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lf)03. NEW ZEALAND.

FORESTS CONSERVATION: REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS DEALING WITH THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 2nd July, 1903. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House a return showing the replies of the Commissioners of Grown Lands throughout the colony to the queries dealing with the protection of the flora and fauna of the colony submitted to them, as detailed in last year's report of the Department of Lands and Survey (1902, 0.-1, page 10)." —(Mr. McNab.)

[Note. —The maps, &c, attached to this paper when laid upon the table were not ordered to be printed, but have been bound and lodged in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives.] Cibculab No. 507.—T0 all Commissioners of Crown Lands. Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 10th March, 1902. Preservation of Native Forest. With a view of urging that still further attention may be given to the necessity of making reservations wherever possible for the protection of the flora and fauna of the colony, I append a resolution passed by the Conference of New Zealand Horticulturists, which met at Dunedin in June last. " That members of this Conference deplore the vandalism, which is destroying, unchecked, our native flora, which we believe ought to be protected ; and that we would urge upon the Government that they take such steps as they may deem necessary to preserve certain portions of the native forest of the colony, with a view of preserving the native flora and fauna." The co-operation of the Land Board and yourself is requested to further this most laudable proposal, and for that purpose I would call your attention to some of the objects which might be aimed at:— 1. The conservation of forest lands covering the upper watersheds of rivers and streams, to insure the maintenance of water-supplies. 2. To insure the gradual distribution of rainfall; to maintain the climate-equilibrium ; and to protect the native flora and fauna. 3. The prevention of the degradation of the surface of the mountains and high hills, and deposit of detritus in the valleys. 4. In the low country, to conserve scenic effect and shelter, and by preserving the forest and scrub along the rivers to maintain their banks. 5. To generally reserve all forest-clad gorges and other places of natural beauty, which may be advisable from a tourist point of view, serving as they do to make the colony attractive. Bearing in mind the above objects, I shall be glad if you will furnish me with returns, illustrated by general and index plans, showing what has already been accomplished in your district, under the headings of —A (climatic), including objects Nos. 1 to 3 ; B (scenic), including objects Nos. i and 5. In dealing with this important question, please consider your land district as a whole; and, in the first instance, disregard the ownership • and tenure of the forest lands. Draw up a broad, comprehensive scheme for the conservation or reservation of the forests under the various heads. Having done this, you will please then indicate by the setting-aside of the available Crown lands what is possible and practicable to be done in giving effect to the proposals. You might also suggest what Native or private lands should be acquired to complete the scheme. Where you find it necessary to recommend resumption of land, European or Native, to give effect to the objects within the scope of the circular, you may be called upon later to furnish a special report, accompanied by a plan showing position and area, and also the value of the lands. J. W. A. Mabchant, Surveyor-General. I—C. 13b.

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EEPOETS BY COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS ON THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FOREST.

AUCKLAND. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Auckland, 7th October, 1903. Be Preservation of Native Forests. Eeferring to Circular No. 507, a copy of which you forwarded to me with your Memorandum No. 50507, of the 20th ultimo, I have to report as follows : — The question of preserving and making reservations of native forests in this district for the purposes named has been repeatedly under consideration by my Land Board, and the opinions expressed have always been unanimous as to the desirability of such being done. Together with this memorandum you will receive schedules and lithographs showing the reserves made up to date for the purposes enumerated in your circular, and this will shortly bo supplemented by about a score of reservations in blocks of land now under survey. The surveyors have been specially instructed regarding this matter, and will report upon any requisite forestreservations or purely scenery reservation, not only in respect to the land they may have under survey, but also of that they may casually become acquainted with. Eeferring to the lithographs you will notice that there are scarcely any forest-reservations within forty to sixty miles north or south of Auckland, as almost every inch of that ground was disposed of thirty years ago, and is now held under fee-simple, or has been set apart for gum-digging purposes; and in the other parts of this land district ample reservations have been made, and in some cases many more forest-reservations have been made than will be found to be required. As regards scenic reservations, great difficulty has been found in this district to guard and maintain growth of vegetation on scenery reserves from, say, 5 to 15 chains in width along roads, railways, and rivers. Settlers adjoining these beauty-spots when clearing their sections and burning up the scrub and timber, often find it difficult to prevent fire from entering these reserves, and consequently they get spoiled. This is what has happened to a 15-chain reserve along the railway-line at Mamaka, and so with reserves in other parts of the district. The danger of extensive bush fires is very much greater in the Auckland District during the hot summer season than in any of the other land districts. In reference to forest or scenic reservations on Native lands, I have to state that I have not sufficient information to enable me to report thereon at present. I would submit that the best way of dealing with these would be through the various Maori Councils appointed under " The Maori Land Administration Act, 1900," whenever the survey of the various blocks of Native land is in hand or under examination. When these surveys are being made, or when the land, whether Native or Crown, is being dealt with for settlement purposes, is the best opportunity to take out and reserve the particular spots required for scenery, or for any other purpose as enumerated in your circular, and special instructions, as already stated, have been given to all of my surveyors to pay particular attention to this matter. G. Mueller, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Forest and Timber Reserves.

Survey District. Block. Area. Date of Gazette. Class of Reserve. Whangaroa Takahue „ (Sections 1 and 2) II. VI. X. IX. IX., XIII. VII. A. 1,292 563 532 1,560 4,160 100 R. P. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1881, p. 959 Not Climatic. Timber. Whangape (Sections 23 and 24) Takahue Maungataniwha .. Takahue Maungataniwha... 1881, "p. 959 1894, p. 1730 Climatic. Timber. Kaeo Maungataniwha ... Omapere Mangamuka „ (Section 6) ... XVI. I XIII. I XII., XV., XVI. ) IX., XIII. 1 IV., VII., IX., X. XIII. XI., XII. I. III., IV. II. 2,600 8,243 3,097 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not, 1881, p. 960 1881, p. 959 Climatic. a 16024 0 0 1886, p. 55 it 54 2 0 Not Preservation of (Section 8) ... X., XL XI., XII., XIV. ) I. I V. XII., XIV., XV. XIII. 83 2,112 1 0 0 0 1881, "p. 959 scenery. Ditto. Climatic. Kaeo Whangape Hokianga Whangape Omapere 7,700 0 0 1886, p. 55 4,660 640 0 0 0 0 1881, p. 959 It It

Panning a Prospect, Thames Goldfield.

Pumping-engine, Queen of Beauty Shaft, Thames.

Panning a Prospect, Thames Goldfleld.

Pumping-engine, Queen of Beauty Shaft, Thames.

Panning a Prospect, Thames Goldfield.

Pumping-engine, Queen of Beauty Shaft, Thames.

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Forest and Timber Reserves — continued.

