. 2 12 0 25 0 0 £ s. d. 6 5 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 Boat-shed compartments 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 15 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 • ■ • Boat-shed Dinghy grid and shed 10 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 5 0 10 0 0 10 0 10 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 Seotion 1, Block 64 .. Seotion 8, Block 23 .. Beotion 8, Blook 23 .. 1 6 0 |30 15 0 1 177 12 0 |53 0 0 |55 5 0

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Pheasant (Phatianus torquatus). The pheasant will always constitute our most valuable game bird, but, unfortunately, owing to the number of enemies to be encountered, they are comparatively rare breeders, and as a result two to four birds constitutes a good day's bag. Artificial breeding has therefore been actively taken up under the management of the Ranger, Mr. A. L. Bertling, recently from the staff of the London Zoological Gardens. In order to improve the local strain, seventy-live pheasants were obtained from Wellington at the end of July, and were distributed as follows : Retained for breeding at pheasantry, 31; distributed to members of the local Rod and Gun Club, 13; liberated (cocks only), 31. A pheasantry consisting of six enclosures, each -ill square feet, was erected in a suitable paddock on the outskirts of the town, and one cock and six hens confined in each enclosure. The equipment has been kept as primitive as possible in order to limit the expenditure. It consists of a Tamlin's " Nonpareil " 200-egg hot-water-tank incubator, bone and grit crushers, fowlhouse, and chicken-coops. Between the 26th October, 11)07, and the 3rd January, 1908, 647 eggs were laid, of which 91 were unfertile, 65 addled, and 11)1 hatched. Of these, 410 young pheasants were successfully reared, and liberated as follows : — December 5, Utuhina ... .. ... .. ... 15 9, , ... ... .. ... ... 11 13, „ ... ... ... ... 9 January 5, Wairoa ... ... ... ... ... 25 10, Ngawaro ... ... ... ... ... 25 20, Rotoiti ... ... ... ... 20 28, Ngongotaha ... .. ... ... 20 February 3, Okere ... ... ... ... ... 18 „ 15, Rotoehu ... ... ... ... ... 16 „ 15, Rotoma .... ... ... ... 18 December 20, Utuhina ... ... ... ... ... 13 31, „ ... ... ... ... ... 11 January 2, „ ... ... ... ... ... 9 „ 4, Hamurana ... ... ... ... ... 25 5, Utuhina ... ... ... ... ... 17 „ 7, Ngongotaha... ... ... ... ... 27 17, Mamaku ... ... ... ... ... 25 20, Te Toroa ... ... ... ... ... 23 February 4, Te Ngae ... ... .. ... ... 17 March 8, Rangipiri ... ... ... ... ... 21 20, Waiotapu ... ... ... ... ... 25 25, Okareka ... ... ... ... ... 20 Total ... ... ... ... 110 Considering the late start that was made, and the small expenditure on apparatus, these results are very satisfactory indeed, anil should be easily doubled or trebled during the coming season. In addition to these birds, the thirteen that were distributed to three members of the local club, Messrs. lies, Crowther, and Naden, resulted in thirty-one birds being returned to the pheasantry, which are being retained to increase the number of stock birds for next season. Quail. The quail, both Californian (CaUipepla ealiforniea) and Australian (turnix varia), continue to give good sport, and it has not been considered necessary to take any steps to increase their numbers. It is some years since fresh blood was introduced, and, though numerous broods are hatched, the clutches are small, due, no doubt, to inbreeding. A fresh strain would probably improve the sport to a considerable extent, as they are generally much appreciated by the visiting sportsmen. Grit Duck (Anas superciliosa). Duck are fairly plentiful on the lakes, but important work is yet to be done in increasing their numbers. From the birds kept in the enclosure in the Gardens fifty-two grey duck, fifteen white call-duck, and three Canadian geese were hatched ill the incubator, reared, and liberated. In addition, forty-five unfertile eggs were obtained. This large proportion is, no doubt, due to the disturbance of the birds in the enclosure in the Gardens by visitors, and much better results will be obtainable at the water-fowl enclosure which has been built during the year on the lakeshore near Picnic Point, as it is almost entirely concealed amongst the reeds and manuka. Mallarh Duck (Anas boseas). In addition to grey duck, a special effort is being made to introduce the mallard duck, which will prove a very valuable acquisition to the sport of the district. Five of these birds were already in the Gardens, and two pair were received from Mr. Benn. From these, eight ducklings were hatched during the season, and twenty-eight adult birds were received from Wellington, making forty-five in all, which will give a good start for next season's breeding.

