TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. D. S. MacDONALD.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1918 Session I-II, H-02

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Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE). BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. D. S. MacDONALD.

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

The MtNiSTBB in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. My Lord,— Wellington, 25th June, 1918. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report, of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ended 31st March, 1.918. I have, &c, W. D. S. Mao Donald, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

• Annual Report of the General Manager of Tourist and Health Resorts. Sir,— Wellington, 20th June, 1918. I have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1918. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. The revenue of the Department last year reached the amount of £32,935, and was thus only £200 short of the record year 1916-17 ; and in view of all the adverse conditions this must be regarded as highly satisfactory. Had it not been for the general strike which occurred in Sydney during August, September, and October, and disorganized shipping arrangements, it is safe to assume that the Department's revenue would have been considerably higher. Even with the difficulties which arose a very large number of Australian visitors came to New Zealand for sight-seeing and health purposes, and the Australian agencies were kept very busy. In this connection the kinemacolor display of New Zealand scenery in the different large centres of Australia, and the exhibition of the scenic films of the Southern Alps, were potent factors. In Sydney alone the kinemacolor pictures were shown three weeks on end at a very small cost to the Department, and were visited by 25,000 persons, and they are still being shown in other parts of Australia. During the coming season I propose getting the Government photographer to do a considerable amount of travelling and to further develop this means of advertising. The entry of America into the war has naturally had a deterrent effect on the traffic from that country, which has always sent a good stream of tourists to New Zealand. Sets of our alpine and other films have been sent to America, and are being shown in many theatres by the leading firm of Burton Holmes and Co., and several requests for further copies and more varied films have been received. These will be supplied as opportunity offers, and the work done in this direction should bear good fruit in the future.

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The Department made a good display at the Pan-Pacific Exhibition in Honolulu without any cost, and through, the kindness of Mr. A. Hume Eord, the editor of the Mid-Pacific Magazine, has been widely advertised in that centre of the Pacific. The increased price of all kinds of goods and materials has caused an increase in the expenditure of the Department from £45,785 to £48,732, which is, however, less than it was three or lour years ago. The following statement gives the usual details of the revenue at the various resorts under the control of the Department, and the financial position of each of them : — Receipts for Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Financial Years 191.7-18 and 1916-17. 1917-18. 1916-17. To Ai'oha— £ £ Bath fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 906 882 Games, library fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 223 227 Tea-kiosk ".. .. .. .. .. .. .. 221 189 Miscellaneous .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 104 140 1,454 1,438 Rotorua— Sanatorium fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 40 Out-patients' fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 530 828 Bath fees, pump-room, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 2,478 2,671 Laundry .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 175 254 Dry massage and electrical treatment .. .. .. .. 2,810 2,352 Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,890 1,716 Electric-light charges .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,320 4,634 Games, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 470 496 Round trip: launch, fares, guiding fees, &c. .. .. .. 1,819 2,427 Sale of mineral waters .. . . .. .. .. . . 386 501 Launch, licenses, wharfages, &c. .. .. .. .. . . 8 12 Sulphur royalties .. .. .. .. .. .. 668 907 Rents .. .. .. .. .. 479 740 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 199 219 Trout-fishing and game-shooting fees .. .. .. .. 993 1,100 18,249 18,897 Waitomo Caves— Accommodation and admission fees .. .. .. .. 3,596 3,574 Hanmer Springs — Sanatorium fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 756 611 Bath fees, &c. .. .. .. ... .. .. 543 466 Tennis-players, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 27 Tea-house .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 687 287 ■ Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 75 77 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 81 143 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 96 121 2,262 1,732 Hermitage— Accommodation and guiding, &c. .. .. .. .. 4,866 4,235 Queen stown — Games, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 134 127 Glade House, Milford Track, and To Anau steamers— Accommodation, guiding, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 291 611 Steamer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 182 371 473 982 Head OfficeSale of pamphlets .. .. .. .. .. .. 39 43 Advertising .. .. .. .. '.. .. .. 119 11 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 117 159 Commission on passenger-bookings .. .. .. .. 1,622 1,818 Miscellaneous .. . . .. .. .. 4. 121 1,901 2,152 Totals .. ~ . £32,935 £33,137