Survey District. Block. Area. Date of Gazette. Class of Reserve. Waoku... V., VI., VII., X., XI V., IX., X. XII. IX.. XIII. III., IV., VII., VIII 3,692 3,510 150 928 17640 R. P. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1881, p. 959 Climatic. H '/ Punakitere Hukerenui 1885, p. 1441 Glass not stated. (? timber.) Climatic. „ ... ... Opuawhanga Whangarei X. V., VIII. I., II. 500 2,195 1,369 0 0 0 0 0 0 1887, p. 439 1881, p. 960 1882, p. 1833 1882, p. 18331 1887, p. 215 I 1895, p. 175 1883, p. 685 if a a *" XI. X. XI., XII. 854 660 1,000 o, o( 0 0 0 0 a Purua ... Climatic. (Purpose changed to conservation of watersupply, and grant issued to Whangarei Borough Council.) Climatic. „ (Section 1) „ (Section 39) Motatau Mangakahia XI. I. 1,580 163 180 0 0 0 0 0 0 1881, p. 960 a XVI. ) IV. i VIII. VII., VIII. XII. 594 227 1,210 145 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1887, p. 839 1901, p. 988 it "„ (Section 30) ... Preservation of „ ('Section 4) Purua ... XVI. XIII., XIV. XIV. ) V. f V., IX., X., XI., XIV. XIII., XIV. I., II. 1 XIII., XIV. f IX., X. XL, XII. XV. XII. III., IV. VIII., XII. ) I., III., VII., X. ) XVI. i XII. I., IV. j iv. J VIII. 102 28 0 0 1 5 scenery. Ditto. Eecreation. Not 883 0 0 1881, p. 960 Climatic. Tangihua Mangakahia 7,830 0 0 1887, p. 839 a a '" 2,054 0 0 1881, p. 960 a Maungaru Mangakahia Tutamoe 3,710 0 0 1887, p. 839 a Waipoua Kaihu Maungaru Tangihua 7,750 2,650 1,250 754 5,450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1898, p. 1457 1902, p. 1909 1886, p. 1304 1882, p. 1833 1886, p. 1304 a a a it a 6,265 0 0 1881, p. 960 it '" • • • Eaukaka Waipu ... Matakohe Waipu (S.W. 19, Wairau Par.) Matakohe Little Barrier Island 7,225 59 0 0 2 0 1886, p. 447 Timber. VII. 352 6,960 0 0 0 0 1881, p. 960 1895, p. 1535 Climatic. Preservation of native fauna. Class not stated (? timber). Climatic. Hukatere (Section 12) II. 73 1 37 Not Pakiri .. V., VI. vi. : XV. XIV., XV. I., II. x. : XV. 425 1,550 81 512 925 1,500 175 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1887, p. 839 "„ (110, Omaha Par.)... „ (110a, Omaha Par.) Mahurangi Tauhoa Kaipara (36, Ararimu Par.) 1892, p. 1263 1887, p. 840 // a Timber. Rangitoto IV., V., VII., XI t 5,694 0 0 if ii (1890, p. 741 1896, pp. 476, I 720 Forest (Class III., conservation of forest.) Recreation. Brought under Public Domains Act.

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Forest and Timber Reserves— continued.

Date of Gazette. Glass of Reserve. Survey District. Block. Area. Kumeu (184, Waipareira Par.)... Waitemata Waitakerei *Titirangi (163, Waipareira) XII. XIII. II. I. I., V. V. I A. 300 H. P. 0 0 1887, p. 840 Timber. 47 524 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 1894, p. 1504 Forest, no class stated. * Waitakerei (N. 54, Karangahape Par.) *Waitakerei (S. 78, 79, 112, Karangahape Par.) *Titirangi *Waitakerei (S. 75, Karangahape) *Titirangi (110, Karangahape) *Titirangi (Section 16, Karangahape) *Titirangi (18 and 19, Karangahape) * Waitakerei (S. 68, Karangahape) *Waitakerei (E. 64, 65, 111, Karangahape Par.) Waitakerei (N.W.M. & M. 66, W. 20, Karangahape Par.) Waitakerei (72, Karangahape) Waitakerei (S.M. 50, Waitakerei) Waitakerei (pt. 39, Karangahape) V. IV., V. V., IX. IV. IX. I 2,940 122 60 99 177 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 20 0 0 it II 1887, p. 840 1829, p. 513 \ // it " " / Timber. Forest, no class stated. 620 0 0 // // IV. 91 248 0 0 0 0 1901, p. 2034 1902, p. 2559 Water-supply for City of Auckland. Eecreation. II. 109 0 0 1890, p. 115 a IV., V. 146 0 0 1902, p. 2559 j Eecreation (vested in Tourist Department). Wairoa (94, Otau Par.) ... Orere ... Opaheke (48a, Otau) XIV. ) IV. I XI., XII. 833 0 0 1903, p. 262 Climatic. Maramarua Moehau Goromandel XVI., XIV., XV. II. XIV. 500 1,848 2,720 114 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 1881, p. 1670 (1886, p. 1497 U897,p. 1637 1900, p. 6 1903, p. 1789 (temporary) Timber. Plantation (State nursery). Climatic. Preservation of Hastings ... VII., VIII. XII. XI. XIV. XIV., XV. XV. ) II. I 791 1,587 428 428 1,216 1,950 0 01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . scenery. ti if ■ ■ ■ u • • ■ Thames 1902, p. 2523 Timber. Whitianga Tairua ... xi'v. i IV. J III. IV. IX - ) XIII. 840 260 455 202 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0j a • • • ■•• ... Thames Tairua... 1896, p. 1360 Timber. 600 0 0 ir ••• •■■ Thames Tairua ... 500 0 0 1902, p. 2523 a Waihou Ohinemuri 1 I XIII., XIV. XV. X., XI., XIV., XV. IV. ) I. I I., II., I. 570 1,664 940 3,190 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1896, p. 1360 1902, p. 2523 j 1887, p. 756 Climatic. 624 0 0 1902, p. 2523 Timber. it • • • i r ... ... if ... ... II. II., VI. VI. IX. 1,150 240 780 360 1,184 450 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1896, p. 1360 1902, p. 2523 1896, p. 1360 1902, p. 2523 1896, p. 1360 1902, p. 2523 ft « ■■ ■ ... ,t ... ... t f if * These sections are vested in Auckland City Council for (see " The Beserves Disposal i recreation and ci ind Exchange Ac; mservation of nai i, 1895"). live fauna and flora

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Forest and Timber Reserves — continued.

Survey District. Block. Area. Date of Gazette. Class of Reserve. Ohinemuri XIII., XIV. A. B. P. 1,318 0 0 1899, p. 2085 Conservation of water-supply for Paeroa. Conservation of water-supply for Waihi. Timber. XI., XII. 927 1 34 Not a •'' Aroha ... X. II., VI. VI. VI., X., XI. ) III., VI. 1 IX., X. VIII. III., VII. IV. X. II., III. I. 430 0 0 661 0 0 500 0 0 1896, p. 1360 1902, p. 2523 it it Katikati Aroha ... Katikati Newcastle Karioi ... 5,696 0 0 // II 2,500 0 0 270 0 0 2,270 0 0 3,050 0 0 640 0 0 2,600 0 0 203 0 0 1900, p. 6 1895, p. 1527 1887, p. 840 Climatic. Timber. 1885, p. 953 1900, p. 6 Not it Climatic. Pirongia Kawhia South (Section 3) Preservation of (Section 2) (Section 2) VI. XIV. \. VI. 261 0 0 3,936 0 .0 2,560 0 0 19 0 0 1903, p. 736 Not scenery. Ditto. Climatic. Maungamangero „ (Section 13) 1903, p. 1201 Preservation of „ (Section 3) (Section 3) Awakino North ... East ... North ... X. XI. II. ) I. I VIII. 1,104 0 0 177 0 0 1902, p. 1909 1902, p. 2559 scenery. Timber. a 1,224 0 0 1902, p. 1909 Climatic. 885 0 0 Not Preservation of a a • •' • • • Aongatete VIII., X. I. I.. IV. VIII. xv. ■ i IV. f XII., XVI. XVI. IV. VII., VI., XI. 1,000 0 0 81 1 0 144 0 0 541 2 32 scenery. Ditto. Timber. 1895, p. 1527 1886, p. 1304 a // ... ... Wairere 1,436 0 0 1898, p. 1658 Climatic. Tapapa Otane Wainuku ... „ (Section 4) 3,050 0 0 166 0 0 270 0 0 7,240 0 0 1887, p. 839 Not Eotoiti... Eotoma it Preservation of Rotorua ... Horohoro Eotorua Horohoro ... XIII., XIV., XV. II., III. ) XIV., XV. | VI. X. XIII., XIV. I. 600 0 0 it scenery. Ditto. 1,000 0 0 tf // 865 0 0 1,533 0 0 186 0 0 747 1 11 II Climatic. It Tarawera Euawahia XII., XIII.) V.,IX. \ III., IV. XV. VIII. VI. I. 3,300 0 8 if 1898, p. 1457 Not State forest plantation. I Preservation of I scenery. Ditto. Paeroa... Tarawera Ngongotaha Tatua ... Tuhingamata East (Section 1) Whangaparaoa West Ruakumara West Eaukumara East Hikurangi-Maungawaru i ... Haparapara / Eangitaiki, Upper Opotiki (Section 432, Waiotahi Par.) 2,974 0 0 44 2 33 2,150 0 0 252 0 0 146 2 0 1903, p. 1201 Not 1887, p. 839 1895, p. 527 Climatic. Timber. ''fi 1 c 34,204 0 0 .7,700 0 0 1900, p. 429 Climatic. f Timber. Growth and Preservation of timber. VII., VIII., XII. IX. 1,000 0 0 321 0 0 Not 1902, p. 785 Waioeka XV. 36 0 0 Not Preservation of forest and „ ... ... VII. VIII., XII. 150 0 0 670 0 0 scenery. Ditto. Climatic. a • • • • • • ii * Area in Auckland Land District..

