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1922. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

The Minister in Charge op Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor-Genera l. My Lord,— Wellington, 30th June, 1922. 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, 1922. I have, &c, W. Nosworthy, His Excellency the Governor-General Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. of New Zealand.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND'HEALTH RESORTS. Sir,—- Wellington, 29th June, 1922. I have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1922. I have, &c, The Hon. W. Nosworthy, R. M. Wilson, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts. . General Manager. ANNUAL REPORT. Though the total direct revenue received by the Department from all sources is slightly less than last year, which was easily the highest up to date, it is, considering all circumstances, a very satisfactory amount. Last year's direct revenue amounted to £51,038, an increase of £8,820 over the previous year, which was in turn £8,529 over 1919—a total increase in the two years of £17,349. This year's revenue amounted to £50,822. Taking into consideration the existing financial conditions and natural shortage of spending-power so far as holiday-making is concerned, this is distinctly a result on which the Department's officers may be congratulated. The figures above, quoted refer, of course, only to the amount actually received at the accommodation-houses and resorts under the control, of the Department, and the amount taken by way of commission on tours arranged by the Department; but take no cognizance whatever of the amounts spent by tourists visiting New Zealand, for pleasure purposes, nor of the amounts contributed in this respect by way of railway fares, hotel-accommodation, and general Customs revenue. I have obtained from the Government Statistician the number of tourists visiting New Zealand from overseas during the year ended 31st March last: they total 8,050 persons. It is safe to assume that each one of these spends in New Zealand at least £100, and possibly a very much larger amount. Taking the lowest estimate of £100 per head, the direct amount spent in New Zealand by these visitors would be £805,000. There is no question that a large proportion of this amount must be credited to advertising and propaganda work afforded by the Tourist Department. The business at the booking bureaux of the Department has maintained its high standard, and the value of the tours booked is £68,682, against £69,447 for the previous year. It must also be remembered that during the past season there was no Easter traffic, while the previous season contained two Easter terms, when this business of the Department is unusually heavy, and productive of the issue of many tours of travel. The commission earned by this branch was £60 over the previous year. There has not been a great deal of propaganda work during the year, owing to the necessity of curtailing expenditure in the direction of publications ; but the work of issuing photographs and lantern-slides has been steadily maintained. Slides and photos have been sent to all parts of the world, and very many New-Zealanders leaving for Alnerica and England, who are prepared to deliver lectures on their native country, have been properly equipped with these useful adjuncts. Large numbers have also been supplied to visitors from South Africa, and I have received many letters from Africa, Canada, &c, showing that the material supplied has been most useful. Though little has been done in the way of publications, many articles descriptive of New Zealand scenic attractions have been contributed to papers in Australia, Canada, Honolulu, and other places, which will, no doubt have a good effect.

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During the year, with a view of decreasing the annual deficiency in the working of the Department, all charges for accommodation at the hostels—baths and. medical fees, games, fees, &c, were closely investigated, and many changes made. It is too early yet to thoroughly estimate the result of these changes. During the year the work of Dr. Herbert on the " Mineral Springs of New Zealand " was published in England and received here. The work has been fully and favourably reviewed in the Press in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It is a most valuable and complete production, and should do much to draw the attention of tins medical world to the efficacy of the waters and treatment afforded by the New Zealand hot springs. The book is being widely distributed amongst the medical profession. The net expenditure for the year was £86,943, against £93,720 for the,previous year, a decrease of £6,777. This decrease was mainly due to the very strictest economy being practised in all resorts, and the loyal co-operation of the officers in charge of them.

Schedule showing Financial Position at Main Resorts.

