31

H.—2

During the year a large amount of work has been done in clearing the fishing resorts on the lake-shores of stumps, logs, koura-posts, and other obstructions which constituted a special menace to the launches frequenting these spots. Lake Taraweia still continues to improve as a fisherman's resort, the quality of the fish being particularly fine. The main spawning-stream for this lake—the Wairoa Stream—was very shallow at its mouth, running over quicksands and constantly altering its course and outlet. As a result a number of the larger trout were stranded on the way up or down, and were thus killed. The total loss from this cause, even if it amounted to two or three thousand fish in the season, is of very little importance compared to the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of fish with which the lake is stocked. But in order to prevent a recurrence, a weir of willow stakes was thrown across the quicksands at the mouth, and a permanent opening cut in it. As these grow they will solidify the sands, and thus keep a fixed channel at the mouth which will be scoured by the stream itself to the requisite depth. Destruction of Shags. The shag is very abundant on the lakes, and is voraciously fond of young trout, and, what is a more serious matter, of trout-foods. A large number have been killed and examined by Dr. Haines and Mr. Rutherford. They find that the small white-headed river or inland shag (Phalocrocorax brevirostris) is the most destructive of trout-fry, while the large black coast shag (Phalocrocoraa rarho) lives mainly on koura, as well as toitoi, carp, and other trout-foods. If a trout is found in one of these large shags it is usually a large one 5 in. to 10 in. in length—seldom smaller. In order to keep the numbers of shags within bounds a reward of Is. per head was offered. It was some time before it was generally realised that this payment was available, but from the Ist July, 1907, to the 31st March, 1908, 711 heads were brought in from Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Rotoehu. This systematic destruction has resulted in successfully frightening them away from the main fishing resorts. Birds for Exportation. The following consignments of birds have been sent away from the aviary at Rotorua Gardens during the year under review : For the Emperor of Austria—4 kiwi, 5 weka, 4 kea, 6 paradise duck, 6 grey duck: for the Duke of Bedford, 4 kiwi, 4 weka, 2 kea; for the London Zoological Society, 6 grey duck, 2 paradise duck, 3 weka, 3 kiwi; for Newtown Park, Wellington, 2 paradise duck, 2 grey duck, 2 mallard duck. Rod and Gun Club. Active and valuable assistance and co-operation has been received during the year from the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club, and a copy of the annual report is attached herewith. Yours, &c, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, The General Manager, Tourist Department, Wellington. Engineer in Charge.

APPENDIX VI. REPORT OF RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER, TE AROHA. Sir, — Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Te Aroha Hot Springs, 19th May, 1908. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the year ended the 31st March, 1908. The year under review shows that as a tourist and health resort Te Aroha is still growing in popularity, and our receipts for the year, under all heads, show an increase of £131 7s. 5d., as against the revenue for the previous financial year. The total receipts for the year ended the 31st March, 1907, amounted to £1,533 15s. 9d., and for the year ended the 31st March, 1908, £1,665 3s. 2d. The present financial year shows a slight decrease in receipts, as against last, in " bath fees " and " towel fees," but an increase under all other heads, more especially in "nut-patients' fees," the increase here being £81 Is. 6d. over the figures of the previous year. In the subjoined tabular statement, showing the revenue for the year under review, I have also included the figures for the previous financial period, which will at a glance enable you to see the increase or decrease in the various items of revenue for the twelve months. Revenue. 1907. 1908. £ ft. A. £ s. d. £ a. A. Bath fees ... ... ... 1,006 16 5 996 12 8 Decrease of 10 3 9 Out-patients' fees ... ... 419 11 0 500 12 6 Increase of 81 1 6 Players' fees ... ... ... 58 1 0 85 8 9 „ 27 7 9 Library fees ... ... ... 719 6 911 3 „ 111 9 Towel fees ... ... ... 16 1 4 15 0 6 Decrease of 10 9 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 25 6 6 57 17 6 Increase of 32 11 0 1,533 15 9 1,665 3 2