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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1919 Session I, H-02

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1919 NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

The Minibtbb in Ohabgb of Toukist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. My Lord,-- Wellington, 10th September, 1919. 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, 1919. I have, &c., W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-G-efaeral of New Zealand.

Annual Report of the General Manager of Tourist and Health Resorts. Sir,-— Wellington, 20th Juno, 1919. I have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1919. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. VV. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. The direct revenue of the Department last year reached the amount of £33,689, the highest in the history of the Department. In view of the fact that this revenue was obtained in spite of the epidemic, which for a time caused a total cessation of the tourist traffic, and of the subsequent dislocation of all overseas traffic from Australia, the result must be considered as very satisfactory. The French Mission, headed by General Pau, arrived in New Zealand on the 26th December, 1918. The Mission, besides visiting the principal towns of the Dominion, toured to the leading tourist resorts. The visitors were greatly impressed with the beauties of the country, and I have no doubt that as a result many French tourists will visit the Dominion. Mr. J. H. Barr, an officer of my Department, accompanied the Mission, and the whole tour was very successfully conducted. The displays of kinemacolor pictures in Australia were kept going by the agents in these countries, and additional film has been taken during the season of the West Coast Sounds and the coast generally. When these are available they will also be exhibited as an advertising medium. I—H. 2.

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The expenditure during the year lias risen from £48,732 to £53,656. The following statement gives the usual details of the revenue from the different resorts, and the financial position of each of them : — Receipts for Department of Tourist and Health Rhsobts, Financial Years 1917-18 and 1918-19. 1918-19. 1917-18. Te Aroha— £ £ Bath fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 805 906 Games, library fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 219 223 Tea-kiosk .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 229 221 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 117 104 1,370 1,454 Rotorua— Sanatorium fees .. .. .. .. .. . . 34 24 Out-patients' fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 657 530 Bath fees, pump-room, &o. .. ~ .. .. .. 2,644 2,478 - Laundry .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 175 Dry massage and electrical treatment .. .. .. .. 2,927 2,810 Water-supply.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,590 1,890 Electric-light charges .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,125 5,320 Games, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 502 470 Round trip : launch faros, guiding fees, &c. .. .. .. 2,105 1,819 Sale of mineral waters .. .. .. .. .. .. 439 386 Launch licenses, wharfages, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 2 8 Sulphur royalties .. .. .. .. .. .. 829 668 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. ..493 479 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 266 199 Trout-fishing and game-shooting licenses .. .. .. .. 789 993 18,420 18,249 Waitomo Caves Accommodation and-admission fees .. .. .. .. 3,866 3,596 Hanmer Springs— Sanatorium fees .. .. .. „ .. .. 784 756 Bath fees, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 504 543 Games .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 24 Tea-house .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 752 687 Water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 92 75 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 96 8.1 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. II 96 2,272 2,262 Hermitage— Accommodation and guiding fees .. .. .. .. 4,529 4,866 Queenstown — Games, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 158 134 Glade House, Milford Track, and Te Anau Hotel and steamer — Accommodation, guiding, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 652 291 Steamer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 195 182 847 473 Head OfficeSale of pamphlets .. .. .. .... .. 49 39 Advertising .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 86 119 Rents .. .. .. .. .'. .. .. 87 117 Commission on passenger-bookings .. .. .. .. 1,626 1,622 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Value of tickets unpreserited for payment.. .. .. .. 379 2,227 1,901 Totals .. .. £33,689 £32,935

