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1928. NEW ZEAL A N I)

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 op Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, Ist June, 1928. 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, 1928. 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 RESORTS. Sir, — Wellington, -31st May, 1928. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st March, 1928. I have, &c., B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. ANNUAL REPORT. Last year I had the pleasure of reporting a considerable improvement in the Department's business and financial operations, and am glad to be able to report a continued improvement in the operations for the year ending 31st March, 1928. The revenue of the Department has increased from £61,674 to £65,447, an improved return of £3,773, while the expenditure shows a small increase, from £76,378 to £76,865, or £487. The excess of expenditure over revenue has decreased from £14,704 to £11,418. The following are the details of revenue and expenditure for the past six years, and it is interesting to note the steady approximation of the two amounts Return of Receipts, 1922-28. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. £ £ £ £ £ £ Receipts .. .. 40,246 45,704 47,263 55,391 61,674 65,447

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Return of Expenditure, 1922-28. 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. 1925-26. 1926-27. 1927-28. £ £ £ £ £ £ Consolidated Fund .. 59,647 60,445 66,294 70,794 76,378 76,865 Public Works Fund .. 5,435 27,264 12,343 45,096 31,981 36,673 These satisfactory figures are mainly due to improvements in business generally and the results of the advertising of our resorts and booking scheme in New Zealand and Australia, and to strict economy being observed in all places under the control of the Department. Of course, as I have pointed out in previous reports, the benefits of this Department's work, where not shown directly, are reflected in the returns from the Railway Department, Customs, accommodation, and motor traffic, and in many other directions. Last year I referred to the old standing cry of certain people that the Department's booking officers favoured the North as against the South, and I questioned the accuracy of that statement. This matter was not lost sight of during the past year, and I am glad to say the Department holds letters from the leading tourist business firms in the South Island, expressing their satisfaction with the business put in their way by the Department. Such firms as Newman Bros., of Nelson and Hokitika, the Graham Bros., of Waiho Glacier, the Mount Cook Motor Co., and other leading concerns, have all expressed themselves as satisfied with, and grateful for, the business sent them by the Department. The Department's South Island bookings are in excess of those of the North Island. All District Managers and those dealing with the touring public are under special instructions to see that all information regarding the southern as well as the northern resorts is placed before visitors or intending travellers. In this connection it has been the policy of the Department to see that all its officers engaged in this branch of the work shall have a complete personal knowledge of the resorts of New Zealand ; and there is no office in the Dominion where there is not an officer who has visited every tourist resort in it and is up to date regarding it. The newly established offices at Nelson and Wanganui have proved very useful and successful during the year, and business in each of them has excelled expectations. An office has also been opened in Westport for the giving of information ; and, though the establishment does not at present warrant the appointment of a permanent officer, I think that Mr. W. T. Slee, who is agent for other Government Departments and has a nicely equipped office, will render good service. The Greymouth agency is being removed to more commodious premises, and is doing well. The establishment of an agency in Napier is now being dealt with, and the Department has encouraging promises of support when an agency has been established there. The New Zealand Insurance Co., having kindly offered to act as the Department's Agents in India, have agreed to their representatives in Calcutta, Bombay, and Rangoon being appointed honorary agents in these centres, and I look for a steady improvement in business from the East before long. The overseas agencies of the Department now are- — Sydney, N.S.W. .. .. London Bank Chambers, 20 Martin Place. Melbourne, Yic. .. .. Dominion Chambers, 59 Williarr Street. Perth, W.A. .. .. 285 Queen's Buildings, Murray Street. Brisbane .. .. 79 Queen Street (Mr. T. G. Dewar). Adelaide, S.A. . . .. Mr. V. H. Ryan, Director of South Australia Intelligence Bureau, Box 664g. • Calcutta, India . . .. New Zealand Insurance Co., 26 Dalhousie Square West. Bombay, India .. . . New Zealand Insurance Co., 7-10 Elphinstone Circle. Rangoon, India .. . . New Zealand Insurance Co., Sofaer's Buildings. Vancouver, B.C. .. .. Mr. W. A. James, 1017 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 SquareLondon .. . . . . Office of High Commissioner for New Zealand, 415 Strand, London W.C. 2. It has been felt for some time that some outside officers should be placed in Sydney and Melbourne to push the tourist traffic from there to New Zealand, and with that object in view one officer in Sydney (Mr. W. P. Barnett), and one in Melbourne (Mr. R. M. Firth, Agent in Wanganui), have been appointed with the idea of stimulating traffic to New Zealand by personal interviews, addresses, and per medium of the radio. I look for good results from these appointments next season. In this connection I may mention that several of the Department's District Managers, being well qualified to do so, have delivered addresses over the radio on the tourist resorts of New Zealand, and the Department holds letters from persons who, having been induced to take trips to Milford, the Hermitage, &c., have written to express their appreciation of the addresses. This is one of the best forms of advertisement the Department can possibly get, and I desire to express my thanks to the Radio Broadcasting Co. of New Zealand for their courtesy in this matter. With a view to keeping all officers up to date it was decided to detach the Dunedin Manager for duty as Inspector during the season, to visit all resorts and keep agents advised generally as to the condition of hotels, boardinghouses, and motor services generally. I think the results will justify the action of the Department.

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Details of the activities of the Department in the places under its control will be found below in the separate report on each place. The main subjects for remark are the improvements on the Milford Sound track, the letting of the contract for the hostel at Milford, and the early completion of the new Waitomo House. These are all referred to in the remarks on these resorts below.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure at Main Resorts.

