a—6

8

become deforested. In all future surveys of township-sites it would be highly desirable to reserve a fairly large area of bush on the banks of the nearest suitable streams so that it might serve as a safe catchment-area, and also for the usual purposes of our scenic reserves. In handing over scenic reserves to local bodies, or to the control of Domain Boards, there should be strict provision that grazing should not be allowed, and that the bush should in no way be damaged. In most instances where local bodies have got the control of scenic reserves they allow grazing, and in some cases have even cleared the land for sports-grounds. In cutting up Crown land it is the rule to reserve 1 chain on each side of all streams of half a chain or more in width. These reserves are always shown as roads on plans, and eventually get into the control of local bodies. As the reservation is not for wheel traffic, but chiefly to give the public the right of getting along the river, and to preserve the vegetation that protects the banks, it would be as well if these reservations were kept in Government control, as the local bodies allow the adjoining settlers to clear the banks of the bush. The necessity for the preservation of forests and spots of scenic interest still continues to be preached in Europe and America. The late President of the United States has worked strongly for the conservation of the forests. In England it has been decided to reforest portions of the coast that are suffering from erosion. It is proposed to replant large areas of deforested land in Scotland and Ireland. Several abbey and castle ruins in England have been purchased by private subscriptions, and some have been given by their owners for the preservation of spots, the history of which is part of the history of the country. In France the Government has purchased the palace at Avignon, where the Popes in stormy mediaeval times had to reside. In England the Government, as such, takes no action ; all is left to private effort. It may safely be said that in this Dominion we now have reserves that are equal to those of any country ; and it is to be hoped that all will realise the importance of preserving them from destruction, so that they may be enjoyed by those who will sooner or later succeed us. ■ E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves.

APPENDIX C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Boakd. During the year only three meetings of the Board were held : The Auckland Board met on Thursday, the Ist October, 1908 s and many pressing matters were dealt with, and statutory recommendations submitted to His Excellency the Governor ; the Wellington Scenery Preservation Board met on the 11th September, 1908 ; and the Marlborough Scenery Preservation Board, after visiting the Marlborough Sounds, met at Blenheim on the 17th October, 1908. Several recommendations contained in the above have been given effect to, and the necessary proclamations have appeared from time to time in the New Zealand Gazette. A list of the recommendations during the years is appended. As I am now relinquishing the position of Surveyor-General, my duties as Chairman of the Scenery Preservation Board cease at the same time. My successor as Surveyor-General (Mr. John Strauchon) will be the new Chairman of the Board, and from his extensive knowledge of the Dominion he will be able to carry on the work been so satisfactorily accomplished by the late Commission between 1903 and 1906, and by thd present Board since the latter date. Thos. Humphries, Chairman, Scenery Preservation Board.

Schedule of Recommendations of the Scenery Preservation Board for the Year ended 31st March, 1909.

. o a i • w a Locality. Area. Action taken. Area in Blocks XIV and XV, Co.omandel Survey District Wairere Falls, Blocks XI, XV, Wairere Survey Disrtict Part Section 2, Waitakerei, Block XII, Kumeu Survey District Natural tunnel on Mangapohue Road. Block XI, Kawhia South Survey District Adoption of recommendations of former Scenery Preservation Commission not yet acted tickland Distric, A. R. P. 105 0 0 Proclaimed as a reserve in Gazette of 26th November, 1908. Proclaimed as a reserve in Gazette of 12th November, 1908. Held over. 78 79 175 0 0 80 15 0 0 81 100 0 0 '/ Under consideration. upon