DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1912; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, C-06

W. 11. Bartlett, photo.] ( ' R " JOURDAIN ( Secretar y). E. Phillips Turnbb (Inspector), K. S. Pops, General Manager of Tourist Resorte I Qi9f / '"u 7 ''"T~' 1 - W - FISHEB ' Native Department (Member); Jambs Mackenzie, Surveyor-General (Chairman, 1912); Hon. rnoMAS Mackenzie, F.RG.S. (Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation); Johh Strluchon, 1.5.0.. Undersecretary for Lands (Clianniin, 1910-12).

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Scenery Preservation Board.

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1912; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 17 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908.

Sir, — Department of Lands, Wellington, Ist June, 1912. I have, the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1912. I have, &c, John Strauchon, The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, F.R.G.S., Under-Secretary for Lands. Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation.

KBPOET.

During the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1912, an unusually large area of land was acquired and reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and the amendment of 1910. This was partly due to the fact that a pastoral run of over 40,000 acres was included in the reservations, and also because 29,000 acres of hilly and mountainous Crown land in the Westland District were also proclaimed under the Act. Deducting these areas leaves about 25,000 acres scattered throughout the Dominion which, during the year, was added to the existing scenic reserves, and ranks as a permanent addition to the beauty-spots of New Zealand, which are already a source of aesthetic pleasure to the visitor and resident, and in the years to come will be looked upon as one of the most valuable heritages of the people bequeathed to them by the foresight of the Government of the present day. New Reservations. Ninety-six separate reserves were made, aggregating 94,000 acres, and the most interesting of them may be briefly described. In the Auckland District the beautiful Hongi's Track, between Lakes Roto-iti and Roto-ehu (near Rotorua), is at last preserved, both as a specimen of lovely bush scenery and as a memento of the famous raid of the northern Maori warrior when he descended upon the Maoris of Rotorua and captured their pa on Mokoia Island. Part of the slopes of the Ngongotaha Mountain at Rotorua were proclaimed, the land being already the property of the Crown, but the Native area has not yet been acquired. Three areas near the Waitomo Caves have been reserved, one completing the caves reservation, another being bush land in close proximity, and the third being situated on the road from Hangatiki Station to the caves. A beginning has been made with the scenic reservations on the banks of the Mokau River, the whole area of the Mangoira Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks having been taken; but this is merely in order to save expense in acquisition, as only the strip of land along the bank of the river will be retained, the balance of the land being available for settlement as soon as the necessary survey is completed and approved. A pleasing feature of the year's operations was the purchase of the Coronation Scenic Reserve at Whangarei, where the Crown and the Whangarei Borough Council jointly bought 117 acres of private land by agreement with the owner, each party contributing half the purchase-money. The Wellington City Council had previously acted in a similar manner

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when they contributed £500 towards the purchase of Wilton's Bush in 1907. The magnificent scenic reserve adjoining Mamaku Railway-station, near Rotorua, was also completed by the acquisition of an area of Native land, and now forms a most picturesque sight, well worthy of a visit. In Taranaki the Pukerangiora and Te Arei Pa sites were acquired and reserved* and several scattered areas of Crown land. In Hawke's Bay a scenic reserve was acquired in close proximity to the Borough of Dannevirke, whilst areas of Crown land were also proclaimed in various parts of the land district. In the Wellington District several areas of Native land on the banks of the Wanganui River were taken under the Public Works Act, and much of the beautiful scenery between Wanganui and Pipiriki is now preserved under the Scenery Preservation Act. A reserve was also made in the Whakapapa Gorge, and is easily seen from the North Island Main Trunk Railway line not far from Oio Station. An extension of the Makuri Gorge Scenic Reserve was made by mutual arrangement with the owner of the land acquired. The fine bush-clad Rongokaupo Hill, overlooking Ohakune Railway-station, was acquired by way of exchange, and two areas of Crown land in the vicinity of Ohakune Township were also proclaimed. Several portions of forest land on the Pipiriki-Raetihi Road were taken for scenic purposes, and are known as the Waharangi Scenic Reserves, comprising the best of the scenery along the main road a few miles from Pipiriki. In Marlborough two reserves were made in the Sounds, one being donated by the owner of the land. A separate reference to the gift is made further on. In Nelson District many areas of Crown land were set apart as scenic reserves in different localities, the principal one being in the Maruia district, comprising a rugged hill locally known as " The Sphinx." In Westland nearly 30,000 acres of Crown land were reserved, the consent of the Mining Warden having been obtained where the land was situated in a mining district. They included areas around the lovely lakes of Brunner, Wahapo, Mapourika, and Ryan, parts of the banks of the Arnold, Okarito, Waiho, Mikonui, Waitangi-taona, Waitaha, and Kakapotahi Rivers, land on the Wilberg Range, Mount Te Kinga overlooking Lake Brunner, the Rapahoe Range, and two areas in the vicinity of Greymouth. Nearly all these lands were unsuited for settlement, being rugged and mountainous country, covered with heavy bush, and not well adapted for agricultural purposes. In Canterbury, thanks to the kindness of the Messrs. Morton, five areas of land situated on the Summit Road, winding along the hills between Christchurch and Lyttelton, were reserved for scenic purposes. A fine reserve at the Orari Gorge was also acquired by way of exchange. In Otago a pastoral run of 40,000 acres at the Routeburn Valley, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, was set apart under the Scenery Preservation Act so as to protect the alpine flora in that locality. The land is of comparatively little value from a settlement point of view, and comprises Mounts Somnus, Erebus, and Momus, Conical Hill, and twelve other peaks ranging from 3,000 ft. to over 6,000 ft. in height, whilst the beautiful Lakes Wilson and Harris are included in the area. The pretty Helena Waterfall, in the Woodland district, is now reserved ; a fine bush-covered area in the Catlin's and Warepa district was proclaimed ; the greater part of Ben Lomond ; 30 acres of native bush at Evansdale Glen, near Dunedin ; a further area of forest land on the bank of the Taieri River ; and a picturesque clump of bush close to Diamond Lake, in the Paradise Valley, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, were all added to the list of scenic reserves in the Otago District. In Southland the Invercargill Borough Council contributed to the purchase of beautiful native bush on the bank of the Waihopai River, within a couple of miles from the town. Four acres of Crown land were also set apart under the Act, one of them being at the mouth of the Oreti River, near Invercargill. The year's operations resulted in 94,000 acres being added to the former reservations, which totalled 65,000 acres at the beginning of the year ; but, as the reservation over 400 acres was revoked, the net amount at the close of the fiscal year was just under 160,000 acres, comprised in 262 separate reserves. It will therefore be seen that the year was a record one from a scenic point of view, and has considerably added to the attractions of the Dominion placed under proper protection and care. Donations of Scenic Reserves. During the year two generous donations of land were made to the Government on condition that the areas should be reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act. Mrs. Sara Goodwin Seymour, of Picton, conveyed to the Crown the picturesque Ngakuta Point, in Queen Charlotte Sound, about half-way between Picton and the Grove. The area is 5| acres, and in addition to its scenic attractions the spot is of historic interest, having been an old burying-place of the Natives who formerly lived in the locality. The Messrs. Morten Brothers, of Hornby, gave five areas, totalling 61 acres, situated on the Summit Road, which winds along the Port Hills near Lyttelton. This land was placed under the administration of a Scenic Board, whose members also look after the Kennedy's Bush Scenic Reserve, near Governor's Bay. The donation of land for such a public purpose as scenery-preservation is highly to be commended, and it is hoped that the foregoing examples may be followed by other landholders in various parts of New Zealand. In former years the following gifts were made : — Mrs. Nini Koro, of Masterton, donated 3 acres of land at Pahiatua Hill, and the subsequent owners of the surrounding land (Messrs. Warren Brothers, of Konini) kindly added 2 acres adjoining so as to complete the reservation, on which Native tradition states the Cave of Rongomai is situated. Mr. W. 0. Williams, of Greytown, donated 9 acres of land, on which is situated the Kahutara Bush, Wairarapa, in April, 1906. Mr. C. E. Street, of Taranaki, donated 25 perches in the Paritutu district, being the site of an ambuscade in August, 1854, when Rawiri Waiaua and other loyal Natives were attacked by the Antiselling League under Katatori. The condition of the gift was that the land should be preserved as an historic reserve.

