DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1918; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1918 Session I-II, C-06

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Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1918; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

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

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist June, 1918. T have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1918. I have, &c, T. N. Brodrick, The Hon. Sir F. H. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., K.C. Under-Secretary for Lands. Acting Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation. .

EEPOET. As stated in last year's report, the operations under the Act have been circumscribed on account of the abnormal conditions occasioned by the war, and very little expenditure of funds has taken place. There have, however, been several reservations of Crown land, which have added to the attractiveness of the scenic reserves of the Dominion. Reservations. In the Auckland District an area of 92 acres on the Waima River, near Donnelly's Crossing, was proclaimed under the Act, and forms an adjunct to the Waipoua State Forest. It contains a pretty piece of mixed bush, composed principally of tawa, kauri, rimu, kahikatoa, and totara. In the Taranaki District an area of about 3,000 acres was proclaimed. It extended for a distance of about ten miles along the left bank of the Tangarakau River, being about half-way between the townships of Ohura and Whangamomona. It is extremely broken country, and the permanent reservation of the forest is desirable to prevent serious erosion, as well as to preserve the scenery. Where the reserve abuts on to the Tangarakau River there are very high papa and sandstone cliffs, from which steep beech-clad spurs and deep gullies rise rapidly to a height of over 1,000 ft. to the main ridge to the south. The Tangarakau Gorge has been described as the finest in the North Island, and as the railway from Stratford to the Main Trunk line has been laid out on this route future travellers will be able to enjoy the very fine scenery that will be, preserved in this locality. A 10-acre area in the suburbs of Aria Township has also been set aside, and will form a great attraction to the residents there. In the Wellington District areas comprising about 200 acres not far from Taihape were similarly reserved, and will prove a valuable addition to the scenic reserves already in that locality. Near Rangataua an area of 197 acres lying between the Mangaehuehu Stream and the township was reserved. The land carries a forest growth composed mainly of red, black, and silver beech, a few rimus, and numerous small trees and shrubs. In places there arc small areas carrying only shrubs and young beech-trees ; but if stock are kept out the whole area will soon, be regenerated with beech, and it will then form a permanent protection to the township from the southerly winds, and at the same time be a pleasant resort for the residents.. In the Nelson District the chief reservation was an area of 16,000 acres, comprising the famous Gouland Downs, situated at the headwaters of the Aorere and Big Rivers. This land is a great resort and breeding-place of wekas, kiwis, kakapos, and other native birds. The kiwis are numerous and are particularly interesting, the species being Apteryx Haaslii, commonly known as the

