DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1921, 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, 1921 Session I-II, C-06

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Session 11. 1921. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1921, 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, 10th June, 1921. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1921. I have, &.C., T. N. Brodrick, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

REPORT.

Reservations in Year. Comparatively few reservations were made during the past year, the areas dealt with being Crown land as follows :— Auckland Land District. —Two sections of bush land in the Thames Survey District were proclaimed. They comprise steep and broken country covered with heavy forest. A beautiful waterfall is situated on one of the sections. Hawlce's Bay Land District. —An area of bush-covered land on the Motu-Opotiki Road was set aside, and this reservation provides a further addition to the beautiful scenery along the route. Other areas will be secured as opportunity offers, so that this highway should become a popular drive for motorists and visitors to the district. Taranaki Land District. —A small area along the Rotokare Road, some five or six miles inland from Eltham, was proclaimed. It consists of a hillside covered with a mixed forest comprising .tawa, rimu, rata, &c. Wellington Land District. —An area covered with native forest between the Owhango Township and the Whakapapa River was permanently reserved. This reserve is well seen from the railwayline, and will form a noticeable addition to the other scenic reservations along the same route. Within the reserve is a pretty lagoon. West-land Ijand District. —A small reserve on the banks of the Waiho River below the Waiho Gorge was set apart. Visitors to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier will pass by this reserve, and will be pleased to see its permanent reservation. Canterbury iMnd District. —An area of GOO acres, lying to the north-west of and adjoining the Peel Forest Scenic Reserve of 511 acres, was gazetted, and it may now be stated that the whole of the well-known Peel Forest lias been secured for the public. The recent addition contains mostly mixed bush, and is situated on high broken country with a southerly aspect.

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Tenntson Inlet. An area of 7,084 acres, which had been set aside many years ago for granting to landless Natives of the South Island, was found to be unsuitable for occupation in small holdings, and by section 14 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1919, provision was made for awarding monetary compensation to the Natives in lieu of the land in question. The Scenery Preservation Board recommended that this area, which comprises some of the most beautiful scenery in*the Marlborough Sounds, should be set aside as a scenic reserve. It is still largely in the same condition as when Captain Cook visited New Zealand in 1769. On the sea frontage are a number of very picturesque bays and indentations with a magnificent background of high hills densely covered with indigenous forest, whilst native vegetation extends to the water's edge and enhances the primeval attractions of this inlet. Lake Rotoiti. As mentioned in last year's annual report, the Ngati-Pikiao Tribe, near Rotorua, had donated to the Crown certain land fronting Lake Rotoiti for reservation for scenic purposes. A meeting was held at Otaramarae, on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, on the 29th January, 1921, when Morehu te Kirikau, on behalf of the Ngati-Pikiao Tribe, and in the presence of a large assemblage, formally handed over the lands to the Hon. Mr. Guthrie, Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, and the Hon. Sir Francis Bell, former Minister in Charge. The Hon. Mr. Guthrie, on behalf of the Government, acknowledged the handing-over of the areas, and assured the Natives that their wishes would be given effect to by the Government and the land preserved as an inalienable heritage by the people of New Zealand for all time. The areas, fifty-one in all, have been surveyed, and a Proclamation in the Gazette of the 14th April last defines the lands which had been ceded to the Crown. The renowned scenic attractions of Lake Rotoiti are therefore permanently reserved for all time, and it is to the greatest credit of the Ngati-Pikiao Tribe that they presented such a magnificent gift to the public. Lake Okataina. Subsequent to the handing-over of the Rotoiti scenic reserves, Hemana Pokeha, addressing the Minister on behalf of the Ngati-Tetakainga and Ngati-Tarawhi Tribes, stated their intention of making a formal presentation to the Government of scenic areas along the shores of Lake Okataina. The Minister gratefully acknowledged the offer, and promised that every care would be taken by the Government to have the land surveyed in accordance with the wishes of the Native donors, and to preserve the land in a manner calculated to give the best effect to their wishes. Arrangements are now being made to carry out this undertaking. In addition, the Ngati-Rongomai Tribe, owners of the Waione Block, through which the road from Lake Rotoiti to Lake Okataina passes, held a meeting at Otamarae on Saturday, the 21st May, and announced their intention of donating areas of forest-covered land on both sides (if the road, on the same conditions as the Ngati-Pikiao Tribe handed over the Rotoiti reserves. The committee to administer the lands is to comprise Tiakiawa Tahuriorangi, Morehu Kirikau, Timi te Po, Te Puehu, and Horomona Himiona. Dominion Scenic Reserves. By referring to attached schedule it will be seen that 528 scenic reserves, comprising a total area of 313,233 acres, have now been set aside for scenic, historic, and thermal purposes since the passing of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1903. In addition to this large area some 50,000 acres had previously been reserved for similar purposes under the provisions of the Land Act, and these will be brought under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act. Although these reserves contain some of the most beautiful and unique scenery of the Dominion, it may be pointed out that seven national parks, comprising 2,771,202 acres, have also been set apart for the preservation of scenery, and a list thereof appears in the schedule. Two of these extensive reservations—namely, the Egmont and Tongariro National Parks—are situated in the North Island, and are amongst the most popular resorts of pleasure-seekers and mountain-climbers, The other five comprise the Hooker Glacier, the Tasman Park (around Mount Cook), Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge, and the West Coast Sounds National Park. It will therefore be seen that in reserving an area of over 3,000,000 acres the successive Governments of New Zealand have recognized the importance of preserving the unique and beautiful scenery of the Dominion for the enjoyment of the present and future generations. Inspection of Reserves. In accordance with what has proved to be an excellent practice, gentlemen who reside in the vicinity of scenic reserves and arc willing to keep an eye on them have been appointed honorary Inspectors under the Scenery Preservation Act, and thus given power to exercise supervision. In addition Crown Lands Rangers and other officers of the Department are instructed to visit the reserves from time to time when their official duties take them to the locality. ExPENDITUIiE. The expenditure during the year was .£3,826, out of which the cost of acquisition of lands amounted to £3,031. By a reference to the appended table it will be seen that, out of the £100,000 authorized under the Scenery Preservation Act, £94,000 has now been raised. As was the case during the

