H.—2.

ToNGARIBO AND EuAPEHU. This Department has arranged with the Eoads Department to erect huts at Kititahi and Mangatoetoanui respectively for the convenience of those who desire to ascend Tongariro or Euapehu. Ngaubuhoe. Ngauruhoe provides the most weird sights in New Zealand, and steps will be taken to provide greater facilities for viewing them. Arrangements have already been made with Mr. McSweeney, at Tokaanu, to guide persons wishing to visit this mountain. At present there is only one change of coach-horses made between Tokaanu and Waiouru. Consequently the journey takes longer to perform than it should. Arrangements are, however, being made for a second change before next summer, and this will enable the coaches to make the journey in quicker time. There is an imperative want of accommodation for coach-passengers to take their luncheon on the journey between Tokaanu and Waiouru, and I recommend that a shelter-shed should be provided similar to the one at Glentanner, on the road to the Southern Alps, before next season. PIPIEIKI. Messrs. Hatrick and Co. are making extensive additions and improvements to Pipiriki House. This Department has had carried out a system of drainage at that resort. Wanganui Eivee. A tri-weekly summer service and a bi-weekly winter service each way are now being run on this river between Wanganui and Pipiriki by Messrs. Hatrick and Co. and the Wanganui Biver Settlers' Steamship Company. Trips to the "upper reaches" are made as required, and in summer Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s steamer runs from Pipiriki to the Tangarakau Biver on Sundays, returning on Tuesdays. An agreement has been made between the Government and the Wanganui Biver Settlers' Steamship Company fixing a maximum charge for the carriage of passengers, goods, and parcels between the various points. Messrs. Hatrick and Co. have recently placed the "Waione," an up-to-date steamer, on this river, the vessel being fast, comfortable, and well appointed. The fleet of the Wanganui Biver now comprises six steamers and launches. During last summer the Wanganui-Taupo service was altered from a bi-weekly to a tri-weekly one each way, and during the forthcoming winter a bi-weekly coach service will be maintained instead of a weekly as in previous winters. It was arranged that the north-bound coaches should leave Pipiriki at 10 a.m. in summer instead of 7 a.m., so that passengers may visit the upper reaches of the Wanganui Biver before proceeding overland, without having to incur several days' delay as in the past. Liquoe Licenses at Pipiriki and Waiouku. The question of granting licenses for the sale of liquor at Pipiriki and Waiouru is one that is being constantly brought under the notice of the Department by overland travellers. A very large proportion of those who travel between Taupo and the Wanganui Biver complain that they are inconvenienced by not being able to obtain liquor at the places named. A common practice is for passengers to take full bottles of ale and spirits when commencing this journey, and in that way more liquor is consumed in individual instances than would probably be the case could it be obtained in small quantities on the trip. Mount Egmont. The three houses are still maintained on Mount Egmont by the Egmont National Park Board. The usual annual subsidy of £200 is being placed on the estimates in connection with this park. Te Puia. Plans have been prepared for the erection of new baths at Te Puia Hot Springs, which are two days' coach journey north of Gisborne. As soon as possible after his arrival, Dr.' Wohlmann will be consulted with regard to the construction of these baths, and the work will then be proceeded with. Arrangements have been made to at once plant the Hot-springs Beserve at Te Puia with trees and shrubs. MOKEKE. Begarding the new baths which are to be erected at Morere, the somewhat limited flow of water and the long distance that it must be conveyed, owing to the physical difficulties which exist preventing the erection of buildings near the source of the springs, makes the project somewhat difficult and one which will entail considerable expense to carry out. Inspector Corlett, of Botorua, has visited the spot and prepared plans and specifications for fluming the bath buildings, and these will be submitted to Dr. Wohlmann for the purpose of obtaining his expert knowledge before further action is taken. Excavations will be made as a site for the baths, and new tracks will be cut through the bush very shortly. Lake Waikabemoana. An accommodation-house to contain fifteen rooms is in course of erection for the Government on one of the wooded promontories jutting into Lake Waikaremoana at its north end. Mr. Gardiner, the contractor for the building, has been considerably delayed in his work by various causes, but it is expected that he will complete it in August next and in time for next season's

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