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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. Return of Receipts. The following table shows the receipts of the Department from all sources since 1911-12 : — 1911-12. 1.9)2-13. 1913-14. 1914-15. 1915-16. 1916-17. 1917-18. Receipts .. .. 28,048 29,711 30,107 26,630 31,067 33,137 32,935 The amount of the passenger-bookings at the different agencies during the year amounted to £38,867, as against £35,476 for tho previous year. Return of Expenditure. The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past seven years : — £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund .. 46,478 45,934 48,462 49,823 47,966 45.785 48,732 Public Works Fund .. 13,361 12,906 14,989 8,232 5,167 1,094 967 The following is a brief summary of the year's work in the different resorts : — Rotobua. Works. Buildings.— The various buildings have had the usual attention as regards maintenance. In order to cope with the increased demand for mineral water for massage and douche purposes, consequent on, the number of wounded soldiers requiring treatment, a large tank with a capacity of 1.3,000 gallons has been constructed, and placed in the top story of tho main building, so that the water can be delivered in the operating-rooms under pressure. Gardens and Reserves. —These have been kept in good order throughout. The new tennis-courts are still in process of making, but the work has been delayed through inclement weather, scarcity of labour, and the fact that in dealing with virgin soil a certain amount of time has to elapse between each operation. Water and Drainage. —Nineteen now consumers were connected with the system, and about 1,600 ft. of service-pipe varying from J-in. and lj in. has boon laid, or renewed where necessary through corrosion. Electrical Supply. —Tho supply has boon maintained with great regularity during tho year, the total stoppage, due to accidents through gales, being under three hours. The demand has steadily increased, thirty new consumers having been connected up during the year. The revenue from energy supplied during tho year was £5,320, as against £4,634 of the previous year. The number of units generated at the power-house was 489,265. The work of rewiring the bath buildings has been commenced, and is now in progress. Acclimatization. Deer. —The deer-shooting season (one month), which, closed on the 26th April, 1917, was very successful. The full number of licenses allotted to the district were taken out, and twenty-one heads were obtained. Those ranged from ten to seventeen points, tho last named being obtained from the Galatea herd. A, very fine stag with a twenty-point head is known to be among the Rotoiti herd, and although several enthusiastic stalkers have made great efforts to secure the head, none have so far been successful. The Mahia herd was shot over by only one stalker, who only secured medium heads. This herd is at present in rather poor condition, and is very much in need of vigorous culling. It is estimated that quite a hundred weedy and malformed animals could be destroyed with great advantage to the herd. With a view to introducing fresh blood the Department has liberated several animals recently.

Year 191 7-18. Year 1916-17. X CD ° fc, I £ £ K 5 oi 8 M W MH O (U, Resort. '3 I oi 3 '■3 8 a. HH O P ■ M __ oi -3 S oi g o o So; M P-.M H CO ft '53 o 01 tH B ■3 a M HH 0 01 • tH Ol fl "S 01 £ Oh oi S o To Arolia Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Caves Hamner Springs I [ermitage, Mount Cook To Anau and. Manapouri steamers, Glade House, and Milford Track £ 1,454 17,256 993 3,596 2,262 4,866 473 £ 2,602 17,001 352 2,754 3,711 5,126 1,932 £ 1,148 £ 255 641 842 £ 1,438 .17,797 1,100 3,574 1,732 4,235 982 £ 2,665 15,216 412 2,955 2,952 4,151 1,881 £ 1,227 £ 2,581 688 619 1 ,449 260 1,459 1,220 899 84 Queenstown .. 134 441 307 127 471 344

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These were taken from the game-farm at Paraparaumu, and were bred from a stag of the Warnham Park (Essex, England) herd and some Otago hinds. These have produced a very fine type of deer, and with the introduction of this strain, and the suggested culling, there should be a great improvement in the Mahia herd within the next three or four years. The country in this district is easily stalked. The Waikaremoana herd was also strengthened by the addition of two stags and two hinds, which were brought from the game-farm by the Ranger and liberated by him. Tin; Ranger reports the deer in this herd as being in good condition, although he noticed three animals which were malformed. He also reports the existence of two or three malforms in the Galatea herd. Mr. George Chirnsidc kindly presented to the Department four fawns from the celebrated Werribee Park herd in Victoria. Some of these, with some from the game-farm, will be liberated in the upper Whirinaki Valley, where they will form the nucleus of a new herd. The fawns from the game-farm were distributed as follows : Mahia, one stag, 1 hind ; Waikaremoana, two stags, two hinds. Fishing. —The trout-fishing during the current season is much better than last year. The netting in Lake Rotorua was not proceeded with last season, and anglers obtained very fair catches. The fish are in fair condition, having evidently improved through the thinning-out process of netting. The other lakes are yielding excellent fish. One fish caught in Lake Okatina weighed 14J- lb. The fishing at Lake Taupo and the various rivers in that locality was good. Owing to unavoidable circumstances detrimental to hatching operations the Department was not able to secure its usual quota of fry and ova this year for liberation. The following quantities were liberated at the respective localities : Lake Okato, 2,000 fry ; Lake Okataina, 3,000 ; Lake Rotoma, 2,000 ; Lake Ngahewa, 3,000 ; Lake Rotokawau, 3,000 ; Wanganui River and tributaries within this acclimatization district, 29,400; Pokopoko Stream, 1,000; Arikikapakapa and Opal Lakes, 500 : total, 43,900. Native Game. —Tin; shooting season (two months) which closed on the 31st July was only open for teal and grey duck. There were plenty of birds, but they were very wary and shy, and only those sportsmen who braved the elements on boisterous days secured average bags. Wet weather generally interfered with the shooting, particularly in the swamp localities. Imported Game —-The classes open for shooting were Californian and Australian quail and cock 2>beasants. Good bags of quail were obtained locally, these birds being plentiful in Whakatanc, Rotorua, and East Taupo Counties, but scarce in Taumarunui locality. In response to numerous requests for quail from other localities, the following quantities were trapped and distributed : Twenty-seven pairs to Hawkc's Bay, twelve pairs to Canterbury, thirty pairs to Southland, and fifteen pairs to Fiji. Waitomo Caves. The year's revenue at Waitomo Caves Hostel shows an increase from £3,574 to £3,596. Various improvements giving increased accommodation and convenience to the staff were effected during the year. A new path was completed from the Ruakuri to the Aranui Cave, enabling visitors to walk through the bush. The total number of visitors to the hostel and caves was 4,468. Te Aroha. Te Aroha has been well patronized, and the revenue has increased from £1,438 to £1,454. The bath, buildings and grounds, drinking-springs, &c, have been maintained in good order. Tito total baths taken during the year numbered 32,188. Waikaremoana and Te Puia. The question of extensions to the accommodation-house at Waikaremoana has still been kept in abeyance, and until normal conditions prevail it will be necessary to hold them over. The house has been fairly patronized, but continuous inclement weather had a bad effect on the traffic. At Te Puia improvements were made in the bath buildings and the gasometer. Hanmer Springs. A good season was experienced at Hanmer Springs, when the Department's revenue increased from £1,732 to £2,262. The buildings and grounds were maintained in good order, and the lighting of the streets, grounds, and buildings by electricity has added greatly to the comfort and attractions of the place. The baths and sanatorium both show increased revenue, and the playing-grounds have been largely availed of by visitors and returned soldiers in the Queen Mary Hospital. Hermitage. The Mount Cook Hostel has had an exceptionally busy season, and the revenue has increased from £4,235 to £4,866. There are many minor improvements necessary at the resort, such as the provision of tennis-courts, &c, but these have had to be placed on the list of works to stand over. Authority has been given for the lighting of the house by electricity, and this work will be put in hand shortly. The season, though arduous, has been a very successful one for the guides department, the returns for the year for guides' fees, horse-hire, and equipment amounting to £849 4s. 6d., against £754 9s. Id. of last year, showing an increase of £94 15s. sd. This is very satisfactory, and is quite a record over all previous years. A considerable amount of improvements and other new work were carried out during the year. A fine comfortable 8 ft. by 10 ft. hut was erected on the site of the Sefton and Footstool bivouac, and has proved a great convenience, obviating the tedious task of having to carry up tent and