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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. 1912-13. 1913-14. 1914-15. 1915-16. 1916-17. 1917-18. 1918-19. ££ £ £ £ £££ Receipts .. 28,048 29,711 30,107 26,630 31,067 33,137 32,935 33,689 The amount of the passenger-bookings at the different agencies during the year amounted to £30,812, as against £35,780 for the previous year. Return of Expenditure. The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past eight years : — ££ £ ££ £££ Consolidated Fund .. 46,478 45,934 48,462 49,823 47,966 45,785 48,732 53,656 Public Works Fund .. 13,361 12,906 14,989 8,232 5,167 J ,094 967 1,620 The following is a brief summary of the year's operations in the different resorts: — Eotorua. Tourist Season. —The number of visitors to Rotorua showed an appreciable increase over that of the previous year. This was particularly noticeable during the closing quarter. The value of tickets used under the Department's passenger-booking system amounted to £1,233 2s. 3d., an increase of £427 3s. lOd. on the total, of the previous year. Buildings. -The various departmental buildings have had the necessary attention as regards maintenance. The outstanding feature of the year's work has been the erection at Waimangu of a tea-kiosk, 31 ft. by 14 ft., comprising kitchen, tea-room, and bedroom, with a roomy veranda for use of the public during fine weather. The new building takes the place of the one wrecked in the eruption two years ago. The front of the Duchess bath building has been practically renewed. The previous front had become discoloured and decayed through the action of sulphur-fumes coming in contact with an extensive sulphur deposit under the building. Measures have been taken which it is hoped will prevent-a recurrence of this action. Gardens and Reserves. —These have had the necessary attention, although the operations were somewhat delayed through the scarcity of labour and the influenza epidemic. The new tennis-courts at rear of main bath building are now well advanced, having been well ploughed, harrowed, and levelled, and are-now ready for sowing. Some eight hundred loads of clay soil had to be carted on to the ground to impart the necessary firmness to the service areas of the courts. During the month of February an extensive portion of the scrub -area between the main drive and the lake was accidentally burned. It was decided to convert the area through which the fire had passed into a winter sports-ground, and consequently the ground has been cleared and grubbed preparatory to ploughing. There will be sufficient area for a hockey and three football grounds. The necessity for this undertaking was practically forced upon the Department through the Defence Department having taken over Pukeroa Reserve as a military camp, and thus closing the sportsground which formerly was available there. Water and Drainage. —Fourteen new consumers were connected to the water-supply, and nine connections made with the sewage system. During the year about 60 chains of mains running from the old reservoir, through Arikikapakapa Reserve, to Fenton Street were lifted and relaid in the main thoroughfares. The cast-iron mains thus taken up and relaid were in splendid condition,

Year 1918-19. Year 1917-18. Resort. H ° -si | !"Sg- It P 3 «n jS « § P< o fc, 1 ' "'Si s » g 8 o 5.8 ** 3 H j H H +8 a '3 o 6 u a g « S3 U »-. OT cq 43 A, SI'S I' P h S 2 S! 8£ p I Te Arolia Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Caves Hanmer Springs Hermitage, Mount Cook Te Anau and Manapouri steamers, Glade House, and Milford Track 1 £ 1,370 17,631 789 3,866 2,272 4,529 849 1,3' 17,6; 7i 3,8( 2,2' 4,51 8' £ £ £ 2,813 1,443 18,349 718 506 .. 283 2,815 .. 1,051 4,097 1,825 i .. 5,370 841 2,188 1,339 £ 1,454 17,256 993 3,596 2,262 1,866 473 £ 2,602 17,001 352 2,754 3,711 5,126 1,932 £ 1,148 1,449 260 1,459 £ 255 641 842 Queenstown ... 158 II 488 330 134 441 307

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although they had been in the ground for about thirty years. These replaced a section of wooden mains, which had hitherto given considerable trouble. A. further advantage was that a continuous supply to King George Hospital was assured. Works. —At Rotorua many big works are in sight. Tt is intended this year to make a start with the alterations at the Okere power-station, which is now working at its fullest limit of power, and. must in the near future be replaced by a more powerful station. The work of replacing the wooden water-supply pipes with cast-iron ones is proceeding, and an order has already been placed in Australia for a large quantity of pipes. These have been held, up by the dislocation of shipping, but should soon be in New Zealand. The bath buildings at the leading health resort in the Southern Hemisphere, and probably in the world, have naturally, owing to the financial demands in other directions during the past few years, suffered somewhat, and a comprehensive report was prepared by Dr. Herbert before he left for England as to what is required to be done. These works include extensions to the present main bath buildings, and a practical reconstruction of the Blue, Pavilion, and Postmaster Bath buildings, and also for the improvement of the hot-water supply of Priest water. The Dominion has suffered a great loss by the departure of Dr. Herbert, who for some seventeen years occupied the position of Balneologist at Rotorua with great ability. Arrangements have, however, been made to retain his services in England as Consulting Balneologist, and also for him to prepare and publish a complete work on the hot-water mineral springs of New Zealand. Acclimatization. During the deer-stalking season (26th March to 26th April, 1918) twenty licenses were issued for the three herds in the Rotorua-Whakatane Counties; sixteen of the stalkers secured thirty heads. The Mahia Peninsula herd was stalked by Messrs. Ormond and Kennedy, who each secured their quota. During the game-shooting season (Ist May to 31st July, 1918) many good bags of duck, quail, and pheasant were secured in various parts of the district. Black swan were again protected, and there is consequently a perceptible increase in the number of these birds on the local lakes. During the year a number of deer and game were liberated, and it is the intention of the Department to breed and liberate a larger number of pheasants next year. A schedule of the game, and deer received and liberated is appended. Birds and Fish captured and presented to Wellington Zoo or sold. Wellington Zoo : 50 golden and silver carp : 12 black- and. red-billed gulls ; 7 paradise duck ; 3 pairs Californian quail; 1 wild grey duck ; I cock pheasant; 1 mountain-parrot (kea). Frankleigh Park, New Plymouth : 3') golden and silver carp. M>isterton :50 golden and silver carp. Auckland : 100 golden and silver carp. Pheasants. Bred by Banger .. . . .. . . .. .. 28 (Of these, 13 were retained as stock birds.) Received from Auckland Society (gift and purchase) . . .. 130 Purchased from Canterbury Society .. .. .. .. .. 8 Beceived from J. Dobson's game-farm, Aratapu, by purchase for stock .. 6 Held by Ranger for stock .. .. . . .. .. . . 3 Total . . . . . . .. . . .. 175 Of which about 50 were liberated in suitable localities and sanctuaries.