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Expenditure during Year.

For the twelve months ended 31st March, 1912, the expenditure out of the scenery-preservation vote was £5,938 16s. 5d., or £2,208 more than the preceding year. A perusal of the statement of accounts discloses the fact that a large proportion of the expenditure was necessitated by the surveys and valuations of the land taken for scenic purposes, no less than £1,167 representing the survey of lands on the Mokau River banks. Such expenditure, however, is more than repaid by the acquisition of the magnificent scenery so surveyed, and when the difficulties of working in the rough and forestclad country invariably selected for scenic purposes is considered, the remoteness of the lands from centres of population, together with difficulties of access, it will be recognized that the preliminary expenditure incurred in acquiring scenic reserves is more than justified by the circumstances of the case. The following table shows in a succinct form the expenditure, under the chief heads, since the passing of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1903 : —

Comparison of Expenditure.

The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903, consolidated in the Act of 1908, provided a total sum of £100,000 for the purposes of the Act. Each year a certain portion of this amount is appropriated by Parliament and authorized for expenditure. It will therefore be seen that a balance of £56,988 remains available for future appropriations under the Scenery Preservation Act. As already stated, an area of 159,808 acres is reserved under the Act. These lands require periodical inspection, eradication of noxious weeds, fencing, and otherwise attending to, and the annual cost of maintenance and administration is a constant charge upon the vote. Scenic Boards. Section 13 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, authorizes the Governor to vest the control of any reserve in any local authority or special Board, upon such trusts and conditions as are prescribed. Advantage has been taken of this provision in the following cases : — Kennedy's Bush, Christchurch : Vested in a special Board composed of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch, and five gentlemen resident in the locality. Three years from the 2nd September, 1911. Summit Road Reserves, Christchurch : Vested in a similar Board for three years from the 22nd September, 1911. Signal Hill (Burns Park), Dunedin : Vested in a special Board composed of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin, and five gentlemen resident in the locality. This Board expired by effluxion of time in January, 1912. Northcote Scenic Reserve : Vested in the Northcote Borough Council for three years from the 23rd January, 1911. Other reserves are also proposed to be vested in special Boards, as circumstances warrant such action being taken. General Remarks. On the whole, the past year has been a distinctly satisfactory one. A large area of land has been acquired and reserved; the expenses have not been more than the average; there has been a conspicuous absence of fires in the reserves ; much unique scenery has been surveyed for reservation and will soon be gazetted ; a sympathetic interest is being taken in the work of scenery-preservation, and the public are gradually realizing that it is in their own interests that the work is being carried on ; and there is every prospect that in the near future the inhabitants of New Zealand, as well as visitors (both scientific and pleasure-seeking), will recognize that in the extensive and varied scenery of the Dominion there exists a vast and valuable heritage that is paralleled in very few countries and surpassed in none. Attached to this report are the following appendices : — A. Schedule of reserves made during year, accompanied by a statement of accounts. B. Report of the Inspector of Scenic Reserves. Report of the Caretaker of Reserves in Queen Charlotte Sound. C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board.

Year. Compensation for Land. Fencing and Maintenance. Surveys, Valuations, &c. Board's Expenses. Salaries. Total. 1904-5 1905-6 1906-7 1907-8 1908-9 1909-10 1910-11 .. 1911-12 .. £ 216 3,336 7,856 4,286 3,813 1,688 1,066 2,619 £ Nil 304 382 1,063 1,159 685 715 £ 52 527 801 555 540 2,603 1,643 2,237 £ 1,822 1,221 185 86 24 Nil 11 22 £ * * * 175 325 325 325 345 £ 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,765 5.775 3,730 5,938 Grand t< •tal .. * ■ 43,012 * Included in Board's expenses.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1911-12 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and the Amendment Act, 1910.

a o II aLocal Name. Description. Area. Date of Proclamation in Gazette. Auckland Land District. v. R. p. 1911. 1 0 0 11 May. 28 1 0 11 „ 2,150 0 0 11 „ 198 178 201 179 202 197 Waitomo Caves Patawa Island Te Kopia Scenic Reserve Moehau Scenic Reserve Hongi's Track, Rotoiti Hangatiki Scenic Reserve Section 10, Block X, Orahiri Survey District Section 133, Waiotahi Parish Section 2, Block VIII, Ngongotaha Survey District Section 6, Block I, Mocl.au Survey District Part Rotoiti Nos. 6 and 7 Blocks, and Tautara Block Part Hauturu East No. 1e, Section 5c and Section 3 Section 3, Block VII, Russell Survey District Parts Hauturu East B No. 2 Section 2a, No. 3b Section 1, and No. 1e Section 5c, No. 2c No. 2 Section 29, Block X, and Section l, Block XII, Waipoua 329 0 0 1 June. 126 1 35 29 „ 159 0 34 j 27 July. 177 Rawhiti Scenic Reserve 657 0 0 j 7 Sept. 331 Waitomo Bush 21 3 2 28 „ 211 Maunganui Bluff 1,223 3 0 12 Oct. *114 Mamaku Scenic Reserve Parts Ohoheriki 2c and 2d Blocks in Rotorua Survey District Parts Hora Hora No. 2, Te Wharo Wharo No. I, and Kirikiri No. 5 Blocks Mangoira Nos. 1 and Blocks, Awakino District Native land in Block II, Awakino Survey District Section 12, Block I, Awakino Survey District Seven islands of Crown land 1912. 816 0 0 18 Jan. 213 Whangarci Coronation Scenic Reserve Mokau River (north bank) 117 0 39 | 8 Feb. 206 2,950 0 0 15 „ 206 >y »> 94 2 16 14 Mar. 208 76 0 0 14 „ *246 Islands in Hauraki Gulf 369 0 0 15 Feb. 9,119 1 6 Mangare Scenic Reserve Taranaki Land District. Section 10, Block XII, Upper Waitara Survey District Part Section 44, Tikorangi district, and closed road, Waitara Survey District Section 179, Huirangi, in Block IX, Waitara Survey District Section 12, Block III, Aria Survey District Section 1, Block VI, Aria Survey District Section 6, Block VII, Aria Survey District Section 5, Block X, Aria Survey District .. Section 5, Block XIII, Aria Survey District Section 3, Block VIII, Waro Survey District Section 4, Block XI, Totoro Survey District 1911. 83 0 0 25 May. 176 175 Te Awai-o-te-take Pa .. 0 3 29 17 Aug. *5 Pukerangiora and Te Arei Pass.. 36 0 0 28 Sept. 246 247 248 / Huioteko Scenic Reserve I Pukerewa Scenic Reserve J Waitaka Scenic Reserve Hapu Scenic Reserve .. \ Pura Scenic Reserve Huhatahi Scenic Reserve Totoro Scenic Reserve 33 1 33 12 Oct. 194 2 0 12 „ 1,060 0 0 12 „ 40 2 0 12 „ 79 0 0 12 „ 220 0 0 12 „ 59 0 30 12 „ 1,806 2 12 Hawke's Ray Land District. Section 2, Block XI, Tuahu Survey District Section 23, Block X, Takapau Survey District Section 15, Block XII, Patutahu Section 13, Tahoraite No. 2 BlockSection 3, Block X, Waiapu Survey District Section 4, Block X, Waiapu Survey District 1,806 2 12 Ruakituri Scenic Reserve Waikopiro Waterfall Scenic Reserve Te Arai Scenic Reserve Dannevirke Scenic Reserve . Kuratau Scenic Reserve I Herenga Scenic Reserve 555 0 0 7 0 0 1911. 555 0 0 23 Nov. 7 0 0 20 July. 228 t 226 222 22 0 16 14 Sept. 38 2 0 1 Dec. 22 0 16 38 2 0 26 0 0 15 2 0 230 26 0 0 U 15 2 0 | u " 664 0 16 Wellington Land District. Part Section 209, Block IV, Belmont Survey District Part Te Tuhi No. 2 Block, Tauakira Survey District Part Te Tuhi No. 3b Block, Waipakura Survery District Part Te Tuhi No. 4clc and 4c1d, Waipakura Survey District 664 0 16 Silverstream Bush VU*± V ±u 1911. 60 3 20 20 April. 60 3 20 14 Koriniti Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River : Mohunu Scenic Reserve, Wangaj nui River | Te Tuhi Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River 148 2 0 11 May. 148 2 0 127 2 0 11 „ 127 2 0 161 75 1 0 23 June. 75 1 0 * Recommendation by Scenery Preservation Commission prior to 1906.