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camping equipment each time a climb was attempted. During the winter a mile of new track was constructed, besides a considerable amount of improvement work done round the hostel building. All the tracks in the vicinity of the Hermitage were put in repair and kept in good order throughout the season. Chief Guide Graham reports that the chamois and thar liberated on the reserve were seen several times during the summer. In the spring a herd of twenty chamois were seen at the Blue Lake, on the way to the Ball hut, by one of the guides, and small herds of three and four were seen later in other localities. The weather on the whole has been good during the season. A number of high ascents were made, including three ascents of Mount Cook and several interesting new climbs and first ascents. During the holiday rush of visitors it was very often difficult to allot guides for all who required them, which resulted in parties making occasional guideless expeditions. Two venturesome ladies crossed over into the Copland Valley and back, making a double crossing of the Copland Pass, which, constitutes the first crossing by ladies without a guide. I have recorded on the appended tabulated list all the high ascents made during the season, but besides the climbs mentioned, one ascent was made of the Hochstetter Dome, sixteen ascents of Glacier Dome, one ascent and four traverses of Mount Annette, two ascents of Mount Kitchener, six ascents of Mount Wakefield, three ascents of Barron Saddle, one ascent and one crossing of Graham's Saddle, ten ascents and thirteen crossings of the Copland Pass.

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during the Season of 1917-18.