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SUMMABY OF FOBEST AND TIMBEB ReSEBVES. Class of Reserve. A Are *- Climatic ... ... ... ... ... ... 205,292 6 6 Timber ... ... ... ... ... ... 39,950 132 Preservation of scenery ... ... ... ... ... 18,211 339 Preservation of forest ... ... ... ... ... 175 0 0 Conservation of water ... ... ... ... ... 3,336 134 Eecreation ... ... ... ... ... ... 6,225 1 5 Growth and preservation of timber ... ... ... 321 0 0 Sections vested in Auckland City Council for recreation and conservation of native flora and fauna (see " The Reserves Disposal and Exchange Act, 1895") ... ... ... 4,709 2 20 Plantation (State nursery) ... ... ... ... 2,595 1 11 Class of reserve not stated ... ... ... ... 17,713 137 Preservation of native fauna, Little Barrier Island ... ... 6,960 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... 305,490 2 18

HAWKE'S BAY. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Napier, 25th September, 1903. Circular No. 507. Repebbing to Circular No. 507, I have the honour to forward herewith a schedule showing the forest reserves, &c, in this district. The forest reserves generally cover the watersheds of the main rivers and streams, and so will maintain the water-supply. We have also the chain reserves on the banks of rivers in our Crown settlements, but in many cases these require to be used as roads, but if not the forest on them will be destroyed when the settlers burn off their bush. We have one or two scenic reserves, as shown in schedule, and some hot-springs reserves, but not much has been done in the past to preserve beauty-spots, and now that the country is settled it is too late, they having been destroyed. All we can do in the future is to provide for forest and scenic reserves on our Crown lands now under survey ; and instructions have been given accordingly. I know of no special places in the settled districts that I could recommend the Government to acquire from their scenic or other advantages. We have the Tongoia, Te Reinga, and other small falls, and the Murmuru caves ; but I doubt if any of them are sufficiently attractive to warrant the expense of purchasing them and obtaining road access, &c. Eeic C, Gold Smith, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Schedule showing Climatic and Scenic Reserves.

lection. Block. District. Forest Area. Scenery Area. Hot-springs Area. I A. B. P. 134,204 0 0 A. K. P. , A. R p. 2 107 ■ II. VI. Maungawaru, Haparapara, Hikurangi, Whangaparoa West, Baukumara East and West Whangara Patutahi Ngatapa Waikaremoana 404 0 0 200 0 0 1,250 0 0 7,700 0 0 600 0 0 8,629 0 0 14 18,118 XV. III. Nuhaka North 580 ' 0 27 2 0 7 Kaweka... Norsewood, Takapau, Wakarara, Nga26,386 0 0 71,350 0 0 ruroro 5,225 0 0 620 0 0 13 3 0 74 0 0 220 2 30 8,704 0 0 217 0 0 Norsewood 2 6 5 III. „ ... ... ... Weber ... ... VII. 13 9 23 V. XVI. X. I. Woodville Tautane... Weber ... Takapau Waimata Motu Mohaka... Pohui 107 1 5 103 "l 7 0 2 .'.'. 0 VII. XIV. 600 0 0 ... 66 3 8 32 1 30 266,003 3 33 710 1 2 607 2 7

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TABANAKI. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, New Plymouth, 10th June, 1902. Preservation of Native Forest. In reply to your ci n this subject, dated the 10th March last, I have the honour to reply as follows :— Taking the Taranaki District as a whole, it owes much of its productiveness to the fact of its having such a copious rainfall, and by experts this is largely accounted for by the position and altitude of Mount Egmont, together with the adjoining ranges of Pouakei and Patua, rising to a total elevation of 8,260 ft. above the sea-level, which in themselves seem to have an almost magic influence in attracting clouds and moisture, as well as in the regulation of the air-currents, in this part of the colony. The only other forest-clad lands of any considerable height are the Umukaimata and Waiaraia Eanges, forming the watershed between the Middle Mokau, Ohura, and Tangarakau Eivers, rising to a little over 2,000 ft. Another lesser range is that lying between the Ohura and Ongarue Rivers, which has a somewhat similar elevation ; and in the south-east there is the Matemateaonga Range, which practically commands the eastern watershed of the Patea River, as also the head-waters of the Whenuakura and Waitotara Rivers, whilst at the same time this prominent tract of country has not a little influence on a portion of the Wanganui River watershed, the highest point reaching an elevation of about 2,500 ft. These may be said to include the whole real high-lying points of Taranaki, and if on these alone the timber can be preserved the climatic conditions will be fairly equalised, and anything in the shape of serious droughts certainly in the future avoided. The approximate aggregate area of these blocks, which are either reserved or proposed to be reserved, would be about 245,000 acres. Supplementary to these, however, from a climatic point of view, but still contributing to the same result, are the ranges about Mount Messenger lying south of the Tongaporutu River, having an altitude rising to 1,300 ft., which include some magnificent scenery and the well-known Parrininihi or White Cliffs, the latter being the most conspicuous landmark on this part of the coast. This area altogether is about 10,000 acres. Again, nearer New Plymouth, and inland from Urenui, on the western side of the central portion of the Waitara River, reservations have been made, amounting altogether to about 9,000 acres, at an altitnde rising to, say, 1,200 ft. approximately. These may be said to take in all reserves necessary for climatic purposes. There are smaller ones, however, as the schedules will show. The remaining portions of the land district are a series of terraces and ridges, without any well-defined leading ranges, all more or less of one height, somewhat of a rolling-downs character, though rivers and streams sometimes run in deep gorgy chasms, particularly as you get further towards the east. Notwithstanding its broken nature, the country is nearly always productive, often looking green and fresh when districts further south are parched. Following on these come proposed scenery reservations, and I may mention here that as yet, with the exception of only 29 acres, no reserves have been technically set aside for this purpose, the gazetting being for "the growth and preservation of timber" and "State forests"; so that, broadly speaking, they all come under the category of forest reserves. Egmont Domain, however, although originally a forest reserve, is now designated the " Egmont National Park," and is governed by special legislation. Taking these suggested scenery reserves therefore geographically, one is on the south side of the Mokau River. This waterway is navigable for steamers with a draught of 7-J ft. to twenty-three miles from the mouth, and for partially boat and canoe navigation for another thirty miles, or over fifty miles in all. Some forty miles of this distance is forest-clad, but still virtually under Native title, embracing scenery that is grand and picturesque in the extreme, somewhat similar to the Wanganui River, but the rapids are, it is stated, less difficult to negotiate. It is suggested that, in the interests of future tourists and lovers of nature generally, it is most desirable that the scenery on the banks of this beautiful river should be preserved for posterity. With this end in view, a strip half a mile wide is proposed. For similar reasons to the foregoing the same width is thought necessary on either side of che Mohakatino, a smaller stream to the south of the Mokau, also Native land. The only other large reservation suggested is that on the west side of the Wanganui River, partly Crown and partly Native land, between Pipiriki and the confluence of the Wanganui and Ohuru Rivers; this, however, will come under the scope of the Wanganui River Trust, but I mention it with the rest. I may mention also that along the river banks and streams very liberal reservations have been made during the past twelve years in the course of carrying out ordinary sectional surveys, probably averaging on the whole two to three chains in width. Summarising the existing reserves and those now suggested, they will be somewhat as follows (excluding river-bank reserves quoted above): — Cbown Lands. a, c , p . Forest reserve gazetted, including Egmont Park, &c, ... 153,630 3 0 Including surveyed and proposed to gazette ... ... 28,388 0 0 Including proposed and unsurveyed ... ... ... 97,520 0 0 Total Crown lands of reserved and proposals ... ... 279,538 3 0 Forest reserves suggested on Native lands, total .. ... 25,300 0 0 Scenery reserves in Crown land ... ... ... 5,629 0 0 Scenery reserves in Native land ... ... ... ... 31,230 0 0 Grand total of reserves, forest and scenery, and those proposed on Crown and Native lands ... ... ... ... 341,697 3 0