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" great kiwi "on account of its size. One of the kakapos was reported to stand 3 ft. high, and weighed 22 lb. Assuming the correctness of this it can be claimed that the New Zealand kakapo is the largest living representative in the world of the parrot family of birds. In many other respects the bird-life of the Downs is particularly rare and valuable; Now that the land has been effectively reserved the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act will apply, and render any person liable to a heavy fine who takes or discharges any firearm thereon or kills or takes any birds or any native or imported game thereon. Another interesting reserve is that of 2,000 acres outside the City of Nelson and adjoining Cawthron Park. It is wooded hilly country overlooking the Maitai River, and accessible by the Dun Mountain track. In the Marlborough District 300 acres of bush land, consisting of kahikatea, rimu, and birch, situated on the main road from Nelson to Blenheim, has been set aside, together with 67 acres of forest land in the suburbs of Picton. In the Westland District areas containing 660 acres on the south-west shore of Lake Brunner were added to the scenic reserves of the locality, so that all. the beautiful scenery of the southern part of the lake is for all time. These reserves now extend to the railway at To Kinga Station, on the eastern shore, round to the eastern Hohonu River. In Canterbury three reserves in the Kinloch Settlement, Akaroa, aggregating 84 acres, were proclaimed under the Scenery Preservation Act. They comprise steep hillsides covered with native bush containing interesting examples of the native flora of the locality. They also afford a sanctuary for native birds. In Otago an area of 8 acres, on the banks of the Catlin's River, was. added to former reservations in that district. Summary. —Altogether areas aggregating 21,639 acres wore set aside during the year, and, after deducting 33 acres comprised in former reserves over which the reservation was revoked during the year, there now remains a total of 305,421 acres proclaimed under the Scenery Preservation Act. Scenic Boards and Local Supervision of Scenic Reserves. In order to effectually safeguard the scenic reserves of the Dominion and to ensure adequate supervision and development it has been the practice to vest the control of reserves in local authorities, or to appoint special Scenic Boards to control reserves. The Department has been fortunate in securing the services of gentlemen interested in scenery-preservation and bird-protection to act as members of these Boards. In cases where scenic reserves are situated in districts which are at present only sparsely populated, local honorary inspectors are appointed where circumstances warrant such action being taken. It is therefore/pleasing to record that a considerable number of valuable scenic reserves near centres of population and in other localities, such as the Marlborough Sounds, are being looked after in an efficient manner. The local authorities controlling scenic reserves are as follows : — Whangarei Borough Council (Coronation Scenic Reserve). Levin Borough Council (Waiopehu Scenic Reserve). Invercargill Borough Council (Waihopai River Bank Scenic Reserve). Nelson City Council (Ururakau Scenic Reserve). Rangitikei County Council (Silverhope Scenic Reserve, near Hunterville). Dunedin City Council (Evansdale Glen Scenic Reserve). The special Boards constituted under the Scenery Preservation Act are as follows : — Summit Road Scenic Board, Christchurch. New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. Silverstream Scenic Board, Wellington. Orari Gorge Scenic Board, Canterbury. Papatowai Scenic Board, Catlin's District, Otago. Northcoto Scenic Board, Auckland. Otari Scenic Reserve (Wilton's Bush). In 1906 and subsequently an area of 142 acres of Native land at Wadestown (Wellington) was purchased and reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act at a cost of £1,200, of which £500 was contributed by the Wellington City Council. It com prised an attractive example of the native forests that formerly clothed the hillsides around Wellington, and has been a popular resort since its acquisition. There has been, however, considerable difficulty in safeguarding it, and as the City Corporation was unwilling to take over its protection and development unless the freehold of the land was vested in it, authority was obtained by section 62 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal, &c, Act, 1917, to sell the foe-simple of the reserve to the Council for the sum of £700. The purchase-money has been paid over to the Crown, and the ownership of the land is now being vested in the Corporation of the City of Wellington, which will in future care for and control this beautiful reserve. Historical Monuments in New Zealand. The Director of the Dominion Museum drew the attention of the Government to legislative action, that had been taken in Great Britain to preserve ancient buildings and. objects such as tumuli, dolmens, stone circles, long barrows, and ancient British fort-sites, earthworks, and towers. In New Zealand " historical monuments " would include aboriginal rock-paintings, earthworks of Maori pas, Maori or pre-Maori stone fences, battle-sites of the Maori wars, redoubts, blockhouses, and perhaps certain buildings erected by the early colonists. At the present time the Scenery Preservation Act gives power for the Crown to acquire and reserve lands possessing scenic or historical interest or on which there are thermal springs. It does not, however, provide for the execution of deeds or agreements for the protection of many of the objects included in the term " historical monuments " situated on privately owned land, which it may