llatc. Name of Peak. Height, In Feet. Climbed by Name ol Guide. ttouto and Item arks. 1917. Nov. 10 Mount Elic de Beaumont Footstool 10,200 9,073 Mr. R. B. Seagar, Mrs. P. P. Graham Graham Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. ' „ R. B. Seager Mr. Macfarlanc, Mr. Evans 1 R. Young Ascent and descent by S. face through broken icefall. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent and descent by W. fall from Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by W. arete from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent and descent by S. face from Malte Brun Hut. Ascent by W. arUe from shepherd's hut at foot of Chop Creek. Ascent and descent by S. arete from Hooker Hut and Copland Pass. Ascent and descent from Hooker Hut by S. face from Hooker Glacier. Ascent and descent from King Memorial Hut through broken ice by S. face. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. 10,200 1'. Graham » 24 9,073 Dec. 4 Mount Sealy 8,631 8,631 i 1 R. Young 4 Mount Malte Brun .. 10,421 10,421 Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. P. Graham R. B. Seager Mr. R. B. Seager, Miss A. ; P. Graham, Humphreys J. Stout Mrs. J. Thomson .. J. Lippe .. P. Graham 6 „ 18 M inaret Peaks and Mount De La Beelie Mount Plummor 10,058 10,000 7,814 10,058 10,000 7,814 P, Graham, J. Stout J. Lippe .. „ 19 Lean Peak 8,000 8,000 Miss A. Humphreys, Mrs. P. Graham P. Graham, Mr. R. B. Seager Ditto P. Graham „ 20 Mount Sturdec 9,000 9,000 „ 27 Mount Londorfcldt .. 10,551 10,551 Mrs. J. Thomson, Mr. P. Graham, R. B. Seager J. Lippe P. Graham, J. Lippe „ 30 Mount 8ealy 8,631 1 8,631 Kevin Scannel, Cyril P. Graham Scannel, Mr. 1). Scannel, Mr. Campbell, Pompy Campbell Mrs. J. Thomson .. J. Lippo .. P, Graham 1918. Jan. 4 Footstool 9,073 9,073 J. Lippo .. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent and descent by W. arMe from Malte Brun Hut. ., 5 Mount Malte Brun .. 10,421 10,421 Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss M. Guide less Lorimer, Mr. D. Scan- party led nel by Mr. Holl Mr. W. Graves, Mr. A. Guideless | Graves \ Ditto .. .. „ J Mr. E. P. Lee, Mi'. W. R. Young Graves, Mr. A. Graves Miss B. Holdsworth, Mr. P. Graham, H. A. Holl J. Lippo Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss M. j G u i d eless Lorimer, Miss C. Alin- I party led feldt by Mr. Holl Miss M. Lorimer, Miss C. Ditto Alinfeldt, Mr. H. A. Holl 0 u i d o less party led by Mr. Holl G uideless \ R. Young 5 Mount Sealy 8,631 8,631 Ascent by W. face from Mueller; ascent by N.E. face from Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descont by E. face from Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by Green's route from King Memorial Hut. Ascent by N.W. arete from Mueller Glacier; descent by E. face to Sladden Glacier. Ascent by arete from Barron Saddle ; descent to Fyfc's Pass and Mueller Glacier and back to Mueller Hut. First party of ladies to visit and camp in Murchison Valley. 5 0 Mount Darby Mount Maunga Ma .. 8,284 8,335 8,284 8,335 ft 9 19 Mount Cook Mount Darby 12,349 8,284 12,349 8,284 P. Graham, J. Lippe G u i d eless party led by Mr. Holl Ditto 20 Mount Montgomery 7,661 7,661 i> 20 Murchison Valley .. Miss I, Chambers, Miss P. Graham B. Holdsworth, Miss D.' Theomin, Mrs. P. Graham Miss I. Chambers, Miss B. „ Holdsworth, Miss D. Theomin P. Graham Unnamed peak on Liebig Range, about 2 miles N.E. of Nun's Veil 7,850 7,850 Prom bivouac on Murchison River bed, ascent made by N. face; descent same way. First ascent. Miss Chambers desires this peak be named " Haveloek Peak." Ascent by N.W. arete from Mueller Glacier; descont by E. face to Sladden Glacier, back to Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by Earl's route on W. face, from Hooker bivouac. 21 Mount Darby 8,284 Miss L. Biug, Miss B. R. Young Newman, Mr. Garriok R. Young tt 22 8,284 27 Mount Cook 12,349 12,349 Miss M. Lorimer, Mr. j P. Graham, H. A. Holl R. Young P. Graham, R. Young

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List of High Ascents at Hermitage during the Season of 1917-18— continued.

Te Anau - Milfokd Track. The traffic on this track was for a number of reasons disappointing. It was not opened until late in the season, and misfortunes followed its opening. A. motor accident on the first trip resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to several of the staff. Great trouble was experienced, in the crossing of the Whitestone River, and the coal-supply to the steamer also caused great difficulty. A new hut was erected at the Milford end to accommodate a married couple to attend to tourists. A larger boat with engine attached was purchased for the Sounds trip. A better season is hoped for during the present year. AGENCIES. AND PASSENGER-BOOKINGS. The total value of tours booked was £35,780, against £12,001 for the previous year, the commission being £1,623. Oversea Agencies. The Melbourne and Sydney agencies of the Department, which are really agencies of all Government Departments, have been kept exceptionally busy not only by Tourist work, but by work for Defence, Customs, Public Works, and other Departments. Reports from the officers in charge are attached. The question of securing more suitable offices for the Sydney Agency is now under consideration by the Government. The expenditure of Sydney and Melbourne has been as follows : — Sydney. Melbourne. £ ' £ Rent .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 - 300 Salaries (including clerical assistance) .. .. .. 348 578 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. 210 120

