TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. R. HEATON RHODES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1913 Session I, H-02

H.—2

1913. NEW ZEALAND.

TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE), BY THE MINISTER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS, HON. R. HEATON RHODES.

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

The Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts Department to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord,— Wellington, 30th June, 1913. 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, 1913. I have, &c, R. Heaton Rhodes, Minister for Tourist and Health Resorts. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

The Department was separated from that of Agriculture and Commerce on the 4th July, 1912, and Mr. B. M. Wilson (formerly Director of Tourist and Health Resorts Division of the Department of Agriculture) appointed General Manager. I am glad to be able to say that the record of the Department for the year under review has been a very satisfactory one. The revenue from all sources amounted to £29,711 2s. 5d., against £28,048 3s. 10d. for the previous year, being an increase of £1,662 18s. 7d. The working-expenses amounted to £45,934, against £46,478 for the previous year, being a decrease of £544. Details of the revenue and expenditure will be found in the General Manager's report appended hereto. The booking of tours through the different agencies of the Department has become very popular, and its advantages have been well advertised. The value of tours booked during the year and commission earned show a very substantial increase over the figures for previous years. I have during the je&r visited as many as possible of the places under the control of the Department, and will endeavour during the coming recess to complete my inspection of the remainder. The whole of the resorts have been maintained in good order, and many improvements adding to the convenience of tourists have been made. Full details of the work done *t the different places 'are contained in the General Manager's report.

I—H. 2.

B..—A

2

APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. Sir,— Wellington, 28th June, 1913. I have the honour to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1913. I have, &c, B. M. Wilson, General Manager. The Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Minister for Tourist and Health Resorts.

In presenting this, my first annual report as General Manager, it gives me pleasure to be able to announce that the direct revenue of the Department shows an increase of £1,662 18s. 7d. on that for the previous year, the actual figures being £29,71.1 2s. sd. and £28,048 3s. 10d. respectively. The following statement gives details of the revenue at the different resorts during the past two years, and the financial position of each resort: — Receipts fob Department op Toueist and Health Resorts, Financial Years 1912-13 and ~, , , 1911-12. 1912-13. 1911-12. Te Aroha— £ s. d. £ B . d. Bath fees and towel-hire ... ... ... ... 1,054 12 4 .1,056 13 3 Tennis-players, library fees, &c. ... ... ... 245 7 4 173 9 3 Tea-house ... ... ... ... ... 158 12 9 109 9 11 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... .. 6972 8473 1,527 19 7 1,423 19 8 Botorua — Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,999 15 7 1,750 3 8 Out-patients' fees ... ... ... ... 473 17 0 865 2 0 Bath fees and towel-hire ... ... ... ... 2,732 18 2 2 729 13 0 Dry massage and electrical treatment ... ... 704 13 () 824 5 6 Water-supply ... ... ... ... ... 1,431 6 9 1,384 4 9 Electric-light charges ... ... ... ... 2,827 8 2 2,480 11 7 Tennis-players, &c. ... ... ... ... 410 18 9 311 6 9 Round-trip: Launch fares, guiding fees, &c. ... 3,031 12 10 3,108 11 0 Pump-room ... ... ... ... ... 60 4 0 ' 72 10 9 Tea-house ... ... ... ... ... 217 9 10 648 13 6 Sale of mineral waters ... ... ... ... 169 17 10 174 18 6 Launch 'licenses, wharfages, <fee. ... ... ... 48 0 0 73 4 8 Sulphur royalties ... ... ... ... 215 3 6 331 7 9 Sale of tea-house furniture ... ... ... 125 14 11 Rents ... ... ... ... ... ... 359 18 5 272 5 6 Miscellaneous ... .. ... ... ... 81 5 9 85 11 7 A . 14,890 4 6 15,112 10 6 Acclimatization district receipts ... ... ... 1,086 510 1 053 12 5 15,976 10 4 16,165 2 11 Waitomo Caves — Accommodation fees, guiding, <fee. ... ... ... 2,871 8 7 2 422 4 2 Morere Hot Springs — Bath fees, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 13 7 6 16 15 6 Hanmer Sjyrings — - Sanatorium fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,248 8 4 1,101 10 3 Bath fees and towel-hire ... ... ... 526 10 4 545 19 6 Tennis-players, &c. ... ... ... ... 72 5 9 66 4 3 Tea-house ... ... ... ... ... 171 9 0 186 13 6 Water-supply ... ... ... 92 10 Q 95 16 8 "! ntB ,, 82 5 1 104 5 4 Miscellaneous .., .., ~, ... 105 J2 4 65 v lQ 2,299 0 10 2,166 4 4

3

H.-2

Hermitage — Accommodation and guiding fees, &c, ... ... 2,675 13 1 2,375 17 8 Queenstown Park — Bowls, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 83 17 6 90 4 9 Lake Te Anau — Steamer fares, &c. ... ... ... ... 646 14 6 463 1 9 Glade House and Milford Track — Accommodation fees, guiding fees, <te. ... ... 924 14 1 792 18 0 Head Office— Sale of pamphlets, photos, &c. ... ... ... 223 I 0 177 15 10 Advertising ... ... ... ... ... 248 12 G 4.3 0 0 Rents ... ... ... ... ... ... 343 19 r> 239 19 1 Commission on passenger bookings ... ... ... 1.791 4 0 1,551 11 0 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 84 19 6 .118 9 2 2,691 16 5 2,130 15 1 Grand totals ... ... ... .£29,711 2 5 £28,048 310

Schedule showing Financial Position at each Resort.

Note.—No allowance is made in these figures-for interest on capital expenditure or for depreciation of plant or buildings. The expenditure for the year amounted to £45,934, against ,£46,478 for the previous year, being a decrease of £544. The following is a brief summary of the Department's operations a< the various resorts mentioned : — Te Aroha. The receipts show a substantial increase, due chiefly to additional patronage of the playinggreens and tea-house. The domain and various bathhouses have been maintained in good order throughout the year, two new rinks have been added to the bowling-greens, and a large number of eucalyptus seedlings planted on Bald Spin , . An area of ground behind the Cadman Baths is being brought under cultivation, and when completed will add considerably to the beauty of the domain. An electric call-bell service lias been installed in each of the private bathrooms in the Cadman Baths, and will enable any bather to call prompt assistance in case of difficulty. The gardens have been kept up to their best standard, and have been greatly appreciated by visitors to Te Aroha. Rotorua Sanatorium and Baths. The receipts total £6,141, as against £6,416, being a decrease of £275, which is more than accounted for by the falling-oil in out-patients' fees due to the absence on leave of the Balneologist (Dr. A. S. Wohlmann). There is also a falling-ofi of £120 in receipts from massage and electrical treatments, but fees from in-patients show an increase of £249. The women's Aix massage-room in the main baths has been renovated, and a new tank installed for Rachel water. With the opening of the Cottage Hospital, under the control of the Department of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, the emergency ward at the Sanatorium was closed. A Nurses' Home, with accommodation for seven nurses, has been built in the Sanatorium grounds and comfortably furnished. During the absence of Dr. Wohlmann, Dr. J. M. Scott, House Surgeon and Assistant Medical Officer, is in charge of the Sanatorium and baths.

