TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. DR. ROBERT McNAB.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1916 Session I, H-02

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1916. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. DR. ROBERT McNAB.

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

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor, My Lord,— Wellington, 12th May, 1916. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist, and Health Resorts for the year ended the 31st March, 1916. I have, &c, Robert McNab, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Sir,— Wellington, 10th May, 1916. I have the honour to submit herewith my report, for the year ended the 31st March, 1916. I have, &c, 13. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. Dr. Robert McNab, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. I am glad to be able to report that despite adverse conditions the revenue of the Tourist Department for the past year compares favourably with that of the previous year. The actual revenue for the year was £31,067, an increase of £4,437 on last year's figures, which amounted to £26,630. This increase has been mainly brought about by a large influx of visitors from Australia, due at least in part to the advertising in that country of our scenic attractions. Our principal tourist resorts nave also been very largely patronized by our own people. In accordance with instructions received from you the whole question of charges for accommodation and fees at the various resorts is now being overhauled to see what alterations can be made with a view to enhanced revenue, and recommendations will be submitted to you in time to allow any proposed alterations to be given effect to next season. All officers have worked hard during the season to secure additional revenue and to, wherever possible, curtail expenditure. The following statement gives in detail the revenue at the different resorts during the past two years, and the financial position of each : —■

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Receipts for Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Financial Years 1915-16 and 1914-15. 1915-16. 1914-15. Te Aroha — £ £ Bath fees, &c. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 859 834 Games, library fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 191 235 Tea-kiosk .. .. .. .. .. 157 147 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 114 101 1,321 1,317 Rotorua — Sanatorium fees . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,739 1,812 Out-patients' fees . . .. . . . . . . . . 586 531 Rath fees, pump-room, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 2,533 2,165 Dry massage and electrical treatment . . . . . . . . 870 595 Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ . 1,956 1,496 Electric-light charges .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,490 3,418 Games, &c. .. . . . . .. . . . . 433 414 Round trip : launch fares, guiding fees, &c. .. .. .. 2,574 2,436 Sale of mineral waters .. .. .. .. .. ... 325 206 Launch licenses, wharfages, &c. . . .. . . . . . . 15 16 Sulphur royalties . . .. .. .. .. . . 78 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 528 402 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 139 89 Trout-fishing and game-shooting fees .. ~ . . . . 702 851 16,968 14,431 Waitomo Caves - Accommodation and admission charges, &c. .. .. .. 3,342 3,503 Hanmer SpringsSanatorium fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 700 674 Bath, fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 429 486 Tennis-players, &c. . . . . .. " . . . . . . 92 74 Tea-house .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 183 156 Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62 54 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 91 82 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 37 48 1,594 1,574 Hermitage—■' Accommodation and guiding, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 4,539 3,015 Queenstown — Games, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 113 123 Glade House, Milford Track, and Te Anau steamer — Accommodation, guiding, &c. .. . . .. .. . . 483 ' 587 Steamer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 547 199 1,030 786 Head OfficeSale of pamphlets, photographs, &c. .. .. . . .. 48 76 Advertising .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 91 Rents .. .. .. .. •• •• .. .. 168 208 Commission on passenger bookings. . .. .. .. .. 1,895 1,498 Miscellaneous . . . , .. . . . . .. .. 5 8 2,160 1,881 £31,067 £26,630

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Schedule showing Financial Position at each Resort.

Note.—No allowance is made in these figures for interest on capital expenditure or for depreciation of plant or buildings. The expenditure during the year amounted to £47,966, against £49,823 for the previous year, a decrease of £1,857. Following is a brief summary of the work, earned out at each resort during the year, viz.:— Rotorua. No work of any importance has been undertaken by the Department at Rotorua this year. The Sanatorium was, under arrangement with the Health Department, placed at its disposal for the accommodation of wounded soldiers during the war, temporary provision being made for inmates of the Sanatorium at a local boardinghouse. The revenue has kept up remarkably well, a.nd the leading health and pleasure resort of New Zealand has been very largely patronized by Australians and NewZealanders. The revenue derived from the Sanatorium and baths amounted to £7,497, an increase of £2,1.88 over the previous year. The gardens and grounds have, been maintained in good condition, and the playing-areas have stood the test of the heavy strain imposed on them. The new ground at the back of the bath building should be ready for play next season, and help to relieve the congestion which at present occurs in holiday seasons. The receipts from electric energy increased from £3,418 to £3,490, and fifty-five new consumers were added. The fishing during this season has shown a considerable and gratifying improvement in the size and quality of the fish in Rotorua Lake, and the number of visiting anglers has been well above the usual average. In response to repeated requests from anglers in the Wanganni River portion of the Rotorua Acclimatization District, the fishing season there was opened on the Ist October, one month earlier than the season for the remainder of the district, and will terminate correspondingly. The change has given general satisfaction, as the fish taken from the Wanganui and its tributaries were in excellent condition in October. Te Aroha. The Department's Domain has been maintained in good order, though no important works have been undertaken. The revenue has been £1,321, compared with £1,317 for the previous season. The total number of baths taken during the year was 33,402. Waitomo Cavks. Revenue from hostel and caves amounted to £3,342, against £3,503 for 1915. A much-needed new laundry was erected, and improvements effected to the approaches to the caves. The number visiting the hostel wag 4,483 persons. Waikaremoana. The projected additions were not proceeded with this season, but certain improvements in drainage and bathing accommodation should be effected before next season. It is proposed to again call for tenders for the leasing of the accommodation-house, and this matter is now in hand. Te Puia Springs. At Te Puia the new bath building is in course of erection, and should shortly be completed. Considerable improvements have also been effected in the hostel.

