5

H.—2

inadequate in its resources for up-to-date treatment; and especially is this so for the better class of patient, who naturally objects to the lack of privacy in open wards and cubicles. From my statistics approximately 40,000 special treatments (exclusive of baths) were given during the year, and the massage stafE have shown excellent results in their work of maintaining and improving the general well-being of our patients. With the exception of general maintenance and the laying of a new pipe-line from Whakarewarewa, no new works have been carried out, but plans are in hand for the new " blue " swimming-pool, and others arc; being prepared in connection with rebuilding the old Pavilion bathhouses. These latter works, delayed by the war and post-war periods of financial stress, are now an urgent necessity, and 1 hope to have them well 011 the way of construction by the end of the present year. Apart from the above urgent works in connection with our establishment as an up-to-date spa, there is a crying necessity for better and more suitable accommodation for the invalid visitor to Eotorua. While the healthy tourist is adequately catered for in excellent hotels and boardinghouses, there is no place, apart from the Sanatorium, where the better-class invalid can be accommodated. This is, in the face of progressive scientific work, a serious drawback to Rotorua, and I would strongly urge that a modern hydro be built where invalids could get nursing, special diets, and separate rooms, when higher fees could be charged for such service. Since the beginning of the year a greater number of overseas visitors have come to our spa for treatment, indicating the growing importance of and knowledge of our springs abroad. In connection with my balneological work I should like to place on record the invaluable assistance which I have received from my staff, who, through unfailing attention to their duty, have so materially helped me to carry out the work in this spa. With the increasing numbers of oversea visitors —visitors who are conversant with European spas —I have had many opportunities of receiving their personal views regarding the restrictions and drawbacks of our own establishments, and I should like to state that the general consensus of opinion points to the fact that we do not realize or recognize the valuable natural assets of our thermal districts. Certainly we are singularly endowed in our own particular district, where unique mineral waters, unlimited fields for sport, and interesting surroundings make a total of attractions that could not be found anywhere else in the world.

Return of Receipts, Years 1923-24 and 1924-25.

Waitomo Caves. The cash returns for the hostel and caves amounted to the sum of £7,101 14s. JOd., which amount is £222 ss. lid. less than the previous year, the reduction in accommodation being £328 ; but cave fees and equipment show an increase of £55 and £34 respectively. The number of visitors for the year was 8,163, which is a record for this place and shows an increase of 763 over 1924. There was a large increase in the number of overseas visitors. During the year just ended our business was badly affected by the railway strike last April, when we practically lost the whole of the Easter business. The Public Works Department have a number of men engaged in the work of excavating for the site of the proposed additions, and should complete the work in four months' time. All buildings, paths, and fences have been maintained in good order, and the work of excavating the site of the proposed additions is now proceeding. It was found necessary to recast the plans of the proposed new building. These have been finally settled by the Government Architect, and the work will be proceeded with as soon as the excavations are completed. Te Aroha. Business at Te Aroha was practically the same as last year. Revenue was about £85 less than last year ; and total number of baths taken was 22,188, compared with 23,743 last year.

J 924-25. J Increase. j Decrease. 1923-24. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ e. d. £ s. d. Bath fees .. .. .. 2.728 3 3\ / 2,799 8 3 Treasury credits . . .. 24 7 6 j '' \ | 96 6 0 Games fees .. . . .. 786 11 5 . . 66 12 11 1 853 4 4 Out-patients' fees .. .. 556 10 0 17 17 0 . . 538 13 0 Sanatorium fees .. .. 5,148 19 3\ , 9 „ _ f 4,649 4 8 Treasury credits .. .. 1 15 Of ' \ 77 10 0 Massage ' .. .. .. 1..832 6 0 133 18 6 .. 1,698 7 6 Te Aroha water . . .. j 202 9 7 .. 17 4 6 219 J 4 J Rachel water .. .. .. 032 032 Miscellaneous .. .. .. [ 936 936 Totals .. .. 11,290 8 8 8 585 ] 9 227 0 11 10,932 7 10 i i i j Net increase, £358 0s. J Id.