C—6

2

Three small reserves! totalling 330 acres were set apart in the Auckland Land District. These comprised 206 acres of bush land in the Waitanguru Block, Waitomo County, 95 acres in good mixed bush on the main route to Kawhia, and the Okere Falls and stream at the outlet to Lake Rotoiti. The Okere Falls area was handed over to this Department by the Tourist Department for administration under the Scenery Preservation Act. The falls are a well-known attraction in the Rotorua district and are now included in the itineraries of sight-seeing] charabancs. An area of 1,396 acres of bush land on the Waireka River (Opotiki County), was the only reservation, made in the Gisborne Land District during the year. In the Taranaki Land District arrangements were made for the surrender by a Crown lessee of 1,048 acres of steep bush-clad country on the Tangarakau River, and this land was added to the large reserves already s£t aside in that locality. An acceptable addition to Crown scenic reserves in the Wellington Land District was provided by the setting-apart of 929 acres of bush land in the Waikanae district. This area, along with a leasehold property of 447 acres, was acquired on very favourable terms from the Belton Estate a few years ago and has now been permanently reserved. Reservations totalling 2,042 acres were made in the Marlborough Land District, particulars being as follows: (as) An area of 13| acres in bush at the confluence of the Puhi Puhi and Clinton Rivers. This area was portion of a public-school site, but was not required for that purpose, and the Education Board therefore agreed to hand it back to the Crown for reservation under the Scenery Preservation Act, (&) An area of 1,623 acres (Iwituaroa Native Block) in Queen Charlotte Sound about six miles from Picton. This property was acquired by the Crown in 1918 from the Maori owners. It was held under lease at the time, and in accordance with the terms of the lease was then sold by the Crown to the lessee. The Department would have preferred to have set the area apart as a reserve at that time, but unfortunately the freehold had to be granted on the application of the then lessee, Since then proposals have been considered on various occasions for the acquisition of the whole or portion of the property, but until recently the price wanted was always much too high. However, a few years ago> the property was offered at a reasonable figure, and the Department was able to conclude satisfactory negotiations for its purchase. The Bruce trustees very generously contributed £l,OOO towards the cost. The block is practically all in bush, and is considered by many to rank almost equal to Kumutoto and Ship Cove from -a scenic point of view. (c) Two areas of 79 acres and 114 acres respectively at Cockle Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, acquired from the owner at a very reasonable figure. Cockle Bay is a favourite spot much frequented by yachtsmen, and the Department was pleased that the owner was able to agree to dispose of the land in order that it might be made a permanent reserve. (d) Three additions to the Kumutoto Scenic Reserves, Queen Charlotte Sound, comprising two freehold areas of 75 acres and 17 acres respectively and a Crown leasehold area of approximately 128 acres. Part of the land is in light bush, and the remainder in fern