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APPENDIX A—continued. Reserves made in 1911-12 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, etc. — continued.

I* ii Local Name. Description. Area. Date of Proclamatioi in Gazette. illington Land District —continued. 1911. 25 May. 162 Atene Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Haumoana Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Paetawa Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Kahura Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Whakapapa Gorge Part Tauakira 2n and 2o, Waipakura Survey District Parts Tawhitinui, Morikau No. 1, and Ranana Blocks, Tauakira Survey District Parts Te Tuhi No. 5 and Paetawa North Blocks, Waipakura Survey District Parts Popotea No. 2, Waimarino Nos. 2 and 5 Blocks, Rarete and Whirinaki Part Taurewa No. 4 West Block, in Hunua Survey District Section 4, Block IV, Makotuku Survey District Parts Raketapauma 2b No. 1, Ngaurukehu Parts Whaharangi Nos. 1 to 5 Blocks, Rarete Survey District Section 28, Block VIII, Makotuku Survey District Section 16, Block VII, Waipakura Survey District Section 17, Block VII, Waipakura Survey District Section 40, Suburbs of Ohakune Parts Whakaihuwaka C Block, Omara and Taumatamahoe Survey Districts A. E. P. 26 3 6 157 273 0 20 25 159 84 0 0 1 June. 160 484 2 30 1 „ 10 200 2 11 23 „ 31 Rongokaupo Hill, Ohakune 1,250 0 0 13 July. 26 165 Maungakaretu Scenic Reserve .. Whaharangi Scenic Reserve 215 0 11 1,850 1 0 20 „ 17 Aug. 254 Mangateitei Scenic Reserve 173 0 0 12 Oct. 258 259 Otawaki Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Moukuku Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Ohakune Scenic Reserve Wanganui River bank.. 380 0 0 97 2 16 12 ,, 12 „ 255 158 4 3 4 711 1 0 26 „ 2 Nov. Te Ara Pokapu Scenic Reserve .. Section 4, Block I, Mangahao Survey District Part Ramahiku I a Block, Waipakura Survey District Parts Te Tuhi No. 1, Tauakira No. 2, Ohotu No. 5, Ahuahu Nos. A, B, F, and Ngarakauwhakarara Blocks Parts Sections 8, 9, Block XIII, Makuri Survey District Sections 5, 7, Pukeroa Village, in Block XII, Mangawhero Survey District Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, Block II, and Sections 3, 5, Block III, Manganui Survey District 71 0 0 1912. 11 Jan. 73 257 164 Ramahiku Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River Wanganui River banks 19 2 8 1,349 1 23 11 ., 1 Feb. 124 Makuri Gorge 94 2 17 15 „ -272 Pukeroa Village 30 1 20 15 „ 270 Upper Retaruke Valley 33 3 28 28 Mar. 7,762 0 14 Ngawai Scenic Reserve Marlborough Land District. Section 2, Block VII, Tennyson Survey District 1911. 2 Nov. 671 0 0 86 Ngakuta Point Section 12, Block XI, Linkwater Survey District 5 3 0 1912. 15 Feb. 676 3 0 Matakitaki Bridge Scenic Reserve Caslani Island Nelson Land District. Section 10, Block I, Tutaki Survey District Section 17, Block XII, Maruia Survey District Section 2, Block XIII, Motupiko Survey District Section 3, Block IV, Maruia Survey District Section 16, Block XVI, Lyell Survey District Part Section 61, Square 170, Tutaki Survey District 1911. 11 May. 11 „ 166 168 88 0 0 11 0 0 170 Black Valley 7 3 39 11 „ 167 169 Sphinx Scenic Reserve 297 0 0 30 0 0 11 M I June. 43 9 3 18 19 Oct. Section 5, Block IX, Inangahua Survey District 171 1 25 1912. 15 Feb. 615 1 2 Rapahoe Range Westland Land District. Reserve 974, Blocks II, IV, Cobden Survey District Reserve 992, Blocks XII, XVI, Greymouth Reserve 1416, Block IV, Cobden Survey District Reserve 997, Block XVI, Hohonu, Blocks LX, XIII, Te Kinga, and Block 1, Otira Reserve 1370, Block XII, Waitaha Reserve 1225, Block XIII, Wataroa Survey District ■ I 1,700 0 0 1911. 6 April. 148 145 146 Omotumotu Scenic Reserve Lake Ryan 1,200 0 0 13 3 7 6 „ 6 „ 147 Mount Te Kinga 8,850 0 0 6 „ 142 141 Kakapotahi Scenic Reserve Waitangi-taona Scenic Reserve 86 3 8 230 0 0 6 „ 6 „ * Land Act Reservation brought under Scenery Preservation Act.

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APPENDIX A— continued. Reserves made in 1911-12 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, etc. — continued.