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not be desired to take from the owner. In order to ascertain what action is desirable in New Zealand the various Commissioners of Crown Lands were communicated with, and they have all supplied interesting reports which are now under consideration. Accounts have at various times been written relating the principal events connected with the past history of several of these reserves, and it is proposed later on to publish these accounts as a bulletin or in some other convenient form. It may be stated that many of the reserves already made under the Scenery Preservation Act have been made mainly or largely on account of their association with the early history of New Zealand. These include— (1.) Cook's Cove (Pelorus Sound), where the famous navigator Captain Cook stayed for some time, and to whom a monument was erected in. February, 1913. (2.) Rangiriri Pa, on the banks of the Waikato River, where in 1863 a battle was fought between the Maoris and British, the latter losing six officers and forty men. (3.) Pukerangiora Pa, on the Waitara River (Taranaki Land District), was noted as a Maori stronghold and underwent several famous sieges. (4.) Horahora-kakahu Pa, at Port Underwood, in Marlborough. It was at this pa on the 17th June, 1840, that British sovereignty over the South. Island of New Zealand was proclaimed by Major Bunbury, of the 80th Regiment, and Captain Nais, of H.M.S. " Herald." (5.) Hongi's Track lies between Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua, and, in addition to containing magnificent forest, it is of historical interest, as it was originally opened up by the redoubtable northern Maori warrior Hongi Hika in his attack on the Rotorua Maoris in May, .1.823. (6.) Ruapekapeka Pa is a few miles south of Kawakawa, at the Bay of Islands. In the preEuropean days this place was noted as a stronghold, and it is said to have been the last pa used in connection with Maori intertribal warfare. The place was besieged and taken by British troops in the early colonial days, and bullets and fragments of cannonshell are still to be found round the pa. (7.) Molukoraka Island, near Otahuhu--old pa of Ngatipoa. (8.) Te Kawau Pa and island on Taranaki coast. (9.) Turuturumokai Pa, near Hawera. (10.) Puketi Pa, New Plymouth. (11.) Tataraimaka Pa, near Oakura, Taranaki. (12.) Mangapohue Natural Bridge and Marakopa Natural Tunnel, south of Kawhia Harbour. The matter of adequate preservation of the most important historical monuments not already acquired is now under the consideration of the Government. Expenditure. Tins expenditure during the year was smaller than it has been since the passing of the Act, only £1,537 having been spent, out of which the cost of acquisition of lands amounted to £428. By a reference to the appended table it will be seen that out of the £100,000 authorized to be expended under the Scenery Preservation Act £86,571 has now been expended. As was the case during the preceding twelve months, every care was taken to curtail expenditure.

Comparison of Expenditure.

Appendices. • Attached to this report are the following appendices :— A. Schedule of reserves made during the year, accompanied by a statement of accounts. B. Report of the Inspector of Scenic Reserves. C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board, and local Scenic Boards.

v Compensation Yoar - for Land. Fencing and Surveys, Maintenance. Valuations, &e. Surveys, Valuations, &e. Board's Expenses. Salaries. Total. !_ £ 1904-5 .. 216 1905-6 .. .. 3,336 1906-7 7,856 1907-8 .. . .-. 4,286 1908-9 .. .. 3,813 1909-10 .. .. 1,-688 1910-11 .. .. 1,066 1911-12 .. .. 2,619 1912 13 .. .. 12,997 1913-14 .. .. 10,467 1914-15 .. .. 6,253 1915-16 .. .. 1,530 1916-17 .. .. 252 1917-18 .. .. 428 £ £ Nil 52 527 301 801 382 555 1,063 540 1,159 2,603 685 1,613 715 2,237 798 2,697 627 1,547 758 476 698 104 836 76 602 114 £ 1,822 1,221 185 86 24 Nil 11 22 6 3 12 6 1 3 £ * * * 175 325 325 325 345 345 365 388 390 390 390 £ 2,090 5,084 9,110 5,484 5,765 5,775 3,730 5,938 16,843 13,009 7,887 2,728 1,555 1,537 Grand total 86,571 * Included in Board's expenses.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1917-18 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and its Amendments.