Deer.

Other Deer and Animals. Four Himalayan thar from Wellington Zoo, liberated at Mount Sealey (Mount Cook district) ; three Sambur deer (Ceylon elk) from Himitangi, liberated at Rerewliakaitu herd (Rua.wahia) and Taneatua herd (Whakatane County) , four opossums, presented to Wellington Zoo, liberated at Wai-iti (Ruatahuna); one fallow buck, from Wellington Zoo, not yet liberated. Seven red deer from Paraparaumu Game Farm liberated—l at Mahia Peninsula, 2at Wellington Zoo, 1 Rotoiti herd, I Okataina Reserve, 1 Galatea herd, 1 not yet liberated.

Received from Stags. Hinds. ! Liberated at 1 Stags. HindB. I Werribee Park, Victoria 2 2 Waikaremoana (Paraparaumu stock) 3 Mahia Peninsula (Paraparaumu stock) .. ! Whirinaki Valley (2 from Paraparaumu stock and 2 from Werribee stock) Taumarunui herd (Werribee stock) Rotoiti herd (Werribee Park and Zoo, Otago Society) Galatea herd from Zoo 2 2 Paraparaumu Game Farm 5 I 1 Wellington Zoo 3 2 - 2 1 2_ Total .. 2 i 10 5

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During the final two months of the trout-fishing season the condition of the trout, in Lake Botorna particularly, was very fair. The improvement in the condition of the fish was freely commented upon by anglers. The fish in Rotoiti Lake were in good condition. The fishing in the other lakes was, on the whole, good. The Waikaremoana hatchery was removed last year to a new site near Lake House. Provision is being made this year for further extension, to enable a larger quantity of ova to be hatched. In two years' time there should be a marked improvement in the number and condition of trout in this lake and the adjacent streams. A schedule of the trout ova and fry liberated during the season is appended :- o?Z£. Place of Liberatiou. Ova .. .. .. .. 50,000 Boundary rivers on Hawke's Bay and Auckland district. 200,000 Waikaremoana Lake and adjacent streams. 25,000 Streams in Wairoa County portion of district. Trout-fry . . . . . . .. 35,000 Taumarunui area in Wanganui and Ongaruhe. 20,000 Rangitaiki, Runanga, and Upper Mohaka. 4,000 Te Puke j (outside our district, in coast rivers, 4,000 Tauranga ( Bay of Plenty). 10,000 Rotoma, Tikitapu, Okareka, Rotoehu (divided). Yearlings from Hamurana and Te Ngae 1,750 Lake Rotoma. Quinnat salmon from Wellington Zoo. . 21 At present in experimental pond in Government Gardens. Waitojio Caves. The year at Waitomo has been most satisfactory, the revenue being £3,866, or £70 ahead of the record year—that of the Auckland Exhibition. The number of visitors was 4,612. All buildings, tracks, and fences were maintained in good order. Te Aroha. The revenue shows a slight falling-off at Te Aroha, being £84 less than the previous year, due largely to the influenza epidemic. The baths taken wens 28,000, against 32,000. The baths, drinkingsprings, various buildings, gardens, and playing-greens were all maintained in first-class order. Waikaremoana, Te Puia, and Morere. The Kast Coast resorts have been satisfactorily looked after, but the new hostel at Te Puia has not yet been erected. It will, however, be taken in hand immediately weather permits. The site has been selected and made ready. The new bath-house at Morere, and the ladies' swimming-bath, have been finished and opened, and a large amount of improvement work has been done to the tracks in the reserve. The business at Waikaremoana during the main part of the season has been good, but it was, unfortunately, necessary to close the building during the epidemic. Hanmeu Springs. A good, season was experienced at Hanmer, where the revenue showed an increase. The baths and playing-greens have been very largely used by the soldier inmates of the Queen Mary Hospital, and the majority of them have been treated by the Department's massage staff. Various improvements and additions were made to tho Department's cottages and buildings. Tongariro National Park. The road to the proposed new hut for visitors has been practically completed, and the timber for the hut is ready to be carted to the site as soon as weather permits. The necessary arrangements have been made to enlarge the