DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1935, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1935 Session I, C-06

C.—6

1935. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1935, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE 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.

g IE Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 26th August, 1935. I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1935. I have, &c., W. Robebtson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. Sir E. A. Ransom, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington. REPORT. Proclamations issued during the year setting apart land as scenic or historic reserves under the Scenery Preservation Act covered an area of 2,027 acres. In the North Auckland Land District an arrangement was made with a Crown tenant whereby he surrendered an area of 57 acres of green bush of scenic value adjoining an existing scenic reserve near Broadwood and received a permanent lease over an area of 32 acres of the reserve in exchange. The 32 acres has no scenic value, and the exchange is in the best interests of the reserve. A further exchange was completed in this district during the year, resulting in the Crown obtaining an area of 106 acres of mixed-bush country on the Kaitaia-Kohukohu Road : In this case an area of 64 acres of Crown land was granted in exchange. , In 1933 the Waiotapu Scenic Reserve, Auckland Land District, was brought under the operation of the Tourist and Health Resorts Control Act, 1908, and the control of the reserve was vested in the Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts. A special inspection of the reserve and the surrounding country was made that year, when it was found that the reserve did not by any means contain the most important thermal features of the locality, and that an extension of its boundaries was most desirable. A survey was later carried out and the necessary reservations made to embrace the principal thermal features. The reservations included an area of 5 acres, being portion of the Echo or Blue Lake, which had been left as Crown land when the original scenic reserve was set apart; an area of 142 acres of Crown land to the south of the Champagne Pool containing lagoons, a sulphur spring, and a very remarkable and extensive terrace forming from the outlet of the Champagne Pool; and an area of 215 acres of Crown land lying to the north of the original reserve, and containing the Lady Knox Geyser, the Spout Bath, and other features. An area of approximately 27 acres of the Waiotapu Plantation lying between Hickey's Road and Weir's Road, and containing the Venus Bath and other thermal feature's of interest, was also dealt with, special legislation being provided in section 16 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934, to change the status of this area from State forest to

C.—6.