1 ° Is 2 Local Name. Description. Area. Date ot Proclamation in Gazette. 432 Auckland Land District. a. k. v. | Section 30, Block VIII, Waipoua S.D. .. [ 92 0 0 I I A. K. P. 92 0 0 1917. I 8 Nov. 1917. I 8 Nov. Taranaki Land District. Section 3, Block XII, Waro S.D. .. 1 3 35 8 Nov. 1018 8 Nov. 1918. 31 Jan. >21 Feb. 438 1 3 35 439 441 442 J Otamati Aria Waingarara .. • .. Paparata Whakapiko Pakaru Kopa .. Section 41, Block I, Tangitu S.D. .. 14 3 0 Section 35, Aria Suburban .. . . 10 3 38 .. Section 11, Block VU, Pouatu S.D. . . 373 0 0 .. Section 1, Block IV, Pouatu S.D. .. 1,023 0 0 .. Section 2, Block IV, Pouatu S.D. .. 33 2 0 .. Section 2, Block III, Pouatu S.D. .. 1,500 0 0 .. Section 22, Block XVI, Ohura S. D. .. 11 23 3.018 2 16 14 3 0 10 3 38 373 0 0 1,023 0 0 33 2 0 1,500 0 0 1 1 23 1918. 31 Jan. i-21 Feb. 3,018 2 16 418 * * Mangaolmehu ■S,U1B Z 10 Wellington l'jand District. .. i Section 33, Block V, Karioi S.D. .. I 197 0 0 .. Section 63, Block XIV, Ohinewairua S.D. 1 1 0 .. Section 64, Block XIV, Ohinowairua S.D. 40 3 0 .. Section 79, Block XIV, Oliinewairua S.D. 1 0 20 Part Section 62, Block XIV, Oliinewairua 154 3 8 S.D. 197 0 0 10 Jan. lion 10 3 0 1 0 20 ! V21 Feb. 154 3 8 10 Jan. j>21 Feb. * % Oouland Downs Ngakawau Ururakau Extension . . 394 3 28 Nelson Land District. "l Section 2, Block XIV, Wakamarama S.D. ~| Section 2, Block XV, Wakamarama S.D.. . Section 1, Block XVI, Wakamarama S.D.. . <j J Section 1, Block II, Oouland S.D. .. j Uo,LOO 0 0 Section 1, Block III, Oouland S.D. .. ; Section 1, Block IV, Oouland S.D. Section 1, Block VIII, Oouland S.D. .. Section 14, Block 1, Ngakawau S.D. .. 12 0 18 .. Section 1, Block I, and Section 3, Block IV, 800 0 0 Maungatapu S.D. 17.012 0 18 394 3 28 1917. 1 •>-8 Nov t 1917. 420 ] S-8 Nov 425 424 t 17,012 0 18 1 i,U±4 U J.O 423 122 Marlborough Land District. Section 30, Block 1, Wakamarina S.D. .. 302 0 0 Part Section 7, Picton Suburban, Block XII, 67 115 Linkwater S.D. SftQ I 1K 302 o o 67 1 15 1 >'■> Aug. 1 yj Aug. 369 1 15 Westland Land District. 309 1 15 2191 220) Lake Brunner " Reserve 1451, Blocks XI, XII (formorly 498 0 0 part Section 857), Hohonu S.D. < Reserve 1450 (formerly parts of Sections 857 i 119 2 0 and 1995), Blocks Vll, Vlll, XI, Hohonu 42 2 0 S.D. i J>7 June. 660 0 0 000 0 0 420 . I Canterbury fjand District. f Roserve 3990, Block II, Akaroa S.D. .. 8 3 0 1 Reserve 3991, Block II, Akaroa S.D. .. 28 3 0 l_ Reserve 3992 Block V, Akaroa S.D. .. 46 3 0 84 I 0 8 3 0 28 3 0 46 3 0 ! J>28 Junt 1 !>28 June. J 84 1 0 Catlin's River 94 1 U Otago Land District. .. I Section 31, Block I, Woodland S.D. .. 8 0 0 1918. j 10 Jan. 1918. 10 Jan. 437 8 0 0 * Previous Land Act reservation. t Section 72, Keserves and other Lands Disposal, &c, Act, 1917.

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Revocation of Reservations.

