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1927. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. W. NOSWORTHY

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, 30th April, 1927 ' I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts for the year ended 31st March, 1927. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH REVOLTS. Sir,— Wellington, 21st April, 1927. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1927. I have, &c., B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts.

ANNUAL REPORT. I have pleasure in reporting that the improvement in this Department's business and financial position still continues. The revenue has increased from £55,391 to £61,674, an improvement of £6,283. The expenditure has increased from £70,794 to £76,378, or an increase of £5,584. The difference between revenue and expenditure, therefore, is £14,704, or £699 less than it was last year. The following are the figures for the past six years, showing how the difference between revenue and expenditure has decreased : — • Return of Receipts, 1921-27. 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. £ £ £ £ £ £ Receipts .. .. 50,822 40,246 45,704 47,263 55,391 61,674 Return of Expenditure, 1921-27. 1921-22. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. £ £ £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund .. 86,944 60,445 66,294 70,794 76,378 Public Works Fund .. 17,996 |5,435 27,264 12,343 45,096 31,981 When it is considered that a great amount of the Department's work is not .credited to it, but goes to other Departments, such as the Railway, the Customs, and to private interests, the improvement must be considered remarkable. At the same time none of the Department's tourist resorts or agencies has been starved, while every effort has been made to ensure economical working. In this respect a deal of credit is due to the Managers of the various resorts under the control of the Department. Briefly put, we have reduced the difference between revenue and expenditure in six years from £42,000 to £14,000,

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As mentioned in my last report, the visits of the " Carinthia " and " Franconia " from America duly took place, and in this instance, due to a certain extent to the representations of the Department to the promoters, both vessels called at Milford Sound. I think that this may tend to disabuse the minds of certain people in the South that the Department tries to divert traffic from that favoured part of New Zealand. This " bogey " has been raised for the past ten years to my knowledge, and I regret that all my efforts to kill it seem to have been ineffectual. If any specific case can be shown where a tourist has been persuaded or induced by a Government Tourist officer to cut the South out of his tour, the officer concerned will have a heart-to-heart talk with his Head Office. I am satisfied, knowing all the conditions, that it cannot be done. Last year the Department's booking business with the eleven leading South Island firms amounted to £22,397, and the North £15,523. I doubt whether any other Government Department can show such a preponderance of business in favour of the South as against the North Island ; yet the Department is accused of unduly favouring the North. I expect before long to hear complaints from the North that they are being penalized to benefit the South Island tourist traffic. The main item of interest in the Department's operations during the year has been the letting of the contract for the extensions to the Waitomo Caves Hostel, which will give accommodation for a further sixty visitors to the caves. For years there have been complaints from people who were unable to be accommodated there, or had their stay curtailed. With these additions, and certain improvements under consideration, there should be no reason why Waitomo should not be even more popular and remunerative than it is now. The revenue from this source will be a material help to the Department, and will tend to reduce losses in certain places which we have to maintain at a considerable loss. For instance, in Queenstown for the last six years our expenditure has been £4,762 and our revenue £1,492, a IO3S of £3,270. It would be ten thousand pities to see the gardens and reserve at Queenstown, which are maintained by the Department at an annual loss, abandoned; but the Department is expected to show a profit and loss account, and is liable to criticism when a loss is shown. The Tourist Department was never intended to be a directly profit-earning institution, but was established with a view to development of the tourist resorts, and as a help to the Railways, Customs, hotels, and other businesses, and it is fair to maintain that it has fulfilled, and is fulfilling, these functions. All the booking bureaux of the Department have been kept very busy during the year, and in some cases remarkable increases in business have been shown, notably in the Dunedin office, which had a very strenuous time, especially during the holiday season. The staff are to be congratulated on the manner in which their business has been handled and on the freedom from errors during rush times. Complaints have been very few, while many congratulatory letters have been received. One instance is from the Australian bowlers, whose tour was conducted by an officer of the Department. The president of the New Zealand Bowling Association (Mr. J. W. fiardley) has written to express his high appreciation of the Department's work, and of its officer who conducted the bowlers. Sir Joseph Davies also writes thanking all concerned, and concludes, " In a tour extending over two months the programme drawn up has run like oiled machinery, and we have never in any country travelled with so little trouble." Crabtrees Travel Agency of the United States also write: "We wish to thank you for your very splendid co-operation in helping us to develop business to your country." During the year new bureaux were opened in Nelson and Wanganui, and the results have been very encouraging. The opening of offices in other centres will depend on the support accorded these. An office has also been opened in Calcutta, where Mr. T. C. Buddie, the manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company there, has kindly placed his services at the disposal of the Department. He will place our pictures and literature in many of the leading hotels and clubs in India and the East, and he is well qualified to afford the latest information to prospective tourists and sportsmen. Reciprocal arrangements are also being made with travel firms in Australia, America, and France, where we are in communication with the White Star agency of Paris. The following is a list of our overseas agencies, most of them recently established : — Sydney, N.S.W. .. .. London Bank Chambers, 20 Martin Place. Melbourne, Vic. .. . . Dominion Chambers, 59 William Street. Perth, W.A. .. .. 285 Queen's Buildings, Murray Place. Brisbane .. .. 79 Queen Street (Mr. T. G. Dewar). Adelaide, S.A. . . .. Mr. Y. H. Ryan, Box 664g. Calcutta, India . . . . Mr. T. C. Buddie, New Zealand Insurance Building, 26 Dalhousie Square West. Vancouver, B.C. . . .. Mr. W. A. James, Metropolitan Buildings. San Francisco .. .. Mr. H. Stephenson Smith, 311 California Street. Durban, South Africa .. 27a Union Castle Buildings. Johannesburg, South Africa .. 8 Natal Bank Chambers, Market Street, Market Square. London .. .. .. Office of High Commissioner for New Zealand, Strand, London W.C. 2. The arrangement made with the leading public- and private-hotel keepers for booking accommodation has proved very satisfactory to all parties concerned. I have recently seen a resolution by the Auckland Tourist League regarding the desirability of completing the road from Ruatahuna to Lake Waikaremoana, and this Department is in complete accord. The finishing of this road, which is only some fifteen miles, will make a wonderful round round trip from Rotorua to the Sea of the Rippling Waters, and thence to Gisborne or Napier, Taupo, and Wellington, through some of our most fascinating bush and lake scenery.