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Paraoise Duck (Cascarca variegata). Paradise duck are slowly gaining ground, but none were hatched artificially last season. One clutch of seven were hatched naturally on the lake-shore and brought up by the parent birds in the lakelets in the Gardens, where they still frequent, and form a great source of interest to visitors. Breeding-sanctuaries. Important assistance in the work of breeding will be derived from the recent declaration of several breeding-sanctuaries in the district. These now include Lake Okareka, Lake Okataina, Okere Falls neighbour]] 1, the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, and Lakes Rotoaira and Rotokawa in the Taupo District. The most important is the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, as this includes the areas frequented by the birds which are living in a semi-domestic state in the Gardens, and which will yield a most valuable supply of eggs for artificial breeding for distribution purposes. Rabbit-poisoning. One of the must serious causes of the destruction of the pheasants encountered in the district is the custom of laying poison for rabbits. As long as this is done systematically it will be impossible to stock the district with game. The relative importance of breeding game and of destroying rabbits is for other authorities to estimate, but it would appear possible to destroy the rabbits just as effectually, and with much greater certainty as to the result, by offering a reward for their scalps and encouraging sportsmen to shoot them, and trappers to build up an industry by opening up a market for rabbits. Such met hods would be much more remunerative to the district, and would not be so cruelly fatal to the interests of a sport on which, to a considerable extent, the success of Rotorua as a tourist resort depends. Gun Licenses. The greatest difficulty met with in ranging is the young fellow who is out with a gun evidently intent on killing whatever comes in his way, but who, when challenged to produce his license, declares that he is looking only for rabbits. Even if he has a pheasant in his bag he can usually slip it out of sight before being accosted by the Ranger. As long as there is no restriction on the caiiying of firearms, this will always remain a serious loss of revenue, and a serious cause of the wanton destruction of the game, as well as of risk of life and limb. If, instead of a license to si t certain game for a fee of £1 per annum, a license at the same fee to carry a gun could be made compulsory in all places, except on a person's own lands, it would react largely in the interests of true sport, and would reduce the nuinbei of gun accidents to a very large extent by keeping guns out of the hands of irresponsible boys. In a tourist district such as this, very little Opposition would be raised to such a provision, except from those who are desirous of indulging in illegal or unjustifiable shooting. The farmers themselves are with us to a man in the protection of the game on their lands, and co-operate heartily in every possible direction. Trout Hatching and Distribution. Very active and successful work has been accomplished in this direction during the year. The hatchery erected last year by the Public Works Department on the Waikuta Stream, four miles from Rotorua on the Tauianga Road, was taken over by this Department on the 21st May, and Mr. E. F. Rutherford immediately took charge. The stream at this spot is most suitable for hatching purposes, rising direct as it does from natural springs a few yards above, thus insuring a uniform How, uniform temperature, and freedom from floods and contamination. The temperature of the stream is 53° Fahr., giving excellent results. At this low temperature hatching is slow, the period of incubation being thirty to thirty-six days, as compared with twenty to twentyfour days in the ordinary drainage streams at 58° to 60° Fahr. This long period of incubation results in much healthier fish, and gives better opportunities for proper attention and transport as eyed ova when required. The hatchery herewith shown in the photograph is a very suitable building, 18ft. by 29ft., containing six hatching-boxes each 15 in. wide, 7 in. dee]), and 12 ft. long, giving a total capacity of half a million ova at each filling. The Waikuta Stream itself is too small to carry g 1 stock fish. For this purpose the Fairy Stream, a mile nearer Rotorua, was selected, and half a dozen st ripping-t raps formed. Stripping was commenced on the 24th June, and continued at intervals up to the 13th September. During this period of twelve weeks 1,500,000 ova were taken, which filled the hatchery three times. Of these. 04 per cent, were successfully hatched, and distributed as follows:— July 26, Puarenga Stream above Whakarewarewa Geysers ... 25,000 29, Tahunaatara Stream ... ... ... 50,000 80, Lake Okataina ... ... ... ... 50,000 31, Whirinaki Stream ... ... ... ... 50,000 August 1, Lake Rotoma ... ... ... ... 50,000 6, Wanganui River at Taumarunui ... ... 50,000 6, Ongarue River (various points) ... 100,000 10, Oraka Stream ... ... ... ... 50,000 10, Pokaiwhenua Stream ... ... ... 50,000 „ 14, Mangaharakeke Stream ... ... ... 50,000 22, Taringamutu Stream ... ... ... 100,000 20, Toripatahi Stream ... ... ... ... 30,000 28, Mangakaha Stream ... ... ... 40,000