Resort. 33 & I i 03 Year 1912-13. § 1 1 e g o 3 •4-1 --^ I'll Year 1911-12. H Z2 4; : 6 <V £ Oh c ft_ HI ° J TeAroha Rotorua Rotorua Acclimatization District Waitomo Caves Hanmer Springs Hermitage, Mount Cook .. j Te Anau and Manapouri steamers, Glade House and Milford Track Queenstown .. .. .. | £ £ £ 1,528 2.342 814 14,890 18.188 3,298 1,086 ! 957 2.871 2.345 2,299 : 4,029 1,730 2.676 i 2,323 ; .. 1,571 ; 2,420 849 84 481 397 i £ 129 526 353 £ 1,424 15,113 1,054 2.422 2,166 2,376 1,256 £ 2,318 18,563 1,050 1,774 3,558 2,813 2,860 £ 894 3,450 1,392 437 1,604 £ 4 648 90 510 420

H.—2

4

Rotorua Water-supply, Sewerage, Electric Light and Power Systems. .■ The receipts for electrical energy supplied to consumers amounted to £2,827, against £2,481 for the previous year, being an increase of £346. The water-supply receipts amounted to £1,431, against £1,384 for the previous year, being an increase of £47. At the commencement of the year a continuous electric light and power service was started, and has been maintained throughout the year (Sundays excepted). The lighting-supply was, however, interrupted twice during the year, but only for a few minutes on each occasion. There has been an increase of fifty-six in the number of consumers, while another twenty-six consumers have made additions to their installations. The Engineer's cottage at Okere has been destroyed by fire, and plans are being prepared for a new building. During the year thirty-eight additional connections have been made to the water-supply system. The wooden mains are being gradually replaced by.cast-iron pipes, and a supply of Iβ in. cast-iron pipes to replace a section of wooden pipes in Fenton Street has been received. The sewerage-pumps, which have hitherto been driven by oil-engines, are now deriving their power from two 7| horse-power Westinghouse motors. Rotorua Gardens and Reserves. During the year the tea-kiosk was let for a term of six years at a satisfactory rental. The gardens have been maintained in good condition throughout the year, and the various reserves under the control of the Department have received proper attention. These gardens and reserves are under the immediate control of the local Tourist Agent, instead of being, as formerly, under that of the Engineer in Charge. Rotorua-Rotomahana-Waimangu Round Trip. This trip continues to maintain its popularity, and the receipts for fares on the Department's launches on Lakes Tarawera aiid Rotomahana have been well maintained. £3,031 was received from this source, as against £3,108 for the corresponding period last year. Waitomo and other Caves. The Hostel and guiding fees amounted to £2,871, or an increase of £449 on the figures of the previous year, thus showing that the Caves are gaining in popularity; and, with the improvements now being made to the Hangatiki — Waitomo Caves Road, I anticipate a considerable increase in the returns for 1913-14. Though the present house is capable of accommodating a large number of visitors it is all too small, and, as the beauty of these caves and their proximity to the railway-line are becoming more widely realized, it is imperatively necessary to add to the present accommodation. Plans have been prepared for an extensive addition to the building, and the question of proceeding with the work is now under consideration. Hanmer Springs Sanatorium and Baths. The receipts total £2,299, against £2,166 for the previous year, being an increase of £133, due principally to increase in the number of in-patients. During the year 273 patients were admitted to the Sanatorium, and the Resident Medical Officer reports that under the mineralwater treatment, massage, and electric treatment the majority of the patients derived great benefit. During the year additional hot water has been obtained from wells sunk at points indicated last year by the Rev. Mr. Mason, Otahuhu, with the result that the large cold-water swimming-bath has been converted into a popular tepid bath with mineralized water. The increased supply of hot water obtained has had an appreciable effect on the amount of gas available, and the grounds and buildings are now again adequately lit by means of the natural gas from the water. The steady increase in revenue at Hanmer Springs is gratifying as showing that the efforts of the Department to improve and advertise its Canterbury resort have had a satisfactory result. In the plantation a judicious thinning-out of surplus trees has been done, and a good supply of firewood obtained at small cost. The golf-links have been improved, new groynes erected at the headworks of the water-supply system, and the buildings and grounds maintained in good order. Hermitage, Mount Cook. The receipts for visitors for board, residence, guiding, &c, amounted to £2,676, against £2,376 for the previous year, being an increase of £300. Owing to the very changeable weather the alpine guiding-work was greatly hampered by severe storms, high winds, and heavy floods. During January and the latter end of March record floods were experienced, doing considerable damage to the different glacier tracks, and also washing away the Hooker cage and the whole of the structure of the new traffic-bridge over the Hooker River. A considerable amount of repairing-work was carried out during the year to the glacier tracks in the vicinity, and a start was made on the new horse-track up the Mueller Valley, the track being completed as far as Kea Point. In November the necessary material was carried through, and a new roof of galvanized iron was placed on the Malte Brun Hut, which was also lined throughout with dado linoleum and made very comfortable indeed. A small 8 ft. by 6 ft. kitchen for preparing meals was also attached to the Ball Hut, and has added considerably to the convenience and comfort of the place.

