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A further new departure is the establishment of a " film strip " unit which is already being used extensively for educational and propaganda purposes. Trade and Tourist Commissioners in Canada, Australia,, and the United States.— The reports of the Commissioners cover wholly the intricate and highly-important work being done in connection with the prosecution of the war. These are summarized in the annual report of the Industries and Commerce Division of the Department. Similarly, our representatives at the High Commissioners Office in London are engaged on the full-time prosecution of the many vital and urgent supply matters now needing attention there. District Managers.—A brief summary of the various District Managers reports reveals that there has been ,a substantial increase in business all round, which, with the shortage of staff brought about by the war, has resulted in a particularly strenuous period being experienced. Te Aroha. —An increase in the revenue figures for the year at this popular resort shows that our own people still realize the value and need of rest and recreation during the present trying period. A certain amount of this increase is considered to be due to the use of the valuable mineral baths and recreational facilities by military units established in the district. In spite of staffing difficulties, the domain and gardens have been kept in good order and have been much appreciated and admired by visitors. The Chateau Tongariro.—This highly popular North Island resort was taken over temporarily by the Mental Hospitals Department on the 15th September, 1942. Business up to this date was well maintained, and large numbers of people attended the winter ski-ing races and sports meetings. Tho resort could be opened to the public again at short notice as soon as the Mental Hospitals Department vacates the Chateau. Te Anau Hotel and Milford Sound.—Despite transport difficulties, quite a number of people continue to visit this beautiful district. The Cascade Creep Camp, Glade House, and Milford Track have been closed for the duration of the war. The Eglinton YalleyMilford route reached via Te Anau will be greatly patronized by travellers in the coming years when motorists will be able to travel through the tunnel to the Tourist Department's hotel at Milford Sound. Waitomo Caves and Hotel.—Although the revenue at this resort shows a considerable decrease as compared with pre-war, many visitors still enjoy their visits to Waitomo. A good proportion of these in recent months have been New Zealand and American servicemen and nurses, and arrangements are being continued whereby organized parties visit the caves at regular intervals. The resort is being kept in first-class condition in preparation for the expected revival of business at the end of hostilities. Morere Hot Springs.—The Caretaker reports that, in spite of the difficulties of transport, more visitors arrived than in previous years, with a corresponding increase in revenue. The usual maintenance work on the reserve and baths has been carried out. Little Barrier Bird Sanctuary.—The Caretaker reports a very low rainfall on the island, but an encouraging increase in the numbers of many species of native birds. Trees have blossomed heavily, thus providing ample food for the honey-eating species. Large schools of blackfsh and whales have been sighted near tho coast, and penguins are reported to be plentiful. The coastline of the island has been regularly patrolled and buildings and grounds kept in good order. Lake House, Waikaremoma.—The Manager reports that owing to falling off of business and consequent reduction of staff there is little to record at this popular resort. The hostel, grounds, launches, &c., are being kept in good order, and everything will be in readiness for a resumption of business with the advent of better times. Rotorua. —The District Manager reports that revenue from all sources shows that steady progress is being maintained. The extension of electrical energy and water-supply within the borough has been continued, and the gardens and playing areas have been well patronized. Following the death of the late Dr. J. D. C. Duncan, formerly Balneologist for a period of over twenty years, the position has been filled by the appointment of Dr. Blair as Acting-Baineologist at Rotorua. Dr. Blair reports a decrease in Sanatorium fees and bath fees but an increase in fees for massage and special treatments during the past ten months. The decrease in baths is considered to be due to the fact that many of the boarding establishments have been taken over for military purposes, with a consequent reduction in ordinary visitors. At the Sanatorium the average daily number of patients was forty-one. Owing to staff difficulties it has not been possible to keep the Sanatorium full. The number of baths and special treatments given to Sanatorium patients was: Baths, 6,581; massage and special treatments, 9,077. At the Main Bath-house, work has been continued very satisfactorily, although difficulty is still being experienced in arranging for the baths and treatment necessary for all who apply. Massage and Physiotherapy: The massage staff continued to work long hours throughout the year in order to' deal with the large number of patients. Their duties have been very efficiently carried out. . Obituary.—The Department regrets to report the deaths during the year under review of Dr. J. D. C. Duncan, Balneologist at the Rotorua Spa, and Mr. C. 11. Long, Manager of the Milford Sound Hotel.

Approximate Cost 0} Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (478 copies), £3.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1943. Price 3d.]

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