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ANNUAL IiEJPOKTS OF DOMAIN BOAJRDS.

The Under-Secretary for Lands to the Hon. the Minister op Lands. Sir, — Department of Lands, Wellington, 28th June, 1906. I have the honour to transmit herewith a synopsis of the annual reports of Domain Boards for the year ended the 31st December, 1905, which have been furnished in accordance with section 7 of " The Domain Boards Act, 1904." Reports on a number of racecourses and recreation-grounds, each administered under a special Act similar to the Domains Act, have also been obtained, and are published in a condensed form in the Appendix hereto. During the year under review a form of lease suitable for domain lands was prepared and printed. Copies of the form are supplied to Domain Boards on application, and Chairmen and secretaries are consequently enabled to prepare leases as occasion requires. The use of the form will also have the effect of tending to make leases more uniform than has hitherto been the case. Great difficulty is experienced in preventing the destruction of the natural bush on some domains. Every care, however, is taken to prevent such despoliation where the Department can exercise supervision, and it is hoped that the cutting of native foliage will cease altogether when the Boards fully realise the objects of the trusts they administer for the benefit of the people of New Zealand. It has been suggested that complete supervision and control of all public domains can only be attained by the appointment of supervising officers, but I am glad to say that it is apparent that Domain Boards and trustees are now so thoroughly awakened to the necessity for a very careful administration of the areas with which they are intrusted, that I am able to report to you that [ do not consider special inspection necessary other than is at present afforded by our own local officers when any special case arises. The total number of domains on which reports of the year's operations should have been made in 399, and reports regarding 3GO have been received. A list of the Boards that failed to furnish an annual report and particulars of the lands controlled by them will be found on pages 39 and 40. The locality of each domain is shown on the accompanying maps. I have, &c, William C. Kensington, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington.

AUCKLAND LAND DISTRICT. Auckland Domain. Situated in Rangitoto Survey District. Area, 236 acres 1 rood. Woek done during year : New flower-beds formed, about five hundred pine-trees cut out, new propagating-house erected. Improvements now on domain: All fenced, cricket-ground securely fenced from remainder of domain by wire fence and stone wall, pavilion in cricket-ground, Park Superintendent's house, gardener's house, caretaker's lodge, and propagating-house. The area contains extensive plantations. Used for grazing, picnics, cricket, athletic purposes, and general recreation. Proposals to erect an iron fence and extend the flower-gardens are under consideration. Avondale Domain. Section No. 3CI, Waikomiti Parish. Area, 38 acres 2 roods. Improvements now on domain : Boundary-fence (out of repair), plantation, and 6 acres in grass. Used for camping. Proposed operations for ensuing year: Repairing fences, and treeplanting. AwiiiTu Domain. Section No. 58c, Awhitu Parish. Area, 8 acres 3 roods 30 perches. Used for sports and picnics. Improvements now on domain : Fences and grass. It is proposed to lease the domain on improvement conditions. . BIRKENHEAD DOMAIN. Section No. 122, Takapuna Parish. Area, 112 acres 2 roods. Improvements now on domain: Fences and plantation. Proposed operations for ensuing year : Laying down a small area in grass.

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