C.-JO.

1932. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. PUBLIC DOMAINS AND NATIONAL PARKS OF NEW ZEALAND (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist August, 1932. I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the public domains and national parks of the Dominion for the year ended 31st March, 1932. I have, &c., W. Robertson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Lands.

REPORT.

PART I.—PUBLIC DOMAINS. It has always been the policy of the Department to make ample provision for recreation reserves, and during the year under review a considerable amount of useful work was accomplished both in the reservation of new areas for public use and enjoyment, and in the giving of advice and general assistance to the Domain Boards having the control and management of our public domains. Twelve new domains, covering a total area of some 350 acres, were brought under the provisions of Part II of the Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928, and appointments of controlling Boards were made in eight of these cases. Additions totalling 45 acres were also made to six existing domains. The total number of domains administered under Part II of the Act is now 749, comprising an aggregate area of approximately 73,670 acres. Forty-five of these domains are administered by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands, 264 are controlled by local authorities acting as Domain Boards, while the remainder have been placed under the control of local Boards appointed from time to time. Lack of space prevents a detailed description of the new areas set apart during the year, but brief mention may be made of two or three of them. An area of 12 acres 2 roods 37 perches at Te Mata was donated by Mr. W. G. Vernon for the purpose of forming a sports-ground for the district.. The survey was carried out by the Department, and when the Crown's title had issued a Board of local residents was appointed to control the new domain. The land comprises the only area in the immediate locality that is suitable for recreation purposes, and when fully improved will form a valuable domain. The residents have displayed commendable activity in raising funds and in carrying out improvements, and the district is fortunate in having the area made available through the public-spirited action of the donor. At Scorching Bay, Wellington Harbour, an area of 15 acres 2 roods 15-3 perches formerly held by the Crown as a military reserve was constituted as a public domain and placed under the control of the Wellington City Council. The beach fronting this area is a favourite bathing-place, and the reservation of the domain will make available a splendid picnicground for the use and enjoyment of the general public for all time. A number of week-end cottages were erected on the land in past years, and the owners are being allowed to remain in occupation for the present on temporary tenancies. The rentals received will be used for the purpose of improving the amenities of the domain. Representations were made to the Department that a. general reserve for recreation and motor-camping purposes should be set aside out of the Crown lands remaining unsold in the Orewa locality, and arrangements were made for the constitution of a domain of over 50 acres in a good situation. The locality, which is now within easy reach of Auckland City, is becoming a popular resort, and the Crown has disposed of a good number of seaside sections in its subdivision there. The new domain, which when suitably improved, will make an excellent recrea-tion-ground, should add considerably to the amenities of the place. There is ample room for the laying-off of a camping-ground within the boundaries of the domain without interfering with general I—C. 10.