5

EL—2

The guiding-work for the season has proved a record one, and shows a decided increase in the returns against any previous season's takings. A considerable number of climbing expeditions and high ascents were made during the spells of fine weather which were experienced. The principal new expeditions were : — On the 11th December Miss Dv Faur, of Sydney, accompanied by P. Graham, made the first ascent and traversed an hitherto unnamed rock-peak on the Mount Cook Range, the secondliighest summit on the range from the third peak of Mount Cook. The ascent by the western arete gave five hours and a half of steep and very interesting rock-climbing. The descent was made by the north face and Mona Glacier. On the 3rd January Miss Dv Faur made the first traverse of the three peaks of Mount Cook, accompanied by P. Graham and D. Thomson. The party ascended the Hooker Glacier and bivouacked at an altitude of 7,000 ft. Leaving the bivouac at 2 a.m., they climbed by the western face and reached the summit of the third peak, and thence followed the main arete to the second and finally to the largest peak. They descended by the eastern arete on to the Linda Glacier and Grand Plateau, reaching the Haast bivouac at 9.30 p.m. On the 9th February Miss Dv Faur, with P. Graham and D. Thomson, made the first traverse of Mount Sefton. Leaving the bivouac at 3.30 a.m., the ascent was made by the east face and final north-east arete to the summit (Fitzgerald and Zurbriggen's route). Descending by the western face the party were met by severe weather, and the descent was made difficult by thick fog and driving sleet. The Douglas Rock bivouac, on the Westland side, was reached, however, in safety at 10.30 p.m. On the 18th February Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S., with D. Thomson, made the first ascent of Mount Johnson, a fine rock-peak on the Malte Brun Range. The ascent was made by the western face from the Tasman Glacier, which proved the most interesting rock-climb. Mr. Turner, with Thomson, also made from the Ball Hut a first ascent and traverse of a minor unnamed rockpeak on the Mount Cook Range immediately north of the Ball Pass, descent being made on the western side into the Hooker Valley. On the 6th March Miss Dv Faur, with P. Graham, made the first ascent of an unnamed rockpeak on the Moorhouse Range, north of the Footstool, the ascent being made by the rock arete between the Eugenic and Stewart Glaciers. Miss Dv Faur has named this peak Mount Cadogan. On the 6th March Mr. J. Simpson, with J. Clarke, made the ascent of the second peak of Mount Haidinger by a new route from the De La Beche bivouac, ascending by the rock arete to the north and then across the head neve of the Forest Rock Glacier, gaining the divide by the steep snow slopes and rocks to the south of Douglas Peak, a slight descent to a snow-basin on the western side, and a short traverse then led to the summit. On the 19th March Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S., H. E. Hodgkinson, G. Robertson, and J. R. Murrell made an ascent of Mount Aspiring (Lake Wanaka District) (second ascent) by a new route, climbing by the north-north-west ridge from the Bonner Glacier. Other notable high ascents are the ascents of Mount Tasman and Silberhorne by Mr S. Turner, F.R.G.S., with P. Graham and D. Thomson, from the Haast bivpuac; the Minaret Peaks, by Messrs. H. E. Radcliffe, Williams, and J. Radcliffe, with C. Milne, from Malte Brun Hut; Mount Seeley, by Mr. Chambers, Miss Chambers, and Miss Holdsworth, accompanied by C. Milne; Mount Elie de Beaumont, Malte Brun, by Mr. F. Wright, accompanied by J. Clarke, from Malte Brun Hut; Mount " Rotten Tommy," by Messrs. G. E. Mannering and J. R. Dennistoun, with P. Graham (second ascent), from Guarilla Creek Hut; traverse of Mount Seeley, by Mrs. G. E. Mannering, with P. Graham; ascent of Mount Cook, by Lieutenant Gran, of .the Antarctic Expedition, with P. Graham and C. Milne, from the Haast bivouac; Aiguille Range (second ascent), by Miss Dv Faur, with P. Graham, from Malte Brun Hut. Owing to the improved conditions of the Copland route to the west coast a number of visitors to the Hermitage crossed to Westland glaciers, and other parties crossed from Westland to the Hermitage. A party of ladies —Miss Murray-Aynsley, Miss K. Gerard, Miss Radcliff Cook — made the round trip by crossing the Copland Pass, then proceeding north to the Franz Josef Glacier, and returning to the Hermitage by Graham's Saddle. During February, when Mr. and Mrs. Mannering, with Guide Richmond, were making an expedition up the Hooker Glacier, they came across the remains of an alpine tent, fire-can, and some tinned provisions lying on the surface of the ice. On examining the fragments of equipment it was discovered that they were those used on the occasion of the first ascent of Mount Cook in 1894 by Messrs. T. C. Fyfe, G. Graham, and J. Clarke. After the ascent the latter party abandoned their bivouac on the Hooker Glacier just under Harper's Saddle. It would eventually get covered with snow, and during the last eighteen years has been travelling down the glacier, and when found had drifted fully three to three and a half miles down the valley. The chamois and thar liberated in the Mount Cook district some years ago were seen several times during the season, and looked, to be thriving and doing well; footprints of chamois were also observed in the Copland Valley on the Westland side of the range. Considering the broken weather that prevailed it will be seen that a lot of good alpine work has been done. The achievement by Miss Dv Faur of the first traverse of the three peaks of Mount Cook, and also the first traverse of Sefton, caused quite a sensation among those interested in alpine work. Miss Dv Faur has the distinction of having performed the biggest alpine expedition yet accomplished in the history of climbing in the New Zealand Alps. Tβ Anau-Milfokd Track. The results from this trip show a vast improvement on last year. The revenue has increased by £315 and the expenditure decreased by £440, an improvement to the extent of £755, and it is satisfactory to know that this splendid trip gaining in popularity. A. great amount of

H.—2

6

work was done during the season in repairing bridges and improving the track generally, it is intended to send the workmen down this year earlier than usual, to enable the track to be in first-class order for the opening. WAKATIPU - MILFORD SOUND TRACK. The question of finding a suitable route from Milford Sound to Lake Wakatipu to obviate the necessity of travellers returning over their previous path to Glade House has received consideration, but the estimates obtained go to show that the cost of such a voute is at present prohibitive. The greatest difficulty would be to negotiate the precipices at the head of the Cleddau, where there is one almost perpendicular precipice of 2,000 ft. The cost of making even a foottrack practicable for experienced men with guides would be some £2,500, while the piercing of a tunnel and grading of the half-tunnel track up the sides of the precipices would cost many thousands of pounds. During the season arrangements were made for Mr. Graves, of Oamaru, the well-known mountaineer, and two other gentlemen, accompanied by one of the Mount Cook guides, to again explore this route, which will undoubtedly be one of surpassing interest and beauty. The party were successful in making the crossing, but no detailed report has yet been received from Mr. Graves. Agencies and Passenger-booking System. The different agencies of the Department have been exceedingly well patronized, and the free information given and conveniences afforded by them have been the subject of many flattering testimonials. The facilities afforded in the direction of enabling tourists to obtain their tickets before commencing their journeys are coming more into use. This is evidenced by the fact that business to the value of £37,622 was done, as against £32,245 last year. The increase would have been considerably greater but that the lease of the New Zealand Agency premises at Melbourne expired in November last, and temporary offices could only be obtained on the sixth floor of the Equitable Building. This alteration made the office less easily found, and consequently the bookings there fell off very considerably. Commissions on the business done totalled £1,791, an increase of £240 over the previous year. The steady increase in bookings made shows that the convenience of the system is being recognized by travellers. A gratifying feature of the year has been the number of people who, having previously obtained their tickets through the Department, have again come to book further tours. Advertising. The various resorts, the booking system, and agencies have been well advertised during the year by medium of magazines, newspapers, and other suitable avenues, both beyond and within New Zealand. Special attention has been directed towards the United States and Canada, in view of the increased services inaugurated and more popular vessels having been placed on these routes. All these vessels have been well provided on the down run with literature descriptive of our tourist and health resorts, giving particulars useful to those contemplating touring in the Dominion. The Department's representative at Vancouver and the Union Company's representative at San Francisco have seen that suitable literature is distributed to persons able and likely to make a trip southwards. In addition to this man}- sets of lantern-slides have been sent to influential people who have intimated their intention of lecturing on New Zealand in Canada, the United States, Australia, and other countries. This system of advertising is one that shows good results. Acclimatization and Sport. A great amount of activity lias been displayed by the Department's officers in the Rotorua Acclimatization District. The amount of ova taken during the season was 1,605,000, being some 400,000 less than last year's collection. This was partly due to the spawning season being quite a month later than usual, and also to the rivers being continually in high flood, caused by the heavy rains. The total value of ova sold was £126 155., the value of ova delivered to various acclimatization societies free was £76 55., while the value of fry liberated within tho rivers of the district was £262 10s. The working-expenses in connection with the collecting, hatching, delivery, <fee, was £96. During the season the following animals and birds were liberated in the district. Eight deer were received from the Paraparaumu Game Farm and liberated as follows : Two to Mahia Peninsula, two to Galatea district, three to Tokaanu, one to Okareka (.Rotorua). Seventy English mallard ducks were received for liberation. Ten were liberated at Whakatane; fifteen were liberated at Picnic Point, Rotorua Lake; sixteen were liberated on Lake Rotorua; eight were liberated on Police Reserve, Green Lake; fifteen were liberated at Taumarunui; three were placed in the Rotorua Gardens aviary. Four Canadian geese were liberated on the Police Reserve at Green Lake. Twenty brace of pheasants were also received from the Wellington Acclimatization Society and liberated in the following localities : Seven at Te Ngae, ten at Taumarunui, ten at Whakatane, eight at Fairy Spring, Rotorua. Trout-fishing. The trout-fishing in the district lias compared very favourably with the past season. Although lid very large fish have been taken, large numbers of medium-sized good-conditioned fish have been taken both in the Taupo and Rotorua and the number of licenses issued compared