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Statement of Receipts and Payments at Main Resorts.

The following is a summary of the work of the Department at the different resorts under its control Rotorua. Revenue. —The aggregate revenue for this year shows an increase of £4,280-odd over that of the previous year. The increase has principally been derived from the sale of electric energy and the traffic on the round trip. Government Gardens. —-No fresh work in the shape of breaking in any additional area has been undertaken during the year. Mr. Willcox, the head gardener, retired on superannuation as from the 31st March last, after about twenty-three years' service with the Department. His place has been taken by Mr. A. E. Hesketh, formerly departmental head gardener at Te Aroha. One cannot speak too highly of the work of Mr. Willcox at Rotorua. The gardens under his control have been the subject of favourable comment by visitors from all-parts of the world, and the Department suffers a great loss in his retirement. Electrical. —The most important work during the year was the reticulation of Ngongotaha for electrical supply. Although at first the only load offering was domestic and farm load, we have been able to get three fairly large power-consumers —namely, the dairy factory (25 h.p.), Rotoiti Sawmill (72 h.p.), and Hyde's stone-crusher (25 h.p.). Our main supplies during the year have been drawn from Horahora, and the Okere plant has been used for standby and peak reduction. The Okere plant is in quite fair order, and should be able to carry on for some time yet. Extensions have been made to the distribution system as required, and heavier cables have been erected where necessary to cope with the increased load. Maintenance work has been carried out as required for the baths, Sanatorium, gardens, &c., and the car and truck have been operated and maintained in good order. The following figures show the total units purchased from the Public Works Department and the units generated at Okere : —

Peak load for year, 327 k.v.a. (3rd March, 1927) ; connected load for year, 465-63 kw. This is the first year in which the total units have exceeded 1,000,000, and the units show an increase of 28-44 per cent, over last year. Water-supply.—Fifty new consumers were added during the year. 1,900 ft. of | in., 159 ft. of fin., 1,929 ft. of 1 in., 99 ft. of 1J in., and 55 ft. of 1| in. galvanized wrought iron pipe were laid during the year, also 860 ft. of 4 in. cast-iron main. Owing to road-formation work carried on by the Borough Council, and the consequent alteration of levels, the water-mains had to be lowered at various points throughout the town. About 22| chains of protective wire fencing was erected around the reservoir. Thirty-six new concrete fireplug and valve covers were made and supplied during the year. Drainage. —Seven new premises were connected to the sewerage system. A considerable amount of new work was done in connection with the Isolation and King George V Hospitals. Fifteen sewer-vents were fixed at various points throughout the town on behalf of the Public Works Department in connection with the new drainage scheme. The outstanding feature of the year has been

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Year 1926-27. Year 1925-26. fg fl Resort. <d=" S& § ° i «H I i 5 z -f •& o u s S M £ .&■ o t, • S* S ® ° g< d S "3 § § ® ® s g, ° s « g >* 3 "8 g oS» $i>S I t l°- S * «&M goS £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ TeAroha .. .. .. 1,445 3,565 2,120 .. 1,449 3,012 1,563 Rotorua .. .. .. 31,338 33,049 1,711 .. 27,516 32,332 4,816 Rotorua Acclimatization District .. 2,101 1,227 .. 874 2,169 1,257 .. 912 Waitomo Caves .. .. 9,901 4,487 i .. 5,414 8,646 3,993 .. 4,653 Lake House, Waikaremoana .. 1,588 2,006 1 418 .. 1,446 1,525 79 Queenstown .. .. .. 330 915 ' 585 .. 259 8G9 610 Glade House and Milford Track .. 3,635 6,223 2,588 .. 4,251 6,091 1,840 Morere Hot Springs .. .. 464 303 .. 161 444 269 .. 175 Passenger-booking Bureaux .. 8,287 10,400 I 2,113 .. 7,068 7,794 726 I ' ,

Year. Horahora. Okere. Diesel. Total. 1926 .. .. .. 921,900 198,017 .. 1,119,917 1925 .. .. .. 99,770 714,123 58,040 871,933 Increase .. .. .. .. 247,984