scenic reserve. An adjustment of boundaries was also carried out between the State forest reserve and the scenic reserve. A small portion of the scenic reserve adjoining the Blue Lake had been included within a fire-break maintained by the State Forest Service, while an implanted portion of the forest reserve adjoining the scenic reserve was outside the fire-break. It was decided to adopt the existing fire-break as the boundary between the scenic reserve and the plantation, and the matter was adjusted by making an area of 7 acres 2 roods 30 perches of the scenic reserve a reserve for State forest purposes and by setting apart for scenic purposes an area of 9 acres 1 rood 20 perches of the Waiotapu Plantation Reserve. Special legislation (section 15 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934) was provided in this case. The new scenic reserves were then brought under the operation of the Tourist and Health Resorts Control Act, 1908, and the control vested by Order in Council in the Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts. The reserves will be developed for sightseeing by the Tourist Department, and it is considered that Waiotapu has a very promising future as a tourist resort. In the Wellington Land District an exchange was carried out for the purpose of straightening the boundaries of the Silverhope Scenic Reserve, and to enable a fence to be maintained on the boundaryline. Some small portions of the scenic reserve devoid of bush and totalling 8 acres 3 roods 7-8 perches were granted to the adjoining owner in exchange for portions of his property totalling 9 acres 0 roods 4-1 perches. The old boundary of the reserve crossed the Porewa Stream no less than twelve times, making the maintenance of a fence almost impossible ; but by means of the exchange a satisfactory boundary has been secured. The Silverhope Reserve, which is situated near Hunterville, is controlled by the Rangitikei County Council, and is a typical piece of the original Native forest that existed in that locality. Near Lake Rotoiti, in the Nelson Land District, an area of 1,250 acres of provisional State forest was set apart as a scenic reserve by section 12 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934. Extensive scenic reservations exist around the shores "and in the vicinity of the lake, and arrangements are also in hand to reserve a further large area of Crown land in that locality. On the completion of these arrangements the provisional State forest area would have been the only considerable piece of bush about the lake not under scenic reservation, and under the circumstances the State Forest Service readily agreed to the proposal so as to complete the chain of scenic reservations in that locality. In the Marlborough Land District the Outer Chetwode, or Te Kakaho, Island, of 200 acres, was made a scenic reserve during the year. The island has distinct scenic possibilities, there being some good patches of bush, and the presence of fern and light second growth indicates that the area will quickly revert to its original state if left undisturbed. Together with the Inner Chetwode, which was reserved in 1904, the island will make an ideal sanctuary for the bird life of the Sounds. A further reservation in this district was that of an area of 4 acres 3 roods 20 perches of standing forest on a peninsula in the Mahakipawa Arm. This area is a well-known landmark in the district, and possesses evidence of ancient Maori occupation in the form of extensive terraces. At the close of the year the Department had in hand various important proposals which could not for various reasons be completed during the period under review. These included the acquisition of an area of 100 acres of bush on Ngongotaha Mountain, the funds for the purchase of which were generously provided by the Bruce Trustees ; the purchase of an area of kauri and mixed bush of great scenic value on the Waiare-Okaihau Road ; and the acquisition of some beautiful kauri and totara forest on the Russell-Whangaruru Road. In other cases negotiations are under way for the acquisition of desirable bush areas situated on main roads by means of exchanges based on timber-value, the State Forest Service providing the necessary timber for exchange purposes out of State forests. The Lands Department gratefully acknowledges the valuable advice and practical assistance given, by the Director of Forestry and his officers in this connection. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 965, covering a total area of approximately 671,000 acres. Scenery Preservation Board. A meeting of the Scenery Preservation Board was held in the office of the Surveyor-General, Wellington, on the 30th November, 1934, when scenic proposals in the North Auckland, Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, and Otago Districts were discussed. Twenty-four recommendations were submitted by the Board to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral for the acquisition and reservation of areas of scenic and historic interest throughout the Dominion under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act. Supervision op Reserves. During the year special scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : The Papatowai, Kirk's Bush, Ohakune Lakes, Lake Kaniere, Riwaka, and Wairarapa Lake-shore Scenic Reserves Boards. Additional members were appointed to the New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board and to the Hundalee Scenic Reserves Board, and additional reserves were entrusted to the care of the latter Board and of the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserves Board. During the year twenty-two ladies and gentlemen were appointed honorary inspectors for scenic reserves throughout the Dominion, and a certificate of appointment was issued in each case. The Department is grateful for the continued assistance of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture in the matter of the nomination of suitable persons for appointment as honorary inspectors.