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September 10, Maramata Stream ... ... ... ... 50,000 10, Waione Stream ... ... ... ... 50,000 10, Mangakahu Stream ... ... ... 50,000 20, Rangitaiki River ... ... ... ... 50,000 23, Mangaorewa Stream ... ... ... 50,000 23, Mangapouri ... ... ... ... 50,000 „ 27, Wanganui River at Taumarunui ... ... 50,000 October 1, Rangitaiki River near Galatea ... ... ... 50,000 13, Lake Rotongata ... ... ... ... 50,000 13, Lake Rotoehu ... ... ... ... 50,000 24, Raurimu ... ... ... ... 15,000 November 18, Bay of Plenty (Mr. Withy) ... ... ... 45,000 December 17, Waitomo Stream ... ... ... ... 40,000 Okere Ponds ... ... ... ... 5,000 Waikuta Hatchery... ... ... ... 15,000 Total ... ... ... ... 1,320,000 In addition, 60,000 eyed ova were supplied to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, making a total of 1,380,000 ova and fry distributed—a record result for any New Zealand trout-hatchery. The above points of distribution are shown on the attached map. Each of the consignments was taken out and liberated by Mr. Rutherford personally, involving an enormous amount of work and skilful attention, often under the most trying circumstances. The total cost of this work amounted in all to only £102. In order to distribute the fry at a reasonable cost they were taken out as soon as the yolk-sac was absorbed—that is, twentytwo to thirty days after hatching. They are then as strong as is necessary to fend for themselves, and take directly to natural feeding. The method adopted by some of keeping the fry in the hatchery under artificial feeding until six to ten weeks old may give a slightly better result in some cases, but where the available supply of ova is practically unlimited the extra cost of keeping and the very largely increased cost of transport renders the earlier liberation much more economical. At twenty-one days old 50,000 fry can be transported in the standard ten-gallon can without loss, whereas at six weeks old not more than 10,000 can be accommodated in the same can and at the same cost of transport. The loss in transport was practically nothing, and in no single case did it exceed 1 per cent, even on long and difficult journeys. This active policy of distribution will result in some three or four years' time in a large increase in the fishing facilities of the district, as well as in maintaining and improving the strain in the waters already stocked. Constant allegations are made that the quality of the fish in Lake Rotorua is deteriorating, and that diseases are rife. Special attention has therefore been devoted to the collection of data on this matter. On the 3rd June a weir and trap of wire netting was erected in the Ngongotaha Stream, the most important breeding-stream in the district, just above the Tauranga Road, and for twenty-one days the fish going up the stream to spawn were passed over this weir by hand, morning and evening, and inspected individually. Some 1,800 fish were thus examined. Of these, only twenty-six (1£ per cent.) were found to be actually diseased—a very small proportion indeed. In addition, 270 (15 per cent.) were found in poor condition—too poor to produce good stock—and were destroyed. The remaining 83J per cent, were healthy trout in good condition, the proportion being about 94 per cent, of rainbow (Salmo irideus) and 6 per cent, of brown trout (Salmo fan's). This effectually disposes of the pessimistic accounts that have been given by some fishermen as to the condition of the lake fish —at least, as far as concerns those that go up the streams to breed. Similar investigations will be carried on this year, and will be extended to determining the average conditions of the fish remaining in the lake, where it is quite possible that the proportion of poor-condition fish may be found to be larger owing to their not going up to spawn. It is generally observed among fishermen that the condition of the fish has been markedly improving for the past three years. This may possibly be due to the large quantity that are being taken out on the fly, as the poor-conditioned fish rise to the fly much more readily than the healthy ones. In this connection the Curator has co-operated actively with the Chief Veterinarian, Mr. Gilruth, in a pathological examination of a large series of individual specimens of trout, and valuable results will probably ensue in the matter of tracing the origin and development of the diseases to which the fish are subject. In the meantime the observations show that only the very poor-conditioned fish are subject to these diseases, and that the ordinary process of cleaning and cooking entirely removes the diseased portions, and renders the flesh quite wholesome for human consumption While the allegation that Lake Rotorua is overstocked with trout still remains unproved, there is no doubt that the trout have caused a serious diminution in the quantity of native crayfish or koura, and the small varieties of fish which serve as their food. Special attention has therefore been directed towards the question of trout-foods. A shipment of the ova of the cisco lakeherring was brought over from America, but, owing to the extreme difficulty of transport from such a distance, was not successful. The main causes of the want of success on this occasion are now avoidable with the hatchery in regular work, and I have little hesitation in saying that the next experiment in this direction will show very different results. Fresh-water shrimps and whitebait have also been brought up from the Waikato River at Mercer, and are doing well at the hatchery. The shrimps particularly will probably form a valuable fish-food in time, and will take the place of the koura.