Local Name. Description. Area. Date of Proclamation in Oazette. 140 139 138 137 136 135 133 w< Okarito River banks .. Lakj Mapourika W ataroa Scenic Reserve Rohutu Scenic Reserve Mount Hercules Wilberg Range Pukekura Scenic Reserve itland Land District —continued. r p Reserve 1224, Block XVI, Okarito Survey 1,266 0 0 District, and Block IV, Waihao Survey District Reserve 1198, Blocks III, IV, Waiho Sur- 5,500 0 0 vey District Reserve 1196, Blocks XV, XVI, Wataroa 1,320 0 0 Survey District Reserve 1195, Blocks XIII, XIV, Wataroa 1,214 0 0 Survey District Reserve 1194, Blocks VIII, XII, Wataroa 1,940 0 0 Survey District Reserve 1193, Blocks V, VI, Poerua Survey 1,680 0 0 District Reserve 1190, Block XV, Waitaha Survey 400 0 0 District Reserve 1189, Blocks XI, XII, Waitaha 1,145 0 0 Survey District Reserve 1183, Blocks I, V, Totara Survey 1,000 0 0 District Reserve 823, Block VII, Waiho Survey Die- 99 1 39 trict Reserve 1017, Blocks XII, XVI, Okarito 1,450 0 0 Survey District, IX, XIII, Wataroa Survey District Reserve 273, Block XVI, Greymouth Sur- 26 2 18 vey District Reserve 1445, Block I, Otira Survey District 234 0 0 Reserves 1448,1449, Blocks II, IV, Brunner 470 0 0 29.825 2 32 1911. 6 April. 6 „ 6 „ 6 „ 6 „ 6 „ 6 „ 132 Waitaha Scenic Reserve 6 „ 131 Mikonui Scenic Reserve 6 „ 129 Waiho River bank 6 „ 130 Lake Wahapo 6 „ 144 Marsden Road Scenic Reserve .. 27 „ 221 217 The Avenue Arnold River banks 26 Oct. 2 Nov. 29,825 2 32 121 174 Orari Gorge Summit Road Scenic Reserves .. Canterbury Land District. Reserves 3811, 3812, 3813, Blocks XII, XV, j 344 0 0 XVI, Four Peaks Survey District Reserves 3814 to 3818, Block IV, Halswcll 61 1 14 Survey District, Block XVI, Christchurch Survey District, and Block II, Sumner j Survey District 405 1 14 344 0 0 61 1 14 1911. 23 June. 7 Sept. Routeburn Scenic Reserve 405 1 14 1911. 1 June. 112 243 244 242 Helena Falls Taieri River bank Warepa Scenic Reserve Otago Land District. Part of Run No. 455 in Humboldt, Caples, 40,070 0 0 Hollyford, and Dart Survey Districts Section 19, Block XI, Woodland Survey 19 1 0 District Section 66, Block I, Clarendon Survey Dis- 19 3 7 trict Section 8, Block III, Catlins Survey Dis- 829 2 34 trict; Section 34, Block X, Warepa Survey District Section 42, Block I, Mid Wakatipu Survey 1,169 0 0 District; Section 4, Block VIII, Mid Wakatipu Survey District; Section 77, Block XX, Shotover Survey District 40,070 0 0 19 1 0 19 3 7 829 2 34 14 Sept. 12 Oct. 12 „ 241 Ben Lomond 1,169 0 0 26 „ Evansdale Glen 30 2 37 1912. 15 Feb. 9 245 Diamond Lake, Wakatipu Sections 88, 89, and part Sections 62, 63, 30 2 37 Block I, Waikouaiti Survey District Sections 43, 44, Block I, Earnslaw Survey 28 2 10 District * 42,797 0 8 28 2 10 14 Mar. 42,797 0 8 Oreti River bank Southland Land District. Sections 120, 121, 124, Block XX, Inver- 26 0 0 cargill Hundred Section 5, Block XII, Rimu Survey District 111 2 10 26 0 0 1911. 14 Sept. 234 111 Jack's Peak 111 2 10 12 Oct. 1912. 11 Jan. 15 Feb. 261 235 Tuatapere Scenic Reserve Horseshoe Bend, Waiau River .. Section 63, Block III, Alton Survey District 36 1 0 Sections 2, 3, Block II, Manapouri Survey 360 0 0 District; Sections 1, 2, Block IV, Manapouri Survey District Sections 10, 11, Block IV, Invercargill 29 3 20 Hundred 36 1 0 360 0 0 260 Waihopai River bank 29 3 20 21 Mar. 563 2 30

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APPENDIX A—continued. Summary of Reserves. Land District. Number. Area " Auckland .. .. .. .. .. ..15 9,1i9 1 6 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. 5 • 664 016 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. ..10 1,806 2 12 Wellington .. .. .. 23 7,762 0 14 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. 2 676 3 0 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. ..7 615 1 2 Westland .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 29,825 232 Canterbury .. .. .. .. .. 2 405 1 14 Otago .. .. .. .. .. ..7 42,797 0 8 Southland .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 563 2 30 Totals, 1911-12 .. .. .. 96 94,235 314 Keserved up to 31st March, 1911 .. .. .: 169 65,988 323 265 160,224 2 37 Less reservations revoked (as under) .. .. .. 3 416 0 2 Grand totals .. .. .. .. 262 159,808 235

Reservations revoked.

Statement of Accounts showing the Amounts expended, and the Purposes to which the Money so expended has been applied, for the Year ended 31st March, 1912.

Contributions in Aid. Towards the purchase of land the following amounts were contributed by local bodies :— Whangarei Borough Council (Coronation S.R.) .. .. Debentures raised, £500. Invercaigill Borough Council (Waihopai S.R.) .. .. £100 in cash.

Referei Appropt nee to •iations. Particulars. Amount. Vote. Item. 122 1 2 3 I 6 7 9 Salaries (Inspector £320, Secretary £25) Fencing, &c, of reserves and historic spots.. Compensation for private lands acquired Compensation for Native lands acquired Expenses of Board Capital value of scenic reserves acquired in Te Arai Settlement.. Surveys, valuations, &c. £ s. d. 345 0 0 714 15 1 1,615 3 3 727 10 3 22 12 8 276 0 0 2,237 15 2 £5,938 16 5

u II v si Locality. Description. Area. Date of Oα :etU. ♦53 Waimarino Forest Part Section 9, Block VIII, Hunua Survey District A. B. P. 0 3 0 1911. 12 Oct. *165 Whaharangi Scenic Reserve Part Sections 17, 18, Whaharangi No. 4 Block, Rarete Survey District Part Section 17, Whaharangi No. 4 Bloek, Rarete Survey District Section 31, Block XV, Takahue Survey District Part Ngarakauwhakarara Block.. Section 5, BlockJIX.JInangahua Survey District 88 0 0 1912. 11 Jan. *165 Whaharangi Scenic Reserve 24 1 37 29 Feb. 320 Takahue Bush 44 1 20 15 „ 164 t Ranana Scenic Reserve 87 0 0 171 1 25 14 Mar. 15 Feb. 416 0 2 • Part of reservation only. t Land Act reservation brought under Scenery Preservation Act.