park by the, addition of the military training-area and other land. Hermitage. The result from a financial point has not been as good as the previous year, due mainly to the influenza epidemic, the, absence of visitors from Australia, and the exceedingly bad weather experienced the first half of the season. However, the revenue has been quite up to previous years for the latter part of the season, and the accommodation has been sorely taxed. The total gross revenue for the year amounts to £4,529, as against £4,866 for last year, a decrease of £337. Guiding, equipment, and horse-hire amounts to £592 Is. 4d., as against £849 4s. 6d. for last year, a decrease of £257 3s. 2d. -1 Instructions have been given for considerable improvements and additions to the present building, the main one being the widening of the present closed-in veranda, which will enable a billiard-room and dancing-hall to be provided, and these will also be available for accommodation of an overflow of visitors. Mr. Parry, the former Chief Electrical Engineer, before leaving New Zealand made a complete report on the question of the electric lighting of the establishment, and this report is now under consideration of the Government. Various improvements to the tracks and huts are also in contemplation. High ascents were quite out of the question in the early part of the season, and a number of climbers went away disappointed. The bad weather continued on through the season till the beginning of February, ending in a heavy flood. Six weeks of fine summer weather followed, and when the mountains wore in climbing condition, with the .exception of Mr. S. Turner, there were no other climbers wishing to make high ascents, so the guides' department takings suffered considerably. A considerable, amount of repairing-work and other improvements were carried out, however, during the year. During May and June last a new and well-graded track was constructed connecting the Governor's Bush track with the Red Lake on Sebastopol. The heavy snowstorms of last winter did

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serious damage to the King Memorial Hut and the Sefton bivouae, the heavy weight of snow crushing in the roof, breaking many of the rafters and stays. New material had to be procured and carried up to repair,the damage and to strengthen the buildings. All the material is now on the spot, and the work of repairing is being effected. The chamois and that: liberated on the reserve have been seen several times during the summer. A near yjew of a herd of thirty-two thar, including eight young ones, was once sighted on the Sealy Range at the back of the Hermitage, and all the animals appear in splendid condition. Four young thar from the Wellington Zoo were, liberated during the summer near the locality, which should infuse new blood and strengthen the herd. The chief climb during the season was the solitary ascent of Blount Cook by Mr. 8. Turner, F.R.G.S. He is the first unaided amateur to make the ascent. It is a splendid achievement, and is the reward of pluck and perseverance. Besides the climbs recorded in the following list, one ascent was made on the Hochstetter Dome, one of Mount Kitchener, two of Mount Annette, five of Mount Wakefield, one of Barron's Saddle, one crossing of Graham's Saddle, and four ascents and six crossings of the Copland Pass.

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during Season of 1918-19.

Te Anau - Milforij Track. There was a considerable increase in the traffic on this, track, and as arrangements have been made to bridge the Whitestone and Mararoa Rivers before next season starts, there will lie the necessary improvements in the. motor service, which has acted as a deterrent to many intending visitors. More than one reliable motor firm has expressed a desire to take up this run, provided the rivers and the road are attended to. Overseas Agencies. Various causes have contributed to keep these agencies .'cry busy, more especially, however, for other Departments than the Tourist, and the Sydney Agent in particular has bad a very strenuous time.