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th.fi completion of the nsw drainage system, which was carried out by contract 011 behalf of the Public vVorks Department. Broadly speaking, the outstanding difference between the old and the new system is that instead of a mam sewer (9 in.), two 6 in. sewers are run in each street under each footpath. General Plumbing.—The following buildings have been reroofed and all spouting, downpiping, and flushings renewed : House Surgeon's residence at the Sanatorium, launchmaster's residence at Te Wairoa, and benzine-depot 011 Te Wairoa Road. A considerable amount of repair of the Jeadwork on the main bath building has been carried out. Substantial renovation of the interior of the Spout Baths at Whakarewarewa was also carried out. Buildings.—The usual maintenance work has been attended to througout the year. The ferroconcrete garage and benzine-store in the works-yard have been completed. An additional story has been added to the bowling-pavilion, which provides a large room for club committee meetings. New rooms for X-ray work have been fitted up 011 the balcony at the rear of the main bath, building. Mr. T. J. Fitzgerald, Building Overseer, retired 011 superannuation on 31st March last after thirtyone years of valuable, faithful, and meritorious service. Acclimatization (General). —The various branches of work in connection with the administration of acclimatization matters in the large district under the control of this Department were carried out by its various officers in a thoroughly practical manner. The ranging of the district was augmented troiri the beginning of the year by the appointment of an extra ranger, making three salaried rangers for the district for the past year. This was necessary owing to complaint of heavy poaching that was said to be taking place in the Taupo area of our district, and the action of the Department in placing a ranger in the Taupo district over the close season was responsible for almost a complete cessation of those reports. The local lakes and streams were also well patrolled throughout the whole of the close season, and all the outlying distant parts of the district visited as often as convenient by the rangers. A large number of reports of irregularities were investigated carefully, and prompt action was taken in the Magistrates' Courts in several parts of the district for all breaches of the game and fishing regulations that could be substantiated by the necessary evidence. The services of the extra rangers proved most effective in reducing the activities of law-breakers. A total of sixteen cases was taken before the Courts for breaches of the regulations against fifteen persons. Thirteen convictions were recorded, two cases dismissed for insufficient evidence, and one case was withdrawn. Fines and costs totalled £55 19s. 6d. Deer-shooting. —The season for red-deer shooting last year opened on the 25th March and ended 011 the 25th April in the herds in the following areas, and conditions varied according to the locality and numbers of the herd. In the Okareka-liotoiti area there was no limit to the number of deer that could be shot under license, and. the object of preventing this herd becoming a menace to settlers or forestry operations was also assisted after the stalking season by the issue of unlimited permits to every applicant who wished to shoot in this area. This has resulted in the herd being heavily thinned out. The State Forestry officials also encouraged unlimited shooting of deer in their plantations, and this fact, together with the heavy shooting by permit and license holders, gives the clearest proof that this herd is now far below standard, both as to numbers and good heads. It was only in the remoter parts of the rougher deer-country that any good heads were secured. The Galatea herd area was limited to twelve licenses. This herd is one of the best in the North Island, and runs over ideal deer-country. Last year 110 very large heads were taken, the best being a thirteen-pointer. This year the prospects are much better, as several good heads have been seen with twelve to fourteen points. The Sambur deer liberated in this locality have also increased, and the question of an open season for Sambur stags will be given consideration at an early date. The Waikaremoana herd was most heavily shot over, some two hundred deer being killed by the license-holders. The Whakatane herd was shot over by a limited number of license-holders, but this herd is still a young one, and only three good heads were secured. The Tokaanu herd was closed against shooting to allow the development of the small numbers there. The herd was prospected by Mr. R. Levin last year, who reported it as the best type of deer, with splendid antlers. These deer were all bred from the original Warnham Court strain, and there are now a number of promising heads of good spread. The Taupo herd was not patronized by stalkers to the same extent as the other herds in the district. Owing to the extended forestry operations taking in some 55,000 acres of the Kaingaroa Plains for exotic planting, it is evident that the sportsmen in future years will have to concentrate their attention on the deer of the Taupo County in order to obtain their trophies. The Columbia blacktailed deer liberated at Tarawera have reached the stage when a limited number of licenses could with advantage be issued for shooting this particular species. Fresh blood in the various herds is now most desirable, if procurable. Trout-fishing. —-The trout-fishing season closed in the Whakatane and Wairoa portions of the district on the 30th Ajiril, and in the rest of the district 011 the 31st May last. During the closing two months the trout taken were in fine condition, though, owing to the run of spawning trout being very late in the season, the individual catches were not nearly so large as during the previous year. Taupo Lake area furnished the largest trout caught anywhere, fish up to 16 lb. in weight being caught. A fresh departure was made in the Rotorua district whereby exclusive licenses are required for use there. No alteration was made in the scale of fees required for Rotorua fishing licenses. The position now is that general season fishing licenses, which were formerly applicable to the whole Dominion, do not now apply to Rotorua and Taupo fishing areas, special licenses being required for both these districts. Taupo is not now under the administration of this Department. The fishing in streams in the Rotorua, Whakatane, and Wairoa Counties was quite up to the usual standard, good baskets of trout being taken on the fly in the Tarawera, Rangitaiki, Whirinaki, Whakatane, Waimana, Tahuatara, and Waikato Rivers. The Atiamuri portion of the Waikato River down to the district boundary towards Arapuni dam gave splendid fish and good sport to anglers. This Department has

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concentrated for several years past on heavily stocking up these waters in view of the formation of the artificial lake by the erection of the big impounding dam at Arapuni for the hydro-electric-power scheme. This lake, when full, some time in 1928, should give the best fishing, owing to the great area of natural growth and feed that will be covered by the river-waters. Further, inten ive stocking of the area will 4 be carried out to provide a continuity of fishing for anglers. The trout-fishing in the rivers and lakes of the Wairoa County was better than for some seasons, owing to the maturing of thousands of both rainbow and brown trout-fry that were reared and liberated from the Waikaremoana trout-hatchery. The trout-fishing in Rotorua Lake itself was very poor through the season, and even for the last few months of the present season there is no indication of any permanent improvement in the numbers of trout that have been caught. A few fair catches have been made off the mouths of the Hamurana, Waitete, Awahou, and Ngongotaha Streams, but there is noticeable by anglers a great scarcity of trout in this lake compared with past years. This is clearly the result of the excessive netting took out thousands of trout annually. The time is ripe for a vigorous restocking policy in regard to the Rotorua Lake and stream waters, and this will be carried out at once. The restocking should be commensurate with the now greatly increased supply of natural trout-foods. Fish equal to the average trout were taken on both Rotoma and Okataina Lakes, while the Green Lake and Rotoiti also produced fish in the pink of condition. During the stripping operations for trout-ova at the Green Lake during the spawning season the hatchery officials report that beautiful eggs were taken from rainbow trout up to 101b. in weight. Anglers have taken good catches by trolling from boats, but there is fine fly fishing to be had from several points if the wind is favourable. Feathered Game. —The season for feathered-game shooting throughout this acclimatization district opened on the Ist May, for two months only, for taking imported and native game of the following species : Cock pheasant; Californian, Virginian, and Australian quail; mallard duck, black teal, spoonbill buck ; black swan ; turnstone and Eastern golden plover. A short period of one month was authorized for the shooting of pukeko, which were reported to be doing damage to crops in some places. A special season of three months (February, March, and April) was also proclaimed for the taking of godwit and knot. In the Wairoa area the duck-shooting was very poor compared with previous years, owing to the continued hot weather drying up some of the best lagoons. This favoured the game, and small bags were recorded in consequence. On the more isolated lakes good shooting was obtained ; while, owing to the restocking operations by the Department with pheasants, there was a noticeable increase in the number of pheasants that were obtained by sportsmen. In the Taupo and Galatea portions of the district good bags of swans and ducks were taken in the opening weeks of the season, while at Whakatane County in several favoured places good duck-shooting was obtained, the limit per gun for a day's shooting being obtained by several sportsmen. The draining of the Rangitaiki Swamp is resulting in the loss of feeding-grounds for the birds, which drives them further afield for food and breeding. It is known that certain settlers now feed maize to the young ducks for a month or two before the shooting season, with the obvious result of a limit bag as long as there are any ducks in the locality. The practice is not in the interests of the preservation of our game birds. Though the draining of the swamps is responsible for the growing scarcity of native game, there has been a fair increase in the numbers of pheasants and quail over the drier portions of the swamp lands, previously too wet to allow breeding under natural conditions. Good bags of pheasants were reported from the Taupo-Tokaanu, Ruatahuna, Murupara, Galatea, and Te Teko areas, and average bags in the Matata, Manawahe, and Mount Edgecumbe localities. Locally, about Rotorua, the sport was poor, owing to the increased number of sportsmen and the added facility of quickly travelling long distances with motor-vehicles. Opossum-trapping Season. —The usual season of one month from the Ist to the 31st July was authorized during the year. The only portion of the district opened for the taking of opossums was in the Waikaremoana forest reserves under this Department's control. A total of seventy trappers took out licenses at a fee of £2 10s. per license, while a royalty of Is. per skin was also paid. Only some 4,300 skins were taken, but the fur was of the best, and the skins topped the market in some of the grades. Trout-fry Liberations. —During the past season a total of 402,000 rainbow trout fry and ova were purchased from the Department of Internal Aifairs hatchery at Rotorua. Of this quantity 132,000 eyed ova were forwarded to the Wairoa County area, where the hatching and liberating of the fry were carried out under the supervision of the Department's assistant ranger at Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, assisted by Mr. Richards, of Ruakituri, and Sergeant Wade and Messrs. G. Ormond and A. Harvey of Wairoa. The use of the motor-cars of these gentlemen enabled the ova and fry to be transported and liberated on all necessary occasions, and the thanks of the Department and the anglers of the district have been conveyed to them for the time and care given in the course of the work involved. The balance of 270,000 rainbow fry were taken delivery of and liberated in the following localities: Wairoa County Area—Ruakituri River, 32,000; Waikare-ta-heke River, 64,000; Waikaremoana Lake 25,000; Mangapoike River, 8,000; Waihi Stream, 1,000; Maungaruhe Stream, 1,000; Mahia Streams, 1,000: total, 132,000. In the Rotorua and surrounding district and Counties of Whakatane and Taupo, the following numbers were liberated : Rotorua County and streams, 93,000 ; Whakatane County rivers and lakes, 107,000 ; Taupo County rivers and lakes, 70,000 : total, 270,000. In addition to the above, the Department of Internal Affairs reports having liberated large quantities of Taupo and Hawea Lakes fry in Rotorua and Rotoiti Lakes. A total of 8,059,500 rainbow-trout fry has been liberated within the waters of the Rotorua Acclimatization District since the Department assumed control of acclimatization matters. Pheasantry. —The work in connection with the rearing of pheasants for liberation within the district to add fresh blood to the existing stock of wild birds was reduced very much this year to allow of more ranging being carried out by the rangers. Sufficient stock birds were kept at the Rotorua