7

H.—2

more than favourably with previous seasons, so that there is no diminution in the popularity of the sport of trout-fishing in the district under the Department's control. Ranging and Prosecutions. An Assistant Ranger has been appointed for the country districts, and a number of gentlemen interested in the Whakatane district have been appointed honorary Rangers. Every part of the Department's district has been visited during the year, and all possible means have been used to suppress the illegal taking of fish and game. Six convictions were recorded for breaches of the Animals Protection and Fisheries Acts, and fines to the amount of £21 were collected. One white and four brown kiwi were seized from different persons on account of the birds being illegally in their possession. Town of Rotorua. The revenue amounted to £4,334, as against £4,512 for the previous year, and the expenditure amounted to £4,694, as against £4,309. Full details of the work carried out are given in the attached report of the Resident Officer, and the following tables give the detailed revenue and expenditure of the town since its incorporation :—

APPENDIX 11. REPORT OF ACTING BALNEOLOGIST, ROTORUA. The Acting Balneologist (Dr. Scott) reports as follows : — Baths. The last year has been a fairly successful one on the whole, but suffers by a comparison with v particularly busy season last year. The principal loss has been in the out-patients' receipts. This is largely due to the absence of Dr. Wohlmann, and is more marked since he left, but it is also due to a diminution in the number of patients coming to Rotorua, as is shown by the decrease in the special treatments. The tourist traffic has been well maintained, and shows itself in the ordinary bath fees and in the games, which continue to show a steady increase. The Woman Aix massage-room has been innovated, and a new tank for Rachel water has been installed in the tower. .This gives a good reliable pressure for the Aix douches, and is a great improvement.

Revenue. 1902. 1903. 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. Crown rents Bath fees Nightsoil fees Publicans' licenses General licenses Library fees Pound fees Dog-registration Kerbing and channelling Hospital Account Sundries £ 1,198 474 279 168 38 21 29 14 £ i 2,016 869 374 169 j 93 23 28 14 £ 1,940 1,269 411 165 81 34 31 22 £ 1,976 1,442 512 184 124 70 77 47 £ 1,870 1,203 517 186 169 62 39 36 £ 1,618 1,324 513 189 128 58 47 29 £ i 2,277 1,294 950 182 i 189 81 50 34 £ 1,945 1,492 590 189 203 85 78 22 31 £ 1,883 1,719 379 186 141 81 50 32 43 £ 1,748 1,519 415 188 169 123 75 29 182 99 131 £ 1,944 1,325 354 186 189 114 80 52 26 7 235 £ 1,699 1,227 339 186 207 117 80 41 180 2 256 • • 15 34 22 15 25 57 93 121 130 Total revenue 2,236 13,620 3,975 4,447 4,107 3,963 ' 5,150 4,756 4,644 4,678 4,512 4,334 The expenditure was ai folior s : — Expenditure. 1902. 1903. I 1901. 1905. 1906. 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. Works Nightsoil Fire-prevention Isolation Hospital, maintenance Licensing expenses Library Pound Street-lighting Insurance Salaries Office expenses Sundries £ 1,160 269 £ 2,797 363 £ 2,710 314 39 56 39 104 £ 3,195 412 153 46 20 62 £ 3,429 394 4 17 17 50 5 £ 2,723 417 151 38 37 170 £ 4,240 485 154 92 22 110 24 £ 2,538 462 117 356 £ 2,708 394 102 211 98 112 26 158 35 427 64 39 3,171 375 72 141 23 115 24 158 30 458 62 19 ; £ 2,957 356 79 35 25 ! 114 i 27 158 32 I 336 24 j 166 £ 3,466 380 27 38 21 113 61 144 39 264 47 94 11 13 16 26 151 30 26 51 328 122 58 192 52 105 13 334 55 104 19 337 47 43 20 335 102 102 20 374 64 126 18 334 170 70 23 337 157 189 Total expenditure .. 1,802 3,707 3,708 4,447 4,500 4,128 5,833 4,249 4,374 4,648 4,309 4,694

8

H.—2

Work in the electrical department has been particularly heavy, and owing to the limited space there has been a good deal of congestion. On this account we have doubtless lost a certain number of patients. The Pavilion Baths continue to be well patronized in spite of the dilapidated condition of the building. Laundry. This is now in full working-order, and though the saving is not so greet as was anticipated it has resulted in very much greater convenience and satisfaction, and the things are done well and do not go astray. The laundry has been kept fully occupied, and at times could hardly keep up the demand on its services. Sanatorium. Practically all the year round the Sanatorium has been fully occupied, and during the summer months there have usually been a good number waiting for admission. The consequence has been a distinct increase in the receipts. Hospital. In January the new Hospital was opened, and the old emergency wards are now used to accommodate some of the domestic staff. The new Hospital is now under the control of the Hospitals Department. It has been fully occupied since it was opened, and the new operatingtheatre has been a great boon. We are now able to keep many patients who would previously have had to be sent to Hamilton. Isolation Hospital The new building was opened at the same time as the Hospital, and the old shed which did duty for so many years for an isolation hospital has at last been reduced to ashes. There has not as yet been any necessity to open the new building, and the main part of the credit may be ascribed to the District Nurse, whose patient teaching of the Natives seems to be at last bearing fruit. . Maori Out-patients. The numbers here are undiminished, and though there is at times a little friction owing to the peculiar ideas of the Maoris in regard to medical treatment, yet they are gradually being educated up to an understanding of the real principles, and their objection to hospital, and more especially to operations, is gradually being eliminated. We are fortunate in having had several very successful operations on Maoris, and these patients are doubtless spreading our fame abroad. Since Dr. Wohlmann's departure this department has been attended to by Dr. Crooke.

