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Members of the New Zealand - American Fiordland Expedition operating in George and Caswell Sounds were also most favourably impressed and were well satisfied with the services extended while en route to and from their base. Development of the natural attractions in the Fiordland area is retarded by many physical difficulties, and in particular by prolonged wet weather, but the Department's programme of progressive improvement is being carried out as well as natural obstacles will permit. Communications have been improved considerably by the active co-operation of the. Post and Telegraph Department. Two-way radio connection between Te Anau Hotel, Glade House, and the Government Tourist Bureau, Queenstown, has been installed. Telephone-lines again link Milford Sound and Quintin Huts and Glade House and Pompolona Huts. This is a very valuable service in the event of accident, sickness, or other emergency. It is expected that during the next season a bus will replace the present taxi service operating between the Hotel Milford and the ten-mile peg on the western side of Homer Tunnel. The bridges on this road are being reinforced to take the additional load. (ii) ROTORUA (a) Waimangu Round Trip A most successful year was experienced and continuity of service was maintained. The small launch " Maroro " has been repaired extensively. Wharves and jetties have given some concern, particularly at Lake Rotomahana. Two new jetties, one a floating pontoon type and the other with three landing-stages, were constructed at this lake. These works were carried out under great difficulties and reflect credit on the workmen concerned. Row-boats have been repaired and additional boats or boat-frames constructed. On Lake Tarawera the launch " Rangitiki " underwent repairs and alterations. A loud-speaker system was installed in the vessel. The launch " Kahurangi " was transferred from Lake Tarawera to Lake Mapourika, South Westland. It has been replaced by the ex-Army launch " Nissan " from Auckland. The latter craft, a towing launch, will be converted by the Department's workmen for passenger transport. (b) Electric System The reticulation system has been well maintained and some major improvements have been effected, principally in the Township of Mamaku. The extension of the supply system to bring in the farming community of Kaharoa was continued during the year, and this work was practically completed. Owing to the priority given to Kaharoa, and to a shortage of materials, it has not yet been practicable to extend the supply to Okareka Settlement. (c) Gardens, Reserves, and Playing-areas Playing-grounds were used to the fullest extent during the year, but the bowlinggreens and tennis-courts, subjected to very hard wear-and-tear, had deteriorated by the end of the season. The gardens Superintendent is hopeful that an improvement will be shown during the -coming year in a greater resistance by the greens through special treatments. Recreational facilities at Rotorua are insufficient for local demands. At present, certain sporting amenities are limited to those provided by the Department alone. It is interesting to note that proposals for the establishment of private tennis-courts and bowling-greens have recently received considerable local support. When new areas are available for games, the pressure and hard usage of the Department's playing-areas will be diminished and the sports concerned will benefit accordingly.

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