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During the year twenty-seven mercury vapour street-light fittings were erected in the business area of the town, and have considerably improved the standard of lighting. The installation has been favourably commented on and, whereas the old method of lighting was the cause of a good deal of criticism, the high illumination from the new system is freely acknowledged. The remainder of the street-lighting system has been extended and maintained as required. Water-supply.—Sixty-seven new connections were made to the water-supply, necessitating the laying in various streets for this purpose of 1,400 ft. of |in., 70ft. of Jin., and 1,600 ft. of 1 in. piping. In connection with the Ohinemutu drainage system controlled by the Rotorua Borough Council, as indicated in my last year's report it was necessary for the purpose of giving supply to this system to lay 1,850 ft. of 3 in. cast-iron main. By arrangement all conveniences in the Native Village were connected to the new mains, necessitating laying of I,looft. of lin., 160 ft. of liin., 200 ft. of fin. and 100 ft. of Jin. G.W.I, pipe. For the purpose of giving an improved supply, especially for fire-fighting purposes, in the James and Pretoria Streets areas, 2,000 ft. of 4 in. cast-iron mains were laid in place of the existing 1 in. supply. Also to improve the supply to the area adjacent to the Cottage Motor Camp at Ohinemutu, an additional 700 ft. of 1 in. piping was laid, resulting in a very considerable improvement. Drainage. —Eight new consumers were connected to the system during the year. The condition of the gravitation main from Pukuatua Street to the septic tanks necessitated the renewal of 2,050 ft. of 12 in. cast-iron Stanton spun pipe. In accordance with arrangements entered into with the Rotorua Borough Council in regard to the use of portion of our mains in connection with the Ohinemutu drainage system, portion of the cost of this work was paid by the Council. Sanatorium Grounds. —The gardens have been maintained in first-class order and the usual standard maintained in regard to the floral display. The gardens are a very popular rendezvous for all visitors to Rotorua, and eulogistic remarks are made from time to time on the lay-out and wonderful display of flowers. The Rachel Spring and Malfroy Geysers are a continual source of interest. The appearance and general effect have been considerably improved as a result of the flood-lighting. It is hoped that before next season the general lighting effects in the gardens will also be considerably improved as a result of the installation of a new ornamental lighting system. This material is now on order, and the work will be put in hand as early as possible. The playing-areas have received the usual seasonal attention and have been kept in excellent playing order, many favourable comments being made by the clubs operating on the respective areas in regard to their condition. All paths, drives, hedges, &c., have received the usual attention and have been well maintained. Throughout the summer season a regular supply of flowers was forwarded to Waikaremoana Hostel, together with plants and flowers as required to the Chateau Tongariro. Reserves.—The various reserves under the control of the Department have been well attended to, and all boundary fences and paths overhauled and are now in reasonably good order. The carved houses, gateways, &c., at the Model Pa were painted prior to the tourist season, and the reserve in all other respects received attention. This area is used for reception purposes to the large tourist parties from the cruise ships and provides an excellent setting. The pa is a source of continual interest to visitors. Round Trip.—The trip has operated very satisfactorily and smoothly throughout the year. Additional comfort was provided in the launches used primarily for round-trip purposes by the construction of a glassed-in saloon on the launch " Manuwai" on Lake Rotomahana, while, in so far as the staff is concerned, an improvement on the " Rangitihi " on Lake Tarawera by the building-in of a pilothouse has been a boon. A new rowing-boat and outboard engine were purchased during the year to meet fishermen's demands. The various boats were completely overhauled, and no difficulty was experienced as a result of the Marine Surveyor's inspection and the issuing of certificates for the current season. Balneologist, Rotoeua. The Acting Balneologist reports that the receipts for the past year have shown a considerable increase, chiefly owing to the fact that the numbers of patients in the sanatorium remained at a high level during the winter months. As many of the patients who receive treatment during this period are farmers, who are able to leave their farms only in the winter, this increase is no doubt due to their better financial position this year as compared with the past few years. The massage staff have carried out their work most efficiently during the year. In spite of changes in the hours of duty of the sanatorium staff and bath-attendants, necessitating the employment of an increased number of temporary attendants, the work has been carried on satisfactorily. The Ward and Blue Baths were closed to children of school-age during the Christmas holidays, as there was reason to believe that their crowding together would favour the spread of infantile paralysis' Though this must have caused a considerable loss, the baths fees for this year have shown a marked increase. Manager, Waitomo Caves and Hotel, The Manager reports that the year under review was a record so far as revenue was concerned, an increase of 16 per cent, being recorded. Caves and Hotel. —Approximately nineteen thousand people visited the caves and nine thousand visitors were accommodated at the Hotel. A larger number of travellers would have visited the hotel had it not been for the inclement weather during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods.
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