Date. Naino of Teak. Height, In Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks. 1918. Jan. — Mount Sibbald 9,181 Mr. W. A. Kennedy, Edgar Williams Cuideless.. Ascent and descent by S. W. arete from camp on Godley River. First ascent. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent by S. arSte from Barron's Saddle; descent to Fyfe's Pass, to Mueller Glacier, back to Mueller Hut. Ditto. Fob. I Footstool 9,073 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. Guide-less.. 1 Mount Montgomery 7,661 Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss D. Theomin, Miss Gawith, Mr. F. W. Vosselor G u i d eless party led by Mr. Holl Mount Montgomery 7,661 Miss F. Gawith, Miss Z. Marshall, Miss V. Ross Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss D. Theomin, Miss Gawith, Mr. F. W. Vosseler R. Young 1 3 Mount Darby 8,284 G u i d eless party led by Mr. Holl Ascent by N.W. ar&le from Mueller Glacier ; descent by 15. face to Sladden Glacier and back to Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent and descent E. faco from Mueller Hut. Complete traverse. Ascent by E. arUe, descent N. face. Ascent and descent by N.W. face from Bootham Glacier. First ascent. From bivouac in Murohison River bed, ascent by N. arete. First ascent. Ascent by N.E. arete ; descent same way. Second ascent. Ascent by N.W. arite from Mueller Glacier; #escent by E. face to Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by the W. arete from bivouac on Gorilla Creek. Ascent by S.E. arUe from Barron's Saddle. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by Green's route from King Memorial Hut. Ascent and descent by N. face from plateau of Hochstetter Icefall from King Memorial Hut. Second ascent. Ascent and descent by N. face and thence by S.E. arete from High bivouac, Copland Valley, above Douglas Rock. First ascent. Ascent and descent by S. face from head neve of Douglas and Horace Walker Glacier from bivouac above Douglas Rock. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. Footstool 9,073 Miss D. Theomin P. Graham, A. Cowling P. Graham „ 12 „ 19 Mount Maunga Ma .. 8,335 Mr. R. B. Seager „ 20 Mount Scaly 8,631 „ 20 Mount Nathan 9,000 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. G uideless.. tar. 2 Unnamed peak on Liebig Range about § mile N.E. of Prist Cap Mount Birctta (Prist Cap) Mount Darby 8,300 Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham 2 8,761 Mr. R. B. Seager .) ,, 5 8,284 Miss M. P. Marsden R. Young ,, 8 Mount Blackburn .. 7,835 Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham :.- 10 Mount Montgomery 7,661 Miss E. M. Upton, Miss "G. B. Qorrie Ditto J. Lippo .. „ 11 Mount Sealy 8,631 „ 13 „ 15 Mount Cook Anzac Peaks 12,349 8,323, 7,623 Mr. R. B. Seager Miss M. P. Marsden P. Graham, A. Cowling R. Young 25 Scott's Peak 8,000 Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham 26 H i g h e s t peak of Sierras 7,850 Mount Sealy 8,631 Mr. Russel, Mr. Hall, Mr. Murphy A. Cowling 31

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REPORT OP RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. Rotorua, Bth July, 1918. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1918. During the year 386 cubic yards of 2-| in. blue metal has been imported from. Te Aroha and Te Kuiti for use in repairing Fenton, Hinemoa, Hinemaru, and Arawa Streets, a total distance of 57 chains. In Tutanekai Street 9 chains of new road-formation, consisting of a sheeting of 2J in. metal covered with a binding of tarred metal chips and sand, for a width of 18 ft., has been laid from the railwaystation gate to Erueru Street; 107 cubic yards of tarred metal chips have been used in repairing existing tarred streets. Of the local metal, obtainable from Hemo Gorge, 14-2 cubic yards have been quarried and used, and about a mile of road in that neighbourhood has been repaired with same. 152 square yards of footpath have been coated with tar and sand. About 2,060 square yards of footpath, in. the side streets, have been sheeted, with pumice. A considerable amount of formation (122 chains) on the suburban roads has been done by the County Council's grading-machine, under arrangement with the County Council, and about 15 chains have, been done by our own grader (a much smaller machine). On acoount ol' the moist spring and summer the growth of the trees was quite abnormal, necessitating in many ol' the streets a double pruning. This had to be done in most cases in order to keep the growth clear of the electric and telegraph wires. The gum-trees along Fenton Street are being topped and brought to a uniform height of about 30 fl. This was rendered necessary because of the continuous trouble we were experiencing with the wires, and the fears of some residents that the trees would come down with a heavy wind and endanger their life and property. The cost of tree-pruning is an appreciable item in our maintenance, work. During the year just closed the sum of £113 16s. lOd. was expended on this work. The continuous leaks in the wooden water-mains give us considerable trouble. About six hundred holes had to be filled last year where leaks had taken place, involving a certain amount of cartage and spoil for the filling of each hole. The levy on the Town Account made by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the current financial year was £204. 9s. 3d., to meet which a rate (on the capital value) of jJjd. in the. pound was struck. The levy made by the Fire Board amounted to £378 10s., which was met by a rate of . 7 „d. in the pound on the value, of buildings within the town area. For the maintenance of the Public Library and Reading-room a rate of -fad. in the pound on the capital value was levied. Twenty-three building permits were issued during the year for new buildings and additions to existing ones, the total value being £8,370. The rateable capital value of the town is £508,056. I attach a statement of the Rotorua Town Account, Wm. Hill, Resident Officer. Statement of Accounts op the Town of Rotoiuta tor Year ended 31st March, 191.8. General Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. Administration— £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1017 .. 214 0 (i Salaries .. .. 311 2 9 Treasury — Printing and advertising 8 11 3 Hath fees .. .. 1,348 11 7 Audit .. .. 7 0 8 Rents (Crown lands) .. 1,939 410 Bank charges .. .. 010 0 Fees and lines (Magis- Bank interest on overdraft .'1 12 (i trate's Court) .. 10 5 0 Office expenses .. 14 14 !) 3,298 1 5 345 17 11 Sanitary service fees .. .. 401 13 3 Public works — Public pound fees .. .. 80 5 2 Maintenance of streets and Licenses and fees — roads (labour and maBuilding permits .. 20 10 0 terial) .. .. 2,919 13 0 Vehicle .. .. 72 0 0 Tree topping and pruning 113 16 10 Drivers' .. .. 7 12 0 Street-lighting.. .. 160 10 0 Publicans' .. .. 190 0 0 — 3,200 0 4 Auctioneers' .. .. 60 0 0 Sanitary service— Billiard-rooms .. .. 22 0 0 Labour .. .. 540 0 0 Halls .. .. 9 0 0 Fodder and plant .. 140 4 2 Shooting-gallery .. 3 0 0 092 4 2 Hoardings .. . . 4 3 0 Public pound—Fodder and Shows .. .. 5 0 0 advertising .. .. .. 19 11 8 Hawkers' .. .. 0 5 0 Public health—Sanitary in-Dog-registration fees .. 43 2 0 spection .. .. .. 50 0 0 430 12 0 Licensing - expenses — TauRents— ■ ranga County Council .. .. 24 7 2 Real property .. 5 10 0 Miscellaneous— Explosive magazines .. 210 3 Insurance (fire and acei--8 12 3 dent) .. .. 39 11 3 Material sold .. .. .. 35 3 6 Dog-registration .. 0 5 0 Contributions to works .. .. 16 11 8 Charitable aid .. 310 9 Miscellaneous — Maintenance of town clock 11 5 0 Grazing at sanitary depot !) 5 2 Grant towards technical Guides' badges .. 0 15 0 school .. .. 20 0 0 Sale of by-laws .. 0 5 0 Maintenance of boat-sheds 30 2 7 Refunds, hospital and Sundries .. .. 0 0 3 charitable aid .. 1 12 0 r— 110 1.4 10 Sundries .. .. 1 12 * 7 Credit balance at 31st March, 13 !) 9 1918 .. .. .. .. 09 0 8 Ten - per - cent, penalty on overdue rates .. .. .. 13 0 9 £4,517 10 9 £4,517 16 9