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and'Wairoa pheasantries to recommence breeding operations at a future date, tie selected birds being of pure Mongolian (P. mongolicus), Chinese ringueck (P. torquatus) and blackneck (colehicus) species. The rearing and liberation of seventy-five birds were undertaken by the Department's ranger at the Wairoa pheasantry, and thanks are due to Messrs. Byford, Poyser, and G. Ormond for assistance given with their liberation in the following localities since the Ist April, 1926 : Ruakituri (eight)j Clydebank (seven), Mabia (ten), Whakaki (six), Nuhaka (twelve), Te Uhi and Waihua (ten), Whakamahia (four), Opouiti and Patanumu (ten), Mahurangi (eight). In addition to the foregoing, twentyeight birds were liberated from the Rotorua pheasantry, making a total of 103 birds liberated during the year, and fifteen are still in the pens for liberation. The Department has allotted an amount for purchase of any pheasants offered for sale by private breeders. A total of 2,768 pheasants have been reared and liberated since the Department assumed control of acclimatization matters in this district. General. —A new car has been provided for the ranger, which enables him to get over a greater area in less time. Rotorua Bath Buildings : Balneologist's Report. I am pleased to state that during the year under review the various departments—Sanatorium, baths, massage, &c. —have shown a healthy progress in their financial returns. The year on the whole has been a good one, and the many visitors who have passed through Rotorua have been delighted with our spa and its attendant attractions. There lias also been a greater number of invalids under treatment, both in the Sanatorium and Bath House, who have derived considerable benefit from the waters and massage. The visits of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York, and many other distinguished visitors, have considerably augmented the knowledge of our attractions over a wide field, and I am sure that the advertisment incidental to such publicity will bring us considerable kudos from overseas. The receipts from all branches show an increase of £1,843 4s. 6d. over last year's returns. The Sanatorium has been a very busy institution throughout the year, and, apart from the few winter months, has always had a long list of patients waiting admission. This fact indicates both the usefulness of the institution and the necessity for an early consideration in the direction of expansion. The Bath House and other buildings have been maintained to the highest possible degree of efficiency; but the work of urgent necessity —viz., the rebuilding of the Pavilion and Blue Baths — remains as a contingency to be met as early as possible. Massage, electrical treatments, &c. : During the year this Department has added considerably to its equipment, notably in modern diathermy apparatus, and the most up-to-date X-ray installation. A new annex for the latter has been built, and this will enable us to expand our activities along the most efficient diagnostic and treatment lines. Summary : In reviewing the events of the year, apart from the satisfactory conditions of our financial returns, I have been greatly encouraged by the results of our therapeutic treatments. The majority of our patients have received benefit, and in a great number of cases permanent cures have been effected. At the present time lam preparing statistics of our work, for the period covering the past five years, for the International Society of Hydrology. These will be used as a comparative table in connection with the statistics of the Royal Commission on Rheumatism which has during the past year been investigating such conditions in Great Britain. In compiling these figures lam convinced of the value of our spas as an ally in the field of preventive medicine, and as the march of medical science progresses the importance of our work will increase in direct ratio. Waitomo Caves. The financial year just ended was ushered in at Waitomo Caves by record-breaking Easter crowds, and I am pleased to have to report that this popularity never waned, and as a consequence the season has been a record one. The cash receipts from the hostel and caves for the year were £9,946 4s. 4d., this amount being £1,289 19s. 6d. in excess of the previous year's record returns. During the year 13,331 visitors inspected the caves, as against 10,548 for the year 1925-26, an increase of 2,783 visitors. Before the commencement of the present tourist season the Department converted premises that at one time were used as a stable into a hostel annexe to accommodate sightseers. This building more than justified its erection, and was fully taxed during the season. The hostel male staff quarters were completed at the beginning of the year under review, and this building is satisfactory to everybody. Year by year the caves are becoming more renowned and visited by overseas visitors. Among the many opinions expressed of our " eighth wonder of the world " are those of Mr. Franklyn Petersen, of the London Times, who visited the Dominion in connection with the recent tour of the Duke of York. He expressed the opinion, as one who had been privileged to view all the caves open to the tourist world, that nothing finer in stalactite formation exists than Aranui Caves. Dr. Wetherill, of Lafayette, Indiana, a member of Mr. E. Allan Eorbes's " Orient tour party " which visited New Zealand in February last, said : " After seeing those wonderful and mysterious sights I am astounded how inadequately I can describe them.. I can only adapt the words of the Queen of Sheba to another setting—' Of their glorious beauty the half has not been told.' " Dr. L. D. Stoner, of Ohio, is even more enthusiastic : "I have never seen anything finer than your little heaven under the Southern Cross —Waitomo's glow-worm grotto." Since the installation of the Horahora hydro-electric power in 1926 there has indeed been a great transition in the caves. Still pictures of ethereal beauty now reveal themselves everywhere in attractive Aranui. There has been some criticism of the lighting effects in the caves, and so it is in place to recall the words of Mr. R. L. Ellington, tours manager of Messrs. Raymond Whitcomb's " Carinthia " party : " The lighting effects are excellent, and certainly add to the fantastic beauty of the formations. That is my opinion after inspecting caves all over the world, including Cheddar and Jenolan."