From this return it will be seen that Waikaremoana has joined the ranks of the places showing an excess of revenue over expenditure. Instead of a deficit of £418, it shows this year a surplus of nearly £500. This place will continue to show better returns yearly, and when the road is opened from Rotorua to the lake there should be a great influx of visitors to this most beautiful district. The Public Works Department have had a lot of men employed on this road, and I understand that there is not a great deal now to do. A telephone-line has been authorized from Lake House round the lake to the camp at Hoporuahine, and this will be available for conveying to the hostel information of the arrival of visitors overland from the Rotorua side. The following is a summary of the work of the Department at the different resorts under its control: — Rotorua. Revenue. —Omitting shillings and pence, the aggregate revenue for this year shows an increase of £1,373 over that of the previous year. There has been a substantial increase in revenue from electrical energy and water-supply. The passenger-booking business shows an increase of £1,397, but the refunds have also increased by £139. The revenue from the Round Trip shows a decrease of £335. This is largely due to the persistent advocacy, by the smaller transport concerns, of the Six Lake trip and the one day Wairakei trip, especially the latter. These two trips, having straight runs to the terminal points, present less organizational difficulties than does the Round Trip, which often involves these firms running empty cars to either Wairoa or Waimangu to bring back their passengers. Gardens. —No additional ground has been taken into cultivation during the year, so that the work has been confined to the usual maintenance. A good supply of vegetables, fruit, poultry, and eggs has been provided for the Sanatorium and King George V Hospital. The gardens and grounds have been maintained in their usual splendid order. Water-supply. —During the year sixty-four consumers were connected to the supply. 6,354 ft. of 4 in. cast-iron mains, fitted with the necessary fireplugs, were laid in several suburban streets. This will now enable the fire brigade to successfully deal with any outbreak of fire in these streets. The following quantities of galvanized piping were laid in connection with new connections and extensions: 2,495 ft. of \ in., 499 ft. of fin., 1,911 ft. of 1 in., 105 ft. of 2 in. The scheme for watering various bowling-greens, tennis-courts, and croquet-lawns in the Government Gardens has been reorganized, in pursuance of which some 400 ft. of 1 in. piping has been laid, with hose-taps at intervals. Drainage. —During the year seventeen new premises have been connected with sewers, and some 300 ft. of 4 in. piping has been laid. All maintenance work in connection with both water and drainage have received necessary attention. General. —The large central ventilator in the Main Bath building has been entirely renewed. Two pipe-lines have been laid at Wairoa (Lake Tarawera) from the top of the hill to the wharves, for conveyance of petrol and fuel oil for supply of launches. Two break-pressure tanks, of 120 gallons and 80 gallons respectively, have been fixed at an intermediate point, and two gauge filling-tanks on stands, from whence the petrol and fuel oil can be run into tanks aboard the launches, thus obviating the laborious system hitherto obtaining of carrying the oil in cases or tins from the top of the hill. A new Wilton furnace has been fitted to the steam boiler at the laundry, Main Bath building, which enables a low-grade and cheaper coal to be used than formerly. A superheating outfit has been made

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Year 1927-28. Year 1926-27. H ° | 8 H O "S g Resort. aj x aj •« S& 1 I ° 3 -2 2 s = °|i s a js S 5 .-s _s -5 <» 3 ft •« ft | b| § ! o g ft I § »2»p o $ ° J5 o 3 <v $ o ® ® oj i> S § X ft*i g o 3 o ft M &Q3 o o 3 P3 W H H S3 td 63 H £ | £ £ £ £ £ £ £ TeAroha .. .. .. 1,344 3,147 1,803 .. 1,445 3,565 2,120 Rotorua .. .. .. 32,992 ! 33,712 720 .. 31,338 33,049 1,711 Rotorua Acclimatization District .. 1,820 1,062 .. 758 2,101 1,227 .. 874 Waitomo Caves .. .. 10,224 5,611 .. 4,613 9,901 4,487 .. 5,414 Lake House, Waikaremoana .. 2,424 1,933 .. 491 1,588 2,006 418 Queenstown .. .. .. 276 804 528 .. 330 915 585 Glade House and Milford Track '.. 3,443 5,449 2,006 .. 3,635 6,223 2,588 Morere Hot Springs . . .. 564 464 . . 100 464 303 .. 161 Passenger-booking Bureaux .. 9,778 10,216 438 .. 8,287 10,400 2,113

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and fitted to the boiler, whereby, instead of it being fed with cold water direct from the town main, the water passes through a coil heated by waste steam from the laundry, and enters the boiler at a temperature of about 150°, thus effecting a substantial saving in fuel. Electrical.—ln the early part of the year the reticulation of Mamaku was completed, the supply being mostly for domestic purposes. Several small motors, and one of 30 h.p. in a sawmill, were also installed by consumers. The slackness in the timber trade has resulted in less revenue than anticipated. An extension to the 6,600-volt Ngongotaha line was made along Clayton Road to give supply to four dairy farms. Other consumers will be picked up as the district develops. On the Okere 6,600-volt line, approximately three miles from Rotorua, an extension was made to the 6,600-volt line to give supply to three dairy farms in that locality. Several small domestic consumers were also supplied. In the Malfroy Road, Ranolf Street, and South Fenton Road area the distribution system was reconstructed to provide for the additional loading due to the number of electric ranges which were being installed. A good deal of similar work has been done in other areas to cater for the same class of load. Along with the new work a good deal of maintenance and reconstruction work has been done, so as to gradually bring our distribution lines up to the standard set out in the Public Works Department's regulations. Our main supplies during the year have been drawn from the Public Works Department's powerstation at Horahora ; the Okere plant has also been used to a considerable extent, as will be evident from the following table of units generated and purchased :— Horaliora. Okere. Total. 1927 .. .. .. .. 1,186,990 201,018 1,388,008 1926 .. .. .. .. 921,900 198,017 1,119,917 Increase .. .. .. .. .. .. 268,091 New consumers—light, 178 (69,070 watts) ; heat, 120 (94-,050 watts). Extensions —light, 69 (14,230 watts) ; heat, 35 (43,950 watts). Ranges, 24 (120,100 watts). Motors, 33 (horse-power, 198 ; 177,345 watts). Connected load for year, 504-17 kw. ; peak load for year, 442 kv.a. (10th March, 1928 ; 7-7.30 p.m.). The Okere plant has been maintained in as good a condition as circumstances and the nature of the plant permit, and it should continue to be of service for some time yet. The Diesel plant, although it has not been required for service, has been maintained in good working-order. Maintenance work has been carried out on the street-lighting and for the baths, Sanatorium, gardens, &c., and on the car and truck as required. An induction voltage-regulator was installed on the Ngongotaha Substation, and has resulted in much improved voltage-regulation, in Rotorua, and in much more uniform lighting for the consumers. As a result of the voltage being kept up our revenue will be increased by a fair percentage, and it is anticipated that this increase will more than cover the charges on the regulator. Carpentry. — A new X-ray room, with dark-room attached, has been constructed on the back veranda of the Main Bath building. Circular saws, with all necessary fittings, have been erected in the works-yard and the carpenters' shop. These have proved most useful, especially in the yard, as we are now able to cut our own firewood. At Punuiaromia a new detached room, 24 ft. by 14 ft., with a roomy front veranda has been built as an addition to the launchmaster's residence. Several of the departmental residences have been renovated, in the matter of having certain rooms repapered and interiors painted, and all buildings have been given the necessary attention as regards maintenance and painting. Acclimatization. Ranging. —The acclimatization branch of the Department's activities has been kept up to a good standard. The general ranging of the district has been effectively carried out by the rangers, and every portion of its wide area has been visited. A large number of complaints were investigated, and, where the circumstances warranted, prompt action was taken in the Magistrate's Court in the matter of prosecuting offenders. Some sixteen persons were charged with one or more offences, and nineteen convictions were obtained, resulting in the offenders being fined a total of £48, together with costs amounting to £21 Is. Deer-shooting.—The season which closed on the 26th April, 1927, was a fairly successful one from the stalkers' viewpoint. The Galatea red-deer herd produced several good fourteen-pointers, and a number of twelve-point stags were got, mostly in the bush area, and two exceptional ten-pointers were secured amongst others. Messrs. Kelly, Mappin, and McDonald's best heads were amongst the best obtained from this herd. A stag shot by Mr. Green was unique for the number of points. The Rotoiti-Okareka herd was opened again to an unlimited number of licenses, and no restriction placed on the numbers of either stags or hinds that could be shot. Owing to the heavy shooting of several seasons past, some of the licensees were unable to get even an eight-pointer stag. Those old stalkers who knew the country well, or had a guide with the necessary knowledge, and were not afraid to tackle the heavy cover, were able to get good sport, and heads which were worth while. In the outer bush areas around Rotoma Lake, Tarawera River, and Kaituna and Pokopoko Valleys, ten-, twelve-, and thirteen-point stags were shot; while a veteran sportsman, Mr. F. Mays, obtained the best fourteen-pointer taken in the Rotoehu Bush. It is of outstanding weight, spread, and symmetry. The Whakatane herd is quite a young one, but the three licensees all had no trouble in getting fair heads. At the opening of the present season this herd produced four more fine heads, a fine sixteenpointer and fourteen-pointer being shot by J. Keely, of Whakatane, while another shot by W. Gow was also above the average for this herd.