APPENDIX 111. REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER ON TOWN OF ROTORUA. The Resident Officer (Mr. William Hill) reports as follows on the municipal administration of the Town of Rotorua :— Finance. The total revenue for the year (omitting shillings and pence) was £4,334, being a decrease of £178 on that for the previous year; but when it is noted that our two main sources of revenue —namely, Crown rents and half bath fees —together show a decrease of £342 as compared with the previous year, it will be apparent that the revenue from general sources has been well maintained. The General Account is further reduced this year by £98, being the debit balances of two of the separate accounts —viz., Hospital and Charitable Aid Account and the Fire-prevention Rate Account. These debits are, of course, covered by rates outstanding at end of financial year. The sanitary service shows a small deficit, due to heavy renewals of pans, and the fact that the horse (having met with an accident) was incapacitated for a considerable time, during which period another had to be hired. The profit on the Pound is not so large as that for the previous year, but this is due to a renovation of some of the buildings which had to be undertaken during the current year, and as a consequence we have now a more commodious shed in which to house the animals, and a better-drained yard. Public Works and General. During the year the sum of £3,609 has been expended in improving and maintaining the streets, roads, bridges, and culverts within the town. This is considerably in excess of last year's expenditure under this heading, but is principally due to the exceptionally heavy metalling which had to be done on Fenton Street, between the town and Whakarewarewa. For a few years past this road lias boon only receiving bare attention, and in consequence, and also because of a wet winter, was in a very bad condition. Practically the whole length of the road has been metalled, and in some parts has had to have a good bottoming put in first, and although

H.—

the work was costly the outlay was unavoidable. The road is now, with the winter before us, in very good order. Among the more important of the improvements effected during the year may be noted the following : 4 chains tarred metal in Arawa Street; 12 chains asphalt footpath in Arawa, Tutanekai, and Pukuatua Streets; concrete kerbing only, 5 chains; ordinary metalling ■of streets, 61 J chains; three wood culverts and two ferro-concrete culverts. A substantial new water-trough has been erected at the junction of Fenton Street and Maketu Road, the previous one having been in a very dilapidated state. With the exception of the metalling of the streets all the foregoing work may be classed as non-recurrent. A rather expensive but very necessary work, in the matter of cleaning up and covering the late rubbish-tip, had to be undertaken during the year. The new Infectious Diseases Hospital having been built near the tip, the Health Department called upon us to abolish the depot. We had to do a considerable amount of levelling off, after which the whole of the debris was covered with loads of pumice and soil, over which grass will ultimately grow. The work cost £45, but an entire transformation of the locality has been effected, to the satisfaction of the Medical and Health Officers. The refuse has now to be taken to a new depot near the cemetery, where it is being systematically dealt with by either burning or burying. FIBE-PBEVENTION. The Fire Board was duly constituted in June, 1912, the three members representing the Department (as the local authority) being Messrs. J. R. Raw, A. E. Kusabs, and W. Hill. Ihe Board called for a contribution of £323 10s., being the share of the estimated expenditure for the financial year ending the 30th June, 1913, payable by the Town Account. A like amount is payable by the insurance companies doing business in the town,, and ,£5O is payable by the Government. To meet this expenditure a special rate of three-eighths of a penny per £1 was struck on the value of improvements in the town. This yielded £301 17s. 10d., of which £188 16s. lid. was collected before the 31st March, 1912, leaving a balance of £113 os. lid. outstanding at that date. The money raised by this rate cannot, of course, be expended for any other purpose than payment of these demands made by the Fire Board. So that the Fire Board should not have to spend a considerable sum in purchase of land for the station, this Department granted the Board a site, 60 ft. by 50ft. (a part of the town-works yard) at a peppercorn rental. During the year a contract was let for the erection of a new fire-station and firebell-tower, at a total cost of £1,150, and flic work is now nearing completion. The station is a handsome twostoried building on a concrete base, providing sleeping-accommodation for seven men, a large social room, and all necessary conveniences. The tower is of iron, 45 ft. high, with a concrete base, and the bell is rung by hydraulic power derived from a 2 ft. 6 in. pelton wheel. In connection with the rating I would point out that according to the Fire Brigades Act, 1908, the financial year for all Fire Boards ends on the 30th June. The financial year for the Government and all municipal bodies ends on the 31st March, and the fact of having two separate rating years is distinctly inconvenient. It would simplify and expedite office-work if the financial years of Fire Boards and local bodies could be synchronized. Hospitals and Chabitablb Aid. The levy made on the town by the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board this year was £217, as compared with £260 for the previous year. To meet this a rate of one-ninth of a penny in the pound was struck on the capital value of the town. This yielded £217 11s. 10d., of which £142 lls. 7d. was collected before the 31st March, 1913, leaving a balance of £75 os. 3d. on that date. Public Health. During the year the new Infectious Diseases Hospital has been erected on a portion of the Sanatorium Reserve near the junction of the Wairoa Road and Fenton Street, and has now been ready for use for some time. The old Isolation Hospital at Koutu was burned by order of the Health Department, and the Town Account has now been relieved of an ann,ual rental of £38 hitherto paid for this old building. It is pleasing to note that although the Hospital lias been ready for use since October, 1912, it has never been required. There has only been one case of infectious disease in the town during the year, and even then the patient had contracted the trouble outside the town. This satisfactory condition of affairs is largely due to the continued efforts of Inspector Sargeant, who is unremitting in maintaining a higher standard of sanitary efficiency. Native Villages. Work in the Native villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa in the matter of maintenance of roads and preserving -sanitary conditions has been steadily carried out during the year. Considerable improvement has been effected at Ohinemutu in road-repairs and fences. " The roads in Whakarewarewa Village give us considerable trouble through subsidences taking place in the most unexpected places, and also in the vicinity of hot pools. Urgent repairs in tin's connection cost us over £25 last year. Judging from present indications we may be called upon any day for a considerable outlay at Whakarewarewa to cope with subsidences in the road due to thermal activity.