Note. —No allowance is made in. these figures for interest on capital expenditure or for depreciation of plant or buildings. Return of Receipts. The following table shows the receipts of the Department from .all sources from 1915 16 : — 1915-16. 1916-17. 1917-18. 1918-19. 191.9-20. 1920-21. 1.921-22. £££££££ Receipts .. .. 31,067 33,137 32,935 33,689 42,218 51,038 50,822 The amount received for passenger bookings amounted to £68,682, compared with £69,438 for the previous year, a decrease of £756.; while the commission earned amounted to £3,469, an increase of £60 over last year. Return of Expenditure. The following is a comparison of the expenditure for the past six years :— 1916-17. 1917-18. 1918-19. 1919-20. 1920-21. 1921-22. ££££££ Consolidated Fund .. .. 45,785 48,732 53,656 68,858 93,720 86,944 Public Works Fund .. ~ 1,094 967 1,620 6,194 19,041 17.996 The following is a summary of the work of the Department at the different resorts under its control :— Rotorua. Tourist Season. — The revenue from the passenger-booking and "Round trip" taken together shows an. increase on the figures of the previous year. The revenue, from the round trip shows a decrease of about £100, but this is more than accounted for by the, fact that during the Christmas and New Year week, when we should have been doing our maximum business, it rained incessantly during the entire holiday, and completely stopped all traffic. This passenger-booking returns, however, show a very appreciable increase. Buildings. —Apart from the usual maintenance-work, the outstanding features in connection with our building-work have been—(l) the enlargement of the head gardener's cottage, whereby additional space was given to two bedrooms, the construction of a new kitchen and bathroom, and. the enlargement of the dining-room ; the spouting of the building was renewed, and the whole of the exterior of the building repainted ; (2) the construction of a new residence for a bath-attendant, to replace one destroyed by fire ; (3) some of the plaster ceilings in the Aix and Russian rooms in the main baths had to be removed on account of the moist atmosphere having softened the, plaster, causing it to fall in large pieces, thus endangering the safety of, patients using the rooms. A. portion of the higher parts of some of the walls have had to he treated similarly. The plaster thus removed has been replaced with P. T. and G. kauri lining. The iron chimney at the Waimangu tea-house has been replaced with a brick one. No. 3 bowling-green was rekerbed with heavy 9 in. by 3 in. totara planks. All this work was carried out by the departmental staff. In addition to these departmental works, a large ferro-concrete depot has been constructed for the storage of benzine and dangerous goods. The building contains fifty compartments, twenty-five with

Year l! 921-22. Year .920-21. .'. *H H o> Ph^ ■5?S * ft 'O tH I ? e % oB m x t ° ft 0 Eh $ ° Jj CD \> S3 X ° -" Resort. ■JS ft '3 5 £ B 6 HH 3 4-1 i ft X & in w S3 -*-> «>-g'S 10 a o ° §«; x ftB -2 "33 B u 3 +H I ft X HH ° H ffl S3 « +J ft 5? *3 '3 ° a s¥ x ftB re Aroha Jotorua iotorua Acclimatization District . . iVaitomo Caves -iake House, Waikaremoana ianmer Springs lermitage, Mount Cook . . Pe Anau' and Manapouri steamers, Glade House, and Milford Track Juecnstown £ 1,947 25,746 1,307 6.909 936 1,808 5,458 2.718 £ 4,354 37,420 1,177 4,929 2,275 4,571 7,438 4,420 £ 2,407 11,674 £ £ 2,029 21,831 1,145 7,528 1,491 2,533 6,596 3,926 £ 4,230 41,269 1,605 5,237 1,559 5,364 8,010 5,384 £ 2,201 19,438 460 £ 130 1,980 2,291 1,339 2,763 1,980 1,702 68 2,831 1,414 1,458 257 821 564 251 1,009 758

