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H.—2.

F"!jj ITB. Head Gardener's Residence. —The] high" state of cultivation into which the Domain grounds have been brought affords greater temptations and facilities for mischievous individuals to cause damage to flower-beds, plants, lawlxs, &c. This makes it all the more necessary to have the head gardener living on the spot, where his presence would have a wholesome deterrent effect. I therefore recommend the construction of this building. 9. Additional Bowling-green. —The Te Aroha Bowling-green is not sufficiently large for present requirements, especially during our holiday season, when large numbers of bowlers come for the purpose of carrying out bowling tournaments ; and as the old green has not undergone any radical repair, I would again beg to urge the necessity for the formation of an additional green ; and in this connection would recapitulate the advantages of such an undertaking, as set forth in my last annual report —viz. : " (1.) The cost of forming this new green would be no greater than that of putting the present one in first-class order. (2.) A suitable and at present a comparatively useless piece of ground lies idle—a few yards from the present green. (3.) Bowlers could indulge in their favourite pastime all the year round during fine weather. (4.) Additional much-needed accommodation would be provided for those who wish to play, and thus meet a complaint of those married men who state that they have no amusement when here with their wives and families. (5.) An additional source of revenue and attraction would thus be provided." 10. Meteorological Station. —This very important matter still demands attention. I feel it my duty, therefore, to refer you to the recommendation contained in my last report. 11. Glass-house. —I beg strongly to recommend the construction of a glass greenhouse over that unsightly concrete tank situated between Nos. 2 and 6 baths. This has always been an eyesore, and such a house would prove invaluable to the Head Gardener for the purpose of raising his whole stock of annuals and other plants and flowers wherewith to beautify the grounds. 12. Bush-house. —To the south side of the cold swimming-bath there lies a piece of waste ground which is saturated with sulphur and is unsightly in the extreme. I would therefore recommend the erection over this spot of a bush-house planted with ferns and native shrubs, so that the back of the laundry and other outbuildings would be completely hidden from the public view. The estimated cost of this house is £30. 13. Enlargement of Cold-water Reservoir. —During the last season on two occasions—one of which extended over three weeks—-the borough supply was cut off through drought, and we had to rely entirely upon our own reservoir for cold water at the baths, and even this supply ran so low as to bring down a quantity of debris and mud, so that bathers had dirty water to bathe in. To prevent a recurrence of such a condition, I beg to recommend that the capacity of the Domain reservoir be markedly increased, for the following reasons : (1) The borough reservoir is not likely to be increased for some years to come ; (2) the population, and consequent consumption, is increasing ; (3) we are just as liable to droughts in the future as in the past; and (4) we are more liable to have our supply cut off in the future. The estimate for the enlargement of this reservoir is £20. 14. Breaking in New Ground. —There is a triangular piece of ground lying between the Terrace, the Cadman, and No. 2 Baths, which is still in a wild and uncultivated state. In order to bring this into keeping with the neat, cultivated appearance of the rest of the grounds, it should be cleared, graded, and sown in grass. The path leading up to No. 2 Bath should be diverted to admit of an easier grade, and set off with flower-borders on either side. I recommend that this work, the estimated cost of which is £100, be carried out. I have, &c, Geo. G. Kenny, M.8., CM., The Acting-Superintendent, Tourist Department, Wellington. Resident Medical Officer.

APPENDIX IV. TAUPO DOMAIN BOARD. Sir — I have the honour to present the following report for the twelve months ending the 31st March, 1906 :— '..The Taupo Domain Board commenced the year ending the 31st March, 1905, with a credit balance of £54 15s. 3d. During the year work has been done maintaining top-dressing and sowing seed where necessary on lawn-tennis ground. The lawn is looking very well at present. Tenders have been called for sinking a well for irrigating the lawn (as it was found pumping the water from Lake Taupo would cost more than the Board could afford to expend) : lowest tender received, 6s. 3d. per foot. The well will require to be sunk about 40 ft. Windmill and pump will be required to pump water—cost in Auckland, £23 10s. ; net piping, about £6 in Auckland ; tanks, stand 15 ft. high, about £16 : total, about £65. This amount will be charged to next year's subsidy. A lawn-roller, lawn-mower, and all necessary tools have been purchased during the year. Work has been done burning off grass in Domain, maintaining paths, fences, flower-beds, trees, &c. The A.C. Bath, also the property of the Board, has been kept in repair. I will make a further report when the windmill is completed.

3—H. 2.

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