C—10.

4

In an area of about 12 acres (Lucy's Gully), which was completely surrounded with Native forest and is naturally perfectly sheltered and moist, large-growing permanent timber-trees have been planted, such as Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) and Pseudotsuga Doucjlasii (Oregon pine), whilst on another area macrocarpa has been planted with the idea of not only suppressing weeds, but providing posts for the Park Boa.rd's own fencing. The total trees put in this area is 670. which makes a total for last year's planting of approximately 80,000 trees. During the summer fire lines and boundaries have been cleared, and all trees cleaned where necessary. It will be necessary that at least £50 be spent during the coming summer, about January, to reclean the slower-growing trees, also to keep open the fire lines. For the next two or three years an expenditure of £25 will be required annually to keep the fire lines open. The tree-planting on this area has been of great value to the district, as the area was a mass of weeds, ragwort seed being blown from the high ground to all the neighbouring farms. Total area now planted at Kaitake during the last four winters is over 260 acres, unemployed men being used during the last three winters. The work has been well carried out, and with the exception of this year, when a dry spell came on after the eucalypts and acacias had been planted, the loss on transplanting has been only about 5 per cent. By-laws and Letters op Delegation to Local Committees. These matters have been receiving the attention of the Board, and it is anticipated that new by-laws will be submitted for gazettal at an early date. Letters of delegation of certain powers of the Board to the various local committees constituted under the provisions of section 24 of the Egmont National Park Act, 1924, have also been agreed upon as between the Board and committees, and it is expected these letters will be also operative at an early date. Local Committees. The various local committees have co-operated with the Board in catering for the many thousands of visitors to the park. The revenue from admission charges and house charges shows an increase at North Mount Egmont. At South Egmont (Dawson's Falls) the previous year's traffic and revenue has been practically maintained. The decrease in the East (Stratford) is due to the access road being under reconstruction and repair during the year. North Ecmont Local Committee. This committee has erected a small lodge at the Egmont Road entrance to the park for the purpose of ensuring improved control of motor traffic. The great improvement in the North Egmont Road, clue to the tar-sealing of the upper three miles, has resulted in a marked increase in motor traffic. The old house at North Egmont has been repaired and the facilities improved. South Committee. This committee has experienced a successful year, and practically maintained the excellent return of the previous season. The various buildings have been extended, repaired, and renovated. A notable event is the co-operation of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club with the South Egmont Local Committee in the erection of the Syme Hut at Fantham's Peak. The South Committee in purchasing the materials enabled the Alpine Club to proceed with erection. During the present period under review the whole of the material was carried to the site by members of the club, and accommodation for ten to twelve people will be available when the hut is completed. East Egmont Local Committee. This committee has experienced a difficult year owing to the partial stoppage of traffic on the Pembroke Road access. The completion of metalling is in sight, however, and in addition a road giving access to the plateau above the house is under construction by relief workers, and will provide a great attraction to this section of the mountain when the work is completed. West Egmont Local Committee. This Committee has assisted the Board in general conservation, and the members have always displayed a very keen interest in dealing with the affairs of the mountain. The tracks have been improved at the western end, and although this committee is only in receipt of a very small revenue, the best results can be relied upon in giving service to the public visiting this section of the park. A hut (Kahui) has been furnished for visitors wishing to spend the night. North Egmont Hostelry, Ltd. This company has, by improving the Hostel accommodation and grounds, done everything possible to provide up-to-date and comfortable accommodation for visitors to Mount Egmont. New walks have been opened up to give access to bush in close proximity to the hostel, enabling visitors to see some very fine scenery without the necessity of tramping a distance. Lookouts have been constructed affording an excellent view of the surrounding country. Sign-posts have been erected to enable visitors to view the points of interest as conveniently as possible, and many native trees have been named. A new manager has been appointed and already a pronounced improvement is noticeable in the number of visitors to the hostel.