H.—2

Caretaker, Morere Hot Springs. " In common with most other districts, the abnormally adverse weather affected the normal attractions for bathing, but the final quarter showed an increase over the previous year's same period. The new bath has proved very popular indeed, and, though its attraction is seasonal, the other baths will meet winter requirements of visitors." Manager, Milford Hotel, Milford Sound. " There has been a decided improvement in the number of visitors, including over fifty by steamer and as many more by the Grave-Talbot Pass, and more visitors have remained for an extended period than previously. " We were honoured by two viceregal visits, Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway and their family paying a visit in November, travelling on the Track as far as the Quintin Hut. Lady Galway and a party of three returned in March, and did the return trip from Glade House. " The ' Monowai ' paid two visits, one direct from Sydney in January and a tourist cruise in February from Wellington. On the latter visit, 370 tourists landed for the day. The ' Marama ' called at Milford on twelve occasions, and the ' Wanganella ' once. Visits were also paid by H.M.S. ' Wellington ' and the American yacht ' Igdrasil.' " It is now possible to motor to the Homer Hut via the Eglinton Road, which will make the GraveTalbot route more popular if guides are made available during the season. " Good progress is being made with the new road to the tunnel from Milford Sound. Eighty men will continue working on this side during the winter, necessitating a regular boat service from Bluff —the first winter that Milford will have sea communication. In previous years we have been isolated for sixteen weeks. " The Milford Track has been maintained in good order and no delays have occurred. Good service was given by the hut-keepers and track hands, which was much appreciated by visitors. " The removal of the office to the Te Anau Hotel resulted in better service being rendered visitors who arrived without itineraries, enabling them to book tours and to secure accommodation and information. " The new launch ' Donald Sutherland ' arrived in February, and this fine vessel has been much appreciated by all visitors." Manager, Chateau Tongariro. " The year has been a good one, returns showing an excellent increase. " The heating and hot-water systems have been greatly improved, and renovations to the main building will, it is hoped, be put in hand immediately after the winter. New staff quarters are in course of construction and will be most comfortable. " The golf course has been considerably improved, and the first tournament held here proved very popular. " On the side-trips and walks, new signposting has been done and the tracks kept in good order, special attention being paid to Ruapehu and the Ketetahi Springs. " The roads to the Chateau, both from the south and the north, are being gradually improved, and I am sure, seeing that so many patrons are car-owners, that this will result in increased bookings. " Mountain climbing, particularly on Ruapehu, has been more popular, and Chief Guide Risberg has made over sixty ascents with parties."

APPENDIX B. List of High Ascents at Franz Josef Glacier, Season 1935-36.

10

Date. Party and Guide. Name o£ Peak. Height. J Route and Remarks. 1936. Ft. Jan. 4 G. Clark and B. Thompson; Mount Torres .. 10,300 By western arête. Guide, J. Cox Jan. 5 G. Clark and B. Thompson; Mount Haast .. 10,100 From Engineer Col. Guide, J. Cox Jan. 6 A. Rae, G. Clark, and B. Mount Lenden- 10,300 From Engineer Col. Thompson ; Guide, J. Cox feldt Jan. 11 Mrs. E. Theomin; Guides, The Minarets .. 10,058 From Rudolf Glacier. J. Durnford and J. Fluerty Jan. 11 Mrs. E. Theomin; Guides, Mount Be la Beche 10,058 From Rudolf Glacier. J. Durnford and J. Fluerty Jan. 13 Mrs. E. Theomin; Guides, Mount Halcombe 8,700 From Aimer Glacier via Northern face. J. Fluerty and J. Durnford Jan. 10 Mrs. E. Theomin; Guides, St. Mildred Peak 8,000 J. Durnford and J. Fluerty Feb. 26 Miss M. Edgar Jones ; Guides, Mounts McFettrick, C. Parfitt and J. Cox Downe, and Cole (first ascents) Jan. 26 Mr. Cundell; Guide, J. Cox .. Mounts Moltke, Lemmer, Geoffrey Peak, Ebenezer Peak, and Alex Knob (first traverse)