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preceding twelve months, every care was taken to curtail expenditure. Owing to outstanding liabilities in connection with the acquisition of lands at the Mokau River and elsewhere, and the necessity of providing for the maintenance of lands already reserved, a further appropriation by Parliament is required.

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 Scenery Preservation Board. C. Kapiti Island.

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1920-21 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and its Amendments.

Year. Compensation for Land. Fencing and Maintenance. Surveys, Valuations, &o. Board's Expenses. Salaries. Total. 1904-5 .. 1905-6 .. 1906-7 .. 1907-8 .. 1908-9 .. 1909-10 .. 1910-11 .. 1911-12 .. 1912-13 .. 1913-14 .. 1914-15 .. 1915-16 .. 1916-17 .. 1917-18 .. 1918-19 .. 1919-20 .. 1920-21 .. £ 216 3,336 7,856 4,286 3,813 1,688 1,066 2,619 12,997 10,467 6,253 1,530 252 428 ],295 510 3,031 £ Nil 304 382 1,063 1,159 685 715 798 627 758 698 836 602 l,964f 188 471 £ 52 527 801 555 540 2,603 1,643 2,237 2,697 1,547 476 104 76 114 49 12 299 £ 1,822 1,221 185 86 24 Nil 11 22 6 3 12 6 1 3 1 £ * * * 175 325 325 325 345 345 365 388 390 390 390 280 40 25 £ 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,765 5,775 3,730 5,938 16,843 13,009 7,887 2,728 1,555 1,537 3,589 750 2,825 Grand ti ital 93,735 * Included in Bi lard's expenses. f Includes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board.

a a- . o_a o u "-* 'y <y I" _i_ Local Name. Description. Area. Dato of Proclamation in Qazelte. 470 I 411 I Whitikau Auckland Land District. I Section 7, Block IX, Thames S.D. .. I Hawke's Bay Land District. .. | Portion of Section 2, Block I, Urutawa I East S.D. a. n. p. 23 0 25 j 81 2 0 I 1920. 9 Sept. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. Taranaki Land District. 472 j Rotokare Road 480 j Ohinetonga .. .. I Section 42, Block XV, Ngaire S.D. .. I Wellington Tjand District. .. I Sections 11 and 57, Block X, Hunua S.D. | 25 0 24 I 409 1 14 I ! I 6 Sept. 20 Dec 6 Sept. 20 Dec 409 1 14 470 I Westland Land District. I Reserve 1703, Blocks VII, XI, Waiho S.D. [ 107 2 0 I ! 107 2 0 28 July. 28 July. 475 Peel Forest .. Canterbury Land District. I Section 3208, Block II, Orari S.D. ( Reserve 4019, Blocks I, II, III, Orari S.D. 13 3 1 695 0 0 J 696 3 3 1 3 3 695 0 0 | 12 Oct. • 12 Oct. 696 3 3

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Revocation of Reservations.