2—H. 2,

9

H.—2

10

Progress of the Town. During the year forty-one permits were issued for new buildings and alterations to existing ones, of a total value of £12,465. The total rateable value (capital) of the town is £480,049, being an increase of £7,500 on that of the previous year. Acknowledgment. I gladly acknowledge the efficient service rendered by the staff generally in carrying out the year's work, to all of whom much credit is due for the results obtained. Balance-sheet of the Rotorua Town Account for the Yeah ended 3.lst March, 1913. General Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure,. £ a. d. Balance, 31st March, 1912 .. .. 553 7 8 Administration— Treasury— Salaries .. .. .. .. 263 16 10 Bath fees (half share) .. .. 1,226 15 11 Printing and advertising .. .. 3 2 3 Rents of Crown lands .. .. ] , 699 2 9 Legal expenses .. .. .. 2 10 Fees and fines (Magistrates' Court) .. 6 15 0 Audit fee .. .. .. .. 7 10 0 Fees— Bank charge .. .. .. 0 10 0 Nightsoil service .. .. .. 339 411 Bank interest on overdraft .. .. 0 3 0 Public pound .. .. .. 79 14 2 Office expenses .. .. .. 33 13 8 Dog-registration .. .. .. 40 15 0 Public Works— . Licenses— Maintenance of streets and roads (labour Hawkers' .. .. .. .. 111 8 and material) .; .. .. 3,466 1 5 Hoardings .. .. .. .. 1906 Street-lighting .. .. .. 143 13 0 BilliarS-rooms .. .. .. 12 10 0 Fire-prevention— Halls .. .. .. .. 1200 Capitation allowance and salary of Kre Shows .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Inspector .. .. .. 115 0 Publicans' .. .. .. .. 186 0 0 Telephone and lighting .. .. 5 0 0 Plumbers' .. .. .. .. 2 5 0 Plant and sundries .. .. .. 112 7 Auctioneers' .. .. .. 31 0 0 Nightsoil Service— Building permits .. .. .. 45 10 0 Labour .. .. .. .. 276 5 6 Vehicles .. .. .. .. 67 11 0 Fodder and plant .. .. .. 104 0 2 Drivers' .. .. .. .. 10 5 0 Public Pound—Fodder and advertising .. 61 411 Rents— Public Health—Sanitary inspection .. 80 0 0 Real property .. .. .. 45 2 0 Miscellaneous— Boat-shed compartments and Explosives Dog-registration .. .. .. 9 9 9 Magazine .. .. .. 41 1 0 Interpreters' fees .. .. .. 0 10 6 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 18 0 Insurance —Fire and accident .. 39 1 11 Public Library— Ground-rent, Section 39, suburbs .. 4 0 0 Subscriptions .. .. .. 51 9 3 Public Library— Rents .. .. .. .. 47 2 6 Salary .. .. .. .. 52 15 0 Government subsidy .. .. 18 0 5 Books and papers .. .. .. 36 11 1 Material sold— Telephone, lighting, and insurance .. 23 14 11 Pumice, tar, &c. .. .. .. 34 4 6 Isolation Hospital—Rent .. .. 38 3 6 Sale fire-brigade plant to Fire Board .. 100 0 0 Licensing Expenses—Tauranga County Contributions to works—Culverts, kerbing, Council .. .. .. .. 20 19 3 and channelling, &c. .. .. 180 3 2 Isolation Hospital—Fees recovered from Total expenditure .. .. 4,694 15 3 patients.. .. .. .. 2 0 0 Credit balance, 31st March, 1913 193 3 4 Miscellaneous— Sale of by-laws .. .. .. 110 Native village revenue .... 6 4 6 Refund of wages .. .. .. 8 4 0 Sale of horse .. .. .. 12 0 0 Legal costs recovered .. .. 17 2 Sale of plan .. .. .. 0 2 6 £4,887 18 7 £4,887 18 7 Separate Accounts. 1. Hospital and Charitable Aid Rate Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Rates, 1910-11 .. .. .. .. 4 9 1 Waikato Hospital Board .. .. 217 4 3 Rates, 1911-12 .. .. .. .. 46 7 5 Printing and advertising .. .. 2 3 0 10 per cent, penalty .. .. .. 15 3 Debit balance, 31st March, 1912 .. .. 19] 7 7 Rates, 1912-13 .. .. .. .. 142 11 7 Debit balance, 31st March, 1913 .. .. 44 11 6 £239 4 10 £239 4 10 2. Fire-prevention Rate Account. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d Rates, 1912-13 .. .. .. ..188 16 11 Rotorua Fire Board .. .. 242 12 6 Debit balance, 31st March, 1913 .... 53 15 7 £242 12 6 £242 12 ~6

H.—2

11

3. Eotobua Cemetery Account (Section 55, Cemeteries Act, 1908). Receipts. £ s. d. [ Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance, 31st March, 1912 .. .. 71 9 1 I Maintenance .. .. .. .. 9 3 3 Fees for exclusive right of burial .. .. 7 0 0' Bank charges .. .. .. .. 0!00 Fees for ordinary burial .. .. .. 12 8 0 Balance, 31st March, 1913 .. .. 81 310 £90 17 1 I £90 17 1 Statement of Balances. Accounts. £ s. d. £ a. d. Bank. £ s. d. £ s. d. General Account .. Or. 193 3 4 Credits— Separate Account No. 3.. Or. 81 310 Rotorua Town Account 198 13 5 274 7 2 Less unpresented cheques 117 4 3 Separate Account No. 1 .. Dr. 44 11 6 81 9 2 Separate Account No. 2 .. Dr. 53 15 7 Cemetery Account .. .. .. 81 3 10 — 98 7 1 Cash in hand .. .. .. ..1371 £176 0 1 £176 0 1 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Assets. Liabilities. £ s. d. Balances to credit— £ s. d. £ s. d. Outstanding accounts .. .. .. 208 10 11 General Account .. .. 193 3 4 ~ cheque—General Account .. 117 4 3 Cemetery Account .. 81 310 Cash in hand .. ... 13 7 1 287 14 3 Outstanding accounts— Kerbing and channelling .. 34 3 5 Explosives .. .. 5 9 0 Rents — Boatshed compartment .. 14 3 4 Real property (Explosives Magazine) .. .. 3 15 0 Real property (land, &c.) 19 6 1 Office (Waiariki Maori Land Board) .. 815 0 Isolation Hospital fees .. 29 13 0 Nightsoil fees .. .. 224 0 2 Outstanding rates— Hospital and char i table £ s. d. aid, 1910-11 1 13 7 Ditto, 1911-12 6 4 4 Fire - prevention, 1912-13 113 5 7 10 per cent. penalty 0 18 4 Hospital and c h a r i table aid, 1912-13 75 6 0 197 7 10 10 Estimated— Library building and furniture .. . . .. 850 0 0 Nightsoil depot, buildings, and plants .. .. 155 0 0' Pound cottage, &c. .. 180 0 0 General working plant .. 440 0 0 Rowing Club shed .. 525 0 0 Fencing, &c., Marine Parade 125 0 0 ~ gravel reserve 45 0 0 Office furniture and plans .. 175 0 0 Cemetery chapel .. .. 145 0 0 Benzine magazine .. 95 0 0 2,735 0 0 £3,559 7 1 £325 15 1