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a storage-capacity of fifty cases, and twenty-five with storage-capacity of one hundred oases. This work was also carried out by the departmental staff, half-share of cost of construction being borne by the Department of Internal Affairs. During the year the exteriors of practically all the departmental buildings have been repainted. Gardens and Reserves. —The usual maintenance-work has been performed, and the floral display during the season was particularly fine. A considerable area of additional ground was brought under cultivation, the principal new work being the construction of a rockery along the pathway soutfiwards from the Rachel Spring, and the clearing of a triangular piece near the Pavilion Baths, anil the planting of same with rhododendrons and other flowering-shrubs. A new bridge was constructed in the Whakarewarewa Reserve, to cross the Purenga Creek below the Pohutu Geyser. The old bridge had become dangerous, and the one now constructed is of a very substantial nature, the understructurc being of heart of totara, resting on concrete blocks. Water and Drainage. —During the year fifty-five new consumers have been connected to the supply. The work of replacing the wooden pipes throughout the town with iron ones has now been completed, and the only wooden pipes now in connection with the system arc the main delivery-line from Malfroy Road along Fenton Street out to the reservoir, approximately a distance of about five miles. This pipe is 16 in. in diameter, and gives us considerable trouble in the matter of leaks. During the year 1,077 leaks bad to be attended to, an average of about four leaks per working-day, and some of these were of considerable magnitude. Drainage. —During the year eleven new connections have been made to the system. Sulphur deposits in the sewer are giving us considerable trouble in the matter of causing blockages. Electrical. —The position as regards the supply of energy to consumers is the same as at the end of last year. Throughout the town we have had to refuse all applications for additional lighting, the only lighting-facilities given being by transfer lights from one consumer to another. Energy required, and constituting a day load only, has of course been supplied as applied for. To give some measure of relief to the machines at Okere a small engine was installed in Rotorua to drive a D.C. generator. This power supplied by this is used to light the baths, Sanatorium, and two consumers near the substation. This helps during the peak load, and is consequently of much assistance. A considerable amount of work has been done in the matter of reconstruction and altering the town lines, for the double purpose of bringing the lines approximately in accordance with the requirements of the Public Works Department and to improve the distribution to consumers and better balance the load throughout the town. The, main line has been overhauled in the important parts. At Okere 730,002 units were generated during the year. The number of consumers at the 31st March was 824, Acclimatization. Ranging and general supervision of the district has been carried out during this year as well as reduced staff would permit. All complaints regarding any breaches of Acts or regulations have been investigated, and in several, cases legal action was taken and the offenders prosecuted. Exchange of Game. -A number of gold carp, two pairs of Chinese pheasants, a live rock-wallaby, and also a fine two-year-old Sam bur stag, captured in the Himatangi swamps, were secured by the Department's ranger and presented by this Department to the Wellington Zoological Gardens. A number of carp were also secured for the aquarium in the teacher's Training College, Kelburn, and for the New Plymouth Gardens. Five pairs of purebred English mallard ducks were sent to the Waikeria Prison Camp, and the Frankleigh Park, Taranaki, for the purpose of improving the strain of the stock in those places. Red-deer-shooting Season, 1921. - The deer-shooting season, which opened on the 26th March and closed on the 26th April, 1921, was a very successful one, the heads secured ranging from ten to fourteen points. Twenty-five licenses were available, and as applications were, in excess of this number, the issue was determined by ballot. Forty-three heads wore secured, only one licensee failing to obtain a head. A very reprehensible practice was noticed this season, which no true sportsman can support -viz., the action of some stalkers who shoot a stag without any consideration as to the quality of the head, and, finding it is not a perfect one, or not up to their expectations, push on in pursuit of another. This indiscriminate shooting of young stags which would, if left alive, develop good heads can only result in serious injury to those young herds of red doer which have been stocked with the best strains procurable and at considerable cost. Waikaremoana Herd. —Some very good heads were also taken at Waikaremoana in the heavy bush country surrounding the lake-shores. The best secured was a fourteen-pointer, and the, highest number of points on the head was seventeen, but it was of rather a narrow type. To the stalker who is an expert in still hunting, and who will go out in the heavy forest, there is every prospect of good heads being obtained in this locailty for years to come. Usually it is only the younger stags that frequent the open beaches and are more easily shot. Mahia Herd. —No specially good heads were got from this herd. The original strain was from Nelson deer, which characteristically develop antlers deficient in either brow or bay tines ; but many of these have been heavily culled by Messrs. Ormond, and fresh stags of Warnham Court progeny added. In a few years it is hoped that this herd will attain the same high standard which characterizes the other herds in the Rotorua Acclimatization District. Shooting Season, 1922. —The present season opened on the 27th March, and by the end of the quarter (31st March) reports had been received of heads of twelve to sixteen points being taken from the Rotoiti and Okareka herds. For the first time, the areas of these two herds were separately defined, and separate licenses issued. The licenses for the Rotoiti herd were limited to twelve, and as the applications exceeded this number the issue was determined by ballot. There was no limit to the, number of licenses issued for the Okareka. Owing to the closer settlement, and complaints being received of damage to cultivation by the deer, this herd will not be restocked for an indefinite period. It is hoped that the heavy shooting both by stalkers and landowners will drive the deer well back into rough country, where they will do no damage, and in years to come provide excellent sport for stalkers.