Summary of Reserves. District, No. Al ™- A. Iv. JF. Auckland .. .. .. . . .. 1 92 0 0 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 8 3,018 2 16 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. 5 394 328 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 17,012 0 18 Marlborough .. .. .. .. 2 369 1 15 Wcstland .. .. .. .. ..1 660 0 0 Canterbury .. .. . . .. .. 3 84 1 0 Otago .. .. .. .. .. ..1 800 24 21,639 037 Reserved up to 31st March, 1917 .. .. ..481 283,815 3 11 505 305,455 0 8 Less reservations revoked .. .. .... 33 1 15 Grand totals .. .. .. 505 305,421 233 Statement of Accounts, showinc the Amounts expended and the Purposes to which the Money so expended has been applied, for the Year ended 31st Maech, 1918. £ s. d. item 1, Salaries .. . . . . . . . . .. .. ' .. 390 0 0 Item 2.—Administration of reserves and historic spots (including fencing and other works) .. .. ' .. .. .. . . .. .. 478 13 9 Item 4.—Compensation for lands acquired Wanganui River .. .. 148 710 Item 5. —Compensation for Native lands taken for scenery purposes (including historic spots) under the Public Works Act, 1908, and the Native Land Act, 1909 . . 279 4 9 item 7.—Coronation Hill Scenic Reserve : Subsidy towards construction of tea-house.. 100 0 0 Item 9.—Expenses of Boards .. ..' .. .. .. .. .. 379 Item 10.- -Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve : Erection of caretaker's cottage .. . . 23 4 4 Item 15. —Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses .. .. .. .. 114 0 5 £1,536 18 10 Details of Item 2. — Administration of Reserves and Historic Spots (including Fencing and other Works). £ s. d. Salaries of caretakers .. .. ... .. .. '. . .. .. 126 (i 8 Advertising re intention to take land . . . . .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Eradication of weeds .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 1 0 Providing and upkeep of fences on reserves . . .. .. .. 65 3 9 Rabbiting .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 17 3 Protective work : Reserve, Lindsay Settlement .. .. .. .. 54 17 9 Formation of path through Ratapihipihi Reserve .. .. .. .. .. 8 7 1 Payment to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board for work done .. .. .. 100 0 0 £478 13 9 Details of Item 4. — Compensation for Land acquired along Wanganui River. £ s. d. Ramahiku .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Waimarino CD. Block .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 7 10 Puketarata Reserve .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 88 0 0 £148 7 10

Description. Area. Area. Date of Proclamation in Gazette. Section 10 (formorly portion of Section 5), Block 111, Manganui S.D. , Portion of Ramahika 1a, Block X, Waipakura S.D. Portion Section 1, Block XIX, Jacobs Hundred Total A. B. 1'. 0 3 11 5 1 22 27 0 22 33 1 15 3 May, 191.7. 20 September, 1917. 7 June, 1917.

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Details of Item 5. — Compensation for Native Land, &c. £ s. d. Part Taumatatotara No. Ia 2 (Mangapohue Natural Bridge) and Kinohaku West L No. 2b. . 61 5 3 Mangoira 1 and 2, Blocks VIII and X, Awakino North (Mangoira Reserve)- .. .. 217 19 6 £279 4 9 Details of Item 15. — Surveys, Valuations, &c, of Scenic Reserves. £ s. d. Survey of Sugar Loaf Scenic Reserve, Christchurch .. .. .. .. 46 9 0 Survey of Lake Rotoma Reserve .. .. . . . . .. .. 35 4 8 Travelling-expenses . . .. .. . . . . .. .. ■ .. 27 1 9 Valuations, legal expenses, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 550 £114 0 5