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DETAILS. Item 3.— Compensation for Privatr Land. £ s . d. Evansdale Glen, Dunedin .. .. .. .. .. 137 10 0 Coronation Reserve, Waiarohia Hills, Whangarei .. .. .. 500 0 0 Makuri Gorge Reserve extension .. .. .. .. 380 3 3 Waihopai River bank, Invercargill .. .. .. .. 597 10 0 £1,615 3 3 Item 4.— Compensation for Native Land. £ s. d. Wairua Falls, near Whangarei .. .. .. .. .. 3160 Whakapapa Gorge, Taurewa No. 4, West Block .. .. .. 652 15 0 Koriniti Scenic Reserve, Wanganui River (Te Tuhi 2b Block) .. 70 18 5 £727 10 3 Item 9.— Survey of Reserves. £ s. d. Waihopai River bank, Invercargill .. .. .. .. 29 11 6 Dannevirke (Tahoraiti No. 2 Block) .. .. .. .. 6 6 6 Koriniti (Wanganui River) .. .. .. .. .. 367 Mokau River banks .. .. .. .. ..' .. 1,167 11 4 Turakina Valley Road area .. .. .. .. .. 223 811 Makuri Gorge .. .. .. .. .. .. 320 Mangaokewa Gorge .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 0 0 Wanganui River reserves .. .. .. .. .. 192 1011 Weraroa State Farm, bush areas .. .. .. .. 13 18 0 Rangiriri Pa, Waikato.. .. .. .. .. .. 253 Waiarohia Hills, Whangarei .. .. .. .. .. 33 13 2 Ngatira (Rotorua Railway line).. .. .. .. .. 15 3 8 Section 55, Block X, Hautapu Survey District .. .. .. 24 17 5 Whakatane .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 10 0 Marakopa Falls .. .. .. .. .. .. 122 12 7 D'Urville Island .. .. .. .. .. .. 27 3 9 Valuations, legal, travelling, and other expenses .. .. .. 278 13 7 £2,237 15 2

APPENDIX B. Report by the Inspector of Scenic Reserves. Inspections and Surveys. From the end of March, 1911, to the beginning of June I was engaged up the Wanganui River in completing the surveys of the parts to be reserved for scenery in the Whakaihuwaka and Ngaporo Blocks above Pipiriki. In the winter months I was for some time in the office occupied in making the maps of these reserves and the Waimarino scenic and military reservations. I also made several trips to the Mokau River to supervise surveys that were being made by Messrs. Sladden, Larkin, and Stevens for the cutting-out of scenic reserves along the river. This work will shortly be completed, and then there will be fine stretches of wooded river-bank most of the way from Mokau to Riddell's clearing, about thirty-three miles up the river. At present sightseers can get by launch only as far as the coal-mine ; but the river could be cleared at comparatively small cost, and a few groins put down, so that a launch could be taken as far as RiddelFs. In September I visited the Auckland Province, and, after selecting the reservation to be made at the celebrated Rangiriri Redoubt, went to Kawhia to point out to Mr. Booker (contract surveyor) the various scenic reservations to be cut off from the many beautiful inlets and points in this harbour. The Kawhia district has now made a start, and settlement and trade are fast increasing ; so, as means of communication will soon be improved, the attractions of the locality will bring many sightseers. During a portion of September I was in Otago and Southland assisting Mr. B. C. Aston in a preliminary " soil survey " of that district. On two occasions I have had to attend the Compensation Court at Wanganui, and once at Taihape, in connection with claims for land that had been taken from Natives for scenery-preservation. In January and February I was several times up and down the Wanganui River in connection with the scenic surveys being made by Messrs. Richmond, Bogle, and Wall of the proposed reservations between Parinui and Taumarunui. By next spring all the reservations on the Wanganui River will be completed. We shall then have over 130 miles (counting both sides) of banks reserved. In the extensive reservations that have been made along the hinks of the Wanganui and Mokau Rivers the

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aim has been to reconcile the preservation of the scenery with the farmers' interest. Wherever it seemed required, gaps have been left to give access to the back portions of the lands affected ; also fertile terraces of any considerable size have been omitted from the reservation. In February I made a visit to the Catlin's River district, and have advised several reservations of the beautiful banks of the Maclennan River as far as it is now navigable. Now that the railway has been extended to this district many holiday-seekers will be drawn to it from Dunedin and the southern towns. I also visited the Caberfeidh Range in this locality, and have recommended resumption of the summit of the range for climatic purposes. I think it advisable that the higher slopes of all wooded ranges be reserved, as it is from them (when the low country is settled) that the streams derive their main supply; also, when cleared of bush and put down in grass they gradually deteriorate, and generally in a few years nothing is seen on them but scrub and bracken alternating with landslips or shingle-slides. The deforesting of high steep hills in this country always catches the eye of any foreign scientist touring the Dominion ; and when asked by the newspaper reporter for his impressions, he never omits to call attention to this regrettable fact. In March I visited the Waitomo, Hangatiki, and Marakopa districts to investigate complaints as to boundaries that had been made by settlers adjoining scenic reserves that had been lately made to secure the Piripiri Caves, the Marakopa Falls, Ngahuinga Bluff, and other fine features there. In addition to the foregoing field inspections, I have also inspected reservations at Ohakune, Rangataua, Lower Wanganui, Waharangi Block, &c. In connection with my field-work there is, of course, a good deal of clerical and draughting work that has to be done between the various inspections. The completion of the Wanganui and Mokau surveys will leave me freer for inspections in other parts of the Dominion. Fencing. As settlement is progressing so fast we shall have to face the question of fencing the most important reservations, such as those along the Wanganui and Main Trunk Railway. Some of our reserves at the present time, through not being fenced, merely become cheap grazing-resorts for settlers' stock. Having made ample reserves, it now remains for us to see that their preservation is ensured, and for this the exclusion of stock is necessary. Noxious Weeds. During the past year my work has been almost solely the acquisition ot new reserves, and in doing this care is taken to omit land with noxious weeds. Some of the reserves, however, on the lower Wanganui were found to be badly infested with blackberry. One near Ranana, though from the river very beautiful, was such a tangled mass of blackberry that its eradication would have costs hundreds of pounds, and also destroyed the scenic value of the land. As this piece of land had not been finally taken, I advised that it be not acquired, but left to the Native owners. In the other instances arrangements were made for the eradication or cutting-down of the weeds. Fires. Owing to the abnormally wet summer and autumn I have not seen much damage done last year by fire. In some few places, however, small fires did occur, but whether by accident or design it is impossible to say. In one province of the Dominion of Canada there are in summer over eight hundred fire rangers employed, as the Canadians realize that the only way to secure their valuable forest reserves is to have men out in the field to prevent the occurrence of fires, or to extinguish them in their incipiency. In my report of last year I pointed out how successive burnings of the scrub and herbaceous vegetation on poor lands destroys the fertility of the soil by killing the nitrogen-producing bacteria that exist in myriads in the superficial soil layers. As this is a fact of such vast importance (and should be known by all officers who have control of our lands) it is time that effective measures should be taken to prevent the wholesale burnings that are permitted on Crown lands and short-lease grazing-runs. There is no doubt, I think, that many pastoral runs that carried thirty years ago, say, ten thousand sheep, do not now carry more than three-quarters that number—a diminution brought about principally by deterioration of the native pasture from frequent burnings-off. The present impoverished condition of the lands north of Auckland (gum lands) and in the central volcanic plateau has to a considerable extent been brought about by excessive burnings. This is proved by the fact that newly cleared forest lands in those localities and on the same (mineralogically) soil are comparatively fertile. Before the settlement of the white man the Maoris used to burn off huge tracts, as one one may find from Sir Joseph Banks's journal. The existence, too, of sound trunks of trees in swamps, and charred logs in fern and tussock country, proves that a great deal of our open country has formerly been wooded. The stopping of this indiscriminate burning on reserves and other Crown property is a matter so important that I venture to repeat my suggestion that during the summer special rangers should be employed to follow up cases with a view to prosecuting the culprit. One or two substantial fines in different parts of the Dominion would probably deter others from repeating the offence. Damage by Stock. Most of our reserves which are not fenced are invaded more or less by stock ; so far, though in some cases the damage is considerable, in no case is it irreparable. Strangely enough, many people interested in scenery and forest preservation think stock do not damage forest. This, of course, is contrary to the experience of all forest experts. Early-Wilmot and Stebbing have shown how in India, Baluchistan, &c, forests have been destroyed (gradually, of course) by the excessive grazing of stock, principally goats. Hutchings shows the same to be the case in the islands of the eastern Mediterranean. Pinchot and other American writers call attention to the deterioration of American forests from the

