Stewart.* — Establishment of a Sanatorium in Rotorua District. 431 



The facility with which refrigerating operations can now be carried on, 

 and the abundance of water-power in the Puarenga, suggest a further 

 application of the forcing system in horticulture, viz., the possibility of 

 obtaining a perfect winter crop of tropical fruits by resting the plants during 

 the summer by means of an artificial winter. This could be easily pro- 

 duced in any degree of severity by circulating cold air under the glass and 

 iced water in the ground pipes. 



The general characters of the Whakarewarewa waters are pretty well 

 known ; anyhow, a detail description of them here would be superfluous. 

 It may suffice to say that of all places in the district they have been most 

 resorted to by invalids for residence at the baths, and numbers of very 

 wonderful cures have been effected. It would be easy to compile a large 

 and authenticated list of these extending over the last seven or eight years. 



The supply of agricultural and pastoral produce will be abundant as 

 soon as wanted. It is not so now, however, but the necessary and indis- 

 pensable prelude to this establishment is the completion of railway com- 

 munication between Auckland and Eotorua. That means the settlement of 

 many thousands of acres of admirable agricultural land with a population 

 of small farmers who, with steady markets at both ends of the line of 

 railway, will form a prosperous community. 



We may now proceed to sketch the outline of the several features form- 

 ing the scheme in contemplation, with only such details as are necessary to 

 explain the working and purposes of some of them. 



Baths. — A very faint outline only can be sketched of the variety possible 

 to be obtained in baths at Whakarewarewa. The subject expands in capa- 

 city every time it is considered. The waters would be collected into suitable 

 reservoirs, having a natural appearance given to them. Pipes, chiefly 

 earthenware, would lead to baths situated along both sides of the stream, 

 wherever convenient, taking care to have ample room for extension and 

 improvement, as experience would be gained of the direction of popular 

 favour. Bathers would have a choice not only of the kind of water, but the 

 temperature and manner of use. Tepid and cold swimming baths ought to 

 be attached to each set, and separate sets enclosed and set apart for ladies. 



These bath buildings must be designed with great care, and present the 

 most thorough ventilation and at the same time freedom from draughts. 

 The architecture of the whole bathing arrangements, including reservoirs 

 and conduits, should harmonize with the volcanic and eruptive surround- 

 ings. 



The general bathing arrangements should be open to visitors and in- 

 valids from any part, and not confined to those living at the sanatorium, 

 but the more medicinal and highly curative of the springs should be under 