Year 1915-1 6. Year 191 4-15. Resort. CD M I 3 M I O P • H w h -a « -2 ft 5 SB'S ©so h i S. s J g 8 ► a H 8 3 I M W fH K «> 3 ft Si's .&1 o h H 4 '3 I O Te Aroha Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Caves Hanmer Springs Hermitage, Mount Cook Te Anau and Manapouri steamers, Glade House and Milford Track £ 1,321 16,266 702 3,342 1,594 4,539 1,030 £ 2,502 17,969 419 2,683 3,435 4,267 1.940 £ 1,181 1,703 £ 283 659 £ 1,317 .13,580 851 3,503 1,574 3,015 786 £ 2,572 19,461 369 3,056 4,072 3,220 1,962 £ 1,255 5,881 £ 482 447 1,846 910 272 2,498 205 1,176 Quccnstown .. 113 529 416 123 587 461

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Hanmer Springs. In view of the proposal of the Health Department to erect a hospital for wounded soldiers at Hanmer, the Department has not taken further action to rebuild the Sanatorium, but has continued to lease the cottages now used for the accommodation of invalids. The revenue from this source and from the grounds has been £1,594, while for the previous year it was £1,574. Hermitage, Mount Cook. The returns from this resort are easily the best to date, and this fact, coupled with the necessity of having to refuse accommodation to many intending visitors, points to the urgency of further accommodation being provided, and for this plans have been, prepared. The season was opened earlier than usual, and alpine sports indulged in at the head of the Mueller Glacier with very satisfactory results. The revenue for the year was £4,539, an increase of £1,524 on the previous season. During the year a considerable amount of improvement work has been carried out. After last tourist season closed the guiding staff remained on and several miles of new track were constructed, which have added much to the convenience of visitors. In the spring the repairing-work of all the tracks in the vicinity of the Hermitage and glaciers was put in hand, and these were kept in good order throughout the season. Early in March an unfortunate washout occurred on the Ball Hut track, when the " Blue Lake," a well-known and much-admired beauty-spot on the way to the Tasman Valley, was totally filled in and destroyed. The traffic-bridge over the Hooker River, which was completed during the winter, was of considerable assistance and convenience during the season to visitors doing the Tasman trips, besides relieving the anxiety of having to negotiate the river during flood-time. The increase in the livery returns is largely due to the use which has been made of the bridge. A new hut has been constructed on the Haast Ridge, at an altitude of about 7,000 ft., near the site of the old bivouac. The hut—which is a memorial to the climbers killed in 1913 —has been erected at the joint cost of the Government and a committee of climbers and friends of the deceased. This work, which has been very arduous, has been carried out by the Public Works Department. The situation of the hut commands a most comprehensive view of the whole of the glacier systems of the great Tasman and surrounding high peaks, and will be the climbing-base for ten to twelve of the highest mountains in the Alps, including Mounts Cook and Tasman. The Department's action in opening the Hermitage in October, a month earlier than usual, to encourage ski-ing and other winter sports, proved to be a step in the right direction. The weather was not all it might have been, but nevertheless a very large party spent an time at the Mueller hut. With such encouragement each spring I feel sure that ski-ing and winter sport will soon become a big feature in our mountains. During the season a considerable number of high ascents (of which a list is appended) and interesting expeditions were accomplished, the most important being the first ascent of Mount Cook by a New Zealand lady, this honour having fallen to Mrs. P. Graham. Great interest was also taken in the complete traverse of the three peaks of Mount Cook by Mrs. Thomson, of Wellington, and also the complete traverse and first ascent of the second peak of Mount Sefton, and the complete traverse of the three peaks of Mount Cook by Mr. Samuel Turner, F.R.G.S., also of Wellington. Besides the climbs mentioned, four ascents were made of the Hochstetter Dome, nine ascents of Mount Annette, three of Mount Kitchener, three of Mount Wakefield, including one traverse of Mounts Kinsey and Wakefield, and one crossing of the Ball Pass. Trips to the glaciers, valleys, and other points of interest in the vicinity of the Hermitage were well patronized. About fifty persons, including the guides, made the crossing of the Copland Pass, several parties making the round trip across to the West Coast and returning by Graham's Saddle. The new guides' quarters were completed during December, and were extensively used for an overflow while the rush of visitors was on during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The chamois and thar liberated on the reserves have been seen several times during the summer, and on all occasions the animals have looked very fit and in splendid condition. A herd of eighteen thar was seen on one occasion on the Scaly Range behind the hostel. For the purposes of record a list of the season's climbs is included herein.

