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Special floral displays were prepared in the Government Gardens in anticipation of the Royal visit, and excellent results were obtained. A tree and shrub nursery was established on part of the Sanatorium Reserve for the maintenance of the Gardens and local reserves, and for transfer to other resorts as required. The Model Pa at Whakarewarewa was completely renovated and restored. (d) Ward and Blue Baths The Blue Baths showed a substantial increase in the number of bathers compared with the attendances of recent years. Attendances and receipts at the Blue Baths would doubtless have been even greater but for the fact that restrictions on juveniles in connection with the poliomyelitis outbreaks were still in force during the May school holidays. Seven swimming carnivals were held at the Blue Baths during the season. Normal maintenance was carried out to both the Blue and the Ward Baths buildings during the year. Bach establishment suffered to some extent from lack of attention during the war period, but the arrears are being overtaken steadily. Almost the whole of the interior of the Ward Baths has been renovated. A small broadcast radio with an extension sound system has been installed. (e) Wharves and Beacons, Lake Rotorua Work was confined to normal maintenance. The inauguration of a private launch service on Lake Rotorua at the commencement of the 1948-49 tourist season proved a popular adjunct to the sightseeing facilities of the district. (/) Mount Ngongotaha Lookout An observation platform known as " Parry's Lookout," and incorporating the trig, station, was constructed on the summit of Ngongotaha Mountain. The Lands and Survey Department and the New Zealand Railways Road Services contributed towards the cost of the structure. The installation of a direction-finding plane table on the lookout platform will be completed in the near future. An interesting tourist amenity for this district has thus been provided. (g) Hot Mineral-water Supply The supply of thermal waters to the Blue and Ward Baths and to the Main Bath Building from the bores was maintained satisfactorily and the difficulties of previous years appear to have been disposed of effectively. (iii) TE AROHA (a) Recreation Areas and Playing-grounds These have been kept in good order throughout the season and have been used extensively. A picnic-ground with recreational facilities for children has been laid out in part of the Domain and it has proved popular. The remaining old pines were removed from the base of Bald Spur and are being replaced satisfactorily by new natural growth. (b) Water and Drainage The old main drain has been replaced. This carries, in addition to waste, the waters of several streamlets from Te Aroha Mountain. Subsidiary drains were connected, and there is now a complete drainage system.

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