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During the year a large amount of work has been done in clearing the fishing resorts on the lake-shores of stumps, logs, koura-posts, and other obstructions which constituted a special menace to the launches frequenting these spots. Lake Taraweia still continues to improve as a fisherman's resort, the quality of the fish being particularly fine. The main spawning-stream for this lake—the Wairoa Stream—was very shallow at its mouth, running over quicksands and constantly altering its course and outlet. As a result a number of the larger trout were stranded on the way up or down, and were thus killed. The total loss from this cause, even if it amounted to two or three thousand fish in the season, is of very little importance compared to the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of fish with which the lake is stocked. But in order to prevent a recurrence, a weir of willow stakes was thrown across the quicksands at the mouth, and a permanent opening cut in it. As these grow they will solidify the sands, and thus keep a fixed channel at the mouth which will be scoured by the stream itself to the requisite depth. Destruction of Shags. The shag is very abundant on the lakes, and is voraciously fond of young trout, and, what is a more serious matter, of trout-foods. A large number have been killed and examined by Dr. Haines and Mr. Rutherford. They find that the small white-headed river or inland shag (Phalocrocorax brevirostris) is the most destructive of trout-fry, while the large black coast shag (Phalocrocoraa rarho) lives mainly on koura, as well as toitoi, carp, and other trout-foods. If a trout is found in one of these large shags it is usually a large one 5 in. to 10 in. in length—seldom smaller. In order to keep the numbers of shags within bounds a reward of Is. per head was offered. It was some time before it was generally realised that this payment was available, but from the Ist July, 1907, to the 31st March, 1908, 711 heads were brought in from Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Rotoehu. This systematic destruction has resulted in successfully frightening them away from the main fishing resorts. Birds for Exportation. The following consignments of birds have been sent away from the aviary at Rotorua Gardens during the year under review : For the Emperor of Austria—4 kiwi, 5 weka, 4 kea, 6 paradise duck, 6 grey duck: for the Duke of Bedford, 4 kiwi, 4 weka, 2 kea; for the London Zoological Society, 6 grey duck, 2 paradise duck, 3 weka, 3 kiwi; for Newtown Park, Wellington, 2 paradise duck, 2 grey duck, 2 mallard duck. Rod and Gun Club. Active and valuable assistance and co-operation has been received during the year from the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club, and a copy of the annual report is attached herewith. Yours, &c, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, The General Manager, Tourist Department, Wellington. Engineer in Charge.