List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1915-16.

Date. Name of Peaks. Height, ill Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks, 1915. April 7 Unnamed peak on Ben Ohau Range, first peak south of Mount Sealy Mount Sealy About 7,541 Mrs. J. Thomson C. Kain .. First ascent by oast arite. 8 8,631 F. G. Rolleston, M. W. Beavcn, W. G. Graves G. Gresson, M. Gresson Mrs. J. Thomson P. (Iraham Ascent N. face ; doscent W. face. Ascent and doscont W. face. Ascent and descent S. face. Ascent and descent E. face. Ascent and descent, by Green's route from Haast Bivouac. " First New Zealand lady." Oct. 28 Dec. 6 ,, 11 „ 13 Mount Bannio Mount Burns Mount Cook 8,631 8,300 8,984 12,349 P. Milne .. C. Kain .. Mrs. P. Graham P. Graham, P. Milne

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List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1915-16—continued.

Date. | Name ot Peaks. Climbed by Name ol Guide. Route and Kcmarks. [ i 1915. About Doc. 13 Mount Cook .. .. 12,349 R. Young, J. Lippo, J. .. Green's route. Murrell ,, 22 Elie de Beaumont .. 10,200 Mrs. J. Thomson .. C. Kain .. S.E. face ascent and descent. ,, 23 Mount Darwin .. .. 9,715 ,, .. ,, . . W. main ar&te. ,, 23 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,031 Mr. Von Haast, Mr. H. P.Graham Ascent main E. arite, descont HoU, Mrs. Holl, Mrs. W. face. P. Graham ,, 30 Minaret Peaks and Mount 10,058 Miss E. Moore, Mr. H. E.Milne.. Ascent and descent by E. faoe De la Beche Holl, Mr. Von Haast and broken ice of Ranfurly Glacier from Malte Brun hut. 1916. Jan. 7 Aiguilles Range .. .. 9,731 Miss 1. Chambers, Mr. P. Graham Traverse; ascent N.W. arete, H. Chambers dosocnt N. face. ,,7 ,, .. .. 9,731 Mr. Maughan, Mr. H. C. Kain .. Ditto. Sloman ,, 8 | Mount Darwin .. .. 9,715 Mr. H. Chambers .. P.Graham Ascent W. face, desoent S.W. ar&te. ,, 8 Minaret Peaks and Mount 10,058 Mr. H. Sloman .. C. Kain .. E. face from Malte Brun hut. Do la Beche ,, 9 Nun's Veil . . .. 8,975 Mr. E. P.Leo, Mr. Ken- J. Lippe . . Ascent and descent by Nun's nedy Veil glacier on S. face. ,, 10 Maunga Ma .. .. 8,335 Mr. Maughan, Mr. H. C. Kain .. Asoent by E. faoe from Sloman Muoller hut. ,, 20 Aiguilles Range .. .. 9,731 Mr. H. Holl .. E.Milne.. Asoent and descont by rooks on N. face. ,, 21 Mount Malte Brun .. 10,421 ,, .. . Ascent by W. arite. ,, 22 Eootstool .. .. 9,073 Miss I. Chambers, Miss P.Graham, Asoent by traversing ridge B. Holdsworth J. Lippe from Copland Pass and desoent by E. face. ,, 22 Unnamod poak on Sealy 8,100 Mrs. Sloman .. C. Kain .. Eirst ascent. Ascent by N. Range, the third rook peak face from Sladden Glaoier. W. of Mount Soaly ,, 22 Mount Darby .. . . 8,287 ,, .. . Asoent and desoont by E. face from Sladden Glaoier. „ 23 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,631 Miss L. Bing .. R. Young Ascent and descent by W. face. ,, 23 Maunga Ma .. . . 8,335 Mrs. Sloman . . C. Kain . . By E. faoe. ,,24 ,, .. .. 8,335 Miss L. Bing .. R. Young Asoent by E. face. ,,24 ,, .. ■■ 8,335 Miss M. Marsden .. C. Kain .. ,, ,, 25 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,631 Mrs. Sloman .. ,, .. Ascent and descont by W. face. ,, 25 Unnamed peak on Sealy 8,250 ,, .. ,, .. W. faoo. 'Range, first rook poak W. of Mount Sealy 25 Unnamed peak on Sealy 8,110 ,, .. ,, .. N-E. face. Range, seoond rock peak W. of Mount Soaly 31 I Maunga Ma .. .. 8,335 Miss I. Chambers .. P.Graham E. faoo from Mueller hut. ,, 31 Mount Cook (throe peaks). . 12,349 Mrs. J. Thomson .. C. Kain .. Complete travorso, three peaks. A s o o n t from Hooker bivouac to third poak, and thcnce by main ar&te to seoond and highest summit; desoent by Green's route. Eeb. 1 Mount Darby .. .. 8,287 Miss I. Chambers, Mrs. P. Graham Traverse; asoent by N. P. Graham arite, descent by S. arete to Sladden Glacier. ,, 1 Unnamed peak on Sealy 8,110 Ditto .. .. ,, Travorso from W. to E. Range, seoond peak W. of Mount Soaly 7 Unnamed peak on Mount 8,472 Mrs. Sloman .. C. Kain .. Ascent by S. arete from Cook Range, second N. Hooker hut, second ascent, peak S. of third peak of Mount Cook 8 Third peak —De la Becho .. 8,800 Mr. L. E. Falknor . . J. Mu rrell I Ascent by rock riclge leading from Tasman Glacier. ,, 11 Mount Scfton .. .. 10,350 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. P.Graham, Complete traverse, also first F. Miltio ascent of second Peak. Ascent by Zurbriggen's route, descent W. side to Copland Valley. ,, 12 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,631 Mr. L. E. Falknor .. J. Murrell j W. face. ,, 12 Unnamed peak on Sealy 8,250 ,, .. ,, E.ar&te. Range, first rook peak W. of Mount Sealy ,, • 13 Mount Montgomery .. 7,654 ,, .. ,, i E. ar&te from Barron's Saddle ,, 24 Mount Cook (three peaks) .. 12,349 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. F. Milne, J. Complete traverse of three Lippe | peaks. Ascent from i Hooker bivouac to third peak, and thence by main ar&te to second and highest summit; dosoent by Green's route. v

