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The available staff has not only been engaged in work carried out on buildings in the Rotorua area, but has also undertaken work in connection; with the Department's hotels in the North Island, such as plumbing, painting,! and carpentering for minor repairs. (6) W mmmiffu Round Trip.—During the war years this section received a severe setback for various reasons, and owing to lack of staff the service and standard set in pre-war years deteriorated. Great credit is reflected on the curtailed staff, who have carried on under very trying conditions. The successful operation of this side-trip during the year is gratifying and proves that the Waimangu Round Trip remains one of the most comprehensive and interesting tours of the Rotorua district, deserving of continued ; maintenance. Much work remains to be done to bring this section back to a satisfactory condition, but the more pressing work has been carried out. The phenomenal rise in the level of Lake Rotomahana, some 3 ft. over the year, created many difficulties and necessitated the reconstruction of the landing jetties, at both ends of the lake. The Waimangu-Rotomahana Track was repaired for the full length,, and some new track cut at the lake end; bridges were repaired and, where necessary, new ones built. The Rotomahana slipway was extended 40 yards ; to cope with the sudden rise in the lake level. A new engine was fitted to the small launch " Mororo" on Lake Tarawera, which has considerably improved its usefulness. This launch was, the oldest on the lake and had been regarded as almost ready for writing off. All boats were hauled out for inspection and overhaul. The " Mororo "" and " Rangatihi " on Lake Tarawera were completely repainted, and the £ ' Manuwai "on Lake Rotomahana partly painted. The launch " Patiti " has been discarded. The row-boats and outboard motors have been overhauled and, where necessary, repaired, but further work is beyond the capabilities-' of the present staff. Replacement of existing launches by new and up-to-date craft is at present under attention. (7) Wharves and Beacons.—The main Rotorua "Wharf is out of repair and will soon require major renovation or entire replacement. The Department is vitally interested from a tourist and scenic point of view in these wharves, beacons, and jetties, but it is understood that steps will presently be taken to arrange for general control, perhaps by the Marine Department, of theseand other installations of a like nature on inland and enclosed waters throughout New Zealand. (c) Qu&emtown, (1) Domain.—The recreation reserve at Queenstown has been maintained in excellent condition, and all playing areas within this domain have been well patronized by visitors and residents. Winter conditions again were mild, and growth on playing greens accordingly was good. Both bowling-greens were " plugged," top-dressed, resown, and levelled for accuracy. They have responded to the treatment given in 1944 for the elimination of moss, and the nuisance has now almost disappeared. Estimates have been obtained with a view to laying down a new green, which is needed, and which, moreover, will give flexibility in the upkeep of all greens. The croquet-lawn was top-dressed, resown with seed where necessary,, and is now in good playing order. The asphalt tennis-courts laid down many years ago are now deteriorating and it is necessary to consider the laying-down of new courts. Work carried out in the nature of repairs to cracked surfaces has shown only disappointing results, and the cracks have reappeared during the same season.

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