2

C. —6

General Condition of Reserves, etc. Reports received from the various districts show that, generally speaking, the Dominion's scenic reserves are in a fairly satisfactory condition, and that public interest in the preservation of these areas is definitely increasing. Fire damage was fortunately very light, notwithstanding the hot dry weather obtaining in the summer months in most localities. A good many reserves require fencing or the repair of existing fences ; but unfortunately lack of funds has prevented the Department from improving the position in that respect to any extent. General. The Trounson Kauri Park maintains its popularity, and has continued to attract large numbers of visitors. Protection fences were placed around two of the outstanding specimens of kauri in order to prevent possible damage to the trees. A motor camp was established and a suitable shelter erected towards the close of the tourist season. Arrangements have been made to regenerate a growth of kauri on the area damaged by the gales which occurred in July, 1933. Young kauris from other parts of the reserve are being planted, and a shelter-belt of Norfolk Island pine's is to be planted near the outskirts of the area most affected by heavy winds. A special tour of inspection in the Rotorua and Taupo Districts was made, as a result of which it is probable that recommendations for the setting-apart of extensive areas of Crown land possessing scenic value will be submitted for the consideration of the Scenery Preservation Board. It is estimated that over two thousand people visited the Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary during the season. A sum amounting to a little over £10 was donated to the Board s funds by visitors, and it is proposed to expend this amount in improving the walking-track, providing a fresh-water supply, and establishing a small plantation for shade as close to the lake as possible. The extensive Tennyson Inlet Reserve, in the Marlborough Sounds, attracted many yachtsmen and trampers during the year. An offshoot from Pelorus Sound, with many bays and inlets where virgin bush grows down to the water's edge, it possesses scenic charm of a very high order. The large summer excursion steamers anchor in its calm waters, and passengers and tourists are conveyed to the favourite picnic spots by boats and launches. The bridle-tracks formed by the Department many years ago have become overgrown with scrub and blocked by fallen trees, but steps are being taken to open them up again for public use. This work will give the public comparatively easy land access to this magnificent reserve. Legislation. The Native Plants Protection Act, 1934, a measure promoted in the interests of the preservation of native flora, came into operation on the Ist January, 1935. The Act makes it an offence for any person to take a protected native plant from any Crown land, State forest, or public reserve, or from any road or street, or from any private land without the consent of the owner or occupier of such private property. It was recognized, however, when the Act was being framed that its provisions should not in any way discourage the study of New Zealand flora, or the cultivation of native plants in private or school gardens, and so" on. The penal provisions of the Act do not therefore apply to the taking in reasonable quantities of protected native plants for purposes of scientific research, or nature study, or for propagation in private or school gardens. There is also provision for the taking of native plants in reasonable quantities for medicinal purposes. Native plants are protected in certain defined areas by Acts such as the Scenery Preservation Act, the Forests Act, &c. ; and the Native Plants Protection Act does not in any way weaken the effect of existing laws dealing with scenic reserves, State forests, National Parks, &c. For instance, under the Scenery Preservation Act it is an offence for any person to take any plant from a scenic reserve without special permission, and this will still apply whether the plant in question is protected under the new Act or not. These other Acts give what maybe termed a locality protection. The Native Plants Protection Act gives a national protection to all native plants with certain exceptions. It is supplementary to existing Acts dealing with Crown reserves, and also gives private landowners who wish to check vandalism on their properties more legal protection than they have hitherto enjoyed. The provision making it an offence to take protected plants from roads or streets also represents a considerable advance on previous legislation. A warrant has been issued under the Act declaring all native plants, with the exception of a few species which are commonly regarded as weeds, to be protected throughout the Dominion. It is confidently anticipated that with the willing co-operation of the public the Act will prove a great success, and that through this legislation there will be brought clearly before the people the great value and beauty of our native flora and the necessity of preserving the natural beauty of the Dominion for future generations. Appendices. A schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, accompanied by a statement of expenditure, follows as Appendix A, while Appendix B records the work carried out on Kapiti Island.

3

0,-6,

APPENDICES. APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1934-35 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

Revocation of Reservations.

Summary of Reserves.

4

S I S 5 fig Local Name. Description. j Area. r^clama'tim,. s ! North Auckland Land District. a. r. p. 724 I Broadwood .. .. .. I Section 81, Block II, Whangape S.D. .. | 57 0 25 I 6/3/35 573 I Kaitaia-Kohukohu Road .. | Section 36, Block XV, Takahue S.D. .. 106 2 0 I "18/2/35 Auckland Land District. ) f Section 12, Block VII, Paeroa S.D. .. 5 0 0 13/12/34 | ; Section 15, Block VII, Paeroa S.D. . . 142 3 11 13/12/34 787 Waiotapu .. .. j Sections 6 and 7, Block VII, Paeroa S.D. 215 2 14 13/12/34 I In Block VII, Paeroa S.D. .. . . 9 1 20 * U In Blocks III and VII, Paeroa S.D. .. 26 3 37 f Wellington Land District. 772 ! Silverhope .. .. .. I Parts of Lot 2, D.P. 3449, part Hapopo I 9 0 4-1 i 3/7/34 ] Block, Block VI, Ongo S.D. Nelson Land District. 798 | Lake Rotoiti .. .. I In Blocks IV and VIII, Arnaud S.D. .. ( 1,250 0 0 | J Marlborough Land District. 774 Outer Chetwode Island .. Outer Chetwode Island, Block XXVI, 200 0 0 21/3/34 Gore S.D. 779 Mahakipawa .. .. .. Section 1 of 2, Block IX, Linkwater S.D.. . 4 3 20 i 12/9/34 * Section 15, Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934. f Section 16, Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934. t Section 12, Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934.

r __ j . Date of Proclamation. North Auckland Land District. a. r. p. Part Section 66, Block II, Whangape S.D. (portion of Reserve) .. .. ... J 32 0 38 I 6/3/35 Auckland Land District. Part Section 5, Block VII, Paeroa S.D. (portion of Reserve) .. . . .. 7 2 30 * Total area revoked during year .. .. .. .. . . 39 3 28 * Section 15, Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1934.