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Restocking.- Seven red-deer calves, all stags, including a spiker and a two-year-old. stag, which escaped from the previous muster, were; received from the game farm at Paraparaumu. They were, distributed as follows : Two wore presented to the Auckland Society for liberation in the Taumarunui herd ; two were liberated near Te Whaiti, with the Galatea herd ; one each was liberated in the Okataina and Waimana herds respectively ; the remaining stag, a fine two-year-old animal, was presented to the Nelson Society, where it will probably assist in improving the type of deer in that locality. Opossums. —After a close season for eight years an open season for opossums was declared for one month last year, from the 1st June, 1921. The Waikarcmoana Eorest Reserve was opened, the license fee being fixed at £2 10s. Some nine license-holders obtained from a dozen to fifty skins each. All the animals obtained were of the. Tasmanian mountain variety, black in colour, some of them being 10 lb. in weight. The; fur was of fine quality, owing no doubt to the altitude of tho country, which is 2,000 ft. above sea-level. Feathered Game.- —The open season during the year was from the 2nd May to the 31st July, 1921. Sportsmen generally report fair bags, a proportion of the sportsmen being from districts beyond Rotorua. Indigenous Protected Birds. —It is interesting to note, on the authority of the Department's ranger, that many of'tbese birds which are classed as being rare exist and thrive in the wild uncultivated areas and forest of this extensive acclimatization district. Unfortunately, the stoat and weasel seem to be thriving also in this virgin country and constitute a dangerous menace to the, native birds. Fishing.- The season gave very excellent sport, well-conditioned fish of good quality being landed in many of the local lakes and rivers, especially in the upper waters of the streams in the Whakatane County, and the upper reachers of the Waikato River. The (ish in the Rotorua lakes have greatly improved during the past years, both in size and condition, especially as regards those in Rotoiti. The major portion of the Hamurana Reserve has been let on an improvement lease, -which provides ior the clearing and grassing of the flats. It will be some time before this improvement can be effected in its entirety, but when completed will enormously improve the reserve. Pheasants Rearing and Liberation- -360 young birds and twenty-four old birds have been liberated up to the end of the closing quarter of the year. A selection of the birds was made from time to time from the various lots liberated, to provide stock for next season's rearing, and from these fiftyeight birds the final draft will be chosen for the breeding-pens, and the rejected birds will be liberated. Bath Buildings : Balneologist's Report. During the year, in spite of social and industrial unrest, and the general financial stringency in the Dominion, the returns for the baths, etc. (as shown by the accompanying statement of receipts) are markedly in excess of those of last year. This, in part, has been due to the increased fees for the past quarter. Parallel with other Departments, we have used the pruning-knife of economy vigorously, by cutting down staff and minimizing our demands to the barest necessities of maintenance. This, of course, has hampered us in the march of progress which the present-day science of hydrotherapy requires. Throughout the year the accommodation of tin: Sanatorium has been taxed to its fullest extent. The Cottage Hospital, which was handed over by the Department of Public Health in June last, has been thoroughly repaired, painted, and put into service as an annexe to the Sanatorium. This increased accommodation has enabled me to arrange extra treatment-rooms for the institution patients, and so relieve to some extent the existing congestion in the main bath-house. Regarding the bath-house accommodation, there is still an urgent need for the expansion of our buildings especially in the matter of treatment-rooms and my staff and self suffer considerable inconvenience in our work through lack of adequate space. This past season many overseas visitors conversant with the European spas have been greatly impressed with our mineral waters, and the possibilities of Rotorua under a wider development. In this connection I would remark that Rotorua is gradually gaining prestige abroad as a valuable health resort —being quoted by some of the leading medical journals as " an up-to-date spa possessing unique mineral waters." Moreover, we are now affiliated with the Federation of British Spas. Granted that at the moment we suffer, with other countries, from the general financial depression, and that the strictest economy has to be observed, 1 would urge that the all-too-necessary work of expansion should be carried out and encouragement given to make Rotorua a world-famed spa. Personally, in one respect of our work, I have been particularly impressed by the fact that the majority of patients coming to Rotorua for treatment have been sent by medical practitioners, indicating to my mind that the profession is rapidly becoming aware of the value of hydrotherapeutic treatments. Regarding tho subject of balneotherapy, I should to place on record an appreciation of my predecessors recently published book, " The; Hot Springs of New Zealand," into which Dr. Herbert has put so much valuable and interesting information. This book will help materially to advertize the mineral waters of this country. Comparative Statement of Receipts. 1922. 1921. £ s. d. £ s d. Baths fees .. .. .. .. .. 3,491 18 8 3,347 15 0 Players' fees .. . . .. . . .905 2 5 555 15 1 Consultation fees .. . . . . .. 613 14 0 ■ 637 16 0 Sanatorium fees .. .. .. .. 3,805 2 9 3,118 18 7 Massage fees .. .. .. .. .1,360 17 6 1,057 12 1 Te Aroha water .. . . . . .. 285 3 3 374 1 ] 1 Radium water .. .. .. .. 3 11 3 19 4 3 Miscellaneous .. .. . . .. 118 5 11 30 0 2 £10,583 16 3 £9,141 3 7