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In conclusion, I would just like to remark that my precedessor has kept a careful watch on what has been necessary and essential to preserve as far as practicable a gradual and even distribution of the rainfall and mountain climatic influences, the reservations made combining in many instances magnificent scenic beauties, and also with it securing climatic and forest reserves in their truest sense, as, for example, the area around Mount Messenger and the sublime and majestic gorges in the Upper Tangarakau Valley. If some scheme as I have generally outlined, together with what has been so ably done previously, is carried into effect, I cannot help thinking that those who follow us in years to come will, in this part of the colony at any rate, have some fair specimens left of the ancient beauties of New Zealand fauna and flora during the first half-century of European occupation in this land. If, on the other hand, it is thought lightly of and neglected, in fifty years' time much, if not all, of what was once lovely, beautiful, and characteristic of New Zealand bird and forest life will be gone for ever and referred to as matters of history only. It is needless to say that, once gone, there will be but little chance of ever replacing it; at any rate, it will be quite impossible to replace it in its old primeval grandeur. Holding these views personally, I therefore trust that the proposed object that you are labouring to accomplish may be brought to a successful issue. James MacKenzie, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Schedule of Gazetted Forest Reserves.

District. Block. Section. Area. Gazette Reference. Date. Page Mimi .. it •" i. IV. VII. 31 20 10 11 12 9 12 13 17 30 16 5 6 8 10 5 7 6 3 8 63 13 18 19 22 23 16 8 5 13 A. B. 319 0 585 0 281 2 654 0 1,445 0 40j 0 405 0 383 0 406 0 67 0 220 0 3,248 0 360 0 345 0 1,886 0 1,535 0 1,744 0 1,660 0 615 0 2,970 0 56 0 67 0 32 0 67 0 1,627 0 1,590 0 397 0 1,510 0 405 0 52 0 2,296 0 524 0 114 0 91 3 406 0 272 0 58 0 400 0 230 0 730 0 5,500 0 p. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10/3/98 26/1/99 21/6/94 21/6/94 21/6/94 15/6/93 21/6/94 21/6/94 25/1/00 10/3/98 15/6/93 25/1/00 25/1/00 10/1/01 25/1/00 10/1/01 10/1/01 25/1/00 26/9/95 25/1/00 26/9/95 21/7/92 21/7/92 21/7/92 25/1/00 25/1/00 25/1/00 17/4/02 15/12/98 15/12/98 29/12/92 15/12/98 21/7/92 25/1/00 15/12/98 30/1/90 26/7/94 15/12/98 15/12/98 21/7/92 Enabling Bill passed 1896 16/4/96 15/12/98 15/12/98 15/12/98 28/7/81 442 164 y59 959 959 891 959 959 160 442 891 160 160 60 160 60 60 160 1527 160 1527 1071 1071 1071 160 160 160 858 1985 1985 1724 1985 1071 160 1985 115 1164 1985 1985 1071 a ■ • ■ VIII. IX. XI. XII. ir • • • Upper Waitara ... it • • • a a Waitara XIII. IV. VIII. IX. X. XIII. X. XIII. ti ... j XV. Pouata a • • • Eao ... Mahoe Ngatimaru XVI. V. X. XV. Part VII. I. II. Huiroa IV. III. 19 1 44 12 12 13 6 11 19 Parts 169, 170 tt ''' vi'ii. Cape ... XII. Parts III., VII. „ . ... ... a • • • it • • • Cape (Mount Egmont) VI. VII. X XI. Parts XI. and XV. 119 15 15 14 51 0 148 0 64 0 401 0 6,800 0 0 0 0 0 0 635 1985 1985 1985 959

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Schedule of Gazetted Forest Reserves— continued.

Schedule of Forest Reserves Surveyed but not Gazetted.

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District. Block. Section. Area. Gazette Reference. Date. Page Opunake (part Mount Egmont) Egmont (part Mount Egtnont) P&rt IV. 3,000 R. P. 0 0 28/7/81 959 Parts V., VI., VII.,' IX., X., XI., XIII., XIV., XV. V. 39,43-2 0 0 28/7/81 959 Ditto ... Kaupokonui IV. 18 19 54 55 313 178 10 18 23,150 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 15/12/98 15/12/98 21/7/92 21/7/92 28/7/81 1985 1985 1071 1071 959 Kaupokonui (part Mount Egmont) Ngaire ;/ • • • •' * ir • • • Omona Taukawa PartsI.,il.,IIL, V., VT., VII. XI. XII. XV. II. VIII. / VI. VII. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. II. I. I. and II. I III. I III. and IV. Parts I., II., III., and IV. Part IV. V. VII. IX. IV. XII. 36 1 16 8 4 1 Part 2 1, 2, 3, and 5 2 and 4 2 and 8 5 and 12 5, 7, 9, and 12 4,7,8, and 11 8 and 1.1 6 4 9 10 11 86 530 200 575 1,265 1,258 400 26,262 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16/4/96 16/3/93 31/12/91 26/9/95 17/4/02 16/11/99 16/11/99 16/11/99 635 345 1491 1527 858 2117 2117 2117 » ■ • • Kapaia 358 273 3,275 1,365 2,480 1,932 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25/1/00 25/1/00 16/11/99 16/11/99 16/11/99 29/12/92 160 160 2117 2117 2117 1724 n " • "' Omara Opaku 2 3 13 8 34 460 390 2,222 540 6 230 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29/12/92 21/9/93 25/1/00 21/9/93 16/4/96 21/9/93 1724 1375 160 1375 635 1375 Hawera

District. Block. Section. Area. Ohura Upper Waitara Poriatu it it it Eao ... Mahoe Ngaire IV. VII. VII. XVI. III. X. II., VI. II. VIII. XII. V. VII. VIII. I. II. V. VI. IX. X. VIII. I. III. 2 2 4 1 1 10 84 86 89 4 1,590 469 1,220 1,474 629 857 95 97 117 146 1,040 86 7 65 3,160 3,270 2,310 410 3,550 4,040 1,430 2,140 59 73 55 B. P. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 it Ornona 5 5 4 7 4 2 4 2 it Taurakawa Omara a • ••

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Schedule of Proposed Forest Reserves on Crown Lands.