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The Taupo County herds on the Kaimanawa, Kaweka, and Ahimanawa Ranges were opened on a license that allowed the taking of two red-deer stags and two Japanese bucks. These Japanese deer (Cervus Sika) are the progeny of some six animals liberated on Taharua Station in 1905 by this Department, and were presented to the New Zealand Government by the Duke of Bedford, England. To show how these animals have successfully acclimatized and improved on the original stock, it is recorded that last season Messrs. Dunningham and Jordan, of Auckland, obtained seven heads, one of which is ranked as the world's best for length, spread, and weight of any Japanese buck heads recorded as being got in any part of the world. This Taupo herd area is now looked on as the future stalkers' paradise, for, besides the red and Japanese, there are now sufficient Columbia Black-tail deer (Dorcelaphus Columbiana) to warrant their being opened next season. These Black-tails were also liberated in 1905 on the Ahimanawa Range, near Tarawera, and then comprised five animals, purchased in America by Mr. T. E. Donne. They, like the Japanese, are very elusive, and more than ordinary practice in " timber-creeping "is essential to secure either species. Further along on the Kaimanawa Range is a small herd of the beautiful spotted deer (Cervus Axis) or Chitral, from some five stock animals purchased in England by this Department, and liberated in 1907 near Mount Tongariro. Those seen in recent years were in splendid condition, and when a further survey has been made of their numbers it is possible they will be opened for shooting under license. The Tokaanu red-deer herd is a new one that has only been prospected for inspection and report. Mr. R. Levin stated that the number of mature stags was small, but the heads showed promise of being equal to anything in the Dominion. This season six licenses were issued to take two stags, and several splendid fourteen-pointers were taken in the opening week. Mr. G. Wratten, of Cambridge, and Mr. S. Gillies, of Tokaanu, also secured very fine trophies. The Mahia herd, mainly in private property, has been very heavily culled again by Messrs. Ormond, who own half the peninsula, and who are endeavouring to bring this herd up to a better standard. They intend to give the Warnham Park stags, liberated several years ago by this Department, a chance to make their impression on the herd, and thus eliminate the thin, light, narrow, malformed type of heads produced from the original Nelson deer which formerly comprised this herd. Good stags are scarce this year, and only ten licenses were available for this herd, which was opened on the Ist March, and closed on the 31st March. No report of the heads taken is yet to hand. The Waikaremoana herd, owing to the excessive shooting of the last three or four seasons, is now below standard on the area open to shooting. Next year it will be necessary to either limit the number of deer which can be shot, or to throw open a further portion of the present sanctuary area to allow the stalkers to have some fresh ground. There have been some very fine deer on the Te Puna Block, between the Waiharuru Stream and the Hopuruahine River, for several years past, and to give more deer-stalkers the opportunity next year to obtain two heads each it is probable that a limit of two heads only will be allowed, and the new Hopuruahine-Ruatahuna Road made the boundary of the open area. To enable this to be done a revision of the sanctuary boundary will have to be made. This will still leave an area of good country between the above road and the Waikaremoana-Gisborne Road as the permanent sanctuary for all game. So far no reports are to hand of what heads have been taken since the season opened, but last year's best head was a good fifteen-point stag, killed by Mr. Dudley Ormond, of Wairoa. With the completion of the all-metalled road, and the availability of this Department's fine launch and boats on Lake Waikaremoana, this herd will be more sought after in future years by outside stalker's, who can now get their cars to the hostel in any weather. Game-shooting.—The season for feathered-game shooting opened on the 2nd May, owing to the Ist falling on a Sunday, and was, as in previous years, for a period of two months, with the exception of the Whakatane County, where a close season was asked for by the Whakatane Rod and Gun Club, but ultimately one month's open season for grey duck only was allowed. The weather proved too fine generally for obtaining even moderate bags, the ducks flying high and wild after the first few hours' shooting. The limit of twenty per gun for a day was got only in a few favourite localities, such as Tarawera Swamp, Mount Edgecumbe lagoons, Matata, Thornton, Whakaki lagoons, and the Waiotaka Swamp. At the Orini lagoon, where the wild ducks had been fed, the ranger found three men shooting without a license, and with over the legal limit, at an early hour on the opening morning. These men were afterwards fined in Court for breaches of the regulations. Swans were plentiful on several of the lakes, and fair numbers were shot on Taupo Lake, Loch Invar, Whakaki, Runanga, and other lagoons, and scores of them sought refuge on the sanctuaries after the first few days' shooting. During the godwit-shooting season very good sport was got on the tidal estuaries, mud-flats, and lagoons, but the Eastern Golden Plover and Turnstone were scarce, and knots were in much smaller flocks. It is evident that these migratory birds have found better feeding-grounds this year. Pheasants were more numerous than last season, and where cover and feed were plentiful good sport was obtained. One license-holder shot the limit of ten cock pheasants the first day within eight miles of Rotorua. The Upper Rangitaiki Valley, Kaingaroa Plain, Waikato Valley, Mokai, Oruanui, Waikare Bush, Kaharoa, and Kaituna Valley all yielded their quota to the keen sportsmen who, by means of motorcars, were able to rapidly cover large areas of shooting-grounds. Except in rare cases, the chronicling of large bags of game is a thing of the past. Sportsmen are very reticent when they discover some obscure locality where game is plentiful, until they have cleaned it out, and only where the cover is plentiful will the birds survive the ever-increasing number of guns annually in pursuit of them. Around Tarawera Swamp, Lower Rangitaiki Valley, and other parts of the Whakatane County, quail and pheasants are plentiful, due partly to the close season for these species last year, and partly to the fact that there had been a favourable breeding season for the wild birds. Trout-fishing .--The trout-fishing at the end of last season improved considerably by reason of a limit of twenty-five fish per rod per day being placed on the catch and a restriction on the hours of