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Waitomo Caves. The cash returns for the financial year show a decrease of £623 15s. 3d. compared with last year ; but when one considers the financial stringency that this country is passing through it must only be expected that a decrease in the tourist traffic would take place. With the reduced express train service and wet summer the number of visitors shows a big reduction. Last year 7,600 people visited the hostel and the, caves ; this year the number is 6,178, which is a big decrease for one year, and has affected the guiding returns to the extent of £487 1.65. 6d. All buildings have been maintained in good order ; the interior of the hostel was renovated during the spring, and the tracks and fences were improved during this winter months. This year a change was made in the matter of conveyance of visitors from the railway-station, motor-buses having replaced the horse-coaches. This is a decided improvement, and much appreciated by the travelling public. The following is a statement of the cash receipts for the year : Accommodation, £4,289 3s. 6d. ; guiding, £2,338 10s. 6d. ; equipment, £229 6s. ; rent, £12 13s. 4d. •, water rates, £19 12s. 6d. ; sale of tanks, £20; total, £6,909 4s. 10d. Te Aroha. The recepits from Te Aroha amounted to £1,894, against £1,999 -a slight decrease. Number of Baths taken. The total number of baths of all classes taken during the year was 31,207, compared with 37,038 for the previous year. The details are :— 1921-22. 1920-21. Private baths . . .. .. .. .. .. 15,207 17,784 Public baths .. .. .. 15,074 18,968 * Electric water . . .. . . .. .. 926 286 31,207 37,038 Bath Buildings and Drmking-springs. —Expenditure has been withheld within all reasonable limits owing to the financial stress, especially during the latter months of the year ; but during the first month of the year the bath buildings were all repainted (also all other Domain buildings, including administrative office, tea-kiosk, bowling-pavilion, &c), and now present a smart and attractive 'appearance. Equipment has been kept up to the usual standard, and hot-water supplies have been adequate, and no difficulty of any particular moment has been experienced in maintaining proper temperatures. All the springs .and reservoirs are in a good state of repair. Supplies of water from No. 15 spring have been railed, as usual, to Rotorua whenever required. Garden and Playing-lawns. These have been maintained in first-class order, leaving little to comment upon, and there has been a very fine show of flowers throughout. The jilaying-areas have worn well, and have been favourably commented upon by players. Waikariomoana, Te Puia, and Morure. The needed extensions at Waikaremoana were not proceeded with during the past year, but great improvements were effected in the drainage-system: a septic tank was installed, and removes what was a continuous source of complaint. The launch and boats have all been overhauled and placed in order by Mr. A. Warbrick, of Rotorua, and should be in first-class order for the coming season. Waikaremoana has, in common with other resorts, suffered by the financial stringency. The scheme of the new hostel at Te Puia is still awaiting the return to better conditions, and the springs and baths are being cared for by the previous lessee, Mr. Cottrell. At JVlorere a permanent building has been erected for the residence of the caretaker, who maintains the baths and approaches thereto in proper order. Tonuariro National Park. There has during the year been a lot of traffic to the park, and the time is rapidly approaching when the question of the erection of an up-to-date hostel will have to be faced. In the meantime, pending improved financial conditions, a new hut has been erected at the Whakapapa site, and also one at the Ohakune side of the mountain. Some nine miles of track have been convpleted, and there is now fair access to all the huts. The, Department would be very glad to be able to proceed with the erection of an hostel commensurate with the requirements and deserts of the park, and to develop its scenic and sporting attractions, but in the meantime the matter has to remain in abeyance. Hermitage. I regret to have to report another unsatisfactory year at the Hermitage. The expenditure was reduced from £8,010 to £7,438, but unfortunately the receipts dropped from £6,596 to £5,458. . This trip, while admittedly among the finest under the control of the Department, is undoubtedly an expensive one, involving as it does a rail journey from Christchurch and motor of some hundred miles from Fairlie or Timaru. It is impossible to charge a low tariff at the hostel when all supplies have.to be oarried by motor-lorry from the rail-head at Fairlie, ninety-five miles away, and the hostel service must be kept up to a good standard. Patrons required to pay the necessarily fairly heavy charges for accommodation naturally require that accommodation shall be of the best. The problem of making both ends meet at the Hermitage is a difficult one at all times, and it is frankly impossible when existing circumstances prevent the normal number of people visiting the place. Each visitor naturally contributes a large amount in the way of rail, motor, and Customs charges, but this, unfortunately, is not credited to the institution, and it is necessary to maintain a complete staff during the season whether business is brisk or not. It is no easy matter to obtain staff at short notice at such a place, and naturally the cost of transfer of the hostel servants during the season runs into a large sum.