Schedule of Proposed Forest Reserves on Native Lands.

Schedule of Proposed Scenery Reserves on Crown Lands.

Schedule of Proposed Scenery Reserves on Native Lands.

District. Block. Section. Area. Remarks. A. K. p. Waro Aria Ohura Aria III., IV. IX., XIII. I. VI., VIII., X. III., V. VI. XVI. VIII. to XII., XIV. to XVI. II.. III., IV., VIII. I., II. I 9,000 0 0 4,250 1,200 0 0 0 0 Rangi Rangi Ohura Waro I 1 2,000 0 0 35,000 0 0 Periatu W aro Miini 4,900 380 0 0 0 0 Waro Mimi Mahoe IX. XIII. IV., VIII. II., III., VI., VII., X. II. XIV., XV. I. to IV.. VI. to VIII., XL, XII. V. 21, 22 5, 6 J 2,865 200 0 0 0 0 / Within the granted Rotiki Block Amount, £212 10s. j Within Rerekapa proposed loan ( block. Amount, £285. ) 7,000 0 0 200 0 0 Open for selection as small grazingrun, 13th March, 1,901. Loading, £195; proposed to be increased to £280. Taurakawa ... i 23,000 0 0 « 3 2,125 0 0 Opaku I., V., VI. 5,400 0 0

District. Block. Area. Mokau Tangitu ( Rangi -I Ohura ( Waro Mahoe IV., VI., IX., X. XII., XIII. I., II., III. VIII. II. X., XL, XV. 10,700 7,400 B. 0 0 p. 0 0 2,600 4,600 0 0 0 0

District. Block. Section, Area. Mimi ... Mahoe Kiri Upper Waitara ... ... IV. VIII. ) I.. II. f IV. 7* A. B. P. 500 0 0 5,100 0 0 29 0 0 • This section gazetted as a scenic reserve, 17th A iril, 1902 ; folio 858.

District. Block. Area. A. K. P. Tainui Mokau Tainui Mahoe Kiri Eao Omara I., II. II to VI. III., IV. VIII., XII., XVI. I., III. VII. &X.toXIV. I., II., IV., V., VIII. 7,800 1,130 0 0 0 0 2 L 2, 300 0 0

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WELLINGTON. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Wellington, 14th July, 1902. Preservation of Native Forest. In response to your circular No. 507, of the 10th March last, I have the honour to report that the preservation of forest in the Wellington Land District has of late years received considerable attention, and extensive forest reserves have been gazetted. These primarily were set apart for climatic reserves, and come under the category of those reserves to be marked " A " in accordance with the above circular. A considerable number of the smaller reserves were also made with the object of preserving the bush on the banks of rivers, the growth of timber, and for the sake of scenery. These have been marked " B " in accordance with your scheme of notation. Attached please find schedule giving the above reserves in this land district up to date. Marked " A " (climatic), State forest reserves, comprising an a. r. p. area of ... ... ... ... ... " ... 471,093 039 Marked " B " (scenic), for preservation of timber and scenery— anareaof... ... ... ... ... "... 63,478 139 Total ... ... ... ... ... 534,571 2 22 As the area of the Wellington Land District is 6,810,958 acres, the forest and timber reserves are 785 per cent., or one-thirteenth of the total area. The whole scheme of forest-conservation for the Wellington Land District was comprehensively dealt with by the late Chief Surveyor in a report to the Surveyor-General dated the 13th October, 1898, paper No. 2401. "Unfortunately the Government were not able to see their way to reserve the areas which were affected by the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, thus detracting from the efficiency of the late Chief Surveyor's scheme. 1 will first consider the reserves for climatic purposes, stating what reserves exist on the western division of the Land District of Wellington, with the additions which I consider might be made with great advantage. Starting in the south from near Cape Taurakirae, there is an important forest reserve which includes the Orongorongo Range ; the very rough high country lying between the freehold lands on Wellington Harbour and those on the southern portion of the Wairarapa Valley and the southern part of the Eimutakas, crossing to the north of the Wellington-Wairarapa Eailway-line, but not extending over the Main Coach Road. There is a gap not reserved of about three to four miles wide before the next large forest reserve commences. This embraces the main range of the Tararuas, extending in a width of about eight miles at the southern end, where it covers the head-waters of the Hutt River, and keeping this average width as far north as Mount Dundas, then gradually tapering to about two miles at Tararua Saddle, the northern extremity. From here the line of forest reserves is not continuous. Several large blocks on the western— i.e., the Wellington—side of the Euahine Range have been set apart for this purpose. I consider it highly important that these gaps, where possible, should be filled, and the whole of the Ruahines, the continuation, of the backbone of the North Island, should be reserved from the Manawatu Gorge to Te Rakinuiakura. To do this it will be necessary to purchase the following native blocks : Part of the Tamaki Subdivision No. 2, 2,637 acres 3 roods; part of the Tamaki Subdivision No. 3, 1,925 acres; part of the Tamaki Subdivision No. 4, 2,724 acres 2 roods; part of the Tamaki Subdivision No. 5, 1,568 acres and 10 perches. The next block is Crown land, Piripi, 5,899 acres 3 roods 24 perches; then Te Ohu, which is now European freehold :as the owners are cutting timber on this block, some steps should be taken at once, or a very undesirable gap will be left on the line of reserves. The area is 6,767 acres. Another block of Native land, between a large reserve and Hawke's Bay boundary, of about 7,000 acres should also be resumed and reserved— 7,000 acres. There are two more Native blocks —Awarua Iα No. 3 North, 6,230 acres ; and Awarua Iα No. 3 South, 3,420 acres : also parts of Awarua No. Iβ, No. 10, and No. Ida, the exception being a belt of about a mile and a half back from the Rangitikei River kept for settlement purposes. These blocks include the headwaters of many important tributaries of the Eangitikei River. The reserve should also embrace the famous Mount Aorangi, which is a landmark for miles around, and has most interesting historical associations. In the extreme northern part of this land district, I am glad to say that a considerable area around the National Park has been reserved, but I consider that this area should be largely increased. The land lies high and is of poor quality. It therefore would be of little value for settlement purposes, while most important for forest conservation. I would recommend reserving the block of Native land north-east of the present reserve on the Kaimanawas, covering the head springs of the Eangitikei Eiver, and the headwaters of the rivers flowing into Lake Taupo ; the bulk of the Te Hautu Block, cutting off the outer fringe of say 10,000 acres for milling purposes ; the range between Pihanga and Kakararnea Peaks, cutting off all good milling-timber round the base of these mountains; a block of 3,000 acres around Mount Maungaku and part of Taurewa No. 4. I would advise the extension of the reserves eastward of Mount Hauhangatahi as far as the watershed dividing the Retaruke and Kaitieke Eivers from the Waimarino Eiver, starting from the edge of the bush near the Gladstone F.H. Block, and going north to the southern boundary of Native Reserve E, Waimarino, and thence by that boundary to join the present reserves. In the western