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List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1915-16 — continued.

Te Anau - Milford Track. No fresh, work was undertaken on this track, which was, however, maintained in good condition, and a large number of culverts, &c, renewed. The revenue has been £188, compared, with £587 for last year. It is difficult to understand the reason for the falling-off on this track. The walk has been widely advertised in Australia and pushed by our Agents. The necessity of an improvement in the road and service from Lumsden has been frequently commented on by visitors. Agencies and Passenger Bookings. This branch of the Department's activities shows returns practically equal to last year, indicative of the continued popularity of the Department's convenient booking scheme. The total value of tours booked was £35,1.76, against £35,847 for the previous year. The revenue derived from commission was £1,895. Oversea Agencies. The. total passenger bookings at Sydney amounted to £2,053, and at Melbourne £2,408. The commissions were £86 at Sydney and £98 at, Melbourne. The Department's honorary Agencies at Adelaide and Brisbane were largely availed of for the distribution of advertising matter. Good work has also been done by the honorary Agent at Vancouver, who, besides distributing information to inquirers, has been active in placing suitable literature on outgoing boats from Vancouver. Short reports are attached from the Melbourne and Sydney Agents. The expenditure at Sydney and Melbourne has been as under :— Sydney Melbourne. £ £ Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 250 300 Salaries (including extra clerical assistance) .. .. ..319 475 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. ..118 146 Advertising. Every opportunity has been taken to judiciously advertise the scenic attractions of New Zealand and, as indicated in last year's report, the Department co-operated with the Railway Department in advertising in Australia. The services of our Melbourne and Sydney Agencies were utilized for this purpose, and the influx of Australian visitors must in part be attributed to this cause and the strenuous work of our representatives, Messrs. Manson and Blew. The Department prepared and distributed attractive posters depicting the alpine region and the southern lakes. These have been distributed and displayed, at railway-stations and in prominent places both in Australia and New Zealand, and further development in this direction is intended. A complete set of films of the alpine region has been, secured by the photographer of the Department of Agriculture, and it is intended to have these extensively displayed in Australia as well as in New Zealand through the medium of picture companies. No new publications were issued during the year, the stock on hand having met all requirements. Portion of the Department's exhibits at the San Francisco Exhibition have been sent to an. exhibition now being hold at San Diego (California). The cinematograph film which was displayed at the former Exhibition is now being shown, throughout America under an arrangement made by Mr. E. Clifton, New Zealand Commissioner, and a set has also been sent to Australia for display there.

