H.—2.

London Representative. Mr. G. D. Lishman, who was appointed about nine months ago to directly represent the Department in the High Commissioner's Office, reports as follows : , m i ■ " From July 1934 to March, 1935, some £5,000 worth of credit-notes were issued. This represents a small proportion only of the number of bookings effected, as a large number of tourists make their financial arrangements through their banks and complete their arrangements on arrival. As the services offered by the Department become better known it is probable that more use will be made by individual tourists and travel agencies of the credit-note system " Duties in the office do not permit me to move about outside as fully as could be desired, but 1 have established personal contact with all shipping companies interested in New Zealand, and all mam travel agencies in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Periodically, as time permits, I renew the contact made, personally when possible, but m any case by correspondence. Mv visits to agents have all been well received and should result in business. Literature-supplies have been placed on a systematic basis, and in many cases arrangements for window_ displays were made. This contacting of agencies is important, and I will extend activities in this direction whenever possible until we have a link-up with agencies in all cities and towns throughout. Although my activities are largely concerned with obtaining business for the Department, I make a point of assisting Cooks tQ bg h(jld Melbolirne during September has already attracted 300 bookings Unfortunately, shipping arrangements preclude a longer stay m New Zealand en route than one and a half days. My suggestion for a visit to Rotorua by special tram and an inspection ot the treatment baths, &c., was accepted, and the travel agency organizing the party advises that upwards of two hundred people will take advantage of the opportunity to visit Rotorua. A visit of this nature should result in excellent publicity for Rotorua as a spa. _ Had not the suggestion been made by New Zealand House, Rotorua would not have been included in the world itinerary. _ " I am investigating the possibility of developing organized parties of tourists for tours to Wew Zealand There are a number of difficulties to be overcome, but I hope by next season to make a commencement A development of this nature is dependent on the approval and co-operation ot the shipping companies concerned, and if this can be secured another avenue of business will be opened up." Caretaker, Little Barrier Bird Sanctuary. " Durino' October November, December, and January the weather was extremely hot and dry and the whole sanctuary presented a parched appearance, particularly during January, when the undergrowth in the forest wilted considerably, and with the atmosphere thick with smoke. This state of things gave us cause for much anxiety, more particularly as the water m the streams had -p ebmary wag , we l CO me indeed and has done immense good, and the subsequent heavv downpours have put a different complexion on the whole sanctuary. _ " Some miles of tracks have been reopened during the year, and these are being maintained m good condition Clearing watercourses and removing noxious weeds are receiving attention. " The coast-lines as far as possible are frequently traversed. A total of 250 rats have been trapped during the year. These rodents destroy a lot of food, grapes, &c., which deprives the birds using it Wild cats are much less in evidence. They have been severely dealt with. '< The past season has been good for the birds nesting. There is ample evidence that all forms of bird-life on the sanctuary are increasing. This is particularly noticeable with the bell-birds tuis, rno-pou and the shags. At the present time we are being besieged with bell-birds and tuis at the house. These'we feed with porridge, milk, and sugar. It is no uncommon sight to count up to eighty pigeons on the boulder-banks in one or two flocks, but this is not the case during the period of nesting Penguins and kiwis are here, and some nights they are very noisy. I have noted we do not hear or see the kakas regularly. They have been seen often, whilst the pohutukawa was in bloom, licking the nectar. I sometimes think they cross to the mainland. I have seen them fly out to sea until out of sight. The rifleman has been much m evidence close by this season. The paraqueets are nearly always nearby, and stitch-birds I usually see when on excursions m the bush, which I have done much of this year." Tourist Agent, Te Aroha. " Bath-buildinqs, Drinking-fountains, &c.—The bath-buildings, drinking-fountains, pumps, &c., have been kept in good order, and the mineral-water supply has not given any trouble during the year Fifty-one cans of mineral water were sent to Rotorua, as compared with fifty-four cans for the pi ay i n g„ area s.—[The gardens have been kept in excellent order during the year. The drought during the summer made it difficult to keep up the usual good display of flowers but the abundant rainfall in February and March has improved the lawns and flower-beds, and the whole " The playing-areas have been well patronized, and the ground's staff have had a very busy year. " Library and Reading-room.—The revenue from this source has increased considerably. Ihe new books purchased in June are responsible for this increase. The reading-room is always well patronized, the newspapers from the various towns of New Zealand being the attraction.

2—H. 2.

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