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For some time it has been the aim of the Department to provide the opportunity to onr own New Zealand folk to view these marvels placed by nature so close at hand, and this season rail excursions were run in conjunction with the Railway Department. These Sunday trips were availed of by 1,509 visitors, and it is anticipated that next season they will prove even more successful. The largest party came from Oliakune, consisting of 550 trippers, on the 13th February, and this day stands as a record in that almost seven hundred visitors inspected all three caves. Mr. N. Cole, contractor for the proposed additions to the hostel, commenced operations on the 25tli March last, and it is anticipated that a portion of the new building will be ready for occupation before the commencement of the next tourist season. When erected there will be no finer or more up-to-date hostelry in New Zealand than the new hostel. The rule at present is that a visitor inspects the three caves series and then moves on so that further tourists may be accommodated. This is rendered necessary by the limited accommodation. But Waitomo's future will be quite different. The new hostel will provide the Department with facilities to develop the many-sided scenic attractiveness of this tourist incognita outback, including historic Kawhia Harbour, the Te Anga Natural Bridge, and the Marakopa Falls. Undoubtedly there is a wonderful future for Waitomo. Te Aroha. The revenue shows a slight increase of some £50, and this would have been larger but for the bad. weather experienced during the greater part of the season. Bath buildings and drinking-fountains : The working of the various baths has been satisfactory and the usual maintenance carried out. Early in the year the painting and repairing of the Cadman Bath-house was completed. The drinking-fountains have been kept in good repair, and have been freely patronized. The mineral-water supply has been equal to the demand and has 'given no trouble. One hundred and thirty-eight cans of No. 15 spring water have been forwarded to Rotorua during the year, as compared with 196 cans sent last year. The gardens have been kept up to their usual good standard. The asphalt tennis-courts and the worst portions of the paths were repaired during the year. The grounds staff have had a very strenuous time during the past year. Library and reading-room : New books to the number of 164 have been added to the library during the year, and this institution is well patronized. The reading-room is very popular, and is kept well supplied with newspapers. Nelson and Westland. The Greymouth office has fairly maintained the returns of last year, and is well supported by the residents of the West Coast. The Department has no directly maintained institution op the Coast, but has done all in its power to foster the tourist traffic there and to place its attractions before overseas and local holiday-makers. The traffic has been very heavy, and the Department's bookings through the various motor companies to the Franz Joseph Glacier and other resorts well up to standard. When the new accommodation-house at the Fox Glacier is erected and properly advertised there will be a big accretion of traffic in that direction. The Hermitage. The hostel has been conducted by the lessees to the satisfaction of the Department during the year, and it is understood that the place has been well patronized during the year. The following is a list of the high climbs done in the season : —•

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Date. Party and (inkle. Climb and Height. ; Route. 1926. Oot. 11 Mr. A. Hogue; Guide V.Williams The Twins, Novara Peak; From Ball Hut across Tasman Glacier, up 7,542 ft. main ridge to summit; descent by same route. Oct. 21 Mr. A. Hogue; Guide V.Williams Lean Peak; 8,000 ft. .. From Hooker Hut via Copeland Pass to summit; descent by same route. Dec. 17 Messrs. H. E. L. Porter and Mount Sealey ; 8,651 ft. .. From Mueller Hut through Sladden Saddle M. "Kurz to summit: descent to hut. Dec. 22 Messrs. H. E. L. Porter and Footstool ; 9,073 ft. .. From Sefton bivouac to main ridge, thence M. Kurz rock-face to summit; descent by same route. Dec. 28 Messrs. R. Syme and J. Alln.nl. The Twins ; 8,030 ft. .. From Ball Hut across Tasman Glacier, up main ridge to summit; descent by same route. Dec. 30 Messrs. R. Syme, G. Mace, and Mount De la Beche; From De la Beche bivouac up Rudolph J. Allan 10,058 ft. Glacier to Graham's Saddle, across southwest face, up south-east ridge to summit; descent by same route. 1927. Jan. 4 Prof, and Mrs. Algie .. Mount Kinsey ; 6,750 ft. From Hooker Hut to summit; descent down east side to Blue Lake Flat. Jan. 5 Messrs. J. Pope and R. E. L. Lean Peak; 8,000ft. .. From Hooker Hut by Copeland ridge, Aubin ; Guide C. Williams following main divide to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 5 Messrs. R. Syme, G. Mace, and Mount Flie de Beaumont; From Malte Brun Hut by Lendenfeld Glacier J. Allan 10,200 ft. and east face and south-east arSte; descent by same route.