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Separate Accounts. NO. 1. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AlB ACCOUNT. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. Rates— £ s. d. £ s. d. Debit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 19 14 7 Arrears .. .. .. 63 11 3 Waikato Hospital Board.. .. .. 204 9 3 Current, 1917-18 .. .. 167 9 5 Printing and advertising.. .. .. 1 11 1 231 0 8 Postages .. .. .. .. 1 3 10 Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 4 111 £231 0 8 £231 0 8 No. 2. Fire-prevention Acoount. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. Rates— £ s. d. £ s. d. Debit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 38 15 8 Arrears .. .. .. 124 14 4 Rotorua Fire Board .. .. .. 376 17 0 Current, 1917-18 .. .. 367 12 8 Printing and advertising.. .. .. 11l 1 492 7 0 Postages .. .. .. .. 1 310 Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 73 18 11 £492 7 0 £492 7 0 No. 3. Library Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Salaries .. .. .. .. 59 1.4 1 Credit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 14 13 6 Books and papers .. .. .. 31 7 5 Rates— Sundries .. .. .. .. 42 2 9 Arrears .. .. .. 28 10 4 Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 74 411 Current, 1917-18 ..' .. 46 410 74 15 2 Subscriptions .. .. .. 63 1 0 Rents of office .. .. .. 42 10 0 Hire of room for meetings .. .. 12 5 0 Sale of old newspapers .. .. 0 4 0 £207 9 2 £207 9 2 No. 4. Cemetery Account. Receipts. £ s. d. ! Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1917 .. 2 4 5 Maintenance .. .. ~ .. 5 7 0 Fees for sale of exclusive right .. .. 42 0 0 Bank charges .. .. .. .. 010 0 Burial fees .. .. .. 30 10 0 Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 68 16 11 £74 14 5 £74 14 5 Reconciliation of Account Balances with Bank and Cash. Accounts. £ s. d. Bank and Cash. General Account .. .. 69 0 8 £ s. d. £ s. d. Hospital and Charitable Aid Account .. 4 1 11 Rotorua Town Account .. 613 10 10 Fire-prevention Account. . .. .. 73 18 11 Less outstanding cheques .. 406 4 3 Library Account .. .. .. 74 4 11 207 0 7 Cemetery Account .. .. ..68 16 11 , Cash in hand .. .. .. 13 19 10 Rotorua Town Cemetery Account .. 08 16 11 £290 3 4 £290 3 4 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Asset,'!. £ s. d. Liabilities. £ s. d. Cash in bank — Outstanding cheques, Town Account .. 400 4 3 Town Account , .. .. .. 013 10 10 Outstanding, accounts .. .. .. 238 8 9 Cemetery Account .. .. .. 68 16 11 Excess of assets over liabilities .. .. 2,549 14 2 Cash in hand .. .. .. .. 13 19 10 Outstanding rates, 1917-18 .. .. 95 19 7 Outstanding rates, 1910-17 .. .. 37 4 8 Outstanding rents .. .. .. 87 411 Sanitary fees .. .. .. .. 321 411 Sundry accounts .. .. .. 26 5 0 Estimated assets — Library buildings and furniture .. 650 0 0 Sanitary depot, building and plant .. 1.00 0 0 Pound cottage.. .. .. .. 100 0 0 General working plant .. .. .. 400 0 0 Rowing-club shed . . .. .. 300 0 0 Office furniture and plant .. .. 130 0 0 Cemetery chapel . . . . .. 100 0 0 Benzine magazine .. .. .. 90 0 0 £3,1.94 7 2 £3,194 7 2 Wm. Hill, 24th May, 1918, Resident Officer, Rotorua.