APPENDIX B. Report of Inspector of Scenic Reserves (Mr. E. Phillips Turner, F.R.G-.5.). Owing to the circumstances created by the war I was during the year engaged mainly on duties unconnected with scenery-preservation. During my annual leave, however, which was taken in January, I visited. Stewart Island, and as former scenery reports have contained no description of this place the following brief account may prove of interest: — Owing partly to its being situated at the extreme southern end of the Dominion, partly to the bad reputation borne by Foveaux Strait, and partly to the lack of advertisement, Stewart Island attracts few visitors outside of Otago and Southland ; nevertheless, after a sojourn there of some three weeks, I have no hesitation in saying that the island is one of the most delightful places for a holiday I have ever visited. The chief settlement is at Oban, cosily situated at the head of Half-moon Bay, where comfortable accommodation is to be obtained. Though Oban is quite an old settlement, very little farming has been done in its vicinity, and the beautiful indigenous forest of the island in many places extends right up to the village boundaries. Nearly every house in the settlement has a lovely view down the bay and out over the straits, which are studded with numerous islands. From the village numerous narrow but well-formed roads radiate, so that each day in the week one is able to take a different walk ; and as the roads are coated with a granite gravel they never 'get muddy, so with a liglit mackintosh and an umbrella one can take walks without discomfort even on a wet day. The walk round the northern side of Half-moon Bay to Horseshoe Bay follows wooded cliffs the whole way, being sometimes nearly 200 ft. above a sea ranging in colour from a light green to ultramarine, and sometimes at high-tide level. 1 have seen many roads in different places, but of its kind I think this the most beautiful. Even from the inland walks, which are through forest of most interesting variety, one gets peeps over the numerous island-studded inlets with which the coast is indented. Numerous motor-launches and a motor-schooner are owned by the different residents of Oban, and delightful water trips can be made to the numerous arms of Paterson's Inlet, Port William, Port Adventure, Port Pegasus, and that gem of an island, Ulva. On these excursions it is usual for the nature-lovers to land and stroll through the forest, whilst those that prefer sport stay on the launch and indulge in the remarkably good sea-fishing that is to be had almost anywhere along the coast. A large proportion of the island is under dense forest, the dominant tree being rimu, which, however, does not generally grow so large as on the mainland. Along the coast the southern rata is abundant, and when in bloom at about Christmas its rich red flowers make a beautiful display. Along parts of the coast there is a dense growth of various tree-daisies, the sage-green foliage of which forms an interesting variation from the prevalent dark-green of the other coastal trees and shrubs. A plant of special interest to visitors to the island is the puhcretaiko, a daisy that reaches the size of a large shrub. It has very large, thick, leathery leaves, glossy on top and with a thick whitish down on the under-side, on which visitors frequently write a short message and then use the leaf as a post-card. The island is of very great interest from the botanical point of view, but as Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S., has already written so comprehensively on the botany of the island I will refer those interested to his admirable report. Bird-life is fortunately abundant on the island; and tuis, bell-birds, pigeons, kakas, wekas, fantails are very plentiful, and several other native birds are not rare. The small islands around Stewart Island are the nesting-places of thousands of mutton-birds, and the collection of the young birds for food is quite an important industry. Other sea-birds are very numerous, and noticeable among them is a large mollymawk which is so tame that it will swim around a boat and sometimes snap off the fish that the fisherman is hauling into his boat.

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The foregoing account is a very inadequate description of the many interesting and beautiful things and places that are to be seen on Stewart Island. I feel sure that it has a great future as a pleasure resort both for New-Zealanders and for people from the/southern States of the Australian Commonwealth ; and I have strongly to advise that all reasonable measures be taken to preserve the present natural beauty of the island. The soil is generally poor, the climate is very wet, and the forest is dense; and it is unlikely that interest would ever be earned on the outlay that would be necessary to bring the land under grass. In places away from the coast where milling-timbers are plentiful they might later on be milled, but tliis should be done with circumspection and with a view to the regeneration of the forest. There are still some places where the scenery is beautiful which do not belong to the State, and which should be acquired ; prominent among these is Lord's River, which people told me (I could not visit it myself) is a narrow bush-clad inlet of exceptional beauty.

