H.—2

6

List of Climbs on Southern Alps, Season 1915-16 — continued.

Te Anau - Milford Track. No fresh, work was undertaken on this track, which was, however, maintained in good condition, and a large number of culverts, &c, renewed. The revenue has been £188, compared, with £587 for last year. It is difficult to understand the reason for the falling-off on this track. The walk has been widely advertised in Australia and pushed by our Agents. The necessity of an improvement in the road and service from Lumsden has been frequently commented on by visitors. Agencies and Passenger Bookings. This branch of the Department's activities shows returns practically equal to last year, indicative of the continued popularity of the Department's convenient booking scheme. The total value of tours booked was £35,1.76, against £35,847 for the previous year. The revenue derived from commission was £1,895. Oversea Agencies. The. total passenger bookings at Sydney amounted to £2,053, and at Melbourne £2,408. The commissions were £86 at Sydney and £98 at, Melbourne. The Department's honorary Agencies at Adelaide and Brisbane were largely availed of for the distribution of advertising matter. Good work has also been done by the honorary Agent at Vancouver, who, besides distributing information to inquirers, has been active in placing suitable literature on outgoing boats from Vancouver. Short reports are attached from the Melbourne and Sydney Agents. The expenditure at Sydney and Melbourne has been as under :— Sydney Melbourne. £ £ Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 250 300 Salaries (including extra clerical assistance) .. .. ..319 475 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. ..118 146 Advertising. Every opportunity has been taken to judiciously advertise the scenic attractions of New Zealand and, as indicated in last year's report, the Department co-operated with the Railway Department in advertising in Australia. The services of our Melbourne and Sydney Agencies were utilized for this purpose, and the influx of Australian visitors must in part be attributed to this cause and the strenuous work of our representatives, Messrs. Manson and Blew. The Department prepared and distributed attractive posters depicting the alpine region and the southern lakes. These have been distributed and displayed, at railway-stations and in prominent places both in Australia and New Zealand, and further development in this direction is intended. A complete set of films of the alpine region has been, secured by the photographer of the Department of Agriculture, and it is intended to have these extensively displayed in Australia as well as in New Zealand through the medium of picture companies. No new publications were issued during the year, the stock on hand having met all requirements. Portion of the Department's exhibits at the San Francisco Exhibition have been sent to an. exhibition now being hold at San Diego (California). The cinematograph film which was displayed at the former Exhibition is now being shown, throughout America under an arrangement made by Mr. E. Clifton, New Zealand Commissioner, and a set has also been sent to Australia for display there.

Date. Name of Peaks. Height, in Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks. 1916. ?eb. 27 Mount Sealy About. 8,631 Mr. H. Radcliffc, Mr. A. MoFariane, Mr. L. Mueli Mr. S.Turner, F.R.G.S. Mr. H. Radcliffc J Murrell W. face. „ 29 ilar. 7 8 Footstool Aiguilles Range Mount Malte Brun 9,073 9,731 10,421 F. Milne .. P. Graham From Sefton bivouao. Ascent by rock N. face. Traverse ; ascent W. arite, descent N.W. faoe. Traverse; ascent N. face, dosoont W. face. Ascent and dcsoent W. faoe. 9 Mount Sealy .... 8,631 Prof. Easterfield ,, 10 Unnamed peak on Sealy Range, first rock peak W. of Mount Sealy Ditto 8,250 Prof. Easterfield, Miss Theomin, Mrs. P. Graham Mr. S. Taylor, Mr. J. McDonald, Mr. M. Dunn Mrs. Sloman „ 10 8,250 R. Young „ 14 Mount Lloyd—-second peak S. of Mount Sealy on the Ben Ohau Range Mount Sealy 7,850 C. Kain . . Ascent by B. arite. First asoent. Vpril 2 8,031 M r. Bevaii Brown J. Lippe . . Ascont by W. face.