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damage to the road from Rotorua, which was closed for about five months during the late autumn, winter, and early spring of 1948. It is recorded, however, that there was an increase in the number of guests during the period November to March as compared with the preceding season. Guests have expressed appreciation of the additional comforts and amenities resulting from work undertaken during the year. A recreation-hall has been built, there have been general renovations and some refurnishings, fireplaces have been reconstructed, and the stores and laundry have been replanned. ((.;) Wairakei (Hotel Wairakei) Excellent progress was made in the work of re-establishing this hotel. Additions have been made to guest and staff quarters and improvements made to tracks, hot bathing-pools, the hotel grounds, and the recreation areas. Particular attention has been given to Geyser Valley and Karapiti Blowhole to facilitate sightseeing at these outstanding natural attractions. The hotel was completely refurnished and renovated throughout, and by the end of the year this work had almost been accomplished and the establishment was ready to receive a limited number of guests during the Easter period. One hundred guests can now be accommodated at Wairakei, and this will ease accommodation difficulties. Progress was made in the installation of a central heating-system which utilizes natural steam from a bore. The scheme has been very successful and the hotel is now nicely heated by it. (d) Tongariro National Park (The Chateau Tongariro) The Chateau Tongariro was reopened in August, 1948, accommodation and other services being of a high standard. The 1948 winter sports season was very successful. The work of constructing a ski tow was commenced on upper Scoria Flat, and the apparatus should be operating during the forthcoming season. Recreational facilities have been extended. In addition to the existing tenniscourts and golf-links, a bowling-green has been made and it is expected that it will be ready for play next summer. Indoor bowls have been provided for use in the hotel. During the years that the Chateau Tongariro was closed to guests, snow-sportsmen, motorists, and others continued to make use of the huts and lodges. Patronage of these auxiliary establishments was also well sustained during the past year. In February the activity on Mount Ngauruhoe was very spectacular. The phenomenon directed considerable popular attention to the Tongariro National Park, and many New Zealanders and overseas visitors visited the Chateau Tongariro to witness the extraordinary volcanic displays. The water-supply system, derived from a new source, was completed and is giving satisfaction. (e) Lake Taupo (Tokaanu Hotel) The hotel has been improved and some alterations have been made which include new storage buildings, repapering and renovation of bedrooms, and the painting of all roofs. A bore was sunk in the grounds, and it is intended to pipe natural hot water to the hotel for mineral baths. Tokaanu Hotel is patronized chiefly by rod and gun sportsmen. It is reported that the fishing was good during the early part of the season.

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