Land District. 1 Number. : Area. t 'I ■ | a. a. p. North Auckland .. . . .. .. .. ! . 1 163 2 25 Auckland . . .. .. .. .. .. * 399 3 2 Wellington . . . . . . . . .. .. * 9 0 4-1 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 1,250 0 0 Marlborough .. . . . . . . .. .. 2 204 3 20 Total reservations for year ended 31st March, 1935 .. 4 2,027 1 11-1 Reservations up to 31st March, 1934 .. .. .. 961 669,513 1 34-86 965 671,540 3 5-96 Less reservations revoked .. .. .. .. .. 39 3 28 965 671,500 3 17-96 * Additions only to existing reserves.

C.—6

Statement showing Expenditure on Scenery-preservation for t&e Year ended 31st March, 1935. £ s. d. Acquisition of scenic reserves .. . • • • • • • ■ • • • • ® ® Summit Road Scenic Reserves : Ranger . ■ • • • • • • • • Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses .. • • • • • ■ • • Trounson Kauri Forest, charges in connection with protection of . . . • ■ ■ 'o Waitangi Endowment: Planting, &c. (on account of £8,200) ■ • • • • • 617 71U Waitangi Historic Reserve : Clearing, ploughing, grassing, internal roading, and compensation, &c. .. ■ • • • • • • • • • • ■ '' ' Administration of reserves (including fencing, &c.)— £ s. elEradication of noxious weeds and destruction of rabbits .. • ■ 50 8 9 Fencing, &c 3 1 Fire-fighting expenses .. .. • ■ • • • • «an Ranger: Lake Wakatipu .. • • ■ • • • • • 88 0 Travelling-expenses (including travelling-expenses of departmental officers supervising fire-fighting operations) . . ■ • ■ • 46 1 7 ZoU o o Gross expenditure for year .. •• •• •• •• 3,145 9 9 Less Credits-in-aid, &c., received — Waitangi Historic Reserve : Wages subsidy from Unemployment Board, 473 5 0 Other reserves — Payments by adjoining owners for half-share of cost of boundaryfencing erected, &c. .. . • • • • * • • H ® Public donations received for improvement works to be effected next year at White Pine Scenic Reserve, Tangoio . . . . 50 0 0 fJoO u o Net expenditure for year .. •• £2,610 7^o

Comparison of Expenditure. It is interesting to note how money raised under the Act or provided from other sources has been expended. It will be seen that the cost of administration has been reduced to a very small proportion of the total expenditure.

It must be noted that the above expenditure does not include expenses of raising loans and recoupment of interest, &c. «

5

r ~jr J- __ „ . , „ : Compensation Fencing and Surveys, Board's Salaries. Total. * ear - for Land. Maintenance. Valuations, &c. Expenses. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1904-5 .. .. 216 Nil 52 1,822 * 2,090 1905- 6 .. 3,336 „ 527 1,221 * 5,084 190 6-7 .. .. 7,856 304 801 185 9,14-6 1907-8 .. .. 4,286 382 555 86 175 5,484 1908-9 .. .. 3,813 1,063 540 24 325 5,765 1909-10 .. 1,688 1,159 2,603 Nil 325 5,775 1910-11 .. 1,066 685 1,643 U 325 3,730 1911-12.. .. 2,619 715 2,237 22 345 5,938 1912-13.. .. 12,997 798 2,697 6 345 6,843 1913-14 .. 10,467 627 1,547 3 365 13,009 1914-15 :: .. 6'253 758 476 12 388 7,887 1915-16 .. 1,530 698 104 6 390 2,728 1916-17.. .. 252 836 76 1 390 1,555 1917-18 .. .. 428 602 114 3 390 1,537 1918-19 .. •• 1,295 l,964f 49 1 280 3,589 1919-20 .. .. 510 188 12 .. 40 750 1920-21 .. .. 3,031 471 299 .. 25 J'^5 1921-22 .. .. 57,768 227 224 .. 25 08,244 1922-23.. -. 6,306 377 290 .. 25 6,998 1923-24.. .. 1,488 118 1,589 .. 25 3,210 1924-25.. .. 1,158 1,565 240 .. 18 J.',.I 1925-26.. .. 17,923 2,310 305 9 •• 20,547 1926-27.. .. 2,617 1,182 75 17 .. 3,891 1927-28.. .. 5,182 1,342 58 17 .. 1928-29.. .. 11,642 1,810 538 1 150} 1929-30 445 1,548 108 6 300} -j,407 1930-31.'. 574 1,335 92 2 300} 2,303 1931-32 .. .. 2,373 838 1,099 16 279} 4,605 1932-33.. .. 7 476 15 .. 200} 698 1933-34.. .. 92 1,221 21 .. 156f 1,490 1934-35 .. .. 750 1,804§ 18 ... 38} 2,610 Grand total .. .. •• •• •• " 224,459 ~ * Included in Board's TIncludes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board. t Ranger for Summit Road Scenic Reserves. § Includes £1,344 expended on Waitangi Endowment and Historic Reserve.