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night fishing. This year the limit was continued, but the hours of night fishing were extended from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight. This gave general satisfaction to most licensees, who agreed that a catch of twenty-five trout a day was enough for any true angler. The trout caught showed further improvement, and the condition of those taken in both streams and rivers was far above the average of the two preceding seasons. This season the lake trout were in very fair order in the opening month of November, but owing to late spawning the trout in the Lower Whakatane River were not so forward as formerly, and the Whakatane Club has requested this Department to put back the opening of the season from the Ist October to Ist November in that county, making the date uniform throughout the whole of the district. The limit basket was taken frequently by local anglers in various lakes. Rotoiti Lake is visited particularly by East Coast and Gisborne anglers, who have fine fishing-huts in some parts, and camp for days on end. This lake and Rotoma, Okataina, and Rotoehu lakes produced good catches, some of the largest weighing 12 lb.; while Okareka, Tarawera, and Rotokakahi lakes also yielded trout up to 7 lb. weight. The local streams were early depleted, the fish going down to lake-waters before the end of December. Trout-stocking. —This year this Department stocked the waters of Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Tarawera for the first time since the Department of Internal Affairs discontinued its netting operations. It is now the intention of this Department to thoroughly stock up the whole of its waters and lakes. The angler's interests in the Wairoa-Waikaremoana area have been well looked after. The result of putting back the date of opening the season from the Ist October to the Ist November, on the representations of the Wairoa Rod and Gun Club, was a move in the right direction, and the wisdom of this was amply proved by the very excellent condition of the brown and rainbow trout caught in Waikaremoana Lake and the Ruakituri and Waikaretahfcke Rivers. The policy of extensive stocking with both species of trout-fry by Ranger Cobeldick over a period of eight years from the Waikaremoana hatchery is now justified by the present good fishing obtainable, and the same policy will be continued. This year this Department has removed the old hatchery plant, and built a small hatchery at Waimako, below the lake-outlet. This is in a much more accessible position, and a portion of the ova from Lake Taupo trout was hatched and distributed from, here by Assistant Ranger Kean ; the balance of ova was hatched by Messrs. W. Richards, C. Mills, and McKain at their private hatching-plants, and the surviving fry liberated in the Ruakituri and Nuhaka Rivers. Some trouble was met with in the construction of the dam at the new hatchery, through the soft bottom blowing out under pressure, but this was overcome. A larger consignment of ova will be forwarded this year to meet the requirements of ever-increasing number of anglers annually visiting these waters, and the completion of the new Waikaremoana-Ruatahuna Road through virgin bush and trout-streams will bring many more. Many reports have been received of the fine baskets of trout caught by anglers, trout from 2 lb. to 5 lb. being taken in the river and lake waters. Lake Waikareiti is one that will receive more attention from fishermen in the near future, as it contains many fine rainbow trout. They are in splendid 'condition owing to abundant feed, but hard to catch. Some research work is to be instituted, and data collected, to improve the present limited knowledge of the life-history of Salmonidse in the thermal waters of the Rotorua district, and this year the rangers will tag several hundred trout in certain lakes to further such investigation. The co-operation of all anglers is requested by the return to the ranger at Rotorua of any trout with a tag affixed, or some of its scales, together with the tag and particulars of capture. Pheasantry. —During the year 158 pheasants have been liberated from the Rotorua pheasant-pens, and 19 birds from the Wairoa pheasantry, a total of 177 birds. The views of the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club were given effect to in their request for a number of pheasants to be liberated in certain localities within easy range of the town. The wishes of the Whakatane and Wairoa Clubs were complied with as far as practicable, and the balance were distributed over the rest of a wide area of suitably wild country. It may be most desirable in the near future to develop this Department's new site, which is ideally situated and most suitable for the combined purpose of rearing both game and trout. The old pens have been sown down with green feed for the young birds expected for this season's liberation. Purchase will be made of all birds offered to this Department at a reasonable figure for liberation. Some thirteen stock birds are now on hand at the Rotorua pens. Mallard Ducks. —Some fifteen mallard ducks were reared and liberated from the Rotorua pens, and the same number from the Wairoa pens, a total of thirty. As compared with our indigenous duck it is questionable whether the mallard, or English wild duck (Anus boscus), is . proving of sufficient importance as a game bird to warrant continuance of breeding and liberation. Their readiness to hybridize with the native grey duck, the pugnaciousness of the drakes in the mating season, and their habit of congregating on farmyard ponds and streams, does not favourably compare with our own wild grey duck as providing sport. The mallards have been liberated over twenty years in the Rotorua Acclimatization District, but they have not naturally increased to anything like the extent they should have done. It appears, therefore, of more importance, both to the sportsmen and the future population, to foster the further increase of our native species, which for several reasons are steadily decreasing in numbers year by year. Trout-fry. —A fairly extensive liberation of rainbow trout fry was made this year throughout the district with some 386,500 fry purchased from Internal Affairs Department. These were all reared at the Waikuta hatchery, Ngongotaha Road, from ova stripped from Taupo Lake trout near Tokaanu. The fry were in good order, and should improve the present stock of existing trout in a few years' time, being fresh blood from trout extolled the world over as the very finest known to anglers. This amount added to the 200,000 ova sent to Wairoa County was all that could be obtained this year. The places of liberation and numbers, briefly, are —Wairoa County, 200,000 ova ; Whakatane County, 94,000 fry ; Rotorua County, 263,500 fry ; Taupo County, 20,000 fry : total, 586,500 for 1928 season. General. —The thanks of the Department are extended to the police for assistance rendered to the rangers in poaching cases, and to those enthusiasts in Wairoa County who again assisted the Department with their cars to liberate both trout-fry and pheasants in that area. This principle might well be followed in other parts of the district.

