H.—2

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Bath-buildings and Drinking-springs. —The necessary work in connection with the maintenance of these buildings, &c., has been carried out, and the working of these institutions has been quite satisfactory. The water-supply (both hot and 'cold) has not given any trouble. Gardens and Playing-areas.—These have been kept in good order, and the display of flowers during the season has been very fine. The playing-areas have been kept up to their usual excellent standard. A new croquet-lawn has been made, and the players have now sufficient room for present requirements. The garden staff have been very busy during the twelve months. Night Bowling.—The night bowling was nearly a month later in commencing as compared with last year, but the return was a little better : 948 bowls tickets were sold, value £46 165., and the cost of lighting the green from the Ist January, 1925, to the 23rd March, 1925, was £10 12s. 7d. The Te Aroha Bowling Club have made alterations to the lighting system, and no trouble was experienced during the season. Whether it will continue to be satisfactory remains to be seen, as it has not as yet been tested by a strong gale. Massage Department. —The electrical apparatus required for this Department has been installed, and 452 treatments, value £113, were given during the year. Advertising. —Te Aroha has been fairly well advertised during the year. Arrangements were made by the Department to advertise the Domain, &c., per the medium of the date-marking machine in the Te Aroha Post-office. The local Chamber of Commerce have had lantern-slides made of the best views in Te Aroha, and these have been shown in one of the picture-theatres in Auckland. The Government photographers (two) visited Te Aroha and photographed all the places of interest; a film was also taken of the Domain, river, and other subjects, and will be shown in the picture-theatres of New Zealand. Landslip, 26tli May, 1924. —As a result of forty-eight hours' heavy rain and strong gales a slip took place on Bald Spur, and the debris was carried across a portion of the Domain and right out to the main street. Steps were promptly taken to remove the mud, rocks, branches and trunks of trees. The cost of removing the debris and repairing the damage done to asphalt footpaths, drains, seats, fences, ponds, lawns, and the path up Bald Spur was £323 9s. 3d. The place where the slip occurred has been planted with willows, some four thousand cuttings having been put in. These have made good growth, and should help to bind together the loose soil on the hillside. Waikaremoana. The receipts have shown a big increase all round, and again proved the popularity of this resort. As in all previous years, the urgent need of more accommodation was badly felt; but, as operations are now being commenced on the proposed additions, this difficulty will be eliminated in future. The launch and boats were again well patronized, while the discovery of the missing boat at Waikare-iti, and the addition of an extra one, greatly enhanced the pleasure of visitors. The road to the hostel from the outlet was in a bad state during most of the year and militated against the traffic of private cars. Arrangements were made with the Public Works Department to put on some extra labour, with the result that a great improvement has taken place, and there is now no difficulty in private owners driving their cars right to the hostel door. Te Anau - Milfoed Track. This track was at the start of the season placed under the control of Mr. L. M. Cheriton, formerly chief guide at Waitonio Caves, and Mr. P. E. Challis's long connection with the Department ceased. This season, taking all things into consideration, has been very satisfactory. The new wharf erected at the head of the lake has proved a great help in the landing of stores and passengers. The track from the wharf to Glade House has been maintained in good order. The work throughout the season has been efficiently carried out by the staff at Glade House, the hut-keepers, and track hands. Although good work has been done on the track itself, much has been left at a standstill owing to the fact that trackmen and horses have been engaged packing stores over the pass to Quinton and Sandfly Huts, due to the late arrival at Milford Sound of the Government steamer " Tutanekai." Five new bridges have been erected between Glade House and Pompolona Huts, and one between Sandfly Huts and boatshed, the last-named taking a good length of time, as the required stringers (50 ft.) were hard, to locate. The track itself has been chipped and cleared of overhanging grass, &c., from Sandfly Huts to Arthur Kiver crossing ; Arthur Kiver crossing to Quinton Huts ; Quinton Huts to Mintaro Hut; and from Pompolona Huts to Glade House. A great amount of filling has been done on the pass, but this work has been practically ruined by frequent crossing of packhorses. Drains and culverts have also received much needed attention. The telephone-line over the track has been kept in splendid order and condition. It has not been unworkable for more than one hour at a stretch throughout the whole season. This has proved a great help in successful working of track generally. The old house at Sutherland's has been demolished, and some of the timber from same has been used for the erection of boat-shed at Sandfly Hut. The boat-shed will be ready for the launch at the end of the season. The bush, noxious weeds, &c., have been cleared away from Glade House, thus lessening to a very great extent the fly pest. The drainage has been carried into the river, this in itself making the sanitary conditions around the house much more satisfactory. Bonzol lavatory pans have also been installed throughout. Throughout the season there have been numbers of visitors staying at Glade House, and according to inquiries made we may expect many more next season, thus proving that the track is gaining popularity. With the Dunedin Exhibition in sight the coming season should prove a record one.