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REPORT OF THE BALNEOLOGTST, ROTORUA. Rotorua, 2nd May, 1918. I have the honour to present my annual report on the Rotorua baths. As forecasted in my last annual report, there has been a noticeable diminution in the receipts at the baths, both from medical and tourist sources. This has been almost inevitable, in view of the growing restrictions on travelling, and is less than might reasonably have been expected. The total receipts, however, have been almost identical with those of last year, owing to the increased work done for the Defence Department, and were it not for considerable amounts remaining outstanding the total receipts would have shown a marked increase. Apart from the actual financial returns, however, the amount of work done has increased enormously. Owing to the steadily mounting number of wounded to be treated, the work performed by the staff is twice what it was in pre-war days, and for a great proportion of this work no corresponding increase of receipts can be shown. It is proposed by the Defence Department to increase very greatly the amount of treatment to be carried, out at the King George V Hospital, and this will correspondingly diminish the strain on the baths establishment, a strain rapidly approaching the breaking-point, and will correspondingly increase the bath facilities for the general public. During the year Mr. A. E. Wilson has been appointed to the new post of Baths Superintendent. The appointment has enabled a more close supervision to be exercised over the establishment, and I gratefully acknowledge the relief and assistance afforded thereby to me Where work has been performed ungrudgingly all round it is hard to single out any individual for special commendation, and I desire rather to place on record that the work in all departments has been very satisfactory, and has been maintained at a high standard. Arthur S. Herbert, Government Balneologist. REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY. Sydney, N.S.W., 11th April, 1918. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1918. Passenger-booking. Compared with the previous year the amount taken for the, sale of tickets in connection with booking passages to and through the Dominion shows a decrease. The war, with the various regulations that exist in Australia and New Zealand, has principally caused the falling-ofi in the tourist traffic, but the large general strike which occurred in Sydney during the months of August, September, and October completely upset the shipping between the two countries, and in consequence the tourist traffic during these months was completely disorganized. In my last annual report I pointed out how the shipping companies had made it a rule to only issue single tickets to and from the Dominion, and this practice has unfortunately been maintained, and has undoubtedly again been the means of preventing many people from, visiting New Zealand. Immigration. Some fifty foreigners were examined during the year with a view to seeing if they could pass the education test as prescribed by the Immigration Restriction Act, and as the majority of the applicants were able to do this certificates were issued to them. Advertising. The appropriation allotted to this office for advertising the Dominion in New South Wales was spread over a number of excellent channels, and included advertising on various steamers, dropcurtains at vaudeville and picture theatres, and in publications. The Dominion obtained some very excellent free advertisements during the year, including illustrated articles in the P.F.A. magazine and the Austral-Briton newspaper ; a pictorial supplement containing many New Zealand views, which was issued in connection with the' Christmas number of the Tweed Call ; and an exhibition in Sydney of kinemacolor pictures of scenes in the Dominion. The kinemacolor pictures were shown in Sydney for three weeks on end at one of the leading picturetheatres, and it is estimated that they were seen by about twenty-five thousand people. On the opening night a number of the leading citizens of Sydney and. suburbs were present at the invitation of the Department. During the year the scenic films entitled. " The' Southern Alps of New Zealand," and " Scenes in New Zealand," which, are kept for advertising purposes, have frequently been loaned to various pictureproprietors for exhibition in Sydney and suburbs. New-Zealanders visiting Sydney. I am pleased to report that the office hag been greatly availed of by New-Zealanders who have passed through Sydney during the year. Many of the visitors came for business purposes, and have found the office exceedingly useful in obtaining unbiased information relating to business in general in Sydney. The, office has also been greatly used by visiting New-Zealanders who have wanted to be absent from the Dominion for a longer period than that authorized by the Government.