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Of a total of 616 people who visited the Hermitage (366 less than last year) 320 came from overseas, mostly from Australia. Much was done by the manager to increase the comfort of visitors, and, by bringing into cultivation an area of virgin soil, he was able to reduce the cost of supplies by growing a large quantity of vegetables. During the season also the building was lit throughout by the installation of the crescent-gas system, resulting in a great improvement in the conveniences and comfort of visitors. Little was done in the way of high climbing during the season, and for the purposes of record the usual list of high climbs is printed .—

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during Season 1921-22.

Te Anau - Milfobd Track. The number of visitors to the track was somewhat disappointing, as less than three hundred people arrived at Glade House. Most of these did the trip across and back, and were well pleased with their journey. The track was maintained in good condition throughout the season, and the erection of the telephone-lino from Glade House to Milford proved a very great convenience. All the huts were kept well equipped and stocked. The difficulty regarding launches in the Sound was overcome by the sending round of Mr. Govan's launch from the Bluff. She was able to cope with all business, and now that the purchase of Sutherland's accommodation-house and launches has been accomplished there will be no further annoyance to visitors through being unable to enjoy the trip in the Sound. During the season also a new trip was opened up by the enterprise of Mr. L. Murrell, of Manapouri, who has, with the help of the Department, repaired the old track from that lake to Smith Sound, and placed a launch on the Sound. The trip across is easily accomplished in a day, and reported to be one of great beauty and interest. A large amount of work was also done during the season by the usual party of Otago University students on the Grave-Talbot track from Wakatipu to the head of Milford. It is hoped that before long the track will be completed, and with a couple of huts erected on it there will be a complete round trip from Te Anau to Milford and across to the head of Lake Wakatipu, thus avoiding the present return over the same track from Milford to Te Anau. This journey, taking in Murrell's track, would be a most enjoyable one. In fact, in fine weather a launch journey could be made from Milford to Smith Sound and back to Manajiouri by way of Murrell's track. The distance by sea is not great. Overseas Agencies. The agencies of the Department in Melbourne and Sydney have been kept very busy, and have transacted a large amount of business for the various Government Departments. They have been specially availed of by the Customs and Public Works Departments, and the work performed for those Departments has been gratefully appreciated by their officers. The expenditure at Melbourne and Sydney was as follows : — Sydney. Melbourne. £ £ Rent .. .. .. .. .. .. 612 264 Salaries (including clerical assistance) .. .. .. 698 1,040 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. 302 234 £1,612 £1,538 REPORT OF THE RESIDENT OFFICER, ROTORUA. I beg to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st March, 1922. During the year the special grant of £250 from the Consolidated Fund for the repair of the southern portion of Fenton Street was expended. The whole of the money was.spent in the purchase of blue metal, and the worst section of the road was given a fair coating as far as the quantity would go. The road was first scarified with a tractor and heavy plough, after which the metal was spread.

Date. Name of Peak. Height, in l'eet. Climbed by I Name of Guide. I Koute and Remarks. 1922. an. 6 Mount Montgomery 7,654 Mr. A. Graves, Miss J. Graves, Miss Thornton Mr. A. Graves, Miss J. Graves A. Cowling Ascent and descent by eastern arete from Barron Saddle and Mueller Glacier. Traverse. Ascent, east arete ; descent, west face from Mueller Hut. Traverse. Ascent, north-west arete from Mueller Glacier ; descent, east face to Mueller Hut. First traverse — new route. Ascent by east arete from Ball Glacier; descent by north face across snow plateau of Hochstetter lcefall, over Glacier Dome to Memorial Hut. Ascent by east face and north-west arete from Sefton bivouac ; descent same way. Ascent and descent by east hire from .Mueller Hut. an. 7 Mount Sealy 8,651 A. Cowling an. 28 Mount Darby . . 8,287 Miss Thcomiu P. Graham Feb., 13 Anzac Peaks . . 8,323 and 7,623 Miss Thoomin, Mr. C. Buchanan P. Graham Footstool Mr. C. Buchanan Feb. 18 9,027 P. Graham, C. Williams Feb. 21 Maunga Ma 8,300 Miss Theomin P. Graham