H.— 2

12

APPENDIX IV. REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER ON WORKS AT ROTORUA. The Resident Officer (Mr. William Hill) reports as follows : — I have the honour to submit the annual report on the works administered from my office for the year ending 31st March, 1913. Revenue. The following is a statement of the revenue collected for the year 1912-13, with the corresponding figures for the previous year 1911—12 for purposes of comparison : — 1911-12. ' 1912-13. £ s. d. £ s. d. Electric light ... ... ... ... 2,480 11 7 2,827 1 6 Water ... ... ... ... ... 1,373 14 9 1,455 8 1 Rents ... ... ... ... ~. 226 7 6 175 10 8 Harbour revenue ... ' ... ... ... 73 4 8 48 0 0 Fees for reserves ... ... ... ... 11110 25 40 Fish sold ... .:. ... ... 92 0 1 53 4 5 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... 360 11 5 263 10 0 £4,618 1 0 £4,847 18 8 From the above it will be seen that there is a net increase of nearly £230, and it will also be noticed that the revenue from the two great domestic services—light and water-supply—show a very gratifying increase. The decrease in harbour revenue is, of course, due to the very substantial reduction which has been made in launch fees as from Ist January, 1913. Tlie sale of fish this year did not commence until a much later date than on the previous year, so that the revenue from this source for the current year is necessarily less. Watise-supply. During the j'ear thirty-eight additional consumers have been connected to the mains. Prac-tically-all these consumers were in the suburban area, and most of them involved the laying of considerable lengths of piping. Two new fire-plugs have been fitted to the main in Tutanekai Street, and the flume at Hemo Gorge has been repaired and renewed in some parts. The wooden mains have given us considerable trouble through leaks. The 16 in. cast-iron mains to replace a section of the wooden mains in Fenton Street have now arrived, their delivery being much retarded by the dock strike in London. The work of laying them will be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity. Dbainage . During the year thirty-three premises have been connected to the sewerage system. The septic tank and the filter-beds have received the usual attention. Considerable improvements are being effected at the pumping-station in the matter of increasing the pumping-capacity by the addition of an extra pump and the substitution of electric driving-power for the oil-engines previously, in use. The work is nearing completion, as the new pump and the two electric motors have been put in position. One of the motors is at present working, and the whole plant will be in full working-order early in April. Buildings . The usual maintenance-work has been carried out during the year in connection with the various departmental buildings. In the main bath building about 140 ft. of hot-water piping in the basement of the building has been, cased in with timber in order to throw the heat through the corridor-floor gratings, and so automatically heat the corridors. A new tank for mineral water has been installed in the roof of the building in order to enable water to be delivered with gravity pressure for Aix massage-work. The tank is nearly double , the size of the previous one (which had become useless through corrosion), and a more equable pressure will now be obtained. For the past three or four years we have had considerable trouble in the Aix and Russian rooms through the plastered walls and ceilings giving way in large patches through the action of the moist humid atmosphere from the bath waters. The repairs necessitated plasterers being brought specially to Rotorua for the work, which was consequently both troublesome and expensive. A departure from this method was therefore decided upon, and the ceilings of both rooms and some of the walls were on this occasion stripped and lined with kauri 4 in. by 1 in. P.T.G., and well painted with three coats of white paint. The general effect and appearance is good, the total cost was well under that of the previous method, and future repairs will be more cheaply and easily effected. A workshop, 40 ft. by 10 ft., for the mechanic and his assistant has been constructed in tlie basement of the verandah of the main building, which enables the men to work under much better conditions as regards light and ventilation.

13

H.—2

Extensive renovation-work is being carried out at the Postmaster Bath building, but progress is necessarily slow, as, on account of the strong fumes, the men can only work there intermittently. The completion of the Nurses' Home and Cottage Hospital has necessitated a complete rearrangement of the outbuildings in the Sanatorium yard, some of which have been demolished, while others have been re-erected on different sites. Some important alterations have been made in the internal arrangements of the staff quarters in the Sanatorium building, which ma.ke for convenience and efficiency in working. A Nurses' Home, providing sleeping-accommodation for seven nurses with two sitting-rooms, has been erected in the Sanatorium grounds at the corner of Hinemoa and Hinemaru Streets. Electrical. The year's record has been one of steady progress in this branch, which is now under the oversight of the Electrical Engineer (Mr. Beal), who has been transferred from the power-station at Okere, and who displays great keenness and enthusiasm for his work. At the commencement of the year continuous service (Sundays excepted) was started, and, with very few interruptions, this has been maintained throughout the year. The lighting supply was only interrupted twice (between sunset and midnight) during the year, and then only for about ten minutes on each occasion. The other stoppages occurred after either midnight, when no serious inconvenience was caused, or in the daytime. There has been an increase of fifty-six new consumers for lighting only, including a second picture-theatre, while twenty-six existing consumers have added to the lights originally installed in their premises. Most of these new connections have been in the outlying suburbs, and consequently entailed a considerable amount of reconstruction of the existing distribution mains. Now that the machines are running continuously we are in a position to cater for a " day loud," and quite an appreciable demand has set in for domestic (cooking, heating, &c.) and power supply. There are great possibilities for expansion in this direction when the low-tension distribution system within the inner town area is completed. In this connection it may be noted that the departmental laundry has practically all appliances driven by the electric motor installed. The drainage pumps, which hitherto have been driven by oil-engines, are now deriving their power from two 7j horse-power Westinghouse motors. This will effect a considerable' saving of oil, as the oil-engines will now be used for emergencies only. The power-station and staff dwellings at Okere have been painted. To minimize any damage by lightniug in the future a set of lightning-arrestors has been erected at Mourea. The Engineer's cottage at Okere was unfortunately destroyed by fire on the 29th September, 1912. To cope with the increased demand five new G.E. oil-transformers have been imported and erected, and it has been found necessary to order six additional ones. Five of these at present in use had to be repaired, after breaking down through lightning storms and overloading. When the distribution scheme is carried out some twenty of these transformers will be available for suburban extensions, and so enable us to cope with prospective demands. The breakdown of the transformers necessitated a rearrangement of other transformers and the supplying of adjacent parts of the town from the substation direct. This entailed a considerable amount of labour, which, owing to the scrap material which had to be used, is not of a permanent character. The iron H.T. wire supplying Whakarewarcwa, after being in use for two years and a half, has become useless through corrosion, and will be replaced with copper wire as soon as same arrives from England. During the year 100 B.T.H. meters were imported, and have now been installed. A further supply of 150 has been ordered. This is in pursuance of the decision to abolish the minimum charge. The immediate result of the installation of meters has been that, while the revenue from individual consumers under the fixed rate has been considerably reduced (in some cases 50 per cent.), the aggregate revenue has appreciably increased, and at the same time the use of the meters has checked the unlimited consumption of energy, and so enabled us to meet the whole of the additional demand this year with practically no additional output. It is interesting- to note that the highest demand on the plant—which is on Christmas Eve —for 1912 was 28 K.W. lower than on the corresponding night in 1911. The portable standard wattmeter for use in testing house service meters in situ has been received and is now in use. This apparatus enables us to check the accuracy of meters, and is a useful factor in settling disputes with consumers. An Ohmer testing set is also in use for the purpose of testing installation prior to connecting to mains, so as to ensure compliance with the fire underwriters' requirements. The supply of energy to the various departmental buildings and the efficiency of the electrical medical apparatus has been fully maintained throughout the year. I have pleasure in cordially acknowledging the willing and eificient assistance accorded me by the staff.