Date. Name of Peaks. Height, in Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks. 1916. ?eb. 27 Mount Sealy About. 8,631 Mr. H. Radcliffc, Mr. A. MoFariane, Mr. L. Mueli Mr. S.Turner, F.R.G.S. Mr. H. Radcliffc J Murrell W. face. „ 29 ilar. 7 8 Footstool Aiguilles Range Mount Malte Brun 9,073 9,731 10,421 F. Milne .. P. Graham From Sefton bivouao. Ascent by rock N. face. Traverse ; ascent W. arite, descent N.W. faoe. Traverse; ascent N. face, dosoont W. face. Ascent and dcsoent W. faoe. 9 Mount Sealy .... 8,631 Prof. Easterfield ,, 10 Unnamed peak on Sealy Range, first rock peak W. of Mount Sealy Ditto 8,250 Prof. Easterfield, Miss Theomin, Mrs. P. Graham Mr. S. Taylor, Mr. J. McDonald, Mr. M. Dunn Mrs. Sloman „ 10 8,250 R. Young „ 14 Mount Lloyd—-second peak S. of Mount Sealy on the Ben Ohau Range Mount Sealy 7,850 C. Kain . . Ascent by B. arite. First asoent. Vpril 2 8,031 M r. Bevaii Brown J. Lippe . . Ascont by W. face.

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Storting. This Department has distributed a very large amount of ova at the sporting resorts under its control. Particular attention has been paid to Waikaremoana, where 200,000 were liberated. Ova was distributed in other lakes and rivers as follows:— Rotorua .. . . . . . . . . .. 30,000 Kakahi .. .. .. 30,000 Taumarunui .. .. .. .. ..20,000 Te Teko .. .. .. .. .. 30,000 Pongakawa .. ... .. .. .. 5,000 Mohaka .. .. .. .. .. .. 50,000 Okataina .. .. .. .. .. 30,000 Total .. .. .. .. .. 195,000 During the year cloven red deer from Paraparaumu were liberated within or near the Rotorua Acclimatization District. Mr. Chirnside, who has been a good friend in the past, has again, presented the Department with four deer from his herd at Werribee Park, Victoria, and these will be sent, after a short period of quarantine, to Rotorua to strengthen the herd there. The usual reports from officers are attached. B. M. Wilson, General Manager. REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st March, 1916. The lack of funds has prevented any new work of considerable extent being entered upon, and consequently the year's operations have been uneventful, being entirely in the nature of routine maintenance-work. The decreasing stock of local metal, which at best is of extremely poor quality, has rendered it necessary to import blue metal in increasing quantities, with a resultant increase in our maintenance cost. During the year some 153 cubic yards of local metal has been quarried and spread, and 288 cubic yards of imported blue metal has been used. An experiment has been made with a preparation for road-treatment called " soltar." Sections of streets totalling in length 1,025 ft. have been coated with " soltar," and as far as can be seen at. present, the experiment bids fair to be satisfactory. As regards asphalt footpaths, 2,391 lineal feet have been recoated with tar and sand, while 1,206 ft. of old asphalt-work has been, picked up and replaced with new asphalt. Six wooden and five reinforced-concrete culverts have been made and fixed at various points throughout the town where necessary. The levy on the Town Account made by the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the current financial year was £206, to meet which a rate (on capital values) of -|d. in the pound was struck. The levy made by the Fire Board amounted to £351 (an increase of £100 on that of the previous year), which was met by a rate of fd. in the pound. The Fire Board during the year purchased a motor hose-tender, and the fire-fighting equipment. is now in first-class condition. Twenty-three building permits were issued for new buildings and additions to existing ones,: the total value represented being £7,310. The capital value of the town is £506,713. Wm. Hill, The General Manager, Wellington. Resident Officer. Rotorua Town Balance-sheet for Year ending 31st March, 1916. Separate Account. No. 1. Hospital and Charitable Aid Rath Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s, d. Rates—Arrears .. .. 89 16 9 Debit balance at 31st March, 1915 74 1.10 Current, 1915-10 .. 184 15 11 . Waikato Hospital Board ..206 13 5 274 12 8 Printing and advertising .. 4 4 2 Debit balanco at 31st March, 1916 .. 11 7 1 Postages. .. .. .. 10 4 285 19 9 £285 19 9 £285 19 9 No. 2. FIRE-PREVENTION RATE ACCOUNT. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Credit balance, 31st March, 1915 .. 0 12 1 Rotorua Fire Board .. .. 333 17 9 Rates —Arrears .. .. 135 13 4 Printing and advertising .. 410 1 Current, 1915-16 .. 218.19 4 Postages .. .. .. 10 5 354 12 8 — ■ 339 8 3 . . Credit balance at 31st March, 1915 .. .. .. .. 15 16 6 £355 4 9 £355 4 9