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Date. Party and Guide. Climb and Height. | Route. Jan. 6 Messrs. R. Syme'and G. Mace.. Malte Brun; 10,421 ft. .. From Malte Brun Hut by Malte Brun Glacier by western arete to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 6 Messrs. J. Pope and D. Aubin; Turner's Hump ; 7,670 ft. From Hooker Hut across glacier, following Guide C. Williams route to Ball Pass, crossing head of Ball Glacier to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 7 Messrs. H. E. L. PorterJand Mount Tasman ; 11,467 ft. From Haast across Grand Plateau to SilverM. Kurz horn corner; up east ridge to top of Silverhorn, thence up south ridge to Summit; traversed the summit down the north ridge to saddle between Lendenfeldt and Tasman, and descended straight down to plateau. (This is fourth ascent and first traverse of Mount Tasman.) Jan. 8 Miss D. Barker, Messrs, 0. Barker Unnamed peak next to Foot- Traversed from Hooker Hut across Mount and E. Lewis stool, 8,000 ft. Madonna (7,600 ft.), Du Faur (7,860 ft.), Codogan (7,850 ft.), and unnamed peak ; descent by snow face below Footstool to Sefton Bivouac and to Hermitage. Jan. 10 Miss Edgar-Jones and Mr. Massey; about 8,200 ft... From Mueller Hut through Sladden Saddle Twyneham ; Guide F. Alack to summit; descent to hut. Jan. 10 Mr. H. E. L. Porter, Miss D. Mount Haidinger (South From Haast Hut to summit of Glacier Dome Barker, Messrs. C. Barker, and Peak); 10,178 ft. to Haast ridge, ascending to upper neve M. Kurz of Haast Glacier to Pioneer Pass, then by main ridge to summit of South Peak; descent by same route. (This is tin second ascent of Mount Haidinger.) Jan. 20 Mr. H. E. L. Porter, Miss D. Aiguilles Rouges ; 9,371 ft. From Malte Brun Hut by ordinary route by Barker, Messrs. C. Barker and Beetham Glacier to the Malte Brun M. Kurz saddle, thence up the neve and rock rib of the north face ; descent by same route. Jan. 14 Messrs. R. Syme, G. Mace, and Mounts Green and Walter ; From Malte Brun Hut up east artte to divide, J. Allan 9,507 ft. and north-east arete to summit of Green, traversing into col, and by south-west artte to summit of Walter ; descent same to col, thence to hut. Jan. 18 Mr. C. Grave and Master S. Grave Mount Sealey ; 8,651ft. .. From Mueller Hut following Annette ridge to summit; descent same route to hut. Jan. 21 Mr. H. E. L. Porter, Miss 1). Malte Brun; 10,421 ft. .. From Malte Brun Hut by the Malte Brun Barker, Messrs. C. Barker and Glacier and west ridge to summit; M. Kurz descent by same route. Jan. 21 Mr. K.Pratt; Guide F. Alack Montgomery; 7,661ft. .. From Mueller Hut to head of Glacier up north-west face to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 21 Prof, and Mrs. Algie; Guide Hamilton; 9,915 ft. .. From Malte Brun Hut up Darwin Glacier C. Williams to head of Bonny Glacier up main arete to summit; descent by snow couloir and same route. Jan. 24 Mr. R. E. L. Aubin; Guide Mount Malte Brun; From Malte Brun Hut up Malte Brun C. Williams 10,421 ft. Glacier by west artte to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 2 Misses D. Barker and M. Edgar- Montgomery ; 7,661 ft. .. From Mueller Hut to Barrons Saddle, by Jones, Mr. C. Barker; Guide east artte to summit; descent by same V. Williams route. Jan. 26 Messrs. H. E. L. Porter and St. David's Dome; 10,443 ft. From bivouac on Pudding Rock via slopes M. Kurz of La Perouse to Harper's Saddle, by steep snow slope on west face, and by snow slope on north side traversing round to north-east face by snow and rock artte to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 26 Prof, and Mrs. Algie; Guide Mount Madonna; 7,600 ft. From Hooker Hut up Copeland ridge to A. Bruistad pass, continuing up east ridge to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 28 Messes. H. E. L. Porter and Mount Cook; 12,349 ft. .. From bivouac on Pudding Rock up snow M. Kurz and rock ridge and glacier traversing under Low Peak to central peak, and following main ridge to high peak, following Green's route to Haast Hut. Feb. 9 Misses K. Gardiner and S. Lean Peak; 8,000 ft. .. From Hooker Hut via Copeland Pass by Smith; Guides F. Alack and plain ridge to summit; descent by same T. Sheeran route. Feb. 16 Miss K. Gardiner; Guides V. Footstool; 9,073ft. .. From Sefton Bivouac to main ridge, thence Williams and F. Alack rock face to summit; descent by same route. Feb. 19 Miss K. Gardiner ; Guide V. Wil- Mount Rosa ; 6,997 ft. .. From Hooker Hut by main route to Bumliams mit; descent by same route. Feb. 28 Misses M. B. Scott and H. Hal- Mount Sealey, 8,651 ft. ; From Mueller Hut across Sladden Saddle up dane ; Guide V. Williams and unnamed peak south western snow-face leading to summit; of Sealey, 8,100 ft. descended on to snow plateau, then up western snow-face of unnamed peak; descended by same route. Mar. 6 Misses M. B. Scott and H. Hal- Lean Peak ; 8,000 ft. .. From Copeland Pass by main ridge to dane ; Guide V. Williams summit; descent by same route. Copeland Pass was ascended thirteen times, Graham's Saddle four times, and Glacier IJome^seven times during the season,