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Rotorua Bath Buildings.—Balneologist's Report. The past year has been a very busy one, and the various establishments under my control have been working at the fullest extent of their capacity. As you will see by the accompanying statement of receipts, there has been only a slight increase in the financial returns, but, so far as the Sanatorium is concerned, the receipts do not represent the real activities of that institution, as an amount of £472 Bs. 6d. has been written off on account of irrecoverable fees. The increasing popularity of the Sanatorium has to a certain extent reduced the numbers of out-patients, as the majority of our rheumatic cases, quite advisedly, prefer to be in a place where they can obtain nursing, correct diets, and the aid of wheel-chairs ; moreover, the economic factor is an important one to many such sufferers. There has been a marked increase in fees from baths and massage, and the item " Miscellaneous " represents mainly the sale of our local mud. In relation to mud treatments, I can strongly testify to the value of our natural muds in clearing up conditions of psoriasis and eczemas. In some cases the cures have seemed almost miraculous—cases which have defied all other therapeutic measures have responded rapidly to local applications of silicated mud, and in view of its efficiency I am finding an ever-increasing demand for its supply from many people who have learned of its virtues. In February last the British Medical Association held part of their annual conference here, when I took the opportunity of demonstrating the various aspects of our treatments in baths, massage, and electrical therapeutics ; also, on that occasion I had the honour of delivering a clinical address to the visiting doctors on our work in the Sanatorium. As 75 per cent, of our cases are sent here by doctors, I consider the conference an important event, inasmuch as it stimulated the interest of the members of the medical profession in hydrotherapy. During the year many organizations held their annual conferences in Rotorua, and the success of such functions has done much to promote the popularity of our health resort. The Sanatorium. —Throughout the year the resources of this institution have been taxed to the utmost, and I have found that our establishment is quite inadequate to deal with the demands. The present building is too small, and I trust that in the near future an institution will be built which will be worthy of the premier spa of the Dominion. The Bathhouse and other buildings have maintained their service throughout the year. The Main Bathhouse is requiring very necessary repairs, particularly in reroofing, a fact which is particularly patent during the rainy season. The new X-ray annex with its modern installation has been invaluable in connection with the diagnosis of joint conditions, and the new diathermy apparatus has done signal service. Massage and Electrical Therapeutics.- -Owing to the press of work during this season I have had to augment our massage staff and reduplicate certain elements in our electrical apparatus. The need for a room to install our Plombiere douche equipment still remains to be fulfilled, and I am in hope of having this effected during the coming year. Staff. —In connection with my work at this spa I have had the loyal and faithful service of my staff in every possible way, and I cannot speak too highly of their excellent qualities. Summary. —Again I should like to stress the necessity for expansion in our work, a work whicl is now accepted by all the leading medical authorities as a most important section of modern medical service. In the coming year I shall have the honour to represent the Dominion at an important conference and exhibition at Budapest, in Hungary. This exhibition will be the occasion of an international conference regarding hydrology and tourist resorts ; and 1 hope, in addition to giving addresses at Budapest, to carry out propaganda work for the Dominion in other countries. Waitomo Caves. It is with pleasure I once again have to report that the cash receipts show another record. The cash amount received was £10,224, exclusive of the returns of one railway excursion not yet received. This amount is £323 in excess of the previous year's record ; and, considering the fact that we had less accommodation than last year, the results are very satisfactory indeed, and is further proof that this resort is gaining in popularity with the travelling public, especially with overseas visitors, who almost without exception come to inspect our underground wonders, which they declare are what we claim them to be —the " eighth wonder of the world." The unusual increase in the number of oversea visiters must be very satisfactory to the Department, for it is proof that the oversea publicity is at last reaping the reward of years of patient labour by the officers of this Department; and the foundation of this part of our work, which was commenced years ago, now that it is bearing fruit, should be greatly appreciated by the people of this country. During the past year 13,155 visitors inspected the Caves, as against 13,331 for previous year, a decrease of 176. The shortage is accounted for by the falling-off in the number of railway excursionists, for we only had 625, as against 1,509 last year. Mr. Cole, the contractor for the new hostel, handed over the new laundry, and. it has proved a great success, being fitted with up-to-date machinery. We are now able to do all the laundry-work independent of weather conditions. The contractor will hand over the new hostel, fully completed shortly, and then our work of catering for the public will be greatly facilitated by the appointments of the building. Arrangements have been made for the adequate furnishing of what should prove to be a first-class up-to-date accommodation-house. The question of properly laying-out the grounds will be dealt with later on.

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Te Aroha. This resort has maintained its popularity during the year, though the receipts are slightly less than last season, the number of baths taken being 22,071, as against 24,000, and the massage treatments being about the same. Authority has been given for the long-desired hot-water swimming-pool, and the matter is now being dealt with by the Public Works Department. It was found to be impracticable to divert enough hot water into the cold swimming-bath, and it was decided to utilize and extend the old hot-water reservoir at the back of the No. 2 Bath for this very desirable alteration to the grounds. Bath Buildings and Drinking-fountains. —The necessary maintenance work in connection with these buildings has been carried out, and the working of these institutions has given no trouble during the year. The mineral-water supply has been quite satisfactory, and the fountains freely patronized. Gardens and Playing-areas. —The grounds have been kept in excellent order during the year. The long spell of extremely dry and hot weather in January and February made it difficult to keep up the usual good display of flowers. The playing-areas also suffered, and an independent supply of water had to be installed to prevent the loss of the bowling-greens, lawns, &c. The worst portions of the asphalt paths have been repaired, and work on the new croquet-lawn commenced. It is hoped to have this playing-area ready for next December. Library and Reading-room. —This institution has been well patronized during the year. The reading-room is kept well supplied with newspapers, and is popular with the public. Games.— The revenue from this source shows a decrease of £19 os. Bd. as compared with the previous year. The opening of the Te Aroha Tennis Club's new courts, and the very hot weather during the last quarter of the year, account for this loss. The charge for bowlers' season tickets was reduced from £2 10s. to £2 25., and thirty were sold, as compared with six at £2 10s. for the previous year. Fishing and Shooting. —A few large trout were caught in the Waihou River during the season, and good fishing was to be had in the upper reaches of the same river. Some good bags of wild duck were secured at the opening of the shooting season. During the early part of the season the many swamps adjoining the Waihou and Piako Rivers afforded good sport to the duck-shooter. Music in the Domain.—The Te Aroha Municipal Band has played frequently in the Domain during the past year. The local band is very popular, and attracts a large number of the public to the Domain whenever it plays there. General. - All the work in connection with the Te Aroha Domain has been carried out in a very satisfactory manner. The grounds, under the charge of Head Gardener Powell, have been kept in excellent order, and many favourable comments have been heard about the neat appearance of the whole Domain. Nelson and Westland. The Nelson and Greymouth offices have shown a considerable increase on last year's business, and the bureaux have been capably conducted by the officers in charge. An office has also been opened in Westport, and satisfactory results are looked for from this, especially as it is well supported by local enthusiasts, whom I met on my last visit to the Coast. The early completion of the road along the sea-coast between Westport and Greymouth will be a material factor in improving tourist conditions in this district. The traffic to the South Westland glaciers has been very heavy and is rapidly growing. The new accommodation-house near the Fox Glacier, which will be in active operation next season, will be a big help in dealing with the ever-increasing traffic, and should be the means of inducing tourists to devote longer time to South Westland than they usually do. Certain people seem to be imbued with the idea that a day is enough to spend in the glacier district, whereas a week is all too short; but when they have made up their minds to spend only a definite period in a place it is difficult to persuade them to change. This is my personal experience, and also that where I have been able to induce people to spend a longer time in any special locality, the Department soon hears about the matter from any district which has been eliminated from a tour. MeSsrs. Graham Bros, have supplied the following list of high ascents made from the South Westland side : —

They have also sent in a list of similar ascents in previous years, and this has been departmentally filed for record, if required in the future.