Hate. Name of Peak. ! jSt!*' Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Bemarks. About j 1918. April 15 About Unnamed twin peak (end | 7,542 of Malte Brun Range) 7,542 | Miss E. Joachim .. P. Graham Ascent and traverse by west face from Ball Hut and Tasman Glacier. 10,058 Mr. MoKenzie, Miss : J. Lippe Ascent and descent by east E. Marshall face from Malte Brun Hut. 10,058 Mr. S. Turner .. R.Young Ditto. 8,651 Miss I). Theomin .. P. Graham Traverse —ascent by eastern arete, descent by west face from Mueller Hut. 8,651 Miss I. Thomson, Miss A. Cowling Ascent and descent by west Barnett, Mr. Barnett face from the Mueller Hut. 8,651 , Miss Digby.. .. B. Young Ditto. 8.051 Mr. W. Graves, Mr. Guideless E. I'. Lee, Mrs. Lee Doc. 18 Minarets Peaks .. 10,058 Dee. 18 Dee. 27 Minarets Peaks .. | 10,058 Mount Sealy .. ... 8,651 Dec. 30 Mount Sealv ■• .. 8,651 ■ * Dec. 30 Dec. 30 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,651 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,651 1919. Jan. 6 7,995 Mr. W. A. Kennedy.. ! J. Lippe .. Asoent was made from a camp at the end of the Godley Glacier and thence up the Grey Glacier to the west side of the mountain. 7,542 Mr. II. A. Hall, Miss ] J. McDonald Ascent and traverse by west. Lorimer face from Ball Hut. 9,000 I Miss D. Theomin . . I P. Graham Ascent made from the Hooker Hut by the south face from Hooker Glacier. 10,085 ; Mr. E. P. Lee, Mr. W. R. Young Ascent and descent by south Graves face from Malte Brun Hut. 8,858 i Mr. H. A. Hall, Miss J. .McDonald Ascent and descent by the Lorimer north-west arete from the Bealey ami Tasman Glaciers from 'Ball Hut. 8,858 Dr. E. Teichelinann, P. Graham Ascent and descent by the Mr. K. Garriek west face from the Dorothy and Tasman Glaciers from BallHut. 8,975 Miss A. Humphreys ., P. Graham Complete traverse. U'roni a and ' camp in Gorilla Creek the 8,761 ascent was made by the south face to the summit of the Nun's Veil, and thence by t he main north arete to the Priest's 'Cap, and down north side to the Murchison ... . Valley and to the Ball Hut, 12.349 , Mr.. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. Guideless.. Ascent and descent by Green's route from the King Memorial Hut. 8,651 Mr. Smith, Mr. Orange; J. Stout .. Ascent and descent by west Mr. Lane — face from Mueller Hut. 8,651 Miss A. Barton, Miss v P. Graham Ascent and descent by west, Annette Barton, Miss face from Mueller Hut, - I "'.' S. Johnston' ' I Unnamed triple peak on 7,995 the spur between the Grey and Maud Glaciers (Godley Glacier distriot) Jan. (i Jan. 9 Unnamed twin peak (end 7,542 of Malte Bran Range) Mount Sturdoe.. .. : 9,000 Jan. 9 Minarets Peaks .. 10,085 Jan. 9 Mount Johnston .. 8,858 i . Feb. 11 Mount Johnston .. 8,858 Feb. 21 Nun's Veil and Priest's 8,975 Cap (Mount Birotta) and 8,761 itar. 6 Mount Cook ..: .. 12,349 liar. 11 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,651 liar. 11 Mount Sealy .. .. 8,651 i i . _^____^_ i

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The expenditure at Sydney and Melbourne has been as under :-- Sydney. Melbourne. £ £ Rent .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 300 Salaries (including clerical assistance) .. .. .. 365 504 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 300 144

REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. Rotorua. 12th July. 1919. 1 beg to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st March, 1919. During the year the roads have had the usual attention as regards maintenance. In Fen ton and Arawa Streets there has been a total length of 16 chains of new tarred macadam laid. In Hinemoa and Tutanekai Streets about 16 chains has been recoated with tarred chips. In accordance with an arrangement made with the Defence Department, that portion of Arawa Street from the Pukeroa entrance to its intersection with Hinemaru Street has been laid with blue metal, blinded with chips. This was done to carry the heavy and continuous traffic between the military hospital and the baths. Numerous culverts have been constructed and installed as requested, in order to provide for access of vehicles to various properties. The financial aspect of the town administration has become very serious, as the fixed revenue is pro zing quite inadequate to meet the maintenance requirements. We cannot now carry out any additional permanent work —say, in the matter of putting blue metal on a road which has not hitherto been so treated. By reason of the increased cost of labour and material, and the greater demand made by motor traffic, our present revenue is all required for maintenance of works already done. This is not a position of affairs which can be continued indefinitely, or viewed with complacency. The need for some change in the system is imperative. The levy on the Town Account made by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the current financial year was £246 18s. 5d., to meet which a rate on the capital value of |d. in the pound was struck. The levy made by the Fire Board amounted to £418, which was met by a rate of -fed. in the pound on the yalue of buildings within the town area. No library rate was levied this year. Building permits were issued during the year for new buildings and additions to existing ones, the total value being £6,705. The rateable capital value of the town is £526,689. I attach a statement of the Rotorua Town Account. Statement ok Accounts op the Town ov Rotorua for Year ended 31st March, 1919. General Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. Administration — £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March. 1018 .. 69 0 8 Salaries .. .. .'125 18 4 Treasury— Printing and advertising 5 7 0 Bath fees .. .. 1,269 5 (I Audit .. 710 0 Rents (Crown lands) .. 1,832 9 2 Bank charges .. .. 010 0 — It, 101 14 2 Bank interest on overdraft 12 5 6 Sanitary service fees . . .. 378 10 8 | Office expenses .. 718 3 Public pound fees .. ... 108 12 6 — 359 9 7 Licenses and fees— Public works — Building permits .. 22 16 0 Maintenance of streets and Vehiclo .. .. 07 0 0 roads (labour and maDriver .. .. 518 0 terial) .. .. 3,202 7 2 Publicans' .. . . 180 0 0 I'reo topping and pruning 118 18 0 Auctioneers' .. .. 40 0 0 Street-lighting.. .. 158 18 6 Billiard-rooms.. .. 18 0 0 : 3,540 II 8 Halls .. .. 6 0 0 '• Sanitary service— Shooting-gallery .. 3 0 0 Labour .. .. 380 19 0 Shows .. .. 8 0 0 Fodder and plant .. 175 0 2 Hawkors' .. .. 0 5 0 __— 555 19 2 Storago of explosives .. 3 15 0 Public pound—Wages, fodder, Dog-registration fees .. 23 10 (I and advertising .. .. 105 18 9 3 0 Public health—Sanitary inRents — spection .. .. .. 152 711 Real property .. 32 0 0 Licensing - expenses — TauExplosivo magazines .. 12 16 3 ranga County Council .. .. 27 I 4 Boat-shed compartments 15 0 0 Miscellaneous— ——— 80 2 3 Insurance (fire and acciMiscellaneous — dent) .. .. 38 0 I) Material sold .. .. 10 18 6 Dog-registration .. 10 14 Contributions to works .. 116 15 0 Charitable aid .. 8 10 11 Sale of by-laws .. 0 2 0 Maintenance of town clock 18 15 0 Refunds— Sundries .. .. 3 13 0 Hospital and charit- 79 0 9 able aid .. 2 15 0 Government insurance .. .. 12 6 New Zealand Railways .... 4 1 8 Guides' badges 1 15 0 Sundries .. .. 5 0 0 142 10 8 Ten-per-cent, penalty on overdue rates .. .. .. 11 10 5 Debit balance at 31stMaroh, 1919.. .. .... 563 16 10 £4,820 J_ 2 £4,820 1 2