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Waikaremoana. The receipts for the year again show an increase in all branches of this resort, which go to show that its popularity is increasing, even with very unfavourable weather at the holiday-time. The extensions to the house are now completed, and everything is very comfortable. The accommodation for the year was taxed to its utmost at times, although one day in January no less than twenty-eight people cancelled their rooms on account of the road being impassable, on account of bad weather, between the outlet and Lake House. The Public Works Department are now metalling that part of the road, so next year the road will be passable at any period of the year, under all weather conditions. The electric light was installed during the year, and has been the greatest comfort to the guests, and cooking with electricity has proved a great success. The launch and boats were in great demand, and same have been painted and renovated, and are in very good order and condition. The launch " Wai-iti " was sold, as it was not suitable for passenger accommodation. This is the first year that vegetable-growing met the full need of the hostel. Prom the Ist January the season was very favourable for same. The Waikare-iti Track has been cleared, and during the season many visitors have availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting this beautiful lake. Te Anau - Milford Track. The track was kept open from the Ist November, 1926, to the 25th April, 1927. The receipts did not quite come up to the previous or Exhibition year, but were well above the preceding one. They would have been better except for ill fortune in the destruction by fire of the huts at Sandfly Point and subsequent heavy snow on the pass. The lack of accommodation at Sandfly Point was met as well as possible by the erection of tents, and these served well in the fine weather, but were not so comfortable during heavy weather. I hope to have the new hostel at Milford well in hand by next season. The Department is in negotiation with a southern company regarding the running of a regular service from Southland to Milford and back by way of intermediate sounds, and this will be a splendid adjunct to the track, making a return over the same ground unnecessary. One unfortunate happening during the season was the disappointment caused by the failure of the trip across the track by the doctors attending the Australian Medical Conference. A combination of untoward circumstances led to general disappointment. After all the Department had done to bring about this trip and the trouble taken to ensure its success, it was disheartening to have it result in failure. Overseas Agencies. Mr. W. R. Blow (Sydney Agent) reports as follows: — " I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st March, 1927. " Tourist traffic to New Zealand and passenger-booking business : It gives me very much pleasure to again report a record year as regards booking tourists through New Zealand. For the year under review the large sum of £3,533 7s. 4d. was collected, being an increase of £823 17s. Bd. over what was collected for the previous year. The general prosperity of the Commonwealth and the absence of shipping strikes has been the cause of the bookings being so much better this year than last. " Settlers for New Zealand : As in past years, good work was done in persuading Australians and others to reside permanently in New Zealand. Most of these folk were farmers dissatisfied with conditions in the Commonwealth, the others being professional men and artisans. " Permits to foreigners for temporary residence in New Zealand : For the Customs Department in New Zea and work was carried out during the year in connection with issuing temporary permits to foreigners who wished to visit New Zealand for pleasure, business, or health. In this connection 585 permits were issued. A large proportion of these permits were issued to people who proposed touring through the Dominion, and wherever possible their bookings were secured. " Advertising : A large number of New Zealand scenic views were hung in prominent positions in hotels, clubs, boardinghouses, and restaurants. These pictures have proved to be a grand advertisement for the Dominion. In addition to the above, the Dominion obtained good advertisements through the following mediums : (1) By lecturettes which I gave over 2FC wireless station ; (2) by advertisements which I controlled on your behalf and which appeared in the Aussie and New Nation magazines ; (3) by the regular showing once a week of New Zealand scenic and industrial films in Sydney (this was arranged through the New Zealand Publicity Department) ; (4) by the distribution around New South Wales and Queensland of Moore's pictures (this was arranged by the New Zealand Publicity Department) ; (5) by the loaning of magic-lantern slides and photographs to lecturers and publishers. " Commercial work carried out on behalf of other Government Departments : I am pleased to report that other Government Departments in New Zealand have again made every use of the offices during the year. The Departments that gave the offices the greatest amount of work were the Public Works, Post and Telegraph, Customs, Industries and Commerce, and Publicity, and for these Departments much important work was carried out and large sums of money were expended. Although the above five Departments made the greatest use of the offices, practically every Department in New Zealand instructed me to carry out some duties during the year. " In every way possible the offices have been kept before the travelling public, and every encouragement has been given to inquirers to visit the Dominion. In this respect the public have been encouraged to write or call at the offices for information, and in all cases parcels of literature have been distributed. In addition to this, literature has been constantly sent to the leading hotels and clubs for distribution to their guests. At times requests have been made for magic-lantern slides to illustrate lectures that were to be given on New Zealand, and in each case numbers of slides have been loaned.

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Mr. H. J. Manson (Melbourne Agenty in his report states : — " I have the honour to submit herewith my anunal report for the year ending 31st March, 1927. " A gratifying feature of the year's work has been the number of excellent opportunities provided for advertising the Dominion's numerous attractions. First and foremost was the 3LO Wireless Broadcasting Company's ' most popular girl ' competition, which extended over a period of three months. With a view to increasing the number of their subscribers and of popularizing their service the company launched a campaign to find the most perfect girl in Australia, the winner of which, including other gifts, was to be given a six-week's tour of New Zealand and £100. Our co-operation was sought, and needless to say that we entered wholeheartedly into the project. We prepared the itinerary for the trip, and supplied suitable photographs to illustrate the booklet in. which it was published. Some ten thousand or more of these were issued and distributed throughout the country. This, together with the frequent references to the trip over the wireless, gave us a magnificent advertisement, the value of which it would be difficult to estimate. " The 3AR Wireless Company also afforded an excellent opportunity of advertising New Zealand. We had a coupie of hours' free use of the wires in which to broadcast a specially arranged programme composed of New Zealand items such as speeches, songs, hakas, and instrumental selections. " Dr. G. Phillpotts, the well-known dietarian, delivered an address on Maori food, and my own contribution was a talk on the Maori himself. The entertainment proved both novel and successful, and many complimentary references were made thereto. The published accounts of Zane Grey's thrilling experiences among the swordfish in the Bay of Islands created intense interest here, and were responsible for many inquiries regarding the sport. A number of prominent men in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, including Sir Thomas Bridges, Governor of the latter State, to whom we supplied information, visited the Dominion for the purpose of testing their skill at the game, and it has been pleasing to note that most of them have been highly successful, in their quest, particularly in the case of His Excellency, whose catches were duly chronicled in the press here. The increased popularity of this fascinating sport, and the great prominence given it of late, will undoubtedly be an additional incentive to sportsmen from all over the world to visit New Zealand. Not only that, it will, play no insignificant part in the Department's future work in making known the Dominion's manifold attractions. " Advantage was also taken of the ducal visit to New Zealand to get as much publicity as possible, and arrangements were made with the Evening Herald and the Morning Sun to reproduce photographs supplied by us illustrating their movements from day to day, and the route they were traversing, giving prominence to our resorts difficult to gain in any other way. In a lesser degree the New Zealand Rugby footballers, and the oarsmen competing in the Melbourne Henley Regatta, kept Dominion affairs in the front, as did also the reception given by myself in these offices to celebrate Dominion Day, when many prominent officials and representative citizens called to pay their respects to the Dominion. " The holding of the Medical Conference at Dunedin provided another opening for action on our part, and everything was done to get as many as possible of the practitioners to attend the fixture. Immediately it was made known that a Conference was to be held we sent them illustrated literature of our tourist resorts, and circularized them, offering every assistance on our part should they decide to make the trip. Our proferred help was well received, and quite a number availed themselves of our services. Those who actually took the trip numbered over sixty ; and though they were disappointed at not being able to land at Milford Sound, through some misunderstanding, to do the overland walk to Glade House, I think they were on the whole more than pleased with the generous treatment accorded to them during their sojourn in the Dominion. All this publicity has increased the work of these offices, and. myself and staff have had to exert out best efforts to keep abreast with it. It has been a delight, however, to serve the Dominion and to keep its flag flying. " A most pleasing and gratifying feature connected with our tourist work this year has been the unusually large number of people for whom we prepared itineraries, who have called at the offices after their return from the Dominion to express their appreciation for what was done for them at this end and in New Zealand. One and all have been loud in their praise of the treatment accorded them. Eulogistic references have also been made regarding the Department's organization, and for courtesy —as one gentleman expressed it, ' right from the boy in the street to the highest official in the land,, nothing better could be found anywhere.' " The distribution of illustrated literature provided by the Publicity and our own Department,, and the display of enlarged photographs in the leading hotels in this State and South Australia, have provided most helpful means of attracting attention to our scenic wonders, 150 in number having been distributed, at a cost of over £100. These will be a fitting and permanent reminded of the beauties of the Dominion. The moving pictures depicting our general resources exhibited by the film companies on behalf of the Publicity Department have also created interest in New Zealand as a tourist country. Besides this, lantern-slides have been put to a good use by lecturers in different centres, as the following extract from a letter from Mr. Wilkie, of Ballarat, will show : ' The magnificent pictures shown on your slides delighted a large audience on Tuesday last, and several of tis have registered a mental vow to see your beauty-spots for ourselves.' " The appointment of Mr. Victor Ryan, Director of the Intelligence and Tourist Bureau of South Australia, as our Honorary Agent in Adelaide, to fill the place of the late Mr. Duncan Lawes,. will, lam sure, prove a move in the right direction. Mr. Ryan is an outstanding officer in the South Australian Government Service, being extremely popular, an enthusiastic worker, and at the same time a keen advocate for the co-operation of tourist interests. The facilities he has at his disposal such as central offices and a branch at the shipping port, will enable him to render most valuable assistance to New Zealand. J).„_ .El