APPENDIX C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. During the year ended 31st March, 1918, the following meetings of the Board were held : On 12th and 26th September, 1917, to deal with lands in the Auckland District; on 14th September, 1917. to deal with lands in the Taranaki District; on 26th September, 1917, and Bth January, 1918, to deal with lands in the Wellington District; on 3rd May, 1917, and Ist March, 1918, to deal with lands in the Marlborough District; on sth September, 1917, to deal with lands in the Nelson District; on J Ith September, 1917, to deal with lands in the Westland District ; on 3rd May, 1917, to deal with lands in the Canterbury District; on 13th September, 1917, to deal with lands in the Otago District; on 19th March, 1918, to deal with lands in the Southland District. These meetings were all held in the office of the Surveyor-General, Wellington. Thirty-two recommendations were made by the Board regarding the acquisition of land for scenic reservation, and submitted to His Excellency the, Governor-General. The Board also considered and dealt with other cases, in which they did not recommend the acquisition of land. The work of the Board has necessarily been circumscribed through war conditions, and the fact that such large areas of land have now been acquired and reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act has also limited to a considerable extent the scenic areas of the Dominion which have yet to be dealt with. Owing to the financial stringency at the present time no recommendations have been made to purchase land, save in one or two instances where the scenic beauty was in danger of early destruction. Every care is taken to conserve the funds of the Scenery-preservation Account, compatible with the proper carryingout of the duties entrusted to the Board. E. H. Wilmot, Chairman, Scenery-preservation Board. Extracts from Report of Summit Road Scenic Board. The Board met seven times during the year. The area under the control of the Board is 1,143 acres, part of which is leased for grazing. No fires have occurred on any of the reserves. The reserve to the south of main road at Dyer's Pass (Coronation Hill) is unfenced, but no damage has been done to the: vegetation, which is coming on satisfactorily. Also, Kennedy's Bush Reserve, the principal reservation along the Summit Road, and which now includes Hoon Hay Park Reserve, Mount Ada, and Cass Peak, is well fenced. The reserves to the north of Dyer's Pass and along the Summit Road towards Sumner namely, Witch Hill, The Tors, Mount Cavendish (or Morten), Mount Pleasant, and Jollies Bush still remain unfenced. Other reserves under the control of the Board are Ahuriri Bush, Parkinson's Bush, Herbert Park, Mount I'itzgerald, Mount Sinclair, and Reserve No. 3002. All these are in fair to good order. The stone rest-house at Dyer's Pass Road and on Coronation Hill Reserve has been completed, and has proved a great boon and attraction to walking-parties. The design is in excellent taste, and both the interior and exterior present a most attractive appearance. Although built on one of the reserve's administered by the Board, the building has been erected on the understanding that the Board is under no responsibility or liability for the repayment of expenses connected with its erection or furnishing. Extracts from Report of New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. Ralapihipihi Reserve (50 acres). —Path-cutting, in order to make the reserve, which is close to the New Plymouth Borough, more accessible to visitors, has been carried out under the supervision of Mr. R. W. Davies, a member of the Board, at a total cost of £8 7s. 4d. The Board's best thanks are due to him, and also to Mr. S. Percy Smith, another member, for laying off the paths in question. Other expenditure was incurred on this reserve in the planting of certain vacant spaces with young wattle-trees in order to crush blackberry, &c, the shifting of certain fencing, also grass-cutting, the whole involving an outlay of £12 9s. 4d. Twenty reinforced-concreto fencing-posts were also secured for further fencing on the eastern boundary of the reserve, and are now on the ground awaiting erection.

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Pukerangiora Pa Reserve (36 acres). —Proposals in hand include the fencing-in and planting with karaka-trees of a small plateau on the reserve for picnic parties and campers, and the work will be taken in hand during the ensuing season. Mr. S. Percy Smith has fifty or more young trees ready for the purpose, and they will be available for planting out when the fencing is completed. Puketi Pa Reserve (9a. 3r. 20p.).—Gorse-clearing on this reserve, held under lease from the Board by the New Plymouth Borough Council at a peppercorn rental, has been carried out during the year by the Council's employees, to the satisfaction of the Board. It is the intention of the Board (in terms of the Council's lease) to have about a quarter-acre of the reserve fenced in and planted during the approaching season with suitable native trees and shrubs. " Meeting of the Waters " Reserve (61a. 2r. 30p.).—An inspection of the reserve was made by the Board in July last, and as a result notices warning owners of stray stock have been posted on the land. Portion of the fencing buried by silt and debris has been restored to rjrevcnt cattle-trespass, the work being carried out under the superintendence of the honorary caretaker, Mr. Henry King. Further fence-repairing where the reserve abuts on the main road will shortly be proceeded with. The Board claimed and secured from the Taranaki County- Council and others royalties amounting to £12 9s. for metal, &c, removed from the reserve. Receipts and Expenditure. —The receipts of the Board for the year were £36 17s. 9d., and out of this sum an amount of £1.7 17s: Id. was expended in fencing, planting, and path-formation, leaving a balance of £19 ()s. Bd. Waiopehu Scenic Reserve. This reserve is situated near Levin, and comprises a pretty piece of native bush containing 22J acres. The control of the reserve is vested in the Levin Borough Council. The annual report of the Council shows that tree-planting and drainage-work was carried out during the year, together with the erection of gates. Further works are in contemplation in the direction of tree-planting, fern-cutting, formation of tracks, and other general improvements.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,000 copies), £10.

Authority: Marcus P, Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—1918

Price 6d.]