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of the Pokeno Domain, was set apart as a scenic reserve. This area is situated about ten miles from Pukekohe. It was not required for domain purposes, but contains native bush which it is desirable to preserve. A small area of 2 acres and 8 perches, being closedjroads described as Allotments 516, 517, 518, and 519, Paremoremo Parish, situated near Coatesville, seventeen miles north of Auckland, was added to the adjoining scenic reserve. Scenic reserves throughout the Dominion have been kept under review by the field staff as opportunities have offered. The extremely dry conditions which prevailed for a period in most districts, and the consequent fire menace, necessitated the utmost vigilance being exercised to prevent serious damage to some of the reserves. In the North Auckland District fires were in constant evidence throughout the summer, but by the organization of fire-fighting parties by the field officers the destruction of valuable areas of bush was prevented. Extensive fires in the Rotorua and Taupo districts caused some damage to the Ngongotaha Mountain, Lake Okataina, Hongi's Track, Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids, and Arahiwi Reserves. In all these cases the fires were confined mainly to the scrub and fern, the bush being only slightly damaged on the edges and in odd pockets. A fire adjacent to the Waitomo Scenic Reserve entered the reserve in places and some small damage resulted. In the Hawke's Bay District serious damage was caused by fire to the Hutchinson Scenic Reserve at Puketitiri. For a period, both this reserve and the Ball's Clearing Scenic Reserve, were directly threatened. The latter reserve was saved, but, despite the most strenuous efforts to arrest the progress of the fire, some four-fifths of the area of Hutchinson Scenic Reserve, about 40 acres, was eventually swept by fire. Several fires occurred in the Marlborough District, but as a result of action taken to combat the menace the damage to reserves was kept down to a minimum. In Southland an area of scrub and flax was burnt on Lake George Reserve, while 50 acres of native flora on the western side of Lake Wakatipu was destroyed. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 1,203, covering a total area of 914,313 acres. Expenditure during the year amounted to £3,860, details being as follows : General administration, maintenance charges, improvements, and £ grants to Scenic Boards .. .. .. .. .. 1,862 Trounson Kauri Park : Charges in connection with improvements, maintenance, and protection .. .. .. .. 777 Waitangi Endowment: Tree-planting, &c. .. .. .. 1,221 £3,860 The total expenditure to date since 1904 is £267,607, including £185,671 spent on the acquisition of land. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (630 copies), £4

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946. Price 3d.]

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