C— G.

Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1923, 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, MOM.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, sth June, 1923. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1923. 1 have, &c, J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

REPORT.

Reservations in Year. Although financial considerations prevented the purchase of much land for scenic purposes during the year, it was found practicable to proclaim no less than 64,000 acres of land, of which, however, 60,000 acres was comprised in one reserve taken out of the West Coast Sounds National Park. The areas that were set aside comprised : — In the North Auckland District 58 acres in the Waipu Gorge were acquired from the owners and taken under the Public Works Act. The reserve is on the banks of the Piroa Stream, and is covered with bush, a fair amount of which is totara. The preservation of the beautiful scenery of the gorge is undoubtedly an asset to the attractions of the district. The Poor Knights Islands, north-east of Whangarei, had been previously set aside for lighthouse purposes, but with the object of conserving the flora and fauna a clause was inserted in the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill which brought them under the Scenery IVeservation Act, subject to a continuance of any rights and powers, except those of leasing and exchanging, now vested in the Minister of Marine with regard to lighthouse-sites. A very beautiful reserve on the outskirts of Papakura. was acquired under the provisions of the Public Works Act from the. owner. It has been known locally as " Kirk's Bush," and the whole property had been subdivided with a view to private sale in building allotments. The Government,