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same cause. As all our trees are surface-rooting, it will at once be recognized that they are most susceptible to damage from this cause. Their roots radiate in every direction on the surface or a fewinches below the surface ; from them there spread innumerable root-fibres by means of which the tree obtains the nourishment it takes from the ground. The ground carries a dense growth of shrubs, ferns, mosses, astelias, fungi, &c. (not to mention numberless organisms of lower order existing in symbiotic — i.e., give-and-take—relationship with these). These protect the larger trees from draughts, modify the temperature, and keep the soil spongy and moist. If stock eat or break down these shrubs, ferns, &c. the conditions to which the trees have for millions of years been accustomed are altered ; cold or hot winds rush through the forest; the rootlets are broken ; the ground is so hardened by trampling that roots are exposed and the root-fibres cannot perform their functions ; and the ground in summer does not contain the moisture which its former spongy condition enabled it to do. The trees, many of which have reached maturity and are on the decline (gradually, of course) sicken and die, and as the stock have eaten off all seedling trees that would naturally have replaced the others the end of the forest is sealed. There are, of course, some of the smaller trees (fuchsia, makomako, lacebark, mahoe, and ngaio) that will stand cattle grazing round them, and thrive in the open. A few big trees — e.g., totara and matai —in some districts thrive when growing far apart, and give quite a park-like effect to the landscape. These, however, are exceptions, and in our scenic reserves our aim is to preserve the whole " association." When stock are allowed in forests they carry in their dung, hoofs, &c, seeds of noxious weeds which, with other seeds carried by the wind and birds, find suitable sites for germinating where the stock have made tracks and destroyed the native undergrowth. After the undergrowth is destroyed the forest becomes in summer very dry, and then fire is more likely to spread in it. I was told by Mr. Eobert Wilson, of the Eangataua Milling Company, that when the fires were raging in his district in the summer of 1911 the bush which had been heavily stocked with cattle always suffered incomparably more damage than that in which cattle did not feed. Another danger brought about by the admission of stock is that rabbits will often make the bush a refuge, as the ground, now made dry, allows them to burrow and to hide under roots and fallen trees. Animal Pests. It is to be regretted that stoats and weasels are in most of our woods and cannot be exterminated. Cats are in many, but may later on be gradually killed out. Wild cattle and pigs are in some, but these will be easy to get rid of. Rabbits in Otago and Southland and in some places in the North Island have established themselves on scenic reserves, and the only practicable way to keep them in check is to give the adjoining farmers (from whose land they have generally come) a small subvention to trap them. On the Tongariro National Park the rabbit five years ago was practically absent; now, however, they are to be seen in dozens at a time. I found them only a few yards below the crater-lip on Ngauruhoe. Mr. Hugh Girdlestone found a dead black one on the summit of Ruapehu ! They go high up these mountains, I find, after an aromatic native herb called Liqusticum (a relation to the parsley) ; but why they should go to the extreme summit, beyond the zone of vegetation, one cannot imagine, without it is that the wanderer is a male and has been chased from the tribe by a stronger rival. En passant it may be of interest to hear that a spider I picked up on the summit of Ngauruhoe during the big eruption that occured three years ago turned out to be the third specimen found of a new species. Native Birds. My only terra nova this year has been Kapiti Island, where I saw the bell-bird (korimako), tui, pigeon, fantail, whitehead, wren, parrakeet, kingfisher, weka, and tomtit in plenty ; in lesser degree the South Island robin, blue crane, hawk or harrier, morepork, long-tailed and bronze cuckoo were seen. As there is a better chance of preserving birds on Kapiti than in most other reserves, I would suggest that specimens of birds not already there (such as the kiwi, kakapo, crow, North Island robin, South Island tomtit, &c.) should be put on the island before they have become extinct. Botanical. On Kapiti Island Mr. B. C. Aston and myself discovered fifty-three plants not previously reported from there. The new Senecio that I discovered on the Wanganui Cliffs I found this year up the Mokau River. On Rainbow Mountain I found Dracophyllum striatum, Corokia Buddleoides, and Phyllodadus glanca ; near Waitomo, at Kaikuri, Aristotelia fruticosa, Herpolirion, and Vncinia rubra ; at Maclennon River, Plagianthus cymosus ; at Owhango, Gentiana Grisebachii ; at Taumarunui, Calceolaria repens and Teucridium parvifolium. These finds are of botanical interest solely. It is rather an interesting fact that the sharp, steep sandstone ridges, running from both watersheds down to the Wanganui River, carry (as far as high trees are concerned) almost pure black-beech (birch), Fagus Solandri, forest. On the ridges and spurs (also a similar sandstone formation) sloping into the valley of the Mokau (which is only about thirty miles distant) the black-beech is entirely absent, being replaced by red-beech (Fagus fusca). Edaphic factors seem to exercise little influence in the distribution of the red and black beech. They both grow on the acid soils of the Southern Lakes District; they both grow on the argillaceous soils of Wellington, the light volcanic basic soils of the Waimarino district, and the calcareous sandy soil of the Wanganui and Mokau ridges. They are alike in both requiring a dry well-drained soil, though in this respect the black-beech is less particular ; neither is exacting in its requirements as regards humus. The climatic factors favouring them seem to be humidity of air and a fairly heavy rainfall; also, their ability to stand wind and cold gives them an advantage over other competitors. They are, however, peculiar as regards temperature, for though the red-beech seems invariably (from Ruapehu southwards) to ascend to a higher elevation than black-beech, yet the red-beech penetrates into the subtropical district of Mangonui, while the black-beech gets no further north than the East Cape.

