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This is a great pity, because it is the only terrace-forming geyser in the locality. The terraceformation has increased rapidly during the last eight years. I have, however, from past experience of geysers, reason to believe that it might be brought into activity again, and I propose to make the experiment as soon as the purchase of the Whakarewarewa Block is complete, and full control of the springs in that locality is secured. The new geyser "Terrific," at Orakeikorako, has resumed its former inactive state. The rainfall during the last year has been rather below the average, and the lake is now 2in. below the lowest summer-level. This excessive drought will to some extent account for the reduction of geyser action before mentioned. With regard to the Tarawera eruption, I have not heard of any change having taken place, and Rotomahana is about the same level as it was twelve months ago. "We had experienced very few earthquakes until lately, when on the 10th March Ruapehu broke out in eruption, and several earth tremors were felt during the few following days. The column of steam ejected could be seen plainly from this district, but the eruption had no apparent effect on the hot springs of the locality. In closing this report I may say that a large gathering of the Natives from all parts of the colony, including Native members of both Houses of the Legislature, is now assembled at Ohinemutu Pa. They are holding what they call the Maori Parliament. It is estimated that about one thousand Natives attended. Everything has been conducted in a very orderly manner. It is expected the business will be completed in a few days. C. Malfboy.

Hanmee Plains. The baths were very well patronised during the first and latter months of the year, but during the summer months very few persons came to the springs. This is easily accounted for through the cheap excursion-trips by steamer to the neighbouring colonies. Two-thirds of the visitors to the springs this year have been invalids suffering from rheumatism, asthma, sciatica, and skin affections. The majority of them were cured, and the others were very much benefited by the use of baths and drinking the waters. The .baths and bath-houses are in very fair repair, but the old bath-house and cottage will require a coat of paint this coming spring. Improvements. ' The bathing accommodation has been further improved by the addition of a concrete swimmingpool for ladies, round which is erected six dressing-rooms ; three on each side the enclosure. The top surface of the enclosure of pool is cemented all round, and gives a neat appearance to same. The pool is also enclosed with an Bft. galvanized iron fence; and small flower-beds are in each corner of the inside enclosure. This pool is greatly appreciated by the ladies. We have also made a new cold mineral-water supply-pool, 24ft. in diameter, 6ft. deep, concreted all round. This pool now allows a good supply of cold water to the baths. Two double lines of pipes have been laid on from No. 8 tank to new bath-house for hot water, and one from the new cold mineral spring to new bath-house. This now gives a plentiful supply of hot and cold water to the new bath-house. We have also improved the grounds by laying down a bowling-green, 110 ft. by 44ft. This has been a great source of amusement to gentlemen visitors this last summer. I also intend to make a tennis-green this winter, which will further improve the place, and add to the amusements for visitors. We sowed about 22 chain double rows of oak-seed and half an acre of native-pine, but neither came up. Cost of above Works. £ s. d. Material ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 221 18 2 Labour 153 9 0 Gardening and general work ... ... ... ... 54 12 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... £429 19 2 The grounds and flower-beds have looked very well this season. The young trees in the new plantation are also making good progress. There has been no thermal action to report on. The springs are still active. We have had several sharp shocks of earthquake, but no damage done to cause alarm. The total number of baths taken for the last twelve months ending 31st March was 6,306. Of these there were :— s. d. 4,210 baths by ticket, at ... ... ... ... ... 0 8 1,866 swimming pool ... ... ... ... ... ... 06 156 single baths ... ... ... ... . , ... 10 74 free baths 6,306 The total amount of bath-fees collected was £202 17s. 6d. The charges at the hotel have been reduced from £2 10s. to £2 2s. per week in the front department, and £1 ss. at the back. Boarding-house same price as hotel; but people living in tents can live for 12s. to 15s. per week. J. Rogees.-