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The metal was' rolled and then blinded with obsidian procured from the, Hemo Gorge. So far as it went the improvement was appreciable, but the work was of a more or less temporary nature, as we were anxious to cover as much of the surface as possible consistent with securing reasonably good work, and were therefore unable to give the depth requisite to make a more lasting result. Beyond this, the work generally throughout the year has been simply attention to maintenance, the. scarcity of funds preventing any new work being undertaken, particularly as regards putting blue metal on streets not hitherto treated in this fashion. The various pumiced roads have been re-formed and coated as occasion required. The levy on the Town Account made by the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the current year was £338 2s., as compared with £318 lis. 7d. of the previous year. To meet this a rate of Jd. in the pound was levied on the capital value. The levy for fire-prevention purposes made by the Fire Board was £687 8s., as compared with £412 10s. of the previous year. This was met by a rate of in the. pound on the value of buildings within the town area. The library rate was fad. in the pound. During the year seventy-six building permits were issued for new buildings and alterations to existing ones. The total value of the building operations was £23,906. The rateable (capital) value of tho town is £582,154. The following is a statement of accounts of the Town of Rotorua for vear ending 31st March, 1922 :— Statement of Accounts of the Town of Rotorua fob Year ending 31st March, 1922. General Account. Beceipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Treasury— Debit balance at 31st March, Bath fees.. .. .. 1,580 12 7 1921 .. .. .. .. 1,812 19 9 Fees and fines .. .. 15 16 0 Administration — Rents (Crown lands) .. 2,750 13 9 Salaries .. .. .. 335 0 0 4,347 2 4 Printing and advertising .. 6 14 6 Sanitary service fees .. .. .. 499 9 5 Audit expenses .. .. 7 0 0 Pound fees .. .. .. .. 139 10 9 Bank charges .. .. 0 10 0 Licenses and fees— Interest on overdraft .. 68 14 0 Building permits .. .. 76 10 0 Office expenses .. .. 8 116 Vehicle . . .. .. 72 0 0 426 10 0 Drivers . . .. .. 10 8 0 Public works — Publicans.. .. .. 184 0 0 Maintenance of streets and Auctioneers .. .. 180 10 0 roads— Shooting-gallery .. .. 3 0 0 Labour.. .. .. 2,588 7 3 Billiard-room ' .. .. 23 0 0 Material .. .. 827 16 5 Halls .. . . .. 21 0 0 Tree topping and pruning .. 78 1 6 Shows .. .. .. 10 0 0 Street-lighting .. .. 164 16 6 Hawkors .. .. .. 1 10 0 3,659 1 8 Second-hand dealers .. 0 10 0 Sanitary service— Hoardings .. .. 16 0 Labour .. .. .. 780 8 0 Storage of dangerous goods .. 2 5 0 Fodder and plant .. .. 191 15 1 Dog-registration . . . . 52 10 0 972 3 1 638 9 0 Public pound—Wages, fodder, Rents — and advertising .. .. .. 91 13 11 Real property .. . . 11 0 0 Public Health—Sanitary inspeeExplosive magazines .. 13 12 11 tion .. .. .. .. 110 4 0 Boat-shed compartment .. 35 0 0 Licensing expenses — Rotorua 59 12 11 County Council .. .. .. 71 8 6 Metalling Fenton Street—Special Metalling Fenton Street—Special Government grant .. .. .. 250 0 0 Government grant .. .. .. 150 18 8 Miscellaneous — Miscellaneous— Contributions to works . . 24 13 8 Insurance (fire and accident) 46 7 8 Material sold .. .. 2 13 0 Dog registration .. .. 8 12 0 Sale of by-laws .. .. 0 17 0 Repairs to boat-shed .. 7 5 9 Grazing at sanitary depot .. 6 5 0 Water charges credited to Right to lay water-supply Town (should be Departacross or under public road 1 0 0 ment) .. .. .. 3 0 0 Water charges credited to Charitable aid .. .. 13 6 Town (should be Depart- Maintenance of town clock .. 25 0 0 ment) .. .. . . 3 0 0 91 8 II Guides' badges .. . . 1 10 0 Refunds — Charitable aid .. .. 2 18 Disinfectants .. .. 1 10 0 43 10 4 Ten-per-cent. penalty on overdue rates .. .. . . .. 17 18 6 Debit balance at 31st March, 1922 .. .. .. .. 1,390 15 3 £7,386 8 6 £7,386 8 6 Separate Accounts. No. 1. Hospital and Charitable Aid Account. Receipts. £ s. d. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1921.. .. 8 15 4 Waikato Hospital Board .. .. .. 338 2 0 Rates— Printing and advertising .. .. .. 1114 Arrears .. .. • • 49 11 4 Proportion of cost revising valuation roll . . 6 9 4 Current .. ■• .. 257 2 5 Postages .. .. .. .. .. 0 12 11 306 13 9 Refund rates overpaid .. .. .. 0 4 10 Debit balance at 31st March, 1922 .. .. 31 11 4 £347 0 5 £347 0 5