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Rotorua Town Balance-sheet for Year ending 31st March, 1916 — continued. Separate Account —-continued. No. 3. Rotorua Cemetery; Account (Section 55, Cemeteries Act, 1908). Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Credit balance, 31st March, 1915 .. 27 2 11 Maintenance .. .. 42 19 0 Fees for exclusive right of burial 11 3 0 Bank charges .. .. 0 .10 0 Fees for ordinary burial .. 17 0 0 43 9 0 28 3 0 Balanco. 31st March, 1916 .. .. 11 16 11 £55 5 11 £55 5 11 General Account. Receipts. £ s. d. £ s. d. Expenditure. Balance at 31 st March, 1915 .. 113 1.6 6 Administration— £ s. d. £ s. d. Treasury— Salaries .. .. 300 17 6 Bath foes .. .. 819 II 2 Printing and advertising .. 214 9 Rents of Crown lands ..1,978 1 7 Audit.. .. .. 613 4 Fees and finos (Magistrate's Bank charges .. .. 010 0 Court) .. .. 15 18 0 Bank intorest on overdraft 4 11 6 2,813 10 9 Office expenses .. .. 13 11 1 Fees— 328 18 2 Sanitary service .. 361 1 4 Public Works — Public pound .. .. 76 19 1 Maintenance of streets and Dog registration .. 23 0 0 roads (labour and ma461 0 5 terial) .. .. 3,003 0 9 Licenses— Street-lighting .. .. 10 0 0 Building permits .. 25 10 0 3,013 0 9 Vehicle .. .. 107 16 8 Sanitary service— Drivers' .. .. 7 18 0 Labour .. .. 407 11 2 Publicans' .. .. 204 0 0 Fodder and plant .. 71 11 6 Auctioneers' .. .. 25 0 0 479 2 8 Billiard-rooms .. .. 20 13 4 Public pound—• Hall .. .. .. 15 0 0 Fodder and advertising .. .. 70 16 2 Shooting-gallery .. 3 5 0 Public Health — Second-hand dealers' . . 0 5 0 Sanitary inspection .. .. 22 13 0 Shows.. .. .. 11 10 0 Public libraryHawkers' .. .. 015 0 Salary.. ' .. .. 66 13 4 421 13 0 Books and papers .. 49 0 5 Rents— Telephone, &c. .. .. 17 1 1 Real property .. .. 16 6 0 132 14 10 Boat-shed compartments 15 0 0 Licensing expenses— Explosive-magazines .. 315 0 Tauranga County Council .. 57 0 2 35 I 0 Miscellaneous— Public Library— Insurance (fire and acciSubscriptions .. .. 50 19 5 dent) .. .. 36 13 2 Rents .. .. .. 60 13 6 Dog registration .. 10 3 5 11l 12 11 Charitable aid .. .. 8 19 11 Material sold .. .. .. 32 4 9 Maintenance of town clock 7 10 0 Contributions to works .. .. 65 4 0 Ground rent, Section 39. Miscellaneous — suburbs .. .. 4 0 0 Native-village revenue .. 1 12 0 Sundries .. .. 1 2 (I By-laws and badges sold.. I 0 0 68 8 6 Refunds, Hospital Board. for charitable aid .. 8 19 11 Refunds, accident-insurance premium .. 4 0 0 15 11 11 Penalty— 10 per cent, on overdue rates .. .. .. 9 16 4 Dobit balance at 31st March, 1916 .. .. 93 2 8 £4,172 14 3 £4,172 14 3 Wm. Hill, 12th April, 1916. Resident Officer, Rotorua. Statement of Balances. Accounts. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. General Account .. Dr. 93 2 8 Dr. Rotorua Town Account .. 90 7 6 Separate Account No. 1 Dr. II 7 1 Plus outstanding cheques .. 7 311 104 9 9 | 97 II 5 Separate Account No. 2 Cr. 15 16 6 j Or. Cemetery Account .. 11 16 11 Separate Account No. 3 Or. .11 16 11 Cash in hand .. .. 818 2 27 13 5 20 15 1 £76 16 4 £76 16 4 Wm. Hill, 12th April, 1916. Resident Officer, Rotorua,

