EL—2

about 25 ft. With this additional plant the capacity of the generator-station would not be greatly increased. The new plant could only be considered a spare set to relieve either of the two now in use; and, although all three could be run to increase the present output, yet the full output of each set could not be obtained without large and expensive additions to the flume. However, this plan if adopted would place the works in a better position in regard to a reserve for emergency, and also provide sufficient extra current for the new bath-buildings and drainage-works. The Township of Eotorua is rapidly expanding, and when the alterations in the electricallight works are decided upon provision should, I think, be made for all requirements for some years to come. The nature of the present station-site presents great difficulties in extending the building and plant, and any large additions would practically mean a new station and water-supply, and also the doubling of the main line to Eotorua. The new station could not be provided at the Okere site, except at a very great expense, owing to the amount of excavation necessary. A splendid site for heavier works is available within a short distance of the present station, where a fall of water of over 90 ft. is obtainable. Enlarged works here would, in addition to supplying the present demand, provide sufficient power for any proposed works such as pumping water for town-supply, tramway-traction, &c, and also leave an ample margin for lighting and power extensions. WATEK-SUPPLY. It has been found necessary to repair and partly renew 70 chains of wooden fluming which had decayed, and also to strengthen parts of the trestle carrying the race. A number of new pipes have been laid in place of those destroyed by the acids in the earth. Extensions to the system have been made to increase the supply to Ohinemutu and the Native village there, also to supply the Geyser Hotel, the State nursery, and other buildings at Whakarewarewa, as well as the gardens, baths, and new buildings in Botorua Township. The piping used for these extensions was as follows: 1,980 ft. of 4 in., 943 ft. of 3 in., 150 ft. of 2 in., 490 ft. of in., 2,390 ft. of 1 in., 350 ft. of fin., and 360 ft. of £in. For the purpose of ascertaining whether a better water-supply is obtainable at a reasonable cost, I last year recommended that a competent engineer should be engaged to ascertain what other supplies are available, and the cost of utilising them. This work was intrusted to Mr. Stewart, C.E., Auckland, and his report thereon has been sent to you. The fees collected for water-supply amount to £132 12s. 6d., as against £144 ss. for last year. DKAINAGE. The fear expressed in my last annual report that the drainage system was in a bad condition throughout when taken over by this Department has been more than confirmed by the engineer's report, which has since been placed before you. It is scarcely necessary for me to again mention the urgent necessity of having the system placed in thorough order. As far as ordinary sanitary arrangements are concerned, the pan system in use is satisfactory, but owing to the nature of the soil there is a risk of slops from hotels and boardinghouses percolating to the mineral springs and causing pollution. BOTORUA-BOTOITI TRIP. Improvements have been effected at the Ohau Stream, which connects Lakes Botorua and Botoiti by snagging and removing large trees from the channel, and the scrub has been cleared on both sides. The work was carried out by Native labour, under the direction of the Department. Whakarewarewa Reserve. The geysers and other interesting forms of thermal action at this resort attract visitors in increasing numbers. The road to the reserve partly subsided over a small area of boiling springs, necessitating the erection of a bridge 56 ft. long. The bridge crossing the Puarenga Greek has been repaired, and handrails added. A small platform has been erected on the side of this bridge, and rocks have been cleared from the stream, in order to enable the Native children to carry out their practice of diving for the amusement of visitors without incurring so much danger to themselves as was previously the case. For the purpose of affording shelter to visitors, a pavilion is being built in the reserve, on a site from which the geysers may be conveniently viewed. The building is being constructed as far as possible after the Maori style; the roof is of raupo, covered with bark ; and the walls are decorated with well-executed Maori carvings. A shelter " look-out "is also being erected for the use of the caretaker in wet weather. An effort is being made to enhance the picturesque character of the geyser-valley by the construction of an old-time Maori fortified pa, situated on the site of an ancient and historic pa of the Tuhourangi. Carved houses and patakas, and some whares constructed after the old style, will be erected. On the Arikikapakapa thermal reserve, adjoining Whakarewarewa, 14 chains of fencing have been added, paths made, and a large number of native trees and shrubs obtained from the State nursery have been planted. Waimangu Geysee and Bound Trip. The Waimangu Geyser —one of the great wonders of the world—fully maintains its astounding activity. Should its marvellous vitality continue it will be to New Zealand what Niagara is to America as a spectacle of colossal proportions. A new and most attractive tour from Botorua vid Lakes Tikitapu and Botomahana to Te Wairoa Township, and across Lakes Tarawera and Botomahana to Waimangu Geyser, has been established by the Department in conjunction with the Botorua coaching companies. The coaches convey passengers from Botorua to Te Wairoa and from Botorua to Waimangu, or vice versd, and ii—H. 2.

IX