H.—2

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Whakarewarewa Model Pa. The model pa which is being built at Whakarewarewa has been pushed on a further stage. The whole of the palisading is now completed, and some of the interior structures are in hand. Great care has been taken, in proceeding with this work, to consult, down to the minutest details, all possible authorities in the forms of monographs, and the memories of the older Natives of the district. In deciding on a suitable design difficulty was experienced in avoiding European influences. This applied more particularly to those features of pa-building which were introduced (through the use of rifles) during the wars of 1845 and later, and which are obviously not truly characteristic of the Maori. Every attempt, however, has been made to keep the detail as true to original Maori custom as possible. I have again to acknowdedge the very loyal and energetic assistance received from each of the responsible members of the staff, without which it would be impossible to satisfactorily carry out the various works outlined above. Yours, &c, Lawrence Birks, B.Sc, A.M.1.C.E., Engineer in Charge. The General Manager, Tourist Department, Wellington.

APPENDIX IV. REPORT OF RESIDENT OFFICER, TOWN OF ROTORUA. Sir, — Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, Rotorua, 23rd June, 1908. I have the honour to report on the municipal administration of the Town of Rotorua for the year ending March, 1908, as follows : — The most important addition to the scope of my duties as an officer of the Department during the year was my appointment as Resident Officer under " The Rotorua Town Act, 1907.' ; On the Ist September, 1907, I took over under your directions the control of the Town of Rotorua from the late Town Council, of which body I had been Chairman by Government appointment since March, 1907. The electric light and water-supply works were from their installation controlled by the Department, and the expert staff employed in connection with these works made it possible for the Department to take over the remaining works in connection with the town administration, and carry on the complete management of the town in a more economical manner than had been the case in the past under divided control. The revenue ol the town for the past eight years has been as follows : — £ £ 1901 ... ... ... 1,164 1905 ... ... ... 4,107 1902 ... ... ... 2,236 1906 ... ... ... 3,963 1903 .. ... ... 3,975 1907 ... ... ... 5,150 1904 ... ... ... 4,447 The increase in revenue for the last year over the previous year is chiefly due to outstanding nightsoil fees, which were in arrears at the time the Department assumed control of the town, and the receipt of a heavy instalment of fees due to the town account from the Treasury on the last day of the year. The expenditure for the year has been heavier than usual, owing to the amount expended in road and street construction ; expenditure on work of this description will be reduced for the current year. The revenue for the current year is estimated at £4,300, and this amount will be sufficient to carry out the necessary works and administration of the town; but it will be necessary, in my opinion, to gpend the whole of the sum available on such permanent improvements as are calculated to reduce the cost of cleaning and maintenance of roads and streets in future. The receipts and expenditure for the year have been as follows: — Receipts. £ Expenditure. £ Crown rents .. .. .. .. 2,277 Works .. .. .. .. 4,240 Bath fees .. .. .. .. 1,294 Nightsoil .. .. .. ..485 Nightsoil fees .. .. .. .. 950 Fire-prevention .. .. .. 154 Publicans'licenses .. .. .. 182 Isolation Hospital .. .. .. 92 General licenses .. .. .. 189 Licensing expenses .. .. .. 22 Library fees .. .. .. .. 81 Library .. .. .. .. 110 Pound fees .. .. .. .. 50 Pound .. .. .. .. 24 Dog-registration .. .. .. 34 Charitable aid .. .. .. .. 6 Sundries .. .. .. .. 93 Insurance .. .. .. .. 23 Salaries .. .. .. ..337 Offioe expenses .. .. .. 157 Sundries .. .. .. ..183 £5,150 £5,833