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portion of the Waimarino Block, I would recommend to be reserved 2,000 acres south-east of Orupe Stream, and north of Eetaruke River —this is very rough bush country —and a block of 10,000 acres south of Eetaruke Eiver consisting of birch bush on high cliffs and broken country. Coming south, I think the bush on the following blocks round the high peaks should be reserved for climatic reasons : 2,000 acres round Mount Tauakira east of Koroniti on the Wanganui Eiver ; 1,000 acres at Takihi Hill; 2,000 acres at Kauai-o-tawaki Hill; the high cable-land called Raecihi Mount; the bush to the south-west of Kauaekeke Hill, a part of Motukawa Block; the Waipuna Bush at the south-east corner of the Eangipo-Waiau Block ; the northern end of the Tapuae Eange, part of the Raketapauma Block ; 2,000 acres round Tuhirangi Hill, at the headwaters of the Wangaehu and Turakina Eivers ; 1,500 acres at Pukeokahu Hill, between Moawhango and Rangitikei Eivers. To lessen the risk of floods in the Waitotara Eiver a reserve of, say, 1,500 acres might be made at Pukearike Hill between the Waitotara and Wanganui Eivers; 1,000 acres of bush on the northern end of Kapiti Island. In respect of the reservation of the bush in order to conserve scenic effect, to provide shelter, and to maintain the banks of the rivers, including the preservation of the forest in river-gorges and other places of natural beauty, so as to keep the attraction which the fine scenery of this Island has for tourists and travellers -I am able to report that these objects have been steadily borne in mind for some years in this district. The accompanying schedule, marked " B," gives a list of reserves made for these objects. In regard to preserving the bush along river-gorges and on steep cliffs, I believe that in many cases where these features are included in the Grown leases the lessees would be very willing to have these rough portions cut off their holdings, with a corresponding reduction in their rents. In most of these cases a survey would be required defining the area resumed, and the new boundary. I may mention that the lessees of Sections 1 and 2, Block V., Euahine, and Section 13, Block IX., Ruahine, are desirous of having the rough portions of their sections along the River Kawatau resumed. I would also recommend for preservation as a scenery reserve part of Section 19, Block X., Hautapu, totara reserve ; the 23 acres of which it consists having very little millingtimber on them. The balance of the reserve has been let for milling purposes. The additional reserves I would recommend to be made in this district are : A belt one mile wide on each side of the Wanganui River, from Parakino upwards, until the river becomes the boundary between the Land Districts of Wellington and Taranaki, thence on the Wellington side of the river a continuation of the reserve one mile wide to join the Wanganui River Trust Reserve (this would include a large number of Native reserves and settlements along the river-banks) ; the watershed of the Pitangi Creek on the Wanganui River ; the basin of Kaukere Stream, and the bush for half a mile on both sides on the Pipiriki-Raetihi Eoad from Pipiriki to Waipuna Saddle ; the gorges of the Mangawhero and Wangaehu Eivers in the Ohutu, Tauakira, and Taonui Blocks; the gorges on the Eangitikei Eiver and its tributaries, Hautapu, Moawhanga, Makino. Kawatau, Pourangaki, Mangawharariki, &c.; the gorges on the Oroua Eiver and Coal Creek, in the Apiti and Umutoi Survey Districts. On the eastern division of this land district, there is only one large forest reserve for climatic purposes. This consists of 32,000 acres on the Haurangi Mountains. I would recommend that the area to the westward of the above reservations be extended from the head-waters of the Turanganui River and southwards to Mount Barton, as this will include the roughest portion of this part of the district. I may add that the land is of little or no value for settlement purposes. My predecessor has already proposed that a number of sections in various settlements that are Crown land, either through forfeiture or through not having been selected, should be reserved. These are being held back until the question of loading is considered. Under any circumstances I would strongly recommend that a forest reserve be made along Puketoi Range, from Mount Butters to Mount Wahatuara. This would include some leaseholds, but the bulk is Crown land— say, 3,000 acres. There are a large number of beauty-spots on private property, native and freehold, in the vicinity of the towns and settlements. Might not the preservation of such of these, as it was found desirable and possible to conserve, be left in the hands of the local authorities? L. Smith, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. For Chief Surveyor.

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Schedule A.-State Forest Reserves.

District. Permanently Reserved. Section. Block. Area. Gazett,r.~No. Page Date. Arawaru, Tararua, Waiopehu, Mikimiki, Taungata, Kaitawa, Tiffin, Eritonga, Waiohine, Akatarawa A. E. P. 135,000 0 0 5 104 18/1/00 Gorge Hautapu ... Haurangi, Waipawa, Kaiwaka Kopourangi Kaitawa ... 41 IV., II. IV. 2,400 0 0 135 0 0 32,000 0 0 205 0 0 1,807 2 5 1,520 0 0 6,760 0 0 80,000 0 0 24/8/99 18/1/00 16/3/99 18/1/00 16 24 1 I. XI. XV. II. 71 5 24 5 1551 104 623 104 Karioi Kaitieke, Pongariro, Piopiotea, Manganui, Euapehu Mangaone tr ir tt Mangawhero 68,69 174 2 6 6 I. XIII. IV. XII. IV. 169 1 38 379 0 0 7 2 0 337 0 0 625 0 0 31,400 0 0 1 24 1 90 24 61 6 623 6 1985 623 959 4/1/00 16/8/99 4/1/00 15/12/98 16/3/99 28/7/81 tt ... ... Mikimiki ... Onoke, Rimutaka, Wairarapa, Belmont, Pencarrow Rimutaka, Pencarrow, Onoke Puketoi ... Pohangina, Umutoi 3 X. 21,000 0 0 28 3 0 3,156 0 0 7,620 0 0 5 " 28 5 104 649 103 18/1/00 21/4/98 18/1/00 Pohangina XI., XII. XV. 1 3,400 0 0 Akatarawa, Rimutaka, Waira10,578 0 0 71 1540 29/9/98 rapa Rewa Mangoira, Ngamoko, Ruahine Tararua Wairarapa VI., X. 3,900 0 0 28,800 0 0 789 2 0 1,941 L 21 103 5 24 32 2188 103 623 715 16/12/97 i 18/1/00 i 16/3/99 j 12/5/96 7 100, 101, 105, 102 x'i'v. V., IX. Ruapehu, Pihanga, Kaimanawa Kaimanawa, Waiotaka, Mangamaire Waiohine... Tiffin 45,000 0 0 5 105 18/1/00 Subd. 2a & 3a 45,146 0 0 Maungakareiu Wainuioru 31, 82 291 II., IV. J I., V. I XII. X. 5,700 0 0 490 3 0 997 1 15 6/2/02 27/3/02 6/6/01 Total 471,093 0 39

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Schedule B.—Reserves for the Growth and Preservation of Timber.

