X.—Tourist and Invalid Traffic.

The establishment of regular steamboat communication between New Zealand and the archipelagoes of the South Pacific should have the effect of attracting large crowds of tourists from all parts of the world to see the wonders of these "summer isles of Eden lying in dark purple spheres of sea." Despite all that has been or can be written regarding the scenery and people of these lands, they never fail to offer something new and interesting to the naturalist, the philosopher, and the man of pleasure. In the seven months, from March to September inclusive, there is no danger of page 21 hurricanes, and the climate, though as hot as the Auckland summer, is very dry, and the heat by no means oppressive. As a winter resort for invalids, Tongatabu or the closely-adjacent island of Eoa would be found most delightful. There is at present, however, no accommodation for travellers, save such as the native or European residents may be able to afford. Mr. Baker has in contemplation the erection of a hotel by Government aid at Tongatabu, and, I infer, would be prepared to treat with any enterprising hotelkeeper who may wish to enter into the trade. The sale of drink would be strictly confined to Europeans, and heavy penalties would be exacted if intoxicants were supplied to natives. In the meantime tourists can make a very comfortable round trip, living continuously on board the steamer; but invalids wishing to stay ashore for several months should try to arrange for lodging before leaving Auckland. The climate of Tonga does not seem to be inimical in any way to Europeans. Mr. Baker, who has resided at Tongatabu for 25 years, is a standing proof of its salubrity. European women and children I found, however, looked sickly and enervated, and for these a sojourn in New Zealand during the summer and autumn months would prove most beneficial.