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Statement of Accounts op the Town of Rotorua, etc. — continued. No. 2. Fire-prevention Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1921.. .. 50 9 0 \ Rotorua Fire Board.. .. .. .. 618 13 6 Rates — £ s. d. Printing and advertising .. .. . . 111 4 Arrears .. . . .. 71 3 7 Proportion of cost revising valuation roll . . 69 4 Current .. .. .. 593 2 3 ' Postages .. .. .. . . . . 012 11 664 510 Refund rates overpaid .. .. . . 11l Credit balance at 31st March, 1922 . . .. 86 6 8 £714 14 10 j £714 14 10 No. 3. Library Account. Receipts. £ s. d. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Credit balance at 31st March, 1921.. .. 64 3 0 Salaries . . .. . . .. 80 0 0 Bjites— Books and papers .. . . . . 36 14 0 Arrears .. . . .. 14 12 1 Maintenance of buildings, furniture, &c. .. 712 1 Current .. .. .. 85 13 9 Light and fuel .. ... .. .. 11 17 2 100 510 Stationery, postages, &c. .. .. 10 1 5 Subscriptions .. . . .. . . 68 7 1 Proportion of cost of revising valuation roll ..6 9 4 Rents from offices . . .. .. 87 10 0 Refund of rates overpaid .. . . . . 0 16 Hire of room for meetings.. .. .. 812 6 Credit balanco at 31st March, 1922 .. .. 176 211 £328 18 5 £328 18 5 No. 4. Cemetery Account. Receipts. £ s. d. i Expenditure. £ s. rl. Credit balance at 31st March, 1921 .. .. 100 15 9 Charges for grave-digging.. .. .. 312 0 Foes for sale of exclusive rights .. . . 14 0 0 Maintenance of cemetery— £ s. d. Burial fees .. .. .. 20 4 0 Wages .. '.... 74 18 6 Material .. .. . . 15 18 8 90 17 2 Bank charges .. .. .. . . 010 0 ! Credit balance at 31st March, 1922 .. 40 0 1 £134 19 9 £134 19 9 Reconciliation of Account, Balances with Bank and Cash. Accounts. Bank and Gash. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. General Account, Dr... .. 1,390 15 3 Rotorua Town Account, Dr. .. 1,178 8 9 Hospital and Charitable Aid Outstanding cheque .. .. 18 15 0 Account, Dr. .. .. 31 11 4 1,422 6 7 1,197 3 9 Fire-prevention Account, Gr. .. 86 6 8 Cash on hand .. .. 37 6 9 Library Account, Gr... .. 17(5 2 11 1,159 17 0 Cemetery Account, Or. .. 40 0 1 Cemetery Account, Gr. .. .. 40 0 1 302 9 8 £1,119 16 11 £1,119 16 11 Statement of Assets and, Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. Liabilities. £ s. d. Cash on hand, Rotorua Town Account . . 37 6 9 Bank overdraft, Rotorua Town Account .. 1,178 S 9 Cash in bank, Cemetery Account .. 40 0 1 Outstanding cheque, Rotorua Town Account. . 18 15 0 Outstanding rates— Outstanding accounts .. .. .. 81 10 8 1921-22 .. .. .. 166 5 7 Rates overpaid, &c. .. .. . . 1 210 1920-21 .. .. .. 52 8 4 Sanitary fees overpaid .. .. .. 013 0 218 13 11 Outstanding rents .. .. . . 127 4 6 Outstanding cemetery fees .. .. 9 5 0 Outstanding sanitary fees .. .. 424 16 10 Outstanding licenses fees .. .. 20 5 0 Outstanding sundry accounts .. .. 41 6 4 Estimated assets — Library buildings and furniture .. 500 0 0 Sanitary depot—Buildings and plant 65 0 0 Pound cottago .. . . .. 65 0 0 Genoral working plant .. .. 360 0 0 Rowing club's shed .. .. 165 0 0 Offico furniture and plant .. .. 100 0 0 Cemetery chapel .. .. .. 70 0 0 Benzine magazine .. .. .. 75 0 0 £2,318 18 5 £1,280 10 3 Wm. Hill, Resident Officer, Rotorua. The Audit Office having examined the balance-sheet and accompanying accounts, required by law to be audited, hereby certifies the same to be correct. —G. F. C. Campbell, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (575 copies), £11,

Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 922

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