Gazette. District. Section. Block. Area. Purpose. No. Page. Date. Apiti a • • • Gorsje Hautapu Mangahao Mangaone Makutuku Mangawhero ... Makuri 20 92b 51 12 42 31 129 133 58 7, 11 24b 4 16 42 48 61 62 25 1 12 10 32 28 IV. XIII. III., IV. X. XV. XVI. III. X. I. VIII. VI. I. VIII. XI. VII. A. K. P. 119 2 0 26 3 7 1,100 0 0 39 2 0 89 1 0 43 0 0 17 0 0 180 0 0 72 2 16 22 0 0 308 3 17 132 1 08 867 0 0 200 0 0 34 0 0 323 0 1 1,000 0 0 67 0 0 96 0 0 56 2 0 201 2 0 292 0 32 21 3 10 77 0 0 86 0 0 55 0 0 13,300 0 0 Forest and water Forest a • • • • • • Forest and scenery Forest Timber Forest Forest and scenery Forest 6 90 48 68 46 63 26 22 15 56 67 9 53 17 60 92 57 91 63 68 58 67 ill 115 1985 953 1457 1053 1071 662 371 335 1011 1347 259 1184 1092 1311 2079 891 2037 1071 1457 1299 1347 2037 30/1/90 15/12/98 13/8/95 15/12/98 1/6/99 19/7/97 23/3/99 11/4/98 10/3/87 26/9/89 6/12/98 2/2/99 21/6/00 9/9/86 13/7/99 10/11/99 6/8/91 20/12/98 19/7/97 15/9/98 5/7/00 6/12/98 20/12/98 Manganui ... Ongo ... Pohangina Forest-conservation Forest Timber-preservation Forest Tiriraukawa ... Taraiua IV. Apiti VII. VIII. Preservation of scenery " Akatarawa, Paikakariki Waiohine, Uretonga, Akatarawa Akatarawa Belmont Part 21a IV. XVI. I., IV. Growth and preservation of timber Ditto 29 4 U 704 80i 959 30/3/99 ! 10/1/01 28/7/81 36,400 0 0 25* XVI. XV., XVII. 2 0 0 6,500 0 0 Preservation of scenery Preservation of scenery and water Preservation of scenery 24 65 530 1337 28/2/01 19/11/85 Hautapu Akatarawa Mangahao 5a 61, 62 64 53a 135 19 VIII. X. IV., VIII. VIII. XIII. XVI. 15 0 0 17 2 0 10 0 8 2 3 30 27 1 8 22 0 0 I 46 9 89 11 41 23 1053 259 1872 337 937 608 1/6/99 2/2/98 5/12/95 20/2/96 29/4/97 22/3/00 a Preservation of timber ... Preservation of scenery and river-bank preservation Mangawhero Mangahao Makuri 50 21,22 21 24 IV. XVI. I. XI. 31 2 0 23 3 0 14 2 Oj 135 0 0 Preservation of scenery » 26 46 4 60 662 1053 80 131 23/3/99 1/6/99 10/1/01 13/7/99 Manganui Growth and preservation of timber Preservation of scenery Ohinewairua ... 52 63 64 4a XIV. 156 0 0 110 40 3 0 54 2 0 51 // 1121 14/6/00 Pohangina II IV. Preservation of scenery and conservation of forest Ditto "l 14 4/1/00 a "' Ruahine 5 6 7 9 17 17a 58 2 Part 64 II IX. 85 2 0 85 0 0 131 0 0 15 2 0 117 0 0 281 0 0 40 0 38 106 2 33 68 0 0 // ... ... Preservation of scenery It 29 26 68 88 4 6 704 662 1457 1973 80 161 30/3/99 23/3/99 15/9/98 26/10/99 10/1/01 17/1/01 If it Tiriraukawa ... Umutoi Waiopehu II I. X. I. it Preservation of scenery and native bush Preservation of scenery vVairoa 12a 13a 9 VIII. 36 3 16 20 0 0 11 2 0 58 1299 5/7/00 lf ... J^akotuku VI. « n it Total I i63,478 1 23| I ■■• • Temporary reserve.

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Additional Reserves Proposed to be made for Climatic Pukposes, Marked " A." Western Division. A. R. P. Pare of Tamaki Subdivision No. 2 ... . ... ... 2,637 3 0 Native. No. 3 ... ... ... ... 1,925 0 0 No. 4 ... ... ... ... 2,724 2 0 No. 5 ... ... ... ... 1,568 010 Piripin ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5,899 324 Crown. PartofTeOhu ... ... ... ... ..,. 6,767 0 0 Freehold. 111., VI., VIII., IX., Umuioi Survey Distr.ei, ... 7,000 0 0 Native. Awarua lα, No. 3 South ... ... ... ... ... 3,420 0 0 Awarua lα, No. 3 North ... ... ... ... ... 6,230 0 0 Part of Awarua No. Iβ. ... ... ... ... ... 50,800 0 0 Crown. No. lc. ... ... ... ... ... 240 0 0 No. Ida. ... ... ... ... ... 18,500 0 0 No. Idb. ... ... ... ... 6,000 0 0 Native. Kaimauawa No. 2b. ... ... ... ... ... 27,000 0 0 No. If. ... ... ... ... ... 13,000 0 0 Part of TeHautu ... ... ... ... ... ... 89,300 0 0 Pihanga and Kakaramea ... ... ... ... • ■■ 15,000 0 0 „ Mount Maungaku and Part of Taurewa, 2so. 4 ... ... ... 3,000 0 0 „ Between Mount Hauhangatahi Reserve and watershed north oil 3,930 0 0 „ Native Reserve E. 1 15,700 0 0 Crown. South-west of Orupe Stream ... ... ... ... 2,000 0 0 South of Retaruke River .. ... ... ... 10,000 0 0 Mount Tauakira ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,000 0 0 Takihi Hill ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,000 0 0 Kawai-o-tawaki Hill ... ... ... ... ... 2,000 0 0 Native. Raetihi No. sb. ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,174 0 0 Part of Motukawa Block ... ... ... ... ... 3,000 0 0 Part of Rangipo-Waiau Block ... ... ... ... 4,000 0 0 Part of Raketapauma Block ... ... ... ... 1,200 0 0 Crown. „ ... ... ... ... ... 1,400 0 0 Native. Tuhirangi Hiil ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,000 0 0 Pukeokahu Hill ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,500 0 0 Crown. PukerikiHill ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,500 0 0 Kapiti Island at north end ... ... ... ... ... 1,000 00 „ Total ... ... ... ... ... 314,416 0 34 Eastern Division. Haurangi Mountains to Mount Barton .. ... 30,000 0 0 Crown and Native. Puketoi Range from Mount Butters to Mount Wahatuara ... ... ... ... ... 3,000 0 0 Crown and Leasehold. Total 33,000 0 0 Western ... ... ... ... ... ... 314,416 0 34 Eastern ... ... ... ... ... ... 33,000 0 0 347,416 0 34

MARLBOROUGH. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Blenheim, 23rd July, 1902. Re Circular 507, Preservation of Native Forest. In reply to your circular as above, I have to say that the forest land in the Land District of Marlborough lies chiefly in the Sounds County and the northern part of Marlborough County. The most valuable forest we have in Marlborough for timber purposes is situated on the Rai Valley, including its branches, the Valleys of the Ronga and Opoura Rivers. (For further information about the various timbers in the Rai Valley, extent and quality, &c, see Memorandum 195/72, of the 25th June, 1897, being a report from the Marlborough Land Board ; see, also, Parliamentary Paper 1-sb, presented to the House on the 17th October, 1894.) A few years ago a very active agitation was got up in Nelson for the reservation of the Rai River watershed as a national park. It is admirably adapted for this purpose, and the scenery is very picturesque, but I fear that the commercial value of the timber is too great to allow of it being set aside as a scenic reserve. Fortunately, however, there is another large area of forest land, which, from a scenic point of view, is perhaps superior to the Rai Valley, although the timber is not nearly so valuable It would make a very fine national park, and it comprises nearly the whole of the Pelorus watershed above its junction with the Rai River, and is easily accessible from the main coach-road between here and Nelson. This national park, as I may call it. abuts on a large climatic reserve, and if we add to this the proposed scenic reserve at the head of the Wakamarina