C.—6

APPENDIX B. KAPITI ISLAND. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) It gives me pleasure to report that the year just passed lias been a very successful one botli as regards the growth of plant-life and from the birds' point of view. It is true that a gale of wind did some damage in May last, but aj>art from this the year was an ideal one. The calm warm weather experienced during spring and latter end of 1934- provided the right conditions for the birds that were breeding and enabled them to get through this important event without the usual rough conditions. With one or two exceptions the birds went through the nesting-season with excellent results. A large number of gulls and terns nested around Kapiti and on Tokomapuna, and were able to rear their young undisturbed by the elements. The little blue penguins were not so fortunate, however, for, just as they were preparing to breed in July last, a large quantity of oil refuse was seen floating on the water between Kapiti and the mainland. From then on, for several months, dead penguins covered with oil were seen on the beaches daily. It is considered that hundreds of these harmless little birds were killed by the oil around Kapiti alone, and a great many more must have perished in other parts of Cook Strait. Ihe parent birds go to sea every night for food and many of these covered with oil were picked up close to the nests, showing that these devoted parents had made valiant efforts to reach their young ones who would also die. Many other birds had oil on them, although mutton-birds were the only other species besides penguins that died from the effects. During the year a necessary piece of work was commenced. .This was the erection of a fence between the reserve and the Native land. This fence should be completed by the end of the coming winter. A considerable amount of planting has been done during the year, and many plants have been donated by people interested in the island. Mr. A. S. Wilkinson, the Caretaker'of the island, desires to thank the following donors : — Mr. A. Morris Jones, Kelburn, for plants and seeds. Mr. Arthur Seed, Khandallah, for seeds. Mr. J. G. Helyar, Lower Hutt, for plants and cuttings. New Zealand Alpine and Rock Garden Society, Lower Hutt, for seeds and plants. Mr. Ainsworth, Kilbirnie, for seeds. Mrs. Roberts, Kilbirnie, for plants. Mrs. T. Smith, Brooklyn, for plants. While Mr. Wilkinson was on leave he collected some plants near Masterton for the island. These were Gnaphalium subrigidum, Gunnera strigosa, and Pratia angulata, and while in Nelson he gathered a few plants which he cannot name with certainty until they flower. Constant warfare is waged upon rats, and during the year 237 were destroyed. I again express my high appreciation of the outstanding work being done by Mr. Wilkinson as Caretaker of the Kapiti Reserve. I append hereto extracts from Mr. Wilkinson's annual report:— Due to the excellent warm rains earlier in the season, the absence of strong winds, and the dry period that followed, there was a splendid display of flowers. Most of the trees and shrubs flowered quite a month earlier than usual. Ihe rata was a glorious sight in November, and gave the best display of colour that I have seen here during the ten years I have been in charge. The beautiful puawananga (Clematis indivisa) was a lovely sight in early spring. This plant is spreading all through the bush areas as well as in the manuka. The manuka itself when in flower presented a picture worth going a long way to see, with acres upon acres covered with the snow-white lovely flowers. The manuka when in flower is one of the finest plants in New Zealand, and if it were not so common would be much sought after for gardens. " The bush areas were again adorned by the charming flowers of the heketara. Whatever else fails, this shrub always makes a lovely show. As it is well distributed over the sanctuary from sealevel to nearly 1,700 ft. up, it can usually be seen in flower for two months at least. The kaikomako also added its beauty to the landscape, but mostly on the lower levels. The rewarewa and kamahi were both seen at their best in December. The rewarewa especially is a great favourite with the honey-eating birds—crowds of tui and korimako frequented it after the nectar contained in the flowers. Another beautiful tree when in flower is the hinau, of which there are a fair number on Kapiti. The kohekohe did not flower so well as in previous years, but is now (March) covered with blossom, so promises well for the next season. Neither did the bush lawyer give its usual show. The tawa, toro, mahoe, houhou, puka, horoeka, and pate all flowered well, and are now loaded with fruit. The karaka gave a magnificent display of fruit, and was much enhanced by the presence of numerous pigeons feeding on the lovely golden berries. On the floor of the forest, especially in the Rangatira Block, numerous species of ferns are spreading. The kidney fern is well distributed throughout this area, as well as a dozen different species of filmy ferns. The kidney fern was rather scarce on the ground ten years ago, but was growing on the trunks and branches of many trees, from whence it has sown itself over acres of ground. " Another charming plant, Seneoio hirkii, the kohurangi of the Maori, has established itself through the bush in many places. This shrub when in flower is one of the most beautiful sights of the bush. Unfortunately, opossums seem fond of it, so many plants are either eaten or mutilated. The young