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Date, j Party and Guide. Climb. Height. Route. 1928. Feet. Feb. — Mr. and Mrs. Maturin; Guides St. Mildred Peak 7,800 Ascent and descent by south-west face from F. Alack, W. Harcourt Aimer bivouac. Feb. — H. J. Griffith ; Guide C. Jensen Mt. Roon .. 8,000 Grand traverse from Aimer bivouac over nhie. of Franz Josef Glacier, and then by Zubbriggen Col over Roon and Moltke to Defiance Hut. Mar. I Mrs. Ivan Wilson; Guides F. Aurora Peak .. 8,300 From Aimer bivouac and west arete from Alack, C. Jensen Franz Joseph Glacier. Mar. 2 Mrs. Ivan Wilson; Guides F. Mt. Conway .. 9,500 From Aimer bivouac across Franz Josef Alack, C. Jensen neve and thence by Frenchy Col and north artte ; descent same way. Mar. 3 Mrs. Ivan Wilson; Guides F. High Peak and 7,000 From Aimer bivouac and south arete from Alack, C. Jensen Stirling Rocks Aimer Glacier. Mar. 12 Mrs. Ivan Wilson; Guide F. Lean Peak ., 8,000 From Douglas Rock bivouac to Copland Alack (same day) Edith Peak .. 7,850 Pass and thence by south arete; descent same way to Copland Pass, and thence to Hooker Valley to Hermitage. Mar. 14 Mrs. Ivan Wilson ; Guides P. ! Mt. Malte Brun 10,421 Ascent by western arete from Malte Brun Graham, F. Alack i Hut; descent same way.

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The Hermitage. Bookings to this district from the various bureaux point to the fact that a busy season has been experienced there. The hostel has been visited by various departmental officers during the season, and has invariably been found to be well and carefully conducted. The new road to the Ball Hut is being steadily proceeded with, and will be'a great help when completed. Alpinists have made many ascents, of which, as usual, I attach a list for record purposes : —

High Ascents from 1st April, 1927, to 31st March, 1928.

2—H. 2.

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Date. Party and Guide. Climb. Height. Route. 1927. Feet. April 17 Mr. J. Mill; Guide V. Williams Mt. Sealey .. 8,651 Ascent from Mueller up western face; descent by same route. Aug. 9 Captain Campbell, Captain The Twins .. 8,030 Ascent from Ball Hut across Tasman Villers ; Guide J. Pope Glacier up main ridge to summit; descent same route. Dec. 5 Hon. L. S. Amery, Mr. A. P. Glacier Dome .. 8,000 Ascent from Ball Hut; descent by Haast and Miss Harper; Guides (about) Ridge. P. Graham, D. Graham Dec. 9 Hon. L. S. Amery, Mr. and Minarets .. 10,058 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut up snow Miss Harper; Guides P. slopes to summit; descent to Defiance Graham, D. Graham Hut. Dec. 10 Messrs. Watt and Grinling ; Mt. Annette .. 7,351 Ascent by Sebastapol Ridge; descent by guideless Harper's Glacier. Dec. 19 Guides V. Williams, A Brustad, Mt. Cook .. 12,349 Ascent from Haast Hut by Linda Glacier; J. Pope descent by same route. 1928. Jan. 2 Messrs. Flett (2); guideless .. Mt. Annette .. 7,351 Ascent from Mueller Hut; descent back same route to hut. Jan. 3 Mr. Sim ; Guide K. Grinling.. Lean Peak .. 8,000 Ascent from Hooker Hut; descent by same route. Jan. 4 Mr. Eric Lewis; Guides V. Mt. Cook .. 12,349 Ascent from Haast Hut up Linda Glacier; Williams, J. Pope descent by same route. Jan. 10 Mr. B. Murray ; Guide V. Wil- Low Peak, Mt. 11,787 Ascent from Lower Hooker bivouac by main liams Cook western ridge to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 11 Mr. Twyneham; Guides D. Minaret Peaks .. 10,058 Ascent from Franz Jgsef Glacier; descent Graham, C. Harcourt to Ball Hut. Jan. 11 Mr. D. Maughan; N. Mc- Mt. Annette .. 7,351 Ascent from Mueller Hut; descent by Diarmid (porter) Sebastapol Ridge. Jan. 12 Mr. D. Aubin; Guide J. Pope Mt. Cook .. 12,349 Ascent from Hut by Linda Glacier; descent by same route. Jan. 14 Messrs. Chapman and Dewar Mt. Annette .. 7,351 Ascent from Mueller Hut; descent by Harper's Glacier. Jan. 16 Mr. Roy Twyneham; Guide The Footstool .. 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac, crossing J. Pope eastern ridge to main divide; final ascent by north face ; descent by same route. Jan. 17 Mrs. Algie and Professor Algie ; Bell Peak .. 9,250 Ascent from Camp Adair up northern face ; Guide A. Brustad ; K. Grin- descent by same route. ling (porter) Jan. 18 Dr. Bradshaw; Guide J. Pope Mt. Hamilton .. 9,915 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut to Darwin Glacier to head of Bonny Glacier, thence by main arete to summit; descent by same route. Jan. 22 Mrs. Algie and Professor Algie; Two unnamed 8,950 Ascent from Camp Adair up south-west Guide Alf. Brustad; K. peaks north of 8,900 face; descent traversed High Peak, Grinling (porter) Bell Peak descending by western face. Jan. 25 Mrs. Algie and Professor Algie ; First and second 9,297 Ascent from Adair Camp up western face ; Guide A. Brustad ; K. Grin- peaks of Mt. 9,276 descent by same route. ling (porter) Hutton Jan. 30 Miss L. Familton, Mr. R. L. The Footstool .. 9,073 Ascent from Sefton bivouac to main divide, Wigley, Master Harry Wigley final ascent by north face; descent by (14), Master Sandy Wigley same route. (12); Guide J. Pope ; J. L. Crombie (porter) Jan. 30 Dr. Bradshaw ; Guide L.Mahan Mt. Darby .. 8,287 Ascent from Mueller Hut across Sladden Glacier, thence by main rock ridge to summit; descent by same route. Feb. 3 Miss L. Familton; Guides V. Mt. Malte Brun 10,421 Ascent from Malte Brun Hut up western Williams, J. Pope face ; descent by south face (traverse;. Feb. 19 Messrs. McDiarmid and Chap- Lean Peak .. 8,000 Ascent from Hooker Hut; descent by same man ; guideless route. Mar. 11 Mr. H. Coxhead; Guide A. Mt. Mabel .. 6,858 Ascent from Hooker Hut to Ball Pass, then Brustad ' to Mabel; descent to Ball Hut. Mar. 13 Mr. H. Coxhead, Mr. Swanson ; Unnamed peak 8,000 Ascent from Sefton bivouac to main divide, Guide A. Brustad main divide thence to summit; descent by same route. Mar. 13 Mr. J. Roberts, Miss D. Roberts; Mt. Annette .. 7,351 Ascent Mueller Hut; descent via Sealey Guide V. Williams Range to Hermitage. Mar. 15 Miss D. Roberts; Guide V. Lean Peak .. 8,000 Ascent from Hooker Hut via Copland Pass; Williams Edith Peak .. 7,600 descent by same route. Mar. 27 Mr. Parker ; Guide A. Brustad Mt. Mabel .. 6,858 Ascent from Ball Hut to Ball Pass, traversing Mt. Rosa .. 6,997 Mt. Rosa to Mt. Mabel; descent to Hermitage.