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and the proposed climatic reserve behind Mount Patriarch and extending along the south side of the main range as far as the sources of Bartlett's Creek, it will embrace a total area of something like three hundred square miles, the extreme western point being Ward's Pass, the head of one of the branches of the Goulter Eiver. This end of the national park is a favourite resort for deer, and has been for several years past. I ought to mention that the boundaries of this proposed national park include a strip of country that is in the Nelson District, but which naturally belongs to the Marlborough District, and I shall address you on this subject shortly, when the pians are a little further advanced. The present boundary between Marlborough and Nelson Districts runs down the Heringa Eiver to its junction with the Pelorus, and then up the Pelorns Eiver to its source. The most suitable natural boundary would be to continue the line along the leading range running parallel with the Pelorus and to the north-west of it, joining the old boundary again at Slaty Peak. The most of the climatic reserves in the neighbourhood of the Sounds consists of what is generally known as black-birch timber, and is chiefly in inaccessible positions, but useful for conserving the water-supply. There is not much forest land in the southern part of the Marlborough District, but I have recommended a few reserves which I think it is desirable to make. As I leave for the Eai Valley by the coach to-morrow morning, I shall not be able to notice all these reserves in detail, but will do so on my return, and will also specify the few cases in which I recommend the resumption of private lands. C. W. Adams, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Blenheim, 20th July, 1902. Ke Circular No. 507, Preservation of Native Forest. In continuation of my former report, of the 23rd July last, I now beg to submit the following remarks. I will deal with the various survey maps in geographical order, beginning at the north :— Tennyson Survey District. —The climatic reserve and proposed climatic reserve shown on this map consist chiefly of high country, with birch bush, and lie to the north of the State forest reserve in Eai Valley. The two scenic reserves shown on each side of Tennyson Inlet consist chiefly of birch bush, and are rough and precipitous. The proposed scenic reserve at the head of the Bonga Valley is portion of the proposed scenic reserve embracing the whole of the Ronga Valley. The remainder of this reserve lies in the Wakainarina District. Orieri District. —The large scenic reserve, Section 5, Block XII., Orieri, containing 1,683 acres, has a nice basin fronting Tawa Bay, and is covered with forest consisting chiefly of mixed bash. Section 4, Block XIV., 47 acres, is a small scenic reserve between Tawhitinui and Kauauroa Bays, heavily timbered. Section 7, Block VII., 179 acres, is chiefly precipitous country, moderately timbered. Proposed scenic reserve, Section 12, Block XI., between North-west Bay and Wilson Bay, is chiefly precipitous ; timber principally birch. Proposed Scenic Reserve, Section o, Block IV., 110 acres, steep country, all birch bush. The two large proposed climatic reserves consist chiefly of rough land exceeding 1,500 ft. in altitude. Poor soil, covered chiefly with birch bush. The eastern one, situated in Blocks I. and V., is an extension of the large climatic reserve in the Gore District, extending south and west from Mount Stokes. Gore Survey District. —The larger Chetwode Island, 600 acres, was leased at £5 per annum for ten years (poster 112). This island is covered with bush for the most part, and the former lessee, a Maori, threw up the lease because he was not allowed to fell the scrub and bush. Section 14, Block X., 161 acres : Edgecombe Point proposed scenic reserve ; rough country, covered with dense scrub. Motu Ngara Island, area about 60 acres : This has been reserved for the protection of the native fauna and flora. Scenic Reserve, Section 2, Block IX., Gore, 152 acres : Rough and precipitous. Scenic Reserve, Section 3, Block XXIV., and Section 4, Block XIII. : Rough, precipitous, and exposed; no landing-place except in very calm weather. Scenic Reserve, Sections 32, Block VI., and 15, Block X., 325 acres : Broken country, on the shady side of the hill. There is a large reserve at Ship Cove, made in memory of its occupation by Captain Cook, which may be classed as a scenic reserve. It contains 2,011 acres ; covered with bush of various kinds. There is splendid anchorage and shelter in Ship Cove, and it was the favourite camping-place of Captain Cook during his visits to Queen Charlotte Sound in 1770 and 1773. This reserve is a choice spot for picnics, &c, as there is level ground for camping, good water, and good landing-place for boats. It is occupied by tourists, &c, every summer. You will observe a large climatic reserve surrounding Mount Stokes. This is the highest hill in the Sounds, being 3,951 ft. above sea-level. I have proposed to extend this reserve on the north, south, east, and west sides by the addition of land not suitable for settlement, being for the most part over 1,500 ft. high, and the land of poor quality. Heringa Survey District. —The eastern portion of the proposed scenic reserve, situated in Blocks I. and 11., Heringa, is at present included in a State forest reserve of 900 acres, but as the timber is not of much commercial value, and the scenery very picturesque, the Land Board resolved to recommend that it be set aside as a scenic reserve. The remaining portion, edged with blue, forms part of the large "national park" that I referred to in my previous memorandum dated 23rd July. There is just a question as to whether a portion of the Tinline Valley should be reserved for future settlement, but we could quite safely make a scenic reserve of all the country south-west of the Heringa Stream. This stream derives its name —which signifies a " tying-up " (of a canoe) —from an interesting Maori legend which describes how, in ancient times, a Maori chief took his canoe up the Pelorus River. The Heringa was the limit to any further navigation, so the stream was so called. The reserves coloured pink on this map are a mile wide. The

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northern one extends a mile from the top of the range. The southern extends half a mile on each side of the leading range. Wakamarina Survey District. —This district includes the larger portion of the Eai Valley State Forest, on which I have reported in my memorandum of the 23rd July last. The proposed scenic reserve (part of Sections 65 and 66a) is a very picturesque spot at the junction of the Eai and Pelorus Eivers. Section 18, Block VIII., was proposed as a scenic reserve before I took charge of this district. There is not much timber on it now, as it has suffered from fires. The proposed scenic reserve at the head of the Wakamarina has already been referred to in my former report. Linkwater Survey District. —There are two small areas proposed to be reserved for scenic purposes, and one of these has been recommended by the Chief Forester (see report of 22nd November, 1901). The one to the east, forming a peninsula, is private property. The former holder tried to clear a portion of it, but it has all gone back to its original condition nearly ; and, as its present owner makes hardly any use of it, it should not cost much to acquire. The other proposed scenic reserve on the opposite side of Kenepuru Sound (part of Section 2, Block IV.) contains a most picturesque bit of scenery not to be surpassed anywhere in the sound. It is at present under lease in perpetuity to Mr. C. Y. Fell, of Nelson. There is also a little peninsula of a few acres only in extent, forming the eastern head of Ngakuta Bay, and being a part of Section 5, Block XI., Linkwater, which is a Native reserve. This pretty bit of scenery is much admired by passengers in the little steamers that ply between Picton and the Grove, and should certainly be reserved. The proposed climatic reserve shown in the south-east corner of the Linkwater Survey District forms part of a large proposed reserve lying chiefly in the Arapawa District, but which also extends into the Cloudy Bay District. Arapaiva Survey District. —The large proposed climatic reserve in this district (referred to in last paragraph) consists chiefly of very broken country, mostly exceeding 1,500 ft. in height. The timber is not commercially valuable, and most of the area is almost inaccessible. Patriarch Survey District. —The proposed climatic reserve shown on this map forms part of the " national park " referred to in my former report, this being the portion frequented by the red deer. The next map shows portions of Pine Valley, Mount Olympus, and Patriarch Districts, and shows a continuation of the same " national park." Onamalutu Survey District. —This map shows the major part of the proposed scenic reserves at the head of the Wakamarina Eiver, which I have previously referred to. It shows also the extreme east part of the proposed climatic reserve extending behind Mount Patriarch. Cloudy Bay Survey District. —Section 8, Block V., proposed climatic reserve, 823 acres, known as " Storey's Creek " : This is a broken piece of ground, of no use for settlement, but is a favourite picnic resort. It is twelve miles from Blenheim. Proposed scenic reserve, chiefly in Blocks 111. and VII. : This