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Electrical.—During the year several important extensions have been made to the Department's lines, and there has been a large increase in the number of new consumers. The most important extensions were :— (1) The completion of reticulation in the Rotoiti area, approximately six miles of 6.600 volt, with the attendant low-tension lines. (2) Extension to Rotoiti Sawmill, 1J miles of 6,600 volt. (3) Extension to Payton's Road, Okere, 1 mile 6,600 volt and attendant low-tension lines. (4) Extension to Koutu, half-mile 6,600 volt and attendant low tension lines. (5) Mourea Village, quarter-mile low-tension lines Work on the changeover has made good progress, and during the year 385 consumers have been changed over, bringing the total to 915. Some consumers in old premises have been slow in carrying out repairs to their installations, and this has held up the work in some areas. Maintenance and extensions to the distribution lines has been carried out regularly, and in connection with the change-over a good deal of work has been necessary to keep pace with the requirements of 230-volt consumers. The Okere plant has been maintained in running order and has been operated for one shift per day. Street-lighting.—Regular maintenance has been carried out and new lights erected as required by the Borough Council. Water-supply.—Sixty new connections were made to the system during the year, and in this connection the following quantities of pipe were laid in the various streets : 1,450 ft., in. ; 150 ft. | in. ; 2,685 ft., 1 in. ; 430 ft., 1| in. ; 1,225 ft., 2 in. Owing to the inefficiency of the water-supply in certain streets the existing 1 in. supply-pipes were replaced with 4 in. cast-iron mains as follows : High Street, 950 ft. ; Pukuatua Street, 800 ft. ; Hinemoa Street, 800 ft. Maintenance of the mains has been carried out from time to time, and this work, on account of the difficult conditions with which the Department has to contend, is quite a problem. Throughout the year some 2,200 ft. of G.W.I, pipe ranging from in. to If in. was renewed. In connection with the reconstruction of Rangiuru Street, which is being undertaken by the Rotorua Borough Council, it was necessary to take out and relay 1,000 ft. of 4 in. cast-iron main. For the purpose of reducing the quantity of water consumed by the Department in its various activities, tiotli the Rachel and Priest mineral-water pumps have been converted from water to electric power. This should have the effect of improving the pressure to a certain degree. In the height of the season a long spell of dry weather was experienced and certain areas on the outskirts of the town, particularly those on higher levels, were unable on occasions to obtain any water at all. With a view to improving the supply, in the Clayton Road area particularly, a small booster pump was installed, which seems to have had the desired effect. Drainage.—Six new connections were made to the drainage system during the year. The effect of the sulphur in certain areas was particularly severe on the drainage system, but maintenance-work has been carried out in connection with the mains, manholes, branch drains, pumping-plant, and, generally speaking, the system has operated in a satisfactory manner. It was necessary to clear several bad blockages in the main sewers in various streets. Sanatorium Grounds.—The usual high standard in regard to the floral display and the condition of the various playing-areas has been maintained throughout the year. The appearance of the gardens has been further improved during the year by the dismantling of almost all the old wooden electric-light poles and overhead wires and the installation in their stead of a new ornamental system of lighting, designed along modern lines, and systematically arranged so that an improved standard of lighting is maintained. In all, fifty-two new and attractive fittings were erected on concrete standards, the supply being given by underground cable. There is no doubt that the new system has resulted in a considerable improvement not only by night, but also by day. During the course of the year considerable improvement was made to the golf-course. It was necessary for this purpose to close a portion of the links down, but the results have justified the course taken. Even although playing conditions were difficult last year the fees earned showed an improvement over the previous year. Sunken bunkers were constructed around three greens, and with the opening of the recently filled fairways, which now show a good sole of grass, it is anticipated that the links will be even more popular this year. A portion of the motor track surrounding the links was also closed owing to the danger to pedestrians and motorists. This action was fully appreciated by the players, who feel that their play is now not restricted in any way. A regular supply of cut flowers was forwarded to Waikaremoana Hostel, and on occasions to the Chateau. A supply of bedding-out plants was also made to the Chateau and even as far afield as the Department's Publicity Studio in Wellington. Reserves. —Some difficulty was experienced previously as a result of the steam from the Kuirau Reserve obscuring the view of motorists using the main highway. With a view to overcoming this difficulty the hot-water stream was diverted, and it is pleasing to report that considerable improvement has been noticed as a result of this course being taken. Notices denoting the dangerous state of the ground and hot pools have been received and at the earliest opportunity will be erected within the various reserves concerned. All paths in the various reserves have been dressed with pumice and water-channels given necessary attention. In all other respects the areas under the Department's control have received attention and can be regarded as being in reasonably good order. The keeping in check and eradication of noxious weeds is no light task, but it can be stated that there is a gradual permanent improvement. A very fine collection of native trees and shrubs have been propagated throughout the year, and .these will be planted out in the gardens and various reserves as circumstances allow.

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