Summary of Reserves. District. No. A A ™ a p Auckland ... ... ... ... ... 1 23 6 25 Hawke's Bay ... ... ... ... ... 1 81 2 0 Taranaki ... ... ... ... ... 1 25 0 24 Wellington ... ... ... ... ... 1 409 1 14 Westland ... ... ... ... ... 1 107 2 0 Canterbury ... ... ... ... ... 2 696 3 3 7 1,343 1 26 Reserved up to 31st March, 1920 ... ... ... 525 312,075 3 7 532 313,419 0 33 Less reservations revoked ... ... ... 4 185 1 242 Grand totals ... ... ... 528 313,233 3 88 National Parks. Acres. Egmont (reserved by the Egmont National Park Act, 1900) ... ... ... 79,922 Tongariro (reserved by the Tongariro National Park Act, 1894) ... ... ... 62,280 Hooker Glacier (reserved in New Zealand Gazette of 26th June, 1890, page 741) ... 38,000 Tasman Park (Mount Cook) (New Zealand Gazette of 28th July, 1887, page 1008) ... 97,800 Arthur's Pass (New Zealand Gazette of 24th October, 1901, page 2034) ... ... 150,000 Otira Gorge (New Zealand Gazette of 24th October, 1901, page 2034) ... ... 17,000 Sounds (New Zealand Gazette of 23rd February, 1905, page 544) ... ... ... 2,326,200 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,771,202 Statement op Accounts, showino the Amount expended and the Purposes to which the Money so expended has been applied for the Yeah ended 31st March, 1921. Scenery Preservation Account. Statement of Rkoeipts and Payments fob the Year ended 31st March, 1921. Receipts. £ s. d. Payments. £ s. d. Cash in hand Ist April, 1920 .. .. 4,944 8 1 Salaries .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 Rents received .. .. .. 1,781 15 0 Acquisition of Round Bush, Foxton .. 304 0 0 Compensation for Native lands taken for scenery-preservation purposes .. .. 267 5 4 Compensation for land taken : Small Graz-ing-run 115 .. .. .. 500 0 0 ('ompensation for land taken under the Act 460 9 0 Acquisition of Snowden's Bush, Nelson .. 500 0 0 Orari Gorge Scenic Reserve : Contribution towards improvements and fencing .. 9 7 6 Whangaroa Harbour Scenic Reserve : Purchase of portion of Taupo 24 Block .. 999 0 0 Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses .. .. .. 298 11 9 Administration of reserves and historic spots—■ Salaries of caretakers and allow- £ s. d. ances .. .. .. 124 5 7 Travelling-expenses .. 16 10 2 Eradication of weeds.. .. 41 6 6 Advertising, &c. .. .. 811 0 Erection and upkeep of fences .. 221 4 4 Drains .. .. .. 50 0 0 461 17 7 Cash in hand, 31st March, 1921 .. .. 2,900 1111 £6,726 3 1 £6,726 3 1

Land. Area. Bate of Proclamation in Gazette. Section 8, Block V, Nukumaru S.D. Section 7, Block VII, Retaruke S.D. Rangiwaea 4c No. 12 Block, Block VI, Karioi S.D. Section 6, Block IV, Makotuku S.D., formerly part Section 4, Block IV Two islands in the Maruia River known as Section 4, Block IV, Rahu S.D. Originally portion of Section 4, Block VIII, Linkwater S.D., now known as Section 18, Block VIII Situated in Block VII, Waiho S.D., being part of Scenic Reserve No. 1369 .. A. E. P. 15 1 0 11 1 39 75 1 20 0 1 32-2 46 0 0 13 1 25 16 April, 1920. 28 June, 1920. 18 November, 1920. 3 December, 1920. 25 June, 1920. 9 April, 1920. 23 1 28 28 July, 1920. Total 185 1 24-2

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Loan Account as at 31st March, 1921. £ s. d. By Debentures issued— £ s. d. £ s. d To Loan authority: Section 12, Scenery 1905-1919 .. 89,000 0 0 I 'reservation Act, 1908 .. .. 100,000 0 0 1919-1920 .. 5,000 0 0 ■ 94,000 0 0 Balance of authority as at 31st March, 1921 .. .. .. .. 0,000 0 0 £100,000 0 0 £100,000~0~0 J. H. O'DONNELL, 14th June, 1921. Chief Accountant, Lands and Survey Department.