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Rotorua Town Balance-sheet cor Year ending 31st March, 1916— continued. Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Assets. Ijiabilities. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Outstanding accounts .. .. .. 1.97 5 6 Cemetery Account—Bank .. 11 16 11 Overdraft at bank, 31 st March, 1916 .. 90 7 6 Cash in hand .. .. .. 818 2 Outstanding cheques .. .. .. 7 311 Outstanding accounts— Balance of assets over liabilities. . .. 2,654 5 6 Korbing and channeling .. 45 15 6 Felling and blasting trees . . 0 15 6 Hoardings .... 4 14 0 Oats and firewood .. 12 16 2 Isolation Hospital fees - .. 515 0 Rents —Real property (houses and sections) .. . . 48 12 10 Rents—Explosive-magazines 5 6 3 Sanitary fees .. . . 279 8 5 403 3 8 Outstanding rates — Hospital and charitable aid and fire-prevention .. 160 14 11 Additional 10-per-cent. penalty 2 8 8 163 3 7 Estimated — Library building and furniture 700 0 0 Sanitary depot -building and plant .. .. .. 130 0 0 Pound cottage .. .. 130 0 0 General working plant .. 480 0 0 Rowing-club shed.. .. 400 0 0 Fencing, &c. Marine Parade 100 0 0 Fencing, &0., gravel-pit reserve .. . . .. 42 0 0 Office furniture and plant .. 170 0 0 Cemetery chapel .. .. 120 0 0 Benzine-magazine.. .. 90 0 0 2,362 0 0 £2,949 2 4 £2,949 2 4 Wm. Hill, 12th April, 1916. Resident Officer, Rotorua.

REPORT OF THE BALNEOLOGIST, ROTORUA. The past year has been one of strenuous work both for the staff and for myself, and we are able to look back with pardonable satisfaction on the results achieved. The outstanding features of the year have been the remarkable way in which the tourist, traffic, and more especially what I may call the invalid-tourist traffic, has been maintained, and the successful scheme of placing the resources of our principal spas at the disposal of the military authorities for the treatment of wounded and invalided soldiers. For this latter purpose the control of the Sanatorium hospital was temporarily handed over to the Health Department as a military hospital, and special arrangements were made at the baths for the treatment of wounded soldiers by baths, massage, electricity, &c. This has entailed a considerable increase of work on. the staff, more especially on the male massage staff, whose work has deserved the highest praise. In regard to civilian patients requiring treatment as inmates of the Sanatorium, there hits uecessarily been considerable limitation as to numbers, but every endeavour has been made to minimize any hardships thus caused. Accommodation outside has been found for a limited number of female patients who have been treated at the old rates, and, whenever possible, the more urgent male civilian cases have been admitted as usual to the Sanatorium. In regard to the baths, the receipts have risen considerably, and, taking all adverse circumstances into consideration, I think we have every reason to be pleased with our showing for the year. Arthur S. Herbert, Government Balneologist. The General Manager, Wellington.

REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. New Zealand Government Offices, Melbourne, Australia, Bth April, 1916. 1 have the honour to submit the annual report on the working of these offices for the year ended the 31st March, 1.916. Taking into consideration all the circumstances of the past year, I am glad to be able to say that the result of the work of the Agency in so far as its activities in relation to tourist traffic are concerned has been quite satisfactory. The figures for the passenger bookings as compared with the previous year are as follows : For year ended 31st March, 1916, £2,408 Is. 7d. ; for year ended 31st March, 1915, £2,281 2s.

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The absence of any improvement to the Bluff -Melbourne service has been and is, still a drawback to increased traffic to New Zealand from Victoria, obviating as it does in most cases the fitting-in of a complete round trip. However, in the majority of inquiries, tourists have been persuaded to take the next best tour available ; but, on the other hand, the southern tourist resorts have not been visited by Victorian tourists as much as in previous years. The Australian harvest has been exceptionally good, and this, coupled with the fact that tourist traffic from Australia to Great Britain and the Continent has practically ceased, has helped our operations considerably. The appropriation allotted to this office for advertising was judiciously expended per medium of the daily papers and posters, the publicity given to New Zealand and this office by such means, combined with distribution of literature and the exhibition of the Railway Department's posters on railway-station hoardings, helped materially in augmenting tourist traffic to* New Zealand, and also the swelling of booking returns. A pleasing feature of the literature available is that supplied by certain league's in the Dominion, which have for their object the promotion of traffic to their particular districts- the extension of activities in this direction is most helpful. In addition to the foregoing, numerous sets of lantern-slides have been lent, and the film depicting New Zealand scenery has been shown by some of the picture-theatres. This latter form of advertising shows good results, as New Zealand scenery on the film is always appreciated. During the year a considerable amount of work was carried out for the Defence Department, including paying Defence accounts, advancing money to returned wounded and invalided soldiers, obtaining information re Australian Forces, making casualty lists available to the public, answering inquiries re dead, wounded, and missing men, and numerous matters of a general nature. The introduction of passports about last December led to a great deal of hardship to (hose wishing to visit the Dominion, and particularly to those New-Zealanders who happened to be in Australia at the time. This office did all it could to help those immediately affected by this new innovation. However, as soon as the permit system was arranged the situation was immediately relieved, and matters have improved considerably. WORK FOE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. Oilier Departments which have made use of these offices during the period under review include Trade and Customs, Agriculture. Industries and Commerce, Interna] Affairs, Mines, State Fire Insurance, and Public Works in each case, [ think, with satisfactory results to the Departments concerned. An extension of the use of this office by Departments is desired, and could perhaps be taken advantage of to a greater extent than heretofore. 1 regret this year there was no amount made available for the official celebration of New Zealand's national day—Dominion Day both in Melbourne and Sydney. In order that the occasion may not be forgotten here an informal reception was held—many public men calling to pay their repects to the Dominion. These include the Consuls, Trade Commissioners, the Lord Mayor, Councillors, and numerous others. Gknhral. Inquiries by persons seeking information respecting .New Zealand as a place for settlement were numerous, and in all cases full details were made available, many inquirers ultimately deciding to settle in the Dominion. The files of New Zealand papers and other publications in this office have, been resorted to by a large number of New-Zealanders and others seeking information. Inquiries on subjects not already mentioned have been very numerous, and the official publications kept for reference purposes at these offices have been in constant requisition in respect to matters relating to mining, education, finance, legislation, Customs duties, labour, powers of attorney, defence, stamp duties, old-age pensions, and other matters. J. W. Clarke, Acting Agent for New Zealand Government. The General Manager, Wellington, New Zealand. REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY. New Zealand Government Offices, Sydney, N.S.W., sth April, 1916. 1 have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1916. In reporting on the year's work I am exceedingly pleased to be able to state that, in spite of the war, these offices have been busier than during any past year. There has been a slight falling-off in the tourist section, but the beneficial amount of work that has been carried out for other Government Departments in New Zealand has more than compensated for this. Passenger-booking. The booking of tourists to and through the Dominion has been continued as usual, but I am sorry to report that the money taken at this office is £228 Bs. less than the amount taken for the previous: year. The slight falling-off that has occurred in our tourist business is undoubtedly due to the war,, and the Tourist Bureaux in Sydney and the steamship companies which trade to New Zealand each report a similar experience.

