H, 2.

The track to the summit has been well maintained and a large number of visitors have climbed the mountain. The height of the mountain is 3,126 ft. above sea-level, and on a clear clay there is a splendid view from the summit. The upper reaches of the Waihou River have yielded some good catches of Rainbow trout. Wild duck were not so plentiful as last year, but a few good bags were made on private lagoons at the commencement of the season. Godwit, curlew, and dottrel were plentiful on the Thames Coast, Waihi Beach, and Tauranga Harbour. The Te Aroha Municipal Band rendered a number of programmes in the Domain during the year, which were much appreciated by visitors and residents. The X-ray apparatus was used frequently, sixty-seven patients having been X-rayed. The total rainfall for the year was 45-33 in., rain being recorded on 175 days. Daily records were kept and forwarded to the Meteorological Department. General maintenance-work was carried out during the year, and a bore for hot mineral water was put down in November, and the result obtained was very satisfactory, all baths now being kept at a suitable temperature. District Manager, Rotobua. The District Manager reports an increase of 12 per cent, in the revenue collected during the year as compared with the previous year, the total sum reaching £55,596, which constitutes a record. All sections of the departmental activities at Rotorua showed an increase, and the continued popularity of the baths and playing areas was reflected in the very satisfactory increase in the revenue collected from these sources. The receipts from the round trip again showed a substantial increase, and the returns would probably have been much better had it not been for the inclement weather conditions during the peak holiday periods. The increase in the amount received from hire of boats reflects the great popularity of Lake Tarawera during the fishing season. The returns from the sanatorium showed a considerable improvement, and the District Manager wishes to place on record the valuable service rendered by Dr. A. T. M. Blair, who acted as Government Balneologist during the absence of Dr. J. D. G. Duncan during his tour of inspection of European spas, which was arranged for the purpose of enabling Dr. Duncan to report on the most up-to-date methods available in connection with therapeutic treatment and the facilities available at the leading spas in that territory. The passenger-booking branch of the Department's activities at Rotorua continues to provide a very useful and essential service to overseas visitors and the travelling public generally, and during the year special arrangements were made by the branch to enable cruise visitors to view the thermal sights and enjoy the Maori entertainments. During the year the reduced working-hours per week were applied to all sections of the Department at Rotorua, and the District Manager states that he is pleased to report that the principle is working satisfactorily. The various buildings, fittings, and equipment in the various sections have been well maintained. On account of the age and condition of certain buildings, and peculiar atmospheric conditions in and around the buildings and areas administered by the Department, this work is of considerable magnitude. Minor improvements are being effected and the working conditions improved from time to time, and some time has been occupied by the staff -in the construction and alteration of the various buildings, workshops, fittings, and plant. No major building operations have been undertaken. Certain alterations were made to the old works office to provide additional office accommodation for the Internal Affairs Department. An addition was also made to the painters' workshop, and the conditions under which this staff are now working have been considerably improved. In regard to the painting section, maintenancework has been considerably facilitated by the acquisition of a spray-gun equipment. For certain classes of work this plant has proved of considerable assistance, and maintenance-work on certain buildings, which has been necessary for some considerable time, has now been carried out by the use of this equipment. There is still an amount of arrears of maintenance-work to make up, but this is being carried out as methodically and expeditiously as opportunity and time permit. Certain minor alterations have also been made to the carpenters' shop to permit of the installation of certain woodwork machinery taken over from the Public Works Department. These machines also are proving of considerable benefit in facilitating the work in this section. Electrical. —The most important new works undertaken during the year under review were the extension of the supply to Central Road, Ngongotaha, and to the Rotoiti area. The Central Road extension entailed the construction of two and a quarter miles of 6,600 volt lines and the necessary low-tension lines and transformers. The main purpose of this extension was to give supply to the farming community in that area. In the Rotoiti area two miles of 6,600 volt lines have been erected, together with half a mile of low-tension line and transformers. Progress on this particular extension has been slow. This was unavoidable, due mainly to the difficulty experienced in obtaining delivery of the required poles. Satisfactory progress has been made in the change-over from 110 volt to 230 volt supply, and during the year 370 consumers have been changed over, the total number to date being 529. It was found necessary to employ extra staff to deal with the applications continually being received from new residents in the town, or on account of shifting of consumers who have had their appliances changed to the higher voltage. In conjunction with the change-over a good deal of line construction work has been required to give supply at 230 volt and to meet the requirements of new consumers.

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