C.—lo.

It is, however, a pity that the Railway Department continues to refuse to arrange for a surcharge in the Board's favour. It seems the essence of equity that there should be reciprocation between the Board and the Railway Department in this respect. The revenue derived would be utilized in improvements for the greater convenience and better enjoyment of the railway patrons, and result in more extensive use of the railways. It is hoped that arrangements can be made with the Department to accede to the Board's suggestion. Alpine Climbing is coming into greater vogue. The park provides all varieties of climbing, a,nd particularly meets the demands of beginners in this strenuous sport. The Canterbury Mountaineering and Tramping Club reports its most successful year to date. The club has utilized the park to a great extent, and have not only had their sport, but have done some very useful exploration. The data collected will be of considerable service. The club, too, has rendered great public service in providing search and rescue parties on occasions when climbers have been reported as missing and in difficulties. The year has, unfortunately, not been free from fatal consequences to climbers. One young man collapsed during a night walk through heavy snow in an endeavour to reach. Birch Nook Hut. Later, an accident occurred just beyond the boundaries of the park, and resulted in the death of two young men. Considering the amount of mountaineering going forward, it can be said that there is comparative freedom from accident. The Tramping Club is entitled to the thanks of the Board for the high example it sets for proper equipment and safe conduct in the field. The club has done service in blazing tracks, and has wisely kept the Carrington Hut in good condition. Winter Sports are becoming very popular and, under the aegis of the Christchurch Ski Club, are properly organized. This club has now a membership of eighty, and has shown itself very active and prepared to do much work on its own behalf. The club has several times negotiated with the Board for financial assistance in the formation of a track and erection of a hut for ski-ing enthusiasts and climbers. But so far no proposal has commended itself to the Board as being capable of fulfilment, having regard to the resources of the club and the Board. The club sports were arranged to be held on two successive days in August, but rain on the second day necessitated the abandonment of a considerable portion of the programme. The club has satisfied itself that earlier in the season provides more settled conditions, and intends holding its sports earlier in future for that reason. The club has, by voluntary effort, cleared a ground at Hills Peak for ski-ing. Deer. —Last season the park was almost continuously licensed in blocks to deer-shooters. Ihe sport obtained varied a good deal, but excellent heads were secured by several parties. So far there is not such a good demand for this season's licenses. As Dr. McKay remarks in his report, the damage caused by deer is becoming serious, and the Board will require to consider means of dealing with the menace. Extension of Park. — After consultation with the Railway authorities a rearrangement of boundaries in the Township locality has resulted in areas being acquired by the Board, suitable for camping-sites. A furtjier area is proposed to be added on the West Coast side, as a result of an inspection by the grounds committee and the honorary surveyor (Mr. James McKay). It is hoped that the boundary of the park will be extended to include Lake Kaurapataka, which provides a very fine piece of scenery. It would be a most valuable addition to the park, and, being easily accessible after the Otira River is forded, will prove a considerable attraction. The Ranger.—The Board's resident, ranger continues to retain the full confidence of the Board. He has served the Board and the public effectively, and his efforts, have resulted in the almost entire cessation of the spoliation of the widely famed flora of the park. Residing in Arthur's Pass, he has been a material help to the Board and to the public. He has shown great interest in the public hall purchased by the Board, and has been able to raise some funds for the better furnishing of the same. He asks for donations of any suitable equipment for entertainment, such as a gramophone and old records, card-tables and cards, &c. Mr. Warden reports that the township is in a much cleaner and more tidy state, and that several tenants have improved their properties. He also says that the flora of the park has made a delightful display this year, and has attracted many visitors bent on scientific research. Publicity—The Board is much indebted to the newspapers for the facilities placed at the Boards disposal for publicity. The press has exhibited a gratifying interest in and support of the Board's efforts. Works and Grounds. Reporting for the Grounds Committee, Dr. Wm. McKay states : " The Committee, keeping in view the unique advantages of this park for those seeking single-day excursions, have endeavoured to cater in various ways for such visitors. " (1) Shelter-hall. — The repairs and additions to the schoolhouse were completed soon after last annual meeting. Electric light and water-heating have been installed, while ample seating accomodation has been provided for concerts, lantern lectures, &c. The building has been let on several occasions for entertainments. "(2) Tracks. — During the summer various visits to the park permitted the selection, rough grading, and final construction of two tracks. The first leads from the main highway just north of Lake Misery, proceeding along the right bank of the Otira River in its upper reaches. _It extends for about a mile and a half, emerging on the shingle of the upper valley, where a splendid view is obtained of the Rolleston Glacier, the snow-fields of Mount Rolleston, and the giant cirque between the latter mountain and Mount Philistine. This route is not only a source of great interest and pleasure m itself, but also provides an easy way of return for those climbing Rolleston or Philistine by alternative routes. There probably exists no other snowfield in New Zealand that can be reached by so short a tramp from a main road. 2—C. 10.

9