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As is well known, red-beech in the Waimarino, Ruahine Ranges, and in the South Island is a timber of great durability ; but in the Mokau it seems to be durable only when under water or in the tunnel of the coal-mine. There are very divergent views as to the durability of red-beech. In some districts its durability has been proved beyond doubt; but in other districts the timber is not durable in contact with the ground. Granting its durability, it can never be of use for important structural purposes, as it has (as experience up to now has proved) an incorrigible tendency to crack and warp very badly. General Observations. We New-Zealanders often boast that we lead the world in " advanced legislation," but the following facts will show that in the matter of scenery-preservation there are other countries that equal if not surpass us. In Germany maps are made showing limits of certain botanical species, birds, and animals ; also interesting rocks, or historical buildings, &c. Certain rare plants are by law not allowed to be picked or offered for sale ; certain birds and animals are protected by law ; a wood in Munster is not allowed to be cut, in order to preserve certain rare lichens growing on the trees ; certain very old trees are protected for students of the drawing academy at Hanau ; quarrying has been prohibited in many places, as it destroyed some cliff scenery, interesting rock-formation, or moraine ; even bogs are preserved for their interesting plant-formation. Reserves are made in all German African colonies. Sweden has now got an Act by which land can be taken compulsorily for scenery-preservation. In Arizona the celebrated silicified forest has been taken over by the State to prevent its gradual destruction by being made into art objects. Not far from London (he who objects to scenic, &c, reservations should note well) the Selborne Society has purchased and reserved a wood as a sanctuary for birds ; in this wood the birds are so tame that the keeper handles them and their young ones when in the nest. The birds, having learnt that here man is not a relentless destroyer, but a friend, have come in hundreds. Following the example set in Germany, is it not time that the quarrying of the interesting volcanic cones about Auckland was stopped ? These volcanoes are the second factor in the unique beauty of Auckland and its environs, yet they are being rapidly cut into every year in order to get ballast for the railway and metal for the roads. There are millions of tons of vesicular basalt in the fields around Auckland which makes a far better road-material than the scoria of the cones. There are gratifying indications that there is a growing appreciation of native plants. Many private gardens that have been laid out during the last few years contain many specimens from our bush. lam frequently asked to (and, when possible, do) get people plants or seeds to put in their gardens. I have even had requests from England and Ireland. Borough Councils in planting town reserves generally have many native trees and shrubs put in. There are several forest reserves from north to south of the Dominion that contain no timber of milling value, such of these as are in poor hilly country unsuitable for settlement it would be as well to convert into scenic reserves. It seems advisable, too, that all scenic reserves that have been made under the Land Act should be catalogued and all brought under the Scenery Preservation Act. Strictly, my superintendence does not extend to the many scenic reserves under the Land Act, or to forest reserves, or national parks. In a scenic reserve made under the Scenery Preservation Act all purposes are combined : it is a forest reserve, a bird sanctuary, a climatic reserve, and a pleasure resort; and moneys from the scenery-preservation vote can be expended on it for fencing, eradication of noxious weeds, planting, and supervision. Many sportsmen ask me if they are allowed to take imported game on our national parks. Were permission given to do this it is probable that some would be tempted to shoot our protected indigenous birds. In some of our parks in which deer have been liberated they are likely to become so numerous that shooting may have to be allowed. It may, perhaps, be advisable to make some new reserves on which imported game could be put for sporting purposes. There are many practically waste tracts in both the North and South Island. Now that whaling-stations are going to be established in Stewart Island it will be necessary for our representatives there to keep a sharp lookout, as in the past whalers have proved to be great destroyers of bush and native game. With a view to spreading a knowledge of the penalty for interfciing in any way with a scenic reserve, notices have been printed suitable for putting up at such places as stopping-places of steamers, railway-stations, post-offices, schools, &c. It is pleasing to find that the Education Department, through its School Journal, is doing its share towards training our young people to take an interest and (I hope) pride in the beauties that have been so richly beetowed on this land. If (as the sociologist maintains) squalid surroundings produce low ideas, then is the converse true that beautiful surroundings produce beautiful and noble ideas. E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves. Report on Kapiti Island. In January I made a special inspection of Kapiti Island. As I have already reported, Ido not advise the leasing of the grassed and partially grassed portions of this reserve. These parts are most irregular in shape, so that to fence them off would be most costly, and to leave them unfenced would mean that stock would invade the bush, which would be highly detrimental to its well-being. A great deal of the grassed land has so gone back that (if not again fired) it would take comparatively only a few years to become reforested. This end could be hastened if seeds of such trees as karaka, titoki, rata, houhou, ngaio, wharangi, rangiora, pohutukawa, and akeake were sown among the tauhinu. Seedlings of such trees as already grow on the island could also at small cost be planted in the more sheltered sites. A few weed-pests are present on this island, and they should be eradicated before they spread and become a serious nuisance.

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This island was bought and reserved for the express purpose of creating it a sanctuary for our native birds ; and I think, if people were allowed to settle on it, that the children, visitors, and cats of the settlers would be certain to prove inimical to the welfare of the birds. Moreover, the open portions of the land of the Crown are (with one exception) exposed and very poor, and nobody could make a decent living off them and pay a rent that would make it worth while to lease the land. It peems to me far preferable to get the open parts reforested so that the birds may have a more extended area on which to live and multiply. As a reason for leasing the open parts of Kapiti it has been asserted that the risk from fire would be much lessened. Ido not think this would be the case at all, for in my peregrinations through the Dominion I find that in all cases (even on the steepest country at high altitudes) settlers burn off tussock and native grass so that their stock may obtain the young shoots that succeed ; they burn off fern and scrub in the hope that it will by this treatment gradually give place to native grasses. Patches of bush in hilly country are burned as they hinder the mustering of the stock. With this apparently ineradicable proclivity it is probable settlers would prove a menace, rather than a security, as far as danger from fire is concerned. At present the danger from fire is very small, as only those who have permission may land, and safe camping-places are always shown to them by the caretaker. I think that the goats should be killed off as soon as possible. The animals feed principally (at least in summer) on the cliffy coast-line ; they kill the shrubs and herbaceous plants, prevent the natural extension of the bush, and in many places they have so kept the plants under that there are now nothing but long slopes of slowly moving shingle where formerly shrubs and native grasses grew. I enclose a photo which shows the denudation that is taking place on the steep stony hills near Paekakariki (the coast-line of Kapiti —where not steeper —is similar). This hill has had a plentiful growth of karaka, ngaio, titoki, mahoe, and other trees, but owing to excessive grazing of stock the seedling trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants have nearly all been killed, with the result that the trees are dying from the above-stated causes. I recommend the fencing of the boundary between the reserve and the land still held by the Natives. On the land still retained by the Natives (who, by the way, are quite Europeanized) there is very little bush remaining ; so, under the circumstances, I do not advise its acquisition. E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves. Report on the Queen Charlotte Sound Scenic Reserves. It is with much pleasure I am able to report that during the past nine months no damage has been done to the scenic reserves in the shape of wilful lighting of fires, fires spreading, campers or visitors destroying the vegetation and other growth, or otherwise interfering with the natural and scenic beauties thereof. Indeed, it is very gratifying to me to be able to report that all campers, visitors, or tourists display a very marked tendency to do all in their power to protect the reserves as far as they are able. It is only a small section of the community, mostly local young men, who imagine they have a grievance in not being allowed to hunt and shoot over the reserves, who give me trouble. Visitors, to date, have been far less in numbers than during any previous season ; and of campers two parties only, one in Ship Cove and one in Kumutoto Bay : this, no doubt, is greatly due to the uncertain season we have experienced. As a favourite resort for visitors Kumutoto Bay takes pride of place, but general dissatisfaction has been expressed at the absence of sanitary conveniences at this place, which want, I am pleased to state, will soon cease to exist, as arrangements are already in hand for the erection of both sanitary conveniences and a fireplace for cooking purposes. Fires spreading from adjoining settlers' bush burns : During the past season only one fire of this class was started —namely, adjoining the back boundary of the Houhou, Puroa Points Reserve, Owing to the nature of the bush, consisting in places of dry birch spurs and small scrub, the fire ran on to the reserve in some cases as much as 2 chains, but no serious damage resulted. Had it been a dry season, I am convinced the fire would have reached the water in places. Destruction of enamel notices : It is with very great regret I have to report the destruction, by rifle fire, of the greater number of the enamel notices posted last season. This is generally accomplished by firing at them from passing launches, making it practically impossible to fix the offence upon the perpetrator. Pig-hunters reported : On the Ist October ultimo I came upon a party, with dogs and guns, pighunting on the Ship Cove Reserve, which I duly reported to the Commissioner. Complaints from adjoining settlers about pigs" breeding on the reserves and coming out and damaging pasture and killing lambs having been made, arrangements have been made by the Commissioner whereby adjoining settlers have the option of hunting and killing the pigs, under the supervision of the Rangers. Cattle run more or less over the whole of the reserves. Not much damage is done while they keep to the top of the ranges, but should they find their way to the bays much damage would happen to the small growth. Particularly would this be so in regard to Ship Cove, the small flat of which would be completely spoilt from a scenic point of view. Weasels are fairly numerous on all the reserves with the exception of Blumine Island, consequently bird-life is gradually becoming more scarce. On one occasion at Ship Cove I noticed a weasel run down a tree from a height of about 20 ft. On making investigations I found a tui's nest with the remains of three eggs, all of which had been broken and cleaned out. On Kumutoto Reserve during the past season I discovered the nest of a kiwi, and watched with considerable interest the hatchingout and growth of the young birds. Again, on Puroa Point I was fortunate to locate the nest of a pair of blue cranes, which remained undisturbed, so that the birds were able to hatch and rear their young without being molested. Harvey Turner, Caretaker Scenic Reserves.