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" No effort on our part to popularize our booking system has been spared, and though our actual takings in cash are a little less than our last year's figures they really do not indicate the volume of work which has passed through our hands, respective figures being—l92s-26, £970 17s. Bd. ; 1926-27, £935 Bs. Our work in this connection, however, is reflected in the returns of the District Agents in New Zealand, to whom we pass prospective bookings unprocurable at this end. " Besides our tourist work we have, of course, been engaged in the performance of important duties incidental to the various Departments of State. Trade matters have been given the closest attention, and reports, both to the Industries and Commerce and Customs Department, necessitating exhaustive inquiry, have been furnished. Every effort has been made to foster and increase trade between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, and with this in view a new range of our products was obtained for exhibition at these offices. Four glass cases were built in which to display them, and you will be glad to know that they make a very attractive showing. It only remains now for the Department to send us a swordfish and some alpine equipment to put the finishing touches on things. " Quite a number of emigrants have passed through our hands during the year, and every care has been taken to see that only those of a desirable type were issued certificates. Other Departments making full use of our services have been the Public Works and Agriculture —the former with reference to their hydro-electric schemes, and the latter on matters affecting potatoes, butter, &c. In conclusion, you will be glad to know that the facilities provided by the New Zealand Government are being more and more extensively taken advantage of by all members of the community as well as visiting New-Zealanders. Satisfactory reports have also been received from Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and South Africa. It is regretted that during the season Mr. D. T. Lawes, who did good service for years for the Department in Adelaide, died. Mr. V. H. Ryan, Director of the South Australia Intelligence and Tourist Bureau, is carrying out his work for New Zealand. Little Baerier. The caretaker (Mr. Nelson) reports as follows for the year ending 31st March, 1927 : — "In submitting my report to you I beg to state that much of my time has been occupied travelling in the forest. I have travelled extensively into the interior of the island, going over much new ground, especially m the north-westerly direction. One thing which strikes me most in that particular direction in the largely increasing numbers of native birds. In some parts, amongst the giant kauri-trees, the miro, and others, there were hundreds of nearly every species of native birds. It was delightful just to rest and listen to their charming melodies. The bellbirds and tuis were everywhere, and vied with each other which would sing the sweetest. The native pigeons were seen in hundreds on the trees feeding and flying overhead. The stitchbirds I was very pleased to see in goodly numbers —some of them came right down and close to me ; and the native robin also was numerous in that particular spot, coming close to me and picking the crumbs from the ground. I was pleased to observe a plentiful supply of food for the birds. I may mention here that I have seen more bush-wrens this last twelve months than in any former year. We have had many of the bellbirds and tuis down near the house and the garden, feeding on the fruit. Many have and are still feeding on the figs, which are later this season, and have been a very large crop. Very few of the blackbirds are to be seen, and not any starlings or wax-eyes, as in former years. " I have been travelling round the coast in either direction for a considerable distance, and once about half-way round. I have also been taken round the island on two occasions by the mailcarrier's boat, keeping close in to the beach. Everything seemed safe and clear, and no signs of any one landing on the island. " A large number of rats have been destroyed by the use of the rat-trap. Only two wild cats have been seen during the whole year. I have never seen any evidence of cats during my travels in the bush : This is proof that they are decreasing. In former years I have killed as many as three in one week. " There were a great many storms during the past year, and it has been very wet. In some parts of the forest many trees have fallen, and most of the tracks in some parts are entirely closed. I have been employed during the summer months in repairing the track leading to the summit of the highest mountain. " In my travels I noticed a good many of the little grey petrels lying dead, a few being partly eaten. They are few in number compared to former years. These live in the most dense parts of the bush near the high mountains, and fly to and from the sea. I believe they are not destroyed by the wild cats, but are killed in stormy weather, as they dive down amongst the branches of the trees to find their nests. ' I found a young brown kiwi one day on the beach and took it home and tried to feed it, but it died next day. A few days afterwards I saw two fine North Island kiwis feeding in the garden near the house. On the Ist July, when going out with my lantern, I saw the white albino kiwi, after a lapse of five years. " During the year I have been sometimes employed destroying noxious weeds and doing some repairs to the house."

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