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A small quantity of acorns from Windsor Park were received from the Auckland Automobile Association some twelve months or so ago, and it is pleasing to report that the majority have germinated and are now ready for planting. These trees will be in commemoration of the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Round Trip.—The trip operated very satisfactorily and without any mishap, due attention having been given in the off-season to the maintenance of the various launches, wharves, tracks, &c. Some further improvement was effected in the comfort of launches by the construction of a permanent closed-in forward cockpit on launch " Manuwai " on Lake Rotomahana and by the erection of a permanent top on launch " Patiti " on Lake Tarawera. A fairly extensive scrub fire occurred in the neighbourhood of the Waimangu Tea-rooms during the dry summer period, but with the assistance of men supplied by the State Forest Department the Department was able to save the tea-rooms and other departmental structures from destruction. A fire-break 1 chain wide was subsequently made behind the tea kiosk for safety purposes. A quantity of plants were also planted in the grounds at Waimangu, which considerably improved the general appearance. Balneologist, Rotorua. The Balneologist reports that the sanatorium has had a daily average of 4044 patients throughout the year, and for some time past the Department has had a long list of patients awaiting admission. Extra accommodation has been provided by adapting open verandas into wards. There has also been a difficulty in arranging suitable staff quarters. Approximately 11,000 baths and 13,000 special treatments have been given to sanatorium patients, and the beneficial results from treatment have been very gratifying. The great number of helpless cases has made the nursing and porterage particularly heavy. The staff during the year carried out their duties in an efficient and conscientious manner. During the year the Balneologist visited spa centres, clinics, and hospitals in England, Europe, and the United States of America. In connection with his tour the Balneologist reports that he had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the leading balneologists in Europe and inspecting many of the more modern establishments dealing with hydro-therapy and physiotherapy treatments. Manager, Waitomo Caves and Hotel. The Manager reports that the year has been a record one as far as revenue is concerned, the figures being £17,183, as against £15,686 last year, an increase of £1,497. Visitors. —Approximately 23,000 people visited the caves and 9,500 stayed at the hotel. The weather was fine all through the main holidays, with the result that there was a steady stream of cars to the caves. Improvements, Buildings, &c. —During the year the hotel was painted and renovated both inside and out, with the result that all the buildings are now in first-class order. An additional six cubicles were built on to the men's quarters, and the additional private bathroom to the main building is nearly completed. The Chief Guide's cottage, which was in a very bad state of repair and riddled with borer, was pulled down and a new cottage erected. Manager, Lake House, Waikaremoana. The Manager reports that there has been a large increase in the number of visitors to this resort during the past year, making the season a record one from a point of revenue. The shortage of accommodation during the summer months has been acute, and the additional bedrooms and lounge which are nearing completion should prove a great asset. The additional staff quarters and staff dining-room erected early this season have been much appreciated by both staff and management. The camping-ground has been very well patronized, the huts being in great demand. The installation of a petrol-bowser at the camping-ground has fulfilled a much-needed want, and has been the subject of much favourable comment by visitors. The Caretaker, Morere Hot Springs. The Caretaker reports that the season just closed, apart from a break in the latter part due to the closing of the highway for some weeks by flood-damage, has been one of the best experienced. A certain amount of damage by flood was also caused to the main tracks, baths, and pipe-lines. The construction during the year of the children's paddling-pool has proved very popular. Further improvements during the last season were made in the addition of a drying-room, alterations to cottage, the erection of a rest room for invalids, and new entrance gates to the reserve. The Manager, Milford Track and Hotel. The Manager reports that the Milford Track has been well patronized during the past season. The total number of visitors registered is in excess of any year since the building of the Milford Hotel. The Union Steam Ship Co.'s intercolonial steamer " Maunganui " called at Milford Sound on five trips direct from Melbourne, disembarking over one hundred tourists, who commenced their tour of New Zealand via the Milford Track. The " Maunganui " also called on six outward trips from Bluff, disembarking and embarking a number of passengers. The Government steamer " Matai " brought a number of passengers for the track on her January trip from Bluff, also the motor-vessel " Ranui " has been very popular, bringing quite a number of passengers each trip she has made from the South. Three of His Majesty's ships —the " Achilles," " Leander," and " Leith " —called at Milford Sound during the season, H.M.S. " Leith " remaining four days. The cruise ship " Empress of Britain " hove to off St. Anne's Point on 9th April, but did not enter Milford Sound.

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