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fruits; —these and other subjects of study and experiment would all come within the sphere of usefulness of a well-regulated horticultural experimental station. Another matter which has come under my notice is the want of typical collections of the different varieties of fruit grown in the colony, modelled and coloured to nature, in order to enable the fruit-growers to arrive at some correct system of nomenclature. In conclusion, I may say the recognition of horticultural interests by the Government has already created considerable interest, as manifested by the number of visitors bent on inquiry, and the letters seeking information that are coming in ; and it not only has the effect of assuring the fruit-growers of the appreciation of their wants as a class by our public men, but also of securing to them many beneficial results in the near future. L. Hanlon, Pomologist.

APPENDIX No. 6.

EOTOEUA SANATOEIUM. Eepoet op the Oveeseee op Woeks. The grounds of the sanatorium reserve have been further improved by the extension of the clearing, the formation of new paths, the planting of about five hundred young trees, the sowing in grass of about 10 acres of ground (which, however, I must say was not very successful), the construction of two arbors, and other small works calculated to beautify the grounds and improve th"c appearance of the place. The bath-accommodation has been improved by the erection of a shed over the " Pain-killer " Bath, the transformation of some of the private Priest Baths into two rooms on each side (ladies and gentlemen) for packs, also the erection (now going on) of six more dressing-rooms and a douche room on the gentlemen's side of Priest Bath, besides other small alterations and works calculated to improve the accommodation of bathers. The baths have been very well patronised during the past twelve months, the total number taken being 17,521, and the cash received £277 135., thus showing an increase of 6,923 baths, and £50 11s. in cash, over the previous year. The number of hospital patients' baths was 5,112, which (at twenty-five baths for 10s.) represent another £25 14s. 9d. This maybe considered as very satisfactory, as there was no special reason for such marked increase. The special tourists' train running during the summer months has certainly contributed towards the increase ; but the excessive weariness of the journey (135 miles by train and thirty-six miles by coach in one day) is such that no invalid cares to undertake except under absolute necessity. We must therefore look to the great reputation which this place is slowly but surely earning for itself as the great sanatorium of the Australian Colonies as the real cause of this increased patronage ; and when the railway is completed to Eotorua we may fairly look to an increase of ten times the number of baths, for which preparation should be made in good time; but I feel somewhat reluctant in recommending small detached works here and there, as I should like to see a well-devised and matured plan adopted whereby the whole could eventually be concentrated into one large model therapeutic thermal establishment, furnished with all modern appliances, which should be a credit to and the pride of the colony, and form one of its greatest attractions and a source of direct and indirect revenue. Having, however, already written two reports on this subject, I can only again urge the matter for the serious consideration of the Government, hoping that they may see their way clear to undertake it at an early date. If, however, there is no prospect of the general scheme above referred to being undertaken at an early date, the reconstruction of the sulphur-vapour bath and improvement to the galvanic bath will be necessary before next season. I forward estimates of works recommended for execution. The number of visitors registered at the hotels, boarding- and lodging-houses, &c, during the year is 2,885, or an increase of 295 on the previous year's return. This number is, however, only approximately correct, as several houses keep no records. Many of those visiting the place make but a very short stay, but, on the other hand, we have some who come regularly every year, and stay from two to four months in the place, and, if we could only afford to provide some kind of sociable entertainment -and amusement, there is no doubt that the stay of visitors would be greatly increased, as town people feel the time very tedious after they have once visited the different sights of the district. The cost of boarding and lodging naturally varies very much in the different houses, being from £3 10s. to £2 2s. per week in hotels, from £2 2s. to £1 ss. in boarding-houses, and a few cottages (two to four rooms) can be rented at from 7s. to 10s. per week; to any one thus living in cottages or tents the actual cost of living would be from 10s. to 15s. per week. As to the baths, they are much cheaper than the same class of baths in any part of Europe, being as follow: Sulphur-vapour, packs, and galvanic baths, Is. each; ordinary immersion bath, with hot douche and cold shower, 6d. each; or course of twenty-five baths, 10s. :in all cases towels and linen are included. Be waterworks : Everything is in good working-order ; but, as there is a continual increase in the demand for water, I think it would be advisable to construct a good-sized concrete catch-pit, at a cost of about £60, at the head of the pipes, as at present, owing to the small capacity of the tank, it is almost impossible to keep the silt and floating dirt from finding its way into the pipe. The number of fountains, baths, houses, &c, now being supplied is forty-three. With regard to volcanoes, springs, &c, there have been no important changes or disturbances during the past year. Ngawhas have spurted up for a few minutes here and there, and then re-

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