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Work carried out on behalf of other Government Departments. The office has been kept exceedingly busy during the year in connection with arranging for the transportation of New Zealand returned soldiers to the Dominion ; advancing money to same, and paying accounts, &c, for the Defence Department; obtaining quotations for goods, placing orders and arranging payment for same, wanted by the Departments of Munitions and Supplies, and Public Works ; sending special reports to the Customs Department and Board of Trade ; performing particular duties for the Departments of Internal Affairs, and Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce, and generally carrying out minor duties for practically all the other Government Departments in New Zealand. General. As in the past, many people called or wrote for information dealing with New Zealand's War Regulations, legislation, settlement in the Dominion, Customs duties, mining, education, and other matters, and in each, case the fullest particulars were supplied. Parcels of literature were distributed to the prospective tourist and settler, and advantage was taken of every opportunity of advertising the Department and generally keeping the Dominion before the Australian public. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent, Sydney, N.S.W. REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. Melbourne, 2nd April, 1918. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report on the working of these offices for the year ended 31st March, 1918. The work carried on at Melbourne has been of an extensive and varied character. The staff's united efforts in the interests of the Dominion have been reflected in the growing popularity of the offices, and in order to keep abreast with the abnormal' times it has been necessary to engage the services of a typist. As a result of the war New Zealand's representation in this city becomes doubly important, the Government placing its seal upon our usefulness by the free utilization of the services provided. Defence matters have loomed large on the list of duties performed, and the presence of New Zealand troops has at times taxed our capacity to the utmost. To soldiers passing to and from the front a cordial welcome is always given ; in fact, the Melbourne offices have proved a convenient centre from which New Zealand and Commonwealth Defence matters can be handled, our soldiers and their relatives, as well as our own and the Federal Defence Departments, receiving full advantage of the facilities offered. A useful link, therefore, between the two Departments has been established, and the information supplied to us from both military headquarters, including a regular supply of New Zealand casualty lists, has. enabled us to disseminate to anxious inquirers the particu'ars they desired to obtain. It may not be out of place to express here a word of appreciation to the Federal Defence authorities for their sympathetic co-operation and unfailing courtesy, at all times, when dealing with military affairs of mutual interest. The bringing into existence of the Department of Imperial Government Supplies and the Board of Trade has also further stimulated the activities of these offices. The purchase of wheat and its distribution by the latter Board, and the purchase of calf-skins by the Australian Leather Industries Board from the former Department, involved considerable work and a good deal of negotiation. Whilst the above Departments have absorbed a great deal of our time, other Departments apart from our own, such as the Internal Affairs, Public Works, Customs, and Agriculture, have received our undivided attention. The instructions received from the Department of Internal Affairs to issue certificates to desirable shearers and slaughtermen were carried out, and as a result a good many men following these occupations were sent to the Dominion to meet the shortage which existed there. The question of permits and passports has been a source of much concern to those desiring to visit the Dominion, and we succeeded in many instances in minimizing the trouble. For the Public Works quotations for supplies have been submitted, and goods purchased and shipped on their behalf, the shortage of tonnage being a difficult position to contend with. Many merchants' books and invoices have been examined on behalf of the Customs Department, in order to see that their regulations regarding the fair market value have been complied with. Trading matters controlled by the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce have been attended to, with a result that an interchange of trade in certain commodities has been established between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, business houses at this end being put in touch with merchants in New Zealand and vice versa. Assistance was given in connection with the, exchange of stud cattle between the Victorian and New Zealand Departments of Agriculture, and it is hoped that the experiment will bring satisfactory results to both countries. In so far as the tourist traffic is concerned I can with every confidence say that it is, under the prevailing conditions, distinctly satisfactory. The disjointed direct-steamer service, from Melbourne has J naturally militated against the traffic from this port, but the steamers leaving Sydney have carried a full complement of visitors both to Auckland and Wellington, and I think I am safe in saying that the people from Australia have been the prime supporters of our tourist resorts this year. I think there is every reason for congratulation on the results achieved, and I attribute our success mainly to our active propaganda work. New Zealand and its attractions are kept continually before

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the people,|and even when actual bookings are not made, a constant stream of visitors find their way to the Dominion. Our advertising campaigns have been carried on with vigour through the columns of the Press and with the assistance of the moving picture. The kinemacolor films are, through Mr. Shephard, still advertising our various resources, and satisfactory results through their agency are reported to me from time to time. They have been displayed extensively in Victoria, South. Australia, and Tasmania. During the year I succeeded in preparing, without cost to the Department, a specia' booklet entitled " New Zealand." Five thousand copies were issued, and it is a handy, up-to-date, and suitable publication for distribution from these offices. One of the best advertisements New Zealand has had in Melbourne was of recent date, when the Dominion was represented in the " Avenue of the Allies " at Our Boys' Day Carnival on the 15th March. Our representation took the shape of a Maori whare kiosk, and was erected in the heart of Collins Street, the culminating point of the carnival. Sixty kiosks competed, and we succeeded in securing the second prize. The Americans won first honours. This was expected, as they spent £300 in construction, whereas our structure only cost £12. Our contribution towards the funds amounted to £150. I am glad to report that a number of important families, as well as single individuals, after consultation with me, decided to take up their residences in New Zealand. H. J. Manson, Agent for New Zealand Government.

Approximate Cost oj Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (750 copies), £14.

Authority : Mabctjs F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lB.

.Price 6d.\