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Separate, Accounts. No. 1. Hospital and Charitable Aid Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ a. d. £ s. d. Waikato Hospital Board.. .. .. 246 18 5 Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 4 111 Printing and advertising.. .. .. 3 2 8 Rates — £ s. d. Postages .. .. .. .. 014 0 Arrears .. .. .. 27 13 11 Current .. .. 193 10 5 221 4 4 Debit balance at 31st March, 1919 .. 25 810 £250 15 1 \ £250 15 1 NO. 2. FIRE-PREVENTION ACCOUNT. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 73 18 11 ; Rotorua Fire Board .. .. .. 407 18 9 Rates— £ s. d. Printing and advertising.. .. 3 2 7 Arrears .. .. 63 8 1 Postages and legal expenses .. .. 3 0 0 Current .. .. .. 318 10 7 Credit balance at 31st March, 1919 .. 4116 3 381 18 8 £455 17 7 £455 17 7 No. 3. Library Account. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Salaries .. . . .. 59 10 I) Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 74 411 Books and papers .. .. .. 50 9 8 Rates—Arrears .. .. .. 910 1 Painting and maintenance of building .. 56 3 6 Subscriptions .. .. .. 68 710 Light, fuel, stationery, and sundries- .. 23 8 1 Rents of office .. .. .. 30,0 0 Credit balance at 31 st March, 1919 .. 4 17 Hire of room for meetings .. .. II JO 0 £193 12 10 £193 12 10 No. 4. Cemetery Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ a. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1918 .. 68 16 11 Maintenance—Wages .. .. .. 113 10 0 Pees for sale of exclusive right .. .. 26 0 0 Bank charges .. .. .. .. 010 0 Burial fees .. .. . . 33 15 0 Material, &o. .. .. .. .. 9 3 2 On account of upkeep of grave of late Mrs. Rent of telephone . . . . .. 2 15 0 Forsyth .. .. .. 10 0 0 Credit balance at 31st Mareh, 1919 .. 12 13 9 £138 11 11 £138 11 11 Reconciliation of Account Balances with Bank and Gash. Accounts. Bank and Cash. £ s. d. £ s. d. i £ s. d. £ s. d. General Account, Dr. .. 563 16 10 Rotorua Town Account. Dr. .. 196 18 9 Hospital and Charitable Aid Outstanding cheques .. .. 345 14 1 Account, Dr. .. .. 25 8 10 589 5 8 542 12 10 Fire-prevention Account, Cr. 41 16 3 Add amount overbanked .. 015 0 Library Account, Cr... .. 4 17 — 543 7 10 Cemetery Account, Cr. .. 12 13 9 Rotorua Town Cemetery Ac58 11 7 count, On .. .. .. 12 18 9 £530 14 1 £530 14 1 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. ! Liabilities. £ s. d. Cash in bank —Cemetery Account .. 12 13 9 j Overdraft at bank, Rotorua Town Account 196 18 9 Outstanding rates, 1918-19 .. .. 189 16 10 I Outstanding cheques, Town Account . . 345 14 1 Outstanding rates, 1917-18 .. .. 27 32 I Outstanding accounts .. .. .. 207 18 0 Outstanding rents . . .. .. 74 8 8 Sanitary fees .. .. .. . . 345 14 10 Sundry accounts .. .. . . 50 16 9 Estimated assets — Library buildings and furniture .. 625 0 0 Sanitary depot, building and plant . . 90 0 0 Pound cottage.. .. .. .. 90 0 0 General working plant .. .. .. 450 0 0 Rowing-club shed .. .. .. 250 0 0 Office furniture and plant . . .. 130 0 0 Cemetery chapel .. ... . . 100 0 0 Benzine magazine .. .. .. 90 0 0 £2,525 14 0 £750 10 10 Wm. Hill, I2th July, 1919. Resident Officer, Rotorua.

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REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. Melbourne, 11th June, 1919. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report on the working of these offices for the year ending 31st March, 1919. The tourist traffic from Australia to New Zealand has suffered this year owing to the lack of shipping facilities, strikes, and the unfortunate influenza epidemic. The disabilities under which the, traffic has been carried on during tho last live years have been so numerous and persistent that it is remarkable, under the circumstances, any. success whatever has been achieved. Nevertheless, in spite of existing difficulties, particularly at the Melbourne end, with inadequate shipping connections and the attendant war restrictions, such as securing permits, &c, a steady stream of visitors found their way to the Dominion. Immediately, however, on the outbreak of the influenza epidemic in New Zealand a cessation of the traffic took place, and from that time practically no tourists have left Australia for the Dominion. When peace is finally signed I am confident that a great forward movement in the tourist traffic to New Zealand from these shores will take place. Many people who have been prevented through the war, and for other reasons, from visiting New Zealand will then be able to give vent to their long-pent-up desire to visit the Dominion. To encourage these visits, active propaganda work has been carried out by seizing every opportunity to keep our scenic attractions in the forefront. The broadcasting of literature, the use of lantern-slides, and the display of kinemacolor films, as well as other means at our disposal, have been most helpful in stimulating interest in the. Dominion generally. On the 24th May, with the co-operation of resident New-Zealanders, much publicity was given to New Zealand. The occasion was taken to celebrate in gala form Empire Day, and funds were raised for patriotic purposes. Another suitable opportunity for New Zealand's representation was given when the Allied pageant was held in connection with an appeal under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. These two events are mentioned as an indication of what I mean by taking every opportunity to keep the affairs of the Dominion before the people of this State. Tn spite of the disabilities that have existed, a constant flow of oral and written inquiries has reached us regarding our tourist resorts, the conditions of land-settlement, and the prospects offered for business undertakings. As illustrating the usefulness of these offices and the scope of our operations, I might point out that inquiries come not only from all parts of the Commonwealth, but from further afield ; letters have been received even from China. The additional duties carried out at these offices on behalf of the Defence Department have been particularly onerous during the year, and these, together with the other commissions attended to for the Board of Trade, Munitions and Supplies, the Imperial Government Supplies, the Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce, and the Customs Departments, have meant a most strenuous year- for myself and staff. H. J. Manson, Agent for the New Zealand Government.

REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY. Sydney, N.SW., 10th April, 1919. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1919. Passenger-booking.— On the 7th September, 1918, the work of issuing tickets to persons touring the Dominion was suspended owing to the small use that was being made by the general public of this convenience. Since that date tourists who have called at the offices have been supplied with full itineraries of tours they contemplated making, and have been advised to purchase tickets for same from our offices in New Zealand. The tourist traffic to the Dominion during the year has been less than usual, principally because of the outbreaks of pneumonic influenza in Australia and New Zealand. The fear of contracting this disease, the necessity of complying with regulations issued, by the Dominion and Commonwealth Governments to combat the epidemic, the uncertainty of the departure of steamers, and the increase in fares made by the shipping companies, have all been, causes why the tourist traffic from Australia to New Zealand has fallen off. Immigration. —Ninety 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 sixty-seven applicants were able to do this certificates were consequently issued to them. Advertising. —The Department obtained four very good advertisements free of charge, particulars of which are as follows : (1) Articles on Rotorua appearing in four issues of a paper entitled The Voice of the North ; (2) cinematographic views and magic-lantern slides of New Zealand scenery which were shown at the Town-planning Conference held at Brisbane, Queensland, and which lasted from 30th July to 6th August, 1918 ; (3) large photographs of New Zealand scenery which have been placed in a permanent position in the lounge of the Hotel Sydney ; (4) a short illustrated article which appeared in the October issue of the. Mutual Provident Messenger, a publication issued and distributed free of cost by the Australian Mutual Provident Society. New-Zealanders visiting Sydney.—l am pleased to report that has again been greatly availed of by New-Zealanders who have, passed through Sydney during the year. These visitors have found the office exceedingly useful in giving unbiased information concerning Sydney's business houses, New South Wales tourist resorts, &c, and in arranging for New Zealand permits to be extended where necessary.

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Work carried out on behalf of other Government, Departments. —I am pleased to report that the work we are carrying out for other Government Departments in New Zealand has grown very materially during the year. We have continued to arrange for the transportation of New Zealand returned soldiers to the Dominion, advancing money to same, paying accounts, and attending to other matters required by the Defence. Department. We have also continued to obtain quotations for goods wanted by the Public Works Department and the Department of Munitions and Supplies. In very many cases quotations have been accepted, and we have then placed orders and arranged for shipping and payment of goods. The work of examining the books of firms for specific information for the Customs Department has also been continued, and any special duties wanted by other Departments have been carried out. At the request of the Munitions and Supplies Department I have assisted the Union and HuddaitParker Steamship Companies, since early in September last, in the allocation of cargo-space on their steamers trading between Sydney and the Dominion. This special work was undertaken to ensure that the cargo most urgently wanted in the Dominion received preference. 'I he work has taken up a lot of my time, but 1 am pleased to say it has given satisfaction to all concerned. General. During the year advantage was taken of every opportunity of advertising the Dominion and persuading people to visit or settle in the country. A number of prospective settlers visited the Dominion as a result of information received from this office, and in some eases we have had letters stating that they had settled there. The general work that we are now doing for all Departments of the New Zealand Government has conclusively shown that the offices are too small, and consequently the question of securing larger and more up-to-date accommodation should be given consideration as soon as possible. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent.

Approximate Cost of 'Paper. —Preparation, not. Riven ; printing (750 copies), £12 108

Ry Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—1919.

Price 6d.\