APPENDIX B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. During the year the following meetings were held in the office of the Surveyor-General: On the 26th May and 16th July, 1920, dealing with matters in North Auckland Land District; on the 7th July, 1920, Auckland Land District; on the 27th May, 1920, Taranaki Land District; on the 9th September, 1920, Wellington Land District; on the 27th May, 1920, Westland Land District; and on the 29th June, 1920, Canterbury Land District. Eighteen recommendations were submitted by the Board to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral regarding the acquisition and reservation of lands for scenic purposes. Several of these recommendations have been carried out, and others are now under action. In other cases considered no recommendation was made. W. T. Nbill, Chairman. W. 11. Jourdain, Secretary.

Extracts prom Reports of Local Scenic Boards. Summit Bond Scenic Reserves Board (Christchurch). The general condition of the reserves is good. Several still require fencing, but as the • fencing-material is still high in price it has been determined not to proceed with any extensive operations. Authority has been given to fence in one small area near Sumner. Kennedy's Bush Scenic Reserve is in an excellent state of preservation, and there is abundant evidence that the bush is rapidly spreading. The same observations apply to Ahuriri Bush Scenic Reserve and Parkinson's Bush Scenic Reserve. Reserve 3064, the largest of the scenic reserves under the control of the Board, is in excellent condition generally, but some little damage has been done by fire spreading from neighbouring properties. This emphasizes the necessity of having a resident caretaker to protect the bush from damage by warning those who start fires. The scenic reserve on Mount Fitzgerald has received very slight damage from fire. The same remark applies to three scenic reserves on Mount Sinclair. On these reserves there is a very fine growth of alpine vegetation. The small reserve of 15 acres below Mount Fitzgerald should be fenced, and steps will be taken in the near future to have this done. The value of having resident caretakers was recently emphasized through the occurrence of fires on the edge of Kennedy's Bush and Ahuriri Bush Scenic Reserves. Through the energy of Mr. Buschel, caretaker of Kennedy's Bush, these fires were stopped before much damage was done. Tb«s Board has much pleasure in reporting that the options secured through the energy of Mr. Eil are likely to be taken up within the very near future. When the purchases are completed several valuable additions will be made to the Summit Road Scenic Reserves. One was referred to in the last report—viz., the one secured through the generous act of Mr. H. A. Knight. The other option is a very fine reserve, with many scenic beauties and considerable area of young bush, on what is known as Sugarloaf. This reserve is opposite to Coronation Hill Scenic Reserve, where the Board has a resident caretaker who has proved himself a very careful officer. The trapping of opossums has proved a source of increasing revenue every year. In the present year the income from this source was £114; in the previous year, £74 10s.; and these amounts have been applied in connection with the improvement of the different reserves. The Board has now resident caretakers on Coronation Hill, Kennedy's Bush, and Kaituna Scenic Reserves. Mr. H. G. Ell has been gazetted Inspector of all the Summit Road Scenic Reserves. The appointment is a fitting one, as it is entirely through his exertions and initiative that all these reserves have been secured to the public. •G. H. Bullard, Chairman. 2-C. 6.

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Amongst other local Scenic Boards are the Hawera Borough Council, which controls the Turuturumokai Pa Scenic Reserve; the Dunedin City Council (Evansdale and Kaikorai Valley Scenic Reserves); the Northcote Scenic Board (Kauri Gully, Northcote); Orari Gorge Scenic Board (Orari Gorge); the New Plymouth Scenic Board (Ratapihipihi Reserve, Meeting of the Waters Reserve, &c); Taihape Scenic Board (Taihape Scenic Reserves); Silverstream Scenic Board (Silverstream, Hutt); Everett Road Scenic Board, Taranaki; Whangarei Borough Council (Coronation Scenic Reserve); Rangitikei County Council (Silverhope Reserve); Levin Borough Council (Waiopehu Reserve); Invercargill Borough Council (Waihopai River bank, &c). From reports received it would appear that the reserves are being kept in good condition, and that the local Boards take a gratifying interest in the lands under their control.

APPENDIX C. Kapiti Island. This island, the greater part of which was set apart under the Kapiti Island Public Reserve Act, 1897, is held as a sanctuary for native fauna and flora, and the resident caretaker (Mr. J. L. Bennett) reports as follows for the twelve months ended 31st March last:— There have been 265 goats destroyed, whilst the skins of 1,241 opossums were secured and sold by auction. No sign of wild cats was observed. Wreck: The auxiliary schooner "Lily" went ashore during a north-west gale on the 2nd November on the boulder-bank at the north end of the island (Native land), and is now a total wreck. Bird-feed : It promises to be a good season for the birds, as there is plenty of feed this year. Bush: Young seedling tawa, fuchsia, and kohekohe are springing up in many places.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (600 copies), £11.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington,—l92l.

Price 6d.\