C.—6.

10

The Kaikoura scenic reserves on the Coast Road, north and south of Kaikoura, were more popular than ever for camping and picnic parties throughout the holiday seasons. The forethought of this Department in providing conveniences and fireplaces has enabled the reserves to be kept in a fairly tidy condition. Nevertheless it is advisable that a Scenic Board similar to that of the Pelorus Reserve should be appointed to control these reserves, as where large numbers of camping parties are situated strict supervision must be kept to prevent the chopping-down and mutilation of the bush to provide tent-poles, &c. During the coming year it is hoped that a Board of Control will be appointed. Successful attempts have been made by the Department to acclimatize the pohutukawa on several of the islands, and their showy blooms provide a welcome attraction to the scenery of the Sounds. The advent of the seaside dwelling in the Sounds has proved an important factor in the improvement to the scenery during the past few years. Most of the owners of these are enthusiastic naturelovers, and, besides protecting the remnants of native bush on their properties, have extended these by planting more native or introduced trees. In this way many hundreds of acres which a few years ago were in bracken or burnt bush are rapidly becoming reafforested, and prove a welcome addition to our efforts in conserving what we can of the original native bush that beautified the Sounds. During the year five new honorary inspectors were appointed for the Pelorus Sounds, and two new inspectors for the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sounds district. John Stevenson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. APPENDIX F. Summit Road Scenic Reserves. There are twenty-seven reserves situated on the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula controlled by the above Board. Many of these have been furnished with access, and are being taken advantage of by the public as pleasure and camping resorts. There is a large rest-house and tea-rooms, known as " The Sign of the Kiwi," situated on Reserve No. 3900 at Dyer's Pass, and another on Reserve No. 3735, known as Kennedy's Bush ; while a small rest-house for tramping parties is provided on reserve No. 3988, known as " Kaituna." The reserves in question are mostly isolated patches of bush and scrub, and every endeavour is being made to preserve same. Opossums, which have afforded a little revenue to the Board, have been fairly plentiful in the past, but as the trapping results were very poor last season it has been decided not to allow any trapping this coming season. Five of the above reserves, including Reserve No. 4170, known as the Sugarloaf, which was only acquired by the Board during the present year, are leased, bringing in a total annual rental of £65 17s. Legislation has recently been passed handing over thirteen of the reserves to the Port Hills Akaroa Summit Road Public Trust, including those on which the Kiwi and Kennedy's Bush tea-rooms are situated, also the Kaituna rest-house. The Board are retaining the reserves which are leased as stated above. These pleasure resorts are greatly appreciated by the public, and a great number take advantage of them all the year round. Mr. Ell, the secretary of the Trust, is leaving no stone unturned in his endeavour to popularize these pleasure-spots. A considerable amount of money has been subscribed locally towards the movement, which is supported by a strong body of local leading business men, who intend to extend the roading and make all other possible improvements with the idea of bringing as many as possible of the reserves within the reach of the public. W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chairman of Scenic Reserves Board. SCENIC RESERVES ACCOUNT. Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1927. Payments. £ s. d. Receipts. £ s. d. By Refunds of rent, &c. .. .. 710 0 To Rents, royalties, &c. .. .. 1,329 4 2 Refunds, timber royalties .. .. 1419 3 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 102 13 9 Scenery-preservation vote— £ s. d. Balance transferred to Treasury Adjust- Purchase of new reserves 2,681 8 1 ment Account .. .. .. 2,608 9 7 Compensation for Native land taken .. 9 11 Expenditure on Trounson Kauri Forest .. 737 13 2 Expenditure on reserves 370 18 5 Board expenses .. 17 16 2 Miscellaneous expenditure .. .. 74 11 4 3,891 8 3 £4,040 7 6 £4,040 7 6