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The following figures will show how the war has affected our passenger-booking business, and will no doubt prove interesting : Numb-jr of Amount of Money Persons booked, received for Bookings. £ s. d. Year 1913-14 .. .. .. .. ... 191 2,952 18 il „ 191115 .. .. .. .. .. 156 2,281 I 5 „ 1915-16 .. .. .. .. ..135 2,052 13 5 Immigration. One of the results of the war has been the large falling-off in the number of foreign immigrants who have sailed from Sydney for New Zealand. About one hundred and fifty such foreigners were examined with a view to seeing if they could pass the education test as prescribed by the Immigration Restriction Act. Of this number ninety-three were successful, and consequently certificates were issued to them. In addition to these, a number of people having names of enemy origin, but who claimed to be British subjects, were also examined, and in twenty-two cases certificates were given. Advertising. During the year £207 3s. Bd. was spent on advertising the Dominion in New South Wales and Queensland. The advertisements were spread over a number of excellent channels, and included making and exhibiting 1,000 posters, advertising on electric flashlight signs, drop-curtains at vaudeville and picture theatres, ferry-steamers, and in newspapers and journals. In connection with the posters f. am pleased to report that arrangements were made to have a number of the posters permanently displayed in the offices of some of the leading shipping companies, the New South Wales Tourist and Immigration Office, and some of the leading hotels. These posters were suitably framed, and should be a standing advertisement for the Dominion for many years to come. In addition to the above we have received a good advertisement from a moving picture entitled " A Maori Maid's Love..'' This picture has been screened, all over Australia since December last. I am pleased to report, that arrangements were made during the year to have interesting paragraphs about New Zealand sport published, free of charge, in the Bulletin. Advantage has been taken of this medium whenever possible. During the year advantage was taken of every opportunity to advertise New Zealand by distributing literature, lending magic-lantern slides, photographs, and paintings, and also New Zealand Ensigns for patriotic displays. Work carried out on Behalf of other Government Departments. I am pleased to report that the amount of business performed for other Government Departments in New Zealand has increased more than 100 per cent., and as far as one can see there is every reason to believe that this branch of our duties will continue to increase in the future. The Departments for whom we have acted during the year include Cook Islands Administration, Customs, Defence, Education, Government Printing, Internal Affairs, Land and Income Tax, Marine, Mines, Native, Post and Telegraph, Prime Minister's Office, Public Trustee, Public Works, and State Fire Insurance. New-Zealanders visiting Sydney. During the year the office has been greatly availed of by visiting New-Zealanders, and in this respect I have pleasure in reporting that I have been, instrumental in assisting many of them in connection with their business and pleasure inquiries. Since the Commonwealth authorities made it necessary for all oversea travellers from Australia to have passports I have been kept busy helping those New-Zealanders who omitted to obtain their passports in the Dominion to secure same from, the Australian Government. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent, Sydney, N.S.W. The General Manager, Wellington, New Zealand.

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