6

C.—6

growth continues to make good progress not only in the bush, but all over the sanctuary. The only grass area of any extent now is that in Taepiro, but even there numerous young bush trees are coming up. All along the stream from the head of Taepiro down the gorge to the sea fuchsia trees can be seen, but perhaps the most pleasing feature of the regeneration is the number of young cabbage-trees that are present in the valley. The white pines that were planted there a few years ago are established. "At the south end of the island hardly any grass is to be seen now. A few more years- and the young bush trees will kill out the tauhinu. Young plants are coming up all through it. " In the manuka areas the undergrowth is coming away fast and will get better every year, as the more undergrowth the more leaf-mould and damper conditions. In some parts amongst the manuka the young growth is 10 ft. high. Amongst this nearly every species of plant on the island is represented. In places quite a number of young miro and matai are noticeable; in fact, on one ridge at Kahikatea the most prominent species is matai, and some of them are 4 ft. or 5 ft. high. " In spite of the dry weather experienced lately, most of the taupatas that were planted along the shore from the Native land to the south end are flourishing, and quite a number of them are loaded with fruit. The pohutukawa planted in similar situations seemed to revel in the dry conditions. It flowered well in early December. Some other plants are now producing their own kind from seeds. " Mutton-birds nested in the usual numbers along the top of the cliffs of the western side. The colonies of this interesting petrel are gradually extending in this locality. All the known pairs of blue herons were successful in rearing a brood. Although they breed every year, their numbers do not seem to increase. I think the old birds drive away their young to the mainland. I saw five of these birds near my boat-shed recently —the most I have seen together on Kapiti. Three of them looked like young ones. If they were, this is unusual, because I have never seen more than two eggs in a nest about Kapiti. The shags appear to be holding their own. Most of those seen about the island are the common black shags and the white-throated ones. At least two broods of paradise duck were seen and several clutches of grey. The stilts and banded dotterel nested as usual about the lake and paddocks at the north end. " Most of the bush birds have done well. Fantails, which were somewhat scarce last year, again appeared, and in the usual numbers. Several pairs nested quite close to the cottage. Robins and tomtits with young could be seen in most parts of the sanctuary. The honey-eaters had an excellent year, and young of both tui and korimako are to be seen everywhere. A korimako nested within a chain of the cottage and reared three lusty youngsters. " Both species of parakeet occupied their usual nesting-holes known to me, except in two cases where that pest, the starling, usurped the parakeet's nesting-places. A ngaio tree used for years by parakeets for nesting was occupied by starlings. The parakeets eventually found a suitable place in a bank under some stones. Whiteheads were not bothered so much by the long-tailed cuckoo last season as they have been in previous years. The cuckoo was very scarce. I have not heard the saddlebacks or seen any signs of them during the year. "In July last I found a petrel on the beach at Rangatira which was new to me. Dr. Oliver, of the Dominion Museum, identified it as the Kerguelen petrel (Pteradroma brevirostris). I believe this to be the first record of this species to be found in New Zealand. " In March of this year the beach near my boat-shed was strewn with the lovely delicate shells of the paper nautilis (Argonauta argo). Never before have I seen so many shells of this species thrown up."

A-pproodmate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (700 copies), £8 10s.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1935.

Price 6d.]

7