SCENIC RESERVES

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 8

SCENIC RESERVES

Preservation of Historic

Areas PAST YEAR’S PROGRESS Proclamations issued during the past year setting apart land as scenic or historic reserves under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act covered an area of 5790 acres, according to the annual report on scenery preservation presented to Parliament yesterday. The report states that in the North Auckland land district a small area of more than ordinary historic interest was set aside at Russell for scenic and historic purposes. This reserve at one time was the Site of the flagstaff which was cut down by the famous Maori warrior Hone Hekc at the time of the early Maori troubles at Kororareka, and its reservation from an historic point of view was much to be desired.

An area of 40 acres of township sections at Waitangi was taken for historic purposes. This area adjoined the lands referred to in the Waitangi National Trust Board Act, 1932, and provision was made in that Act for the vesting of the taken lands in the Waitangi National Trust Board upon payment to the Crown by or on behalf bf the board of the cost of acquisition. Activities in the Wellington land district led to the reservation of several areas of considerable scenic interest. Reports from all districts indicated that the great majority of scenic reserves were in a good state of preservation. “The reservation of further areas of Crown land of scenic interest is being carried out as opportunity permits,” the report continues. “No progress can, however, be made at present in the acquisition of privately owned lands that should be held by the State. It is a pity that even a moderate sum cannot be "allocated for this purpose, as the department feels that it would be possible to acquire some desirable scenic areas at a very reasonable figure. Public interest in our scenic reserves is steadily increasing, and there is no doubt that there is a keener appreciation generally of the wisdom of preserving representative areas in their natural state.”

In au appendix to the report the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington. Mr. H. W. C. Mackintosh, states that the year had been a most successful one for the bird and plant life On Kapiti Island.