APPENDIX VI. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. Sir, — Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Te Aroha Hot Springs, 19th May, 1908. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ended the 31st March, 1908. The year under review shows that as a tourist and health resort Te Aroha is still growing in popularity, and our receipts for the year, under all heads, show an increase of £131 7s. 5d., as against the revenue for the previous financial year. The total receipts for the year ended the 31st March, 1907, amounted to £1,533 15s. 9d., and for the year ended the 31st March, 1908, £1,665 3s. 2d. The present financial year shows a slight decrease in receipts, as against last, in " bath fees " and " towel fees," but an increase under all other heads, more especially in "nut-patients' fees," the increase here being £81 Is. 6d. over the figures of the previous year. In the subjoined tabular statement, showing the revenue for the year under review, I have also included the figures for the previous financial period, which will at a glance enable you to see the increase or decrease in the various items of revenue for the twelve months. Revenue. 1907. 1908. £ ft. A. £ s. d. £ a. A. Bath fees ... ... ... 1,006 16 5 996 12 8 Decrease of 10 3 9 Out-patients' fees ... ... 419 11 0 500 12 6 Increase of 81 1 6 Players' fees ... ... ... 58 1 0 85 8 9 „ 27 7 9 Library fees ... ... ... 719 6 911 3 „ 111 9 Towel fees ... ... ... 16 1 4 15 0 6 Decrease of 10 9 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 25 6 6 57 17 6 Increase of 32 11 0 1,533 15 9 1,665 3 2

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Number of Baths taken. On the whole this year's figures confirm last year's, in the matter of the popularity of the public over the private baths, as the following table will show. There is a slight decrease this year in the number of private baths taken, but an increase in the number of public. The figures read as follows :— 1907. 1908. Private ... ... ... 18,769 18,187 Decrease of 582 Public ... ... ... 20,598 20,669 Increase of 71 Free ... ... ... 73 Nil. The cold-water swimming-bath, open only from the Ist November to the 30th April, is still growing in favour with both sexes, the total number of baths taken for the year being 2,850, an increase of 637 over the number for the previous season. No. 4 Bath, a warm public bath reserved entirely for the use of children, has been in as great demand this year as last, except in the case of visiting children, and this, 1 consider, is due to the great falling-oil in the number of school excursions to Te Aroha this year as compared with previous years. Instead of there being six or seven picnic excursions, each averaging, roughly, 250 children, there have been only three such excursions this year. The patronage afforded the massage and electric bath during the past year is a decided improvement over the previous year, and more revenue has consequently been earned by this branch. This year's experience at Te Aroha has shown that of the patients desirous of taking massage and ill- electric bath quite three-fourths are females. The year just closed has been one of stead}' progress in the matter of improvements undertaken and completed, especially in connection witli those improvements effected in the Domain, and the pretty gardens are daily becoming more noted for their beauty. During the months of February and March Te Aroha, in common with the rest of the Dominion, experienced the then prevailing spell of extremely dry weather, and during the early part of the latter month a grass-tire, which originated in a paddock at the north end of the township, spread rapidly up our beautiful mountain, and destroyed much of the native bush and vegetation on the north side of the Bald Spur. Works undertaken during the Year. Baths and Buildings. Admin is/rat / n Buildings .—The Library and Reading-room has been renovated throughout. The walls have been repapered and the ceiling painted. No. £ Bath. —The whole of the interior of No. 2 Rath lias been cleaned and repainted; also the passage and waiting-rooms. In addition, the attendant's room, waiting-room, and passage have been covered with linoleum in lieu of cocoanut matting, and three new leather couches for the use of bathers have been provided. Grounds. Paths, —The main path up to No. 15 Spring and No. 2 Bath has been graded and re-formed, and is now an easy and pleasant walk to the upper portions of the Domain. Gardener's Col /aye. —The ground round about the gardener's cottage and No. 6 Bath, formerly a rough and unformed area, has now been tastefully laid out in flower-borders and miniature grass lawns, and presents an attractive appearance quite in keeping with other portions of the grounds. Sprint/ No. 17. —This spring, commonly known as the "Eye-water Spring," has been con verted into an ornamental pond, with a miniature fountain playing in the centre, whilst a few trout-fry and goldfish have been liberated in the pond. No. 2~ Spring. -Spring No. 22, a small iron spring situated about 1(10 yards behind the Octagon and to the left of No. 4 Bath, and reached by a somewhat steep path, has now been converted into a very pretty little spot. The path leading to it has been graded and formed, and all pine-roots removed. The spring itself is situated in a natural grotto-shaped basin in the cliff, and a drain has been dug and pipes laid to carry away the overflow, and the surroundings are consequently kept dry and clean. A cemented arch in the formation of the natural rock has been made above the spring, and the water is now clean and inviting. Meteorological Instruments. —A Cassella barometer, rain-gauge, wind-gauge, and two thermometers have been erected on a selected spot near the bowling pavilion, and the observations are taken daily by the Tourist Agent, and the records duly furnished to the Meteorological Department in Wellington. I have, &c, Geo. C. Kenny, M.D., The General Manager, Wellington. Resident Medical Officer.