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Copland Pass was crossed seven times ; Graham's Saddle was crossed six times. It was disappointing that conditions prevented the Right Hon. L. S. Amery from climbing Mount Cook, but he got in some other good climbs, and crossed the ranges to Westland. Mr. Amery was laudatory of the ski-ing grounds in the New Zealand Alps, and his testimony in this respect will be of great value to this country. The guiding staff had a busy season, and were easily equal to all demands made on their skill and experience. Waikaremoana and East Coast. As previously mentioned, the year at Lake House has been a very successful one, and shows the increasing popularity of this great holiday resort. The launch and boats were well patronized, and certain improvements will be effected before next season. The drawback of the bad state of the road from the outlet of the lake to the hostel has been overcome, and the road is now in first-class order right to the landing-place below Lake House. Cars can now proceed direct to the landing. The house has been well conducted by the Manageress during the season. Morere Springs Reserve has also had a good season, and been well patronized. Various improvements to the baths have been authorized, and others are under consideration. It has been decided to lease the site at Te Puia, and a lease has been granted to Mr. F. Thompson, of Tokomaru Bay, who has undertaken to erect a suitable accommodation-house and cater for the large business which is expected there. This matter has been the subject of much effort by Chambers of Commerce in Gisborne and Wairoa, and it is hoped that the hostel will again enable the benefits of the baths to be available to local people, as well as visitors to the district. Te Anau - Milford Track. The traffic in this district has unaccountably fallen short of last year's ; but it bears a healthy look for next season. The track has been maintained in first-class order, very good work having been done by the track hands, without exception. A new hut has been erected on the Mackinnon Pass, which will prove a great boon as a resting-house and shelter. The filling and blinding work carried out on both sides of the pass is worthy of special mention. The huts have been well conducted, the couples having carried out their duties with every satisfaction. Minor improvements, such as painting, &c., have been effected at Quintin and Pompolona Huts, greatly improving the general appearance. The staff at Glade House carried out their various duties in an able manner, although working under difficulties during the rush period. By the time I come to write my next annual report I hope to be able to report that the new hostel at Milford has been open for a season and has been the means of inducing a much larger traffic to that district. The contract time for the building is up in tluly, and the work of fitting and furnishing the same will be put in hand forthwith. lam arranging to visit Milford with the Government Architect about that time, and to deal on the spot with any minor matters requiring attention. The steamer at Lake Te Anau is at present being overhauled by the Marine Department's officers, with a view to effecting improvements. The project of the formation of a company to run a regular service from the Bluff to Milford and other sounds has been advanced a stage by the purchase of the " Awarua," and I understand the company are negotiating for the purchase of another and larger vessel. The Public Works Department are still working on the access from Te Anau to Wakatipu, and I understand that good progress has been made. An officer of this Department did the walk across this season, and I have already a considerable amount of correspondence regarding the prospects for next season. The work of installing the wireless telephone communication from Te Anau to Glade House has been completed, and will be in operation next season. A radio set has also been installed at Glade House ; it has been tried out and given perfect reception. It will be a simple matter to extend this connection to the huts on the track. Overseas Agencies. Mr. W. R. Blow (Sydney Agent) reports as follows : — " It gives me very much pleasure to again report a record year as regards the amount of business that was transacted and the amount of money that was collected at this office for the sale of tickets for travel and accommodation in the Dominion. For the year ending 31st March, 1927, the large sum of £3,533 7s. id. was taken, but this year all records have been broken through the total bookings reaching £5,545 3s. 9d., an increase over last year of £2,011 16s. sd. I attribute our great success to the fact that the majority of people who have bought our tickets have been personally recommended to do so by friends who have found out by experience how reliable the passenger-booking part of our Department is, and how the information and attention given by this office can be depended on. " Advertising.—l am pleased to report that during the year the Dominion obtained many excellent advertisements, particulars of which are as follows : — " (a) The distribution to leading hotels, clubs, steamers, &c., of ninety-four framed pictures of New Zealand scenery. This is an excellent class of advertisement, as it is permanent, and continually keeps the Dominion in memory. These pictures were framed and distributed on behalf of the Publicity Department. " (b) Mr. Prentice, the late leading announcer of the Auckland Broadcasting Wireless Station, delivered two lectures on New Zealand, both of which were illustrated by cinemato-graph-film and magic-lantern slides, which I loaned to him. Each lecture was attended by hundreds of people.

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" (c) The very sad tragedy attending the efforts of Captain Hood and Lieutenant Moncrieff to fly from Sydney to Wellington brought the Dominion well before the public. Each day, for some days after the aviators should have landed in New Zealand, the local press published interviews, photographs, &c., dealing with this matter. " (d) By the regular weekly showing of moving pictures of the Dominion throughout Australia, released by the Publicity Department. " (e) The proprietors of the Grosvenor Galleries in Sydney arranged for a collection of pictures by New Zealand artists to be sent for exhibition to Sydney. These pictures, which consisted chiefly of New Zealand scenic views, were on exhibition for two weeks, and were viewed by hundreds of people. " (/) Various articles in Australian journals on New Zealand were published during the year, the chief being one by the Prime Minister, published in Wealth. " Commercial Work carried out on behalf of other Government Departments.—lt is very gratifying to be able to report that other Government Departments have continued to make great use of the offices during the year. Prior to last year we assisted in purchasing and paying for Australian hardwoods wanted by the Departments of Public Works and Post and Telegraph, but last year the Railway Department was also included, and during the year hardly a week went by that tenders were not called for supplying hardwoods for one Department or the other. Roughly speaking, £50,000 was paid away for these Departments alone during the year. Practically every Government Department made use of the offices, but those for whom most was done were Customs, Industries and Commerce, Publicity, and Internal Affairs, in addition to the three Departments already mentioned. " General. —In concluding, it is very satisfactory to be able to report that the offices have very largely been availed of by the pleasure-seeking and business people of New South Wales and Queensland. In this respect every encouragement has been given to inquirers to write or call for information. Large numbers of visiting New-Zealanders also found the offices very useful, and made full use of same." Mr. H. J. Manson (Melbourne Agent) in his report states : — " I am glad to report that these offices are becoming more firmly established, and the scope of our usefulness more generally recognized, entailing a corresponding multiplicity of work difficult to cope with. It is difficult to enumerate in detail the many subjects dealt with throughout the year, and it will be necessary to confine one's remarks to those activities to which special attention has been given. The encouragement of the tourist traffic has, of course, been of primary importance, and much time has been devoted to propaganda work with regard thereto. Literature has been widely circulated through avenues most likely to bring in results ; lectures have been delivered and moving pictures exhibit®! directing attention to our scenic attractions ; the result being increased traffic to New Zealand ; and as our booking system and the facilities it affords become better known there should be a corresponding increase in our returns. Be that as it may, the takings for the year disclose a marked improvement on last year's figures, the bookings for the years ending March, 1927, and March, 1928, being respectively £935 Bs. and £3,377 3s. 9d. Much more could be done in this direction if more frequent sailings were provided from this port, and the fact that we were carrying on a booking business were more widely advertised. " There is practically an inexhaustible field for the tourist in Australia, and there is every hope to believe, now we are to be given wider scope, that the numbers who will in succeeding years be induced to pay the Dominion a visit will greatly exceed those who have journeyed hitherward in past seasons. "You will be interested to know that there is a widespread movement covering th'e various States of the Commonwealth and the countries bordering on the Pacific to keep the tourist ' on the move,' and in co-operation with those engaged in the business it is hoped New Zealand will gain its fair share of trippers. Most countries are beginning to awaken to the fact that the tourist is an asset of considerable value, worthy of the closest attention, and in common with them you will agree that New Zealand, who can supply the finest goods, must not be lacking in any such enterprise. Much money is to be spent on the ' drive,' and it looks as if a tremendous impetus will be given to the traffic. " The publicity films which have been exhibited through Messrs. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's circuit* have proved a particularly good propaganda medium, and on every hand favourable comments are heard regarding the excellent views they enfold of our scenic wonders. Further opportunity to extend this good work will be given when the new films now in the course of preparation for use in Australia come to hand. " The publication News and Views issued by the Publicity Office is widely circulated, and, along with the many attractive pictures illustrating our beauty-spots now hanging in the principal hotels and public institutions of the State, are constant reminders of the pleasure awaiting the visitor to the Dominion. Our attractively prepared illustrated literature, which is regularly distributed amongst the travelling public, is also serving a useful purpose in attracting attention to our various resorts and to the excellent conditions under which they may be seen. Pictures likely to appeal to the sporting instinct are also liberallv displayed in a number of the leading hotels. Supplementary to this a number of fine specimens of trout, kindly forwarded by Mr. Stan Gillies, of Tokaanu, in a frozen state, have been presented to the Governor and members of leading Melbourne clubs for use on special occasions. They have arrived in fine condition, and have been given a hearty reception by the respective recipients, and I am satisfied that the advertisement received therefrom more than compensated for any trouble that may have been involved in getting them over. " The prominence given to our deep-sea fishing by Zane Grey and other important visitors has elicited many inquiries regarding this sport, and we have been able, with the assistance of our illustrated literature, to supply the needed information and to further stimulate interest therein. Of outstanding importance was the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to New Zealand and Australia, and whilst they toured the Dominion we succeeded in obtaining first-class notices in the press through the medium of reproduced photographs of the various points of interest visited by them from day to day.