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APPENDIX C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. During the twelve month ended on the 31st March, 1912, the Board was kept fully employed inquiring into and reporting upon numerous suggestions that areas of land should be acquired and reserved for thermal, scenic, and historic purposes. The very greatest care has been exercised that no recommendation has been submitted to the Government for consideration until the Board is fully aware of the suitability of the land for reservation under the Scenery Preservation Act. To this end, detailed reports have always been obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district in which the land to be reported upon is situated, and in many cases the report of the Inspector of Scenic Reserves has been procured in addition, whilst the personal acquaintance of members of the Board with much of the land under consideration has materially assisted it in coming to a decision upon the matter. The members of the Board comprised the Surveyor-General (Mr. John Strauchon) as statutory Chairman, the General Manager of Tourist and Health Resorts (Mr. F. S. Pope), the Under-Secretary of the Native Department (Mr. T. W. Fisher), and the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the land district in which the particular area of land reported upon is situated. During the year meetings were held as under: At Wellington, on the sth April, 1911, to deal with Auckland lands ; at Wellington, on the 2nd May, 1911, to deal with Otago lands ; at Wellington, on the 30th June, 1911, to deal with Auckland lands ; at Wellington, on the 30th June, 1911, to deal with Taranaki lands ; at Wellington, on the 18th July, 1911, to deal with Westland lands; at Wellington, on the 26th July, 1911, to deal with Hawke's Bay lands ; at Wellington, on the 31st July, 1911, to deal with Southland lands ; at Wellington, on the 2nd August, 1911, to deal with Canterbury lands ; at Wellington, on the 2nd August, 1911, to deal with Otago lands; at Wellington, on the 4th August, 1911, to deal with Taranaki lands ; at Wellington, on the 4th August, 1911, to deal with Auckland lands ; at Wellington, on the 9th August, 1911, to deal with Otago lands ; at Wellington, on the 14th August, 1911, to deal with Otago lands ; at Wellington, on the 29th August, 1911, to deal with Wellington lands ; at Dunedin, on the 12th September, 1911, to deal with Southland lands ; at Wellington, on the 9th October, 1911, to deal with Otago lands ; at Wellington, on the 16th October, 1911, to deal with Wellington lands ; at Wellington, on the 13th February, 1912, to deal with Auckland lands ; at Wellington, on the 15th February, 1912, to deal with Wellington lands; at Wellington, on the 21st March, 1912, to deal with Otago lands. The Board submitted 104 recommendations to His Excellency the Governor, a large number of which have already been given effect to, whilst the remainder are now under consideration. In all cases the Board has earnestly considered the needs of settlement, and has invariably refrained from recommending the acquisition of areas of land suited for agriculture, except in occasional small strips of land situated on river-banks, where the unique beauty of the scenery and the need for river-protec-tion more than warranted the recommendation. The greater part of the land recommended for scenic reservation is quite unfitted for close settlement, but its preservation in a state of nature will greatly tend to the check or prevention of floods in that locality, preserve the soil on the numerous high ranges, ridges, and deep gullies which form such a large part of the scenic reserves, and assist the development of the country in a much greater manner than is generally supposed. The Board will always endeavour to preserve a due balance between the urgent requirements of settlers and the best interests of the State, and, whilst carrying out its functions in assisting to preserve the wonderfully attractive scenery of this Dominion, will in the future, as in the past, take every factor into consideration before making its recommendations. On the 31st March, 1912, Mr. Strauchon relinquished the Chairmanship of the Boaid consequent on his promotion to the position of Under-Secretary of Lands, and I assumed charge on the Ist April, 1912. Jas. Mackenzie, Chairman, Scenery Preservation Board. Kennedy's Bush Scenic Board. During the year powers were again delegated to the Board for a period of three years from 2nd November, 1911, the former members of the Board being reappointed. It was found necessary to call only one meeting of the Board during the year, power having been left in the hands of the Chairman to transact any routine business, and to arrange re the harvesting of the cocksfoot. A contract for this harvesting was entered into with Mr. A. Small, of Governor's Bay, on halves; and though the season was wet a fair crop was reaped, the Board realizing a total of £24 clear. This amount, not having been received until the 9th May, does not appear in the statement of receipts and expenditure for the year, which ended on 31st March last. Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1912. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Grazing-fees .. .. .. 15 5 0 Labour, grass-seed .. .. .. 410 5 Sale of grass-seed .. .. .. 210 6 Material .. .. .. 114 0 Advertisement .. .. .. ..134 Rabbiting .. .. .. 4 19 1 Debt of previous year paid .. .. 418 1 Total ...... 17 15 6 £17 411 Expenditure .. .. 17 411 - To credit .. .. .. £0 10 7

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Summit Koad Scenic Board. The Board has not been in existence for a full year, and no revenue is yet derived from the reserve. It is, however, anticipated that a fair revenue will accrue before long, when planting and other improvements will then be carried out in various parts of the reserves, which lie in vantage-points along the line of the road running along the summit of the Port Hills from Godley Lighthouse, Lyttelton, and Akaroa Harbour to the Akaroa Lighthouse. T. N. Brodrick, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,400 copies, includiog illustrations), £25 10s. By Authority : .John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l2. Price yd.]

C—(3.

Tan garakau River at Junction with Wanganui River.

Steamer shooting Rapids, Wanganui River.

C—6.

Banks of Kaukori Stream, near Pipiriki, Wanganui River.

Lake Kanieri, Westland.

C—6.

Horseshoe Bend, Waiau River.

Routeburn Valley, Head of Lake Wakatipu.

Climbing the Pinnacles of Main Fall, Franz Josef Glacier.

C.—6

Hochstetter Ice-falls, across Tasman Glacier.