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APPENDIX VII. TAUPO DOMAIN. The following is a report of the operations of the Taupo Domain Board for the year ended 31st December, 1907 : — The principal work undertaken during the year was the completion of the water-supply for the lawn, ivc. The windmill is in good working-order, and keeps the tanks well filled. A hose 75 ft. long was purchased, together with the necessary nozzles for spraying. Top-dressing a portion of the lawn for bowling was carried out during the winter, and was most beneficial for the grass, and it is proposed to top-dress the whole lawn during the ensuing year, and to purchase bowls and croquet requisites. The A.C. Bath has been well patronised during the year, and some necessary repairs will be needed for its surroundings. A fine show of flowers was in the beds, and it is proposed to extend the planting of more beds next year, also to lay down piping for watering purposes. During the year the Public Works Department surveyed in the vicinity of the Domain in order to ascertain whether the area held by the Board had been interfered with. Some alterations were made, the nature of which is not yet known to the Board. The Board considers the sum of £75 voted for this year will hardly be adequate for the upkeep and the Board's expenses. The amount standing at the Board's credit at the beginning of the year was £12 9s. 3d. The revenue during the year amounted to £56 10s., and the expenditure to £61 65., leaving a credit balance of £7 13s. 3d. Thomas Ryan, Chairman.

APPENDIX VIII. EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Annual Report, 1907-8. New Plymouth, 22nd May, 1908. The season under review has been a successful one, the attendance of visitors showing a decided increase, the weather being very favourable. At the Egmont (North) House the visitors numbered two thousand. The track from the radius line is now metalled for a length of three miles and a quarter, and is in good order. A small accommodation-house has been erected near Holly Flat at a distance of about a mile from Bell's Kails, which will prove a great use to visitors. Stabling accommodation is now under course of construction, which will be a great boon, especially during the winter months. The question of telephone communication with New Plymouth is now engaging the attention of the Committee, also an improved water-supply. The Dawson's Falls (Southern) House. —The past season has been very successful, the number of visitors—three thousand —showing a substantial increase on the previous season. The track is in good order, some half-mile or more having been metalled. A new detached cottage has been erected and suitably furnished, giving accommodation for parties of twelve in number. These detached cottages are very popular with visitors to the mountain. A harness and feed room has also been built, proving a great convenience. The Tourist Cottage (where the caretaker provides special accommodation) has been well patronised, and further extension will shortly be required in this direction. At the llahotu (Western) House the number of visitors has been about a hundred. The tracks in the vicinity are in good order, and a visit to this house will well repay visitors. The Stratford (East) House has been dismantled, and is now being removed to a better site lower down the mountain, the old site being considered too exposed. When completed it is expected this house will be well patronised by visitors. A good deal of work has been done in the way of improving the side tracks connecting the various houses and Bell's Falls. These tracks when reached are excellent to travel on, the grade being easy, and the scenery well worth the trip. Tourist Roads, die. Stratford House to Egmont House. —A few repairs have been done on 3 miles 42 chains of bridle-track. Upper Egmont.—The metalling contract by Bayly and Sole has been completed. A further metalling contract let during the year to Mapp Bros, has also been finished. The whole road is now metalled to within 70 chains of the North House. The work done during the year comprises 78 chains engineering survey and dray-road formation, and 1 mile 68 chains metalling, together with 4 miles 15 chains maintenance.

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Upper Pembroke. —Between radius line and crossing of Mountain Railway 87 chains have been widened to dray-road, 52 lineal feet of culverts constructed, and 1 mile 15 chains dray-road and 2 miles 75 chains bridle-track maintained. Dawson's Falls. —Messrs. Mapp Bros., under special contracts, have done 71 chains metalling on this road. A length of 3 miles 50 chains of dray-road has been maintained. Dawson's Falls House to Stratford House. —Maintenance only on 1 mile 52 chains of bridletrack. Manaia (Upper). —Under grant to Stratford County Council, this contract was finished, and entered in last year's returns. Egmont House to Bell's Falls. —This track has been completed, 3 miles 60 chains having been opened during the year, and the whole 6 miles 35 chains maintained. This track is in most places fit for rough horse traffic, but this is not recommended till further improvements are made. Rahotu House to Bell's Falls. —This bridle-track has been completed, 2 miles 38 chains having been done during the year, and the whole length of 4 miles 38 chains maintained. Ivan Simpson, Chairman. Approximate Coit of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (2,100 oopies), £21 4s.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

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