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" Dominion Day was celebrated in these offices by holding ail informal reception, at which the Lord Mayor, Sir Stephen Morell, Ministers of the Crown, foreign Consuls, and many other prominent citizens called to pay their respects to New Zealand. The occasion is always successful, and affords an excellent opportunity of keeping our offices conspicuously before the public. " Members and their staffs of important delegations visiting the Commonwealth, such as Hon. L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for the Dominions, the British Motor delegation, and the British Air Commission, proceeding to New Zealand found these offices of the utmost value to them and their respective missions when completing their arrangements in connection with their visit. " Other important visitors on fishing bent, such as Mr. Colman, Lord Grimthorpe, Dr. Lewis Smith, of London, and General Douglas, passing through Melbourne, have also found the assistance we were able to afford them invaluable. One and all have been most profuse in their thanks and appreciation of the services rendered. Besides those mentioned above, anglers of local fame, including Sir Thomas Bridges, late Governor of South Australia, Sir John McFarland, Chancellor of the Melbourne University, Rev. Mcßae Stewart, and Mr. George Chirnside, have not failed to avail themselves of the information we have from time to time been able to provide them with in respect to our fishing. " On Anzac Day we assisted resident returned New Zealand soldiers in their arrangements to participate in the celebrations. A New Zealand flag was provided, and individuals were induced to march in the procession, with the result that a unit of over a hundred men was got together. They marched well, and as representatives of the Dominion were cordially received by the crowd lining the entire route. " In the course of a few weeks a demonstration of British-made goods is to be made in Melbourne and the principal towns of the State, under the auspices of Empire Shopping Week, and arrangements have been made to make a display of New Zealand goods in one of the main thoroughfares of this city. A prominent window has been engaged for the purpose, and it is expected that the exhibit we make will stimulate inquiry and lead to extended trade in our products. " Our services have been fully availed of by the Customs, Public Works, Railway, Agriculture— in fact, by all the State Departments—and the duties performed on their behalf naturally covered an extensive range of subjects, necessitating busy days in coping with the extra work involved." The other Australian agencies, and also those in South Africa, have been kept busy during the year, find comprehensive and satisfactory reports have been received from them. Little Barrier. Mr. Nelson, the caretaker, supplies the following report, which is published for the information of those interested in the preservation of New Zealand bird-life : — # " I have extensively travelled up many of the gullies, penetrating almost to the base of the mountains, and going over much new ground. I was pleased to observe a very large supply of birdfeed, and manjr of the native birds in the trees feeding. I noticed increasing numbers of young birds, especially the bell-birds and tuis, and also the stitch-birds. lam very pleased to report about the increase of the stitch-birds. I have come across them several times in small numbers, both on the ridges and the gullies. On one occasion I counted fourteen stitch-birds, which is very satisfactory. " I have several times walked along the coast, occasionally travelling to Pohutukawa Flat, which is about half-way round the island. With the mail-carrier's boat I have gone twice right round the island, hugging the beach the whole way for the purpose of examining closely to discover if any poachers have landed. Everything seemed quite safe. " The native robin is an easy prey for the wild cats, but I am glad to find the birds increasing, for every time lam in the bush I see them in twos and threes wherever lam resting. The kiwis have been much in evidence near the house since the months of February and March. I hear them calling to one another in different parts of the bush whenever the darkness sets in. " I also saw two yellow-fronted parrakeets. They are still very rare. The red-fronted species are very plentiful and tame, and come very close to the house. " I have seen the white kiwi once during the year. It was very active and in good condition. During the prolonged dry spell I put out receptacles filled with water for the birds which live near the flat and the house, and they took full advantage of it. We heard the kiwis at night quite near. Although our tanks were empty, we have a spring of pure water on the beach. " I cannot close my report without again referring to the bell-birds and tuis. We had a very large crop of grapes on the vines, and when they began to ripen the birds soon found them out, and the bellbirds and tuis would have soon cleaned them up. To save some for ourselves and for our winter supply of jelly, Mrs. Nelson hit on a plan. She filled two cake-tins with the old last year's jelly and some fruit-pulp, then set it out near the vines on the paths. In a few minutes scores of both species were round the tins, feeding on the sweet mixture. They were so busy feeding that the tuis never tried to chase the bell - birds away, and more than a score were round the two tins, standing on the edge feeding. The next day the birds greatly increased, and before a full week I began to think that both species — every one of them — had forsaken the bush and had landed at the house. It was amusing and very interesting to watch them feeding, standing on the edge of the tin, while others flew around and could not get near. The moment one flew off the place was occupied by another. Latterly the tuis chased the bell-birds away, and they danced around watching an opportunity for a place on the tin. I believe there were more than a hundred sitting 011 the branches of an apple-tree preening themselves, while as many more were feeding on the tins and flying about."

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (625 copies), £14 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92B.

Price 6d.]

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