H.—2

6

Of a total of 616 people who visited the Hermitage (366 less than last year) 320 came from overseas, mostly from Australia. Much was done by the manager to increase the comfort of visitors, and, by bringing into cultivation an area of virgin soil, he was able to reduce the cost of supplies by growing a large quantity of vegetables. During the season also the building was lit throughout by the installation of the crescent-gas system, resulting in a great improvement in the conveniences and comfort of visitors. Little was done in the way of high climbing during the season, and for the purposes of record the usual list of high climbs is printed .—

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during Season 1921-22.

Te Anau - Milfobd Track. The number of visitors to the track was somewhat disappointing, as less than three hundred people arrived at Glade House. Most of these did the trip across and back, and were well pleased with their journey. The track was maintained in good condition throughout the season, and the erection of the telephone-lino from Glade House to Milford proved a very great convenience. All the huts were kept well equipped and stocked. The difficulty regarding launches in the Sound was overcome by the sending round of Mr. Govan's launch from the Bluff. She was able to cope with all business, and now that the purchase of Sutherland's accommodation-house and launches has been accomplished there will be no further annoyance to visitors through being unable to enjoy the trip in the Sound. During the season also a new trip was opened up by the enterprise of Mr. L. Murrell, of Manapouri, who has, with the help of the Department, repaired the old track from that lake to Smith Sound, and placed a launch on the Sound. The trip across is easily accomplished in a day, and reported to be one of great beauty and interest. A large amount of work was also done during the season by the usual party of Otago University students on the Grave-Talbot track from Wakatipu to the head of Milford. It is hoped that before long the track will be completed, and with a couple of huts erected on it there will be a complete round trip from Te Anau to Milford and across to the head of Lake Wakatipu, thus avoiding the present return over the same track from Milford to Te Anau. This journey, taking in Murrell's track, would be a most enjoyable one. In fact, in fine weather a launch journey could be made from Milford to Smith Sound and back to Manajiouri by way of Murrell's track. The distance by sea is not great. Overseas Agencies. The agencies of the Department in Melbourne and Sydney have been kept very busy, and have transacted a large amount of business for the various Government Departments. They have been specially availed of by the Customs and Public Works Departments, and the work performed for those Departments has been gratefully appreciated by their officers. The expenditure at Melbourne and Sydney was as follows : — Sydney. Melbourne. £ £ Rent .. .. .. .. .. .. 612 264 Salaries (including clerical assistance) .. .. .. 698 1,040 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 302 234 £1,612 £1,538 REPORT OF THE RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st March, 1922. During the year the special grant of £250 from the Consolidated Fund for the repair of the southern portion of Fenton Street was expended. The whole of the money was.spent in the purchase of blue metal, and the worst section of the road was given a fair coating as far as the quantity would go. The road was first scarified with a tractor and heavy plough, after which the metal was spread.

Date. Name of Peak. Height, in l'eet. Climbed by I Name of Guide. I Koute and Remarks. 1922. an. 6 Mount Montgomery 7,654 Mr. A. Graves, Miss J. Graves, Miss Thornton Mr. A. Graves, Miss J. Graves A. Cowling Ascent and descent by eastern arete from Barron Saddle and Mueller Glacier. Traverse. Ascent, east arete ; descent, west face from Mueller Hut. Traverse. Ascent, north-west arete from Mueller Glacier ; descent, east face to Mueller Hut. First traverse — new route. Ascent by east arete from Ball Glacier; descent by north face across snow plateau of Hochstetter lcefall, over Glacier Dome to Memorial Hut. Ascent by east face and north-west arete from Sefton bivouac ; descent same way. Ascent and descent by east hire from .Mueller Hut. an. 7 Mount Sealy 8,651 A. Cowling an. 28 Mount Darby . . 8,287 Miss Thcomiu P. Graham Feb., 13 Anzac Peaks . . 8,323 and 7,623 Miss Thoomin, Mr. C. Buchanan P. Graham Footstool Mr. C. Buchanan Feb. 18 9,027 P. Graham, C. Williams Feb. 21 Maunga Ma 8,300 Miss Theomin P. Graham