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Gardener's Cottage. —The Department has built a very pretty and comfortable cottage, on an elevated position in the centre of the Domain grounds, for the occupation of the head gardener, who may thus be enabled to exercise proper supervision over all parts of the Domain. The building has assisted to render a somewhat bare slope picturesque, and thus has helped to add further beauty to an already " beautiful little spot," a phrase describing Te Aroha often heard from the lips of visitors. Meteorological Instruments.—A supply of these instruments has been forwarded to this spa, and will be placed in position as soon as the enclosure for them is completed. Enlargement of Cold-water Reservoir. —Hitherto, in seasons of drought, when the borough water-supply has run low in the reservoir, the water-service to the Government baths has been on several occasions cut off. The Department having enlarged its own reservoir considerably during the last twelve months, we now have several thousands of gallons of clean cold water in reserve, and if the town supply should in the future be denied us, bathers are not likely to go short, as our private supply is capable of answering all needs for, at any rate, a time long enough to tide over any emergency.

APPENDIX V. TAUPO DOMAIN. The following is a report of the operations of the Taupo Domain Board for the year ended the 31st December, 1906: — The principal work was sinking a well 32 ft. deep to obtain a water-supply. A new Samson windmill was purchased and erected to raise the water into tanks. Owing to the crumbling nature of the sides of the well, it was found necessary to plank it from top to bottom. The tank-stand is erected, and tank ordered. The lawn is now covered with a fine sward of grass, and kept in good order, also the paths, flower-beds, and trees. When the water-supply is ready it is proposed to convey it by pipes to the lawn and flowerbeds, at an estimated cost of £20. It is proposed to set apart half of the lawn for a bowling-green and to top-dress the same during the winter, at an estimated cost of £15. Bowls and tennis requisites will be required, also tool-house made under tank-stand. The A.C. bath requires new spouting and minor repairs, also repainting, as it is greatly discoloured with chemical action. The Board recognises that the annual grant of £50 will be totally inadequate for the future maintenance of the grounds, &c, owing to the recent improvements, and unless a further grant is given the whole of the grounds will suffer through inattention, as we shall have no funds to pay wages. When the bowling-green is finished and tennis requisites procured, it is hoped that a small source of income will be derived from them. A few more seats are also needed in the grounds. During the year Mr. Gallagher retired from the Board's membership, and Mr. Finch Owen, farmer, was elected in his place. The Board commenced the year with a credit balance of £30 18s. lid. Revenue during the year, £52 55.; expenditure, £70 14s. Bd.; credit, balance at end of year, £12 9s. 3d. Thomas Ryan, Chairman. APPENDIX VI. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Annual Report, 1906-1907. The season just closed was of a somewhat similar nature to its predecessor, and the attendance of visitors to the Mountain House has been about the average. Unfavourable weather in a measure hindered the road-works in course of construction, and the attendance suffered in consequence. At the Egmont (North) House the visitors numbered 1,600, with receipts from all sources of £262 2s. 10d., and expenditure £273 3s. 4d. During the season just closed further improvements have been made—viz., a new verandah at the main house, and a verandah at the cottage. These improvements were much needed, and were highly appreciated.

APPENDIX VI. THE EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. Annual Report, 1906-1907. The season just closed was of a somewhat similar nature to its predecessor, and the attendance of visitors to the Mountain House has been about the average. Unfavourable weather in a measure hindered the road-works in course of construction, and the attendance suffered in consequence. At the Egmont (North) House the visitors numbered 1,600, with receipts from all sources of £262 2s. 10d., and expenditure £273 3s. 4d. During the season just closed further improvements have been made—viz., a new verandah at the main house, and a verandah at the cottage. These improvements were much needed, and were highly appreciated.