H.—2

14

APPENDIX^. REPORT OF NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. The New Zealand Government Agent, Melbourne (Mr. H. J. Manson), reports as follows : — I have the honour to herewith submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, Ii)13. The foreboding outlook in the early part of the year had a most disquieting efiec; upon things generally. The drought-conditions which prevailed proved a serious drawback to the successful carrying-on of trading concerns and pastoral pursuits; this was so much so that it was feared, with a tightening money-market, that Australia was again in for bad times. Fortunately, however, the drought broke and normal conditions were restored, too late though for many intending tourists to complete their arrangements to visit New Zealand. Bright prospects have since continued, and no doubt those who were disappointed this year will carry out their intentions in this respect next season. The popularizing of Tasmania and summer " seaside camps " in Victoria as tourist resorts have in more or less degree affected the traffic to New Zealand. During the last two or three years I have noticed an increasing exodus of the Melbourne inhabitants to the Island State, and have seen considerable expansion in the " camping-grounds " along the coastal frontages of this city. Holiday-makers with limited annual leave are encouraged to remain within their own borders, and are in consequence more difficult to influence in favour of the longer trip to New Zealand. On the other hand, the shipping companies trading between here and New Zealand report satisfactory returns. They state that their steamers have been well patronized, and that the number of passenger's carried shows an increase on last year's figures. This office takes some share in these results, and though our booking returns do not come up to expectations our efforts have, I hope, helped indirectly to fill their ships. The booking figures for 1912—13 were £2,198 10s. 4d., and 1911-12, £3,891 19s. 2d. The number of callers registered at the Agency for the year was 13,292 : of these, 11,854 were local and 1,438 foreign. The figures for last year totalled 16,364, being 13,354 local and 2,010 foreign. The removal from our Collins Street quarters to less pretentious offices in the Equitable Building, during our busy season, was not conducive to good business, especially in the matter of booking passengers to New Zealand. Naturally our takings and the number of visitors show a falling-off, but I am hopeful that when we go into the Union Steamship Company's new offices a decided all-round improvement will take place. I am sure that by our association with a powerful organization such as this a distinct advantage will be gained. There are ways in which I think we can combine and work together for mutual benefit. For instance, our interests being practically identical, we may be able to enter into an agreement whereby we can jointly advertise and thus secure better terms and results than would be the case if working independently. It has been gratifying to receive letters from those who have appreciated the booking facilities afforded. Others have called to express their appreciation personally. As time goes on it will be essential to increase the amount allowed this office for advertising, as the States of the Commonwealth are certainly attracting increased numbers to their respective resorts each season by extensive advertising. As you are aware, the Commonwealth States have been conducting a vigorous immigration policy during the year, and their efforts have made a marked difference in the number of immigrant callers to our offices. The arrangement whereby we could examine intending immigrants to New Zealand has given general satisfaction. Not only has the lot of the immigrant been made smooth, but many difficulties as far as ourselves and the shipping companies were concerned have been overcome. The illustrated and descriptive literature relating to the scenic wonders and the general resources of the Dominion sent me during the year has been broadcasted throughout the State of Victoria and, when occasion demanded, in the adjoining States and other countries. In order to get as much publicity as possible a variety of methods were adopted in its distribution. The services of Boyd's Messenger Service, a firm who keep a staff of boys for the purpose, were engaged to deliver publications to the principal homes in the important suburbs of Melbourne, and our own messenger was kept systematically at work supplying the steamers, reading-rooms, hotels, and other institutions. The appropriation made available this year for advertising was made the most of. Half the amount was spent upon an attractive advertisement in two popular theatres; slides of New Zealand scenery were shown covering a period of four months prior to the raising of the curtain and at the interval. The balance was devoted to an attractive and illustrated advertisement in the annual number of the Australian Dramatic and Musical News and to advertising our present address in the daily Press. A dozen New Zealand pictures were loaned to the Majestic Theatre when leaving our old quarters, as we had no room for them here. They are nicely displayed in their up-to-date lounge, and will serve a good purpose pending our removal to the new offices. Everything has been done to draw attention to trout-fishing in New Zealand, and to this end photographs depicting " good catches " have been given to the various angling clubs for display in their rooms. During the year I also sent out photographs to a number of the State schools, to be suitably framed and hung in prominent positions. I have endeavoured to popularize New Zealand as a good country for motorists, and this year several Melbourne men took their cars over. I was able to procure an excellent advertisement and a "write-up " in a souvenir specially prepared by the Automobile Club of Victoria, which was largely distributed at the Motor Exhibition held in Melbourne early in the year.

H.—2

15

Our Dominion Day reception on the 26th September was a pronounced success. Members of the Commonwealth and State Ministries, the Lord Mayor, foreign Consuls, and many prominent officials responded to the invitation, with the result that the occasion was given wide publicity in all the leading journals of the city. The visit of the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence and Finance, and the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, Minister of Customs and Marine, directed special attention to the affairs of New Zealand in this city, and no doubt the result of their respective missions will be a closer relationship between Australia and the Dominion. We have rendered service on behalf of a number of the State Departments in New Zealand, and when articles of importance to any particular Department have appeared in the Press clippings hare been cut out and sent on to them direct.

APPENDIX VI. REPORT OF NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY. The New Zealand Government Agent, Sydney (Mr. E. H. Montgomery), reports as follows : — I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the period ending 31st March, 1913. A gratifying feature of the year under review presents itself in the increased number of passengers carried out of the port of Sydney to the Dominion via Auckland and Wellington. The preceding year shows that 19,441 passengers were booked, whilst this year they amount to 21,957, a clear gain of 1,516. The figures warrant the assumption that the Agency proved an important factor in advertising New Zealand as a tourist and health resort. Systematic efforts were made to disseminate literature, packages being placed in all the principal hotels and intercolonial steamers. The stock of lantern-slides were also effectively requisitioned, and these lent material assistance to lecturers in describing New Zealand's wonderful scenic attractions. During the year quite a number of framed views were successfully placed in the leading hotels, shipping companies, and club-rooms, &c. Through the courtesy of several companies I was enabled to send packages of literature to all the Queensland ports, Adelaide, and Western Australia, and also to Java, in the Dutch East Indies. The daily number of callers in search of information has been steady and well maintained, and reached (approximately) 24,000 visitors during the year. The following is compiled from figures kindly supplied by the shipping companies trading to New Zealand: —Return of passengers carried: 1911-12 —Saloon, 10,538; steerage. 8,903: total, 19,441. 1912-13 —Saloon, 11,450; steerage, 10,507: total, 21,957. The following shows the passenger-bookings for the year under review and the preceding year: 1911—12, £2,387 14s. 6d.j 1912-13, £2,162 19s. General remarks : Whilst the passenger-bookings do not show any increase, it must be borne in mind that a vast amount of work was done in mapping out tours and helping tourists in the choice of trips. Large numbers made full use of the office and then elected to do their booking in the Dominion. I have also endeavoured to promote settlement in New Zealand, and have given assistance to prospective settlers. During the year I sent lantern-slides to Java and the East, where they were effectively used by Mr. Stuart, the representative of the Dutch Government in Australia. It is also interesting to note that the Ceylon Government is establishing a Tourist Bureau in Sydney, with a branch office in Western Australia. The prospects for the ensuing year are most promising, and the Auckland Exhibition will no doubt prove an additional attraction. Every effort was made to keep New Zealand well before the public, and I am confident of good results accruing. A feature of the business transacted has been the examination of foreigners under the Immigration Restriction Act. ■

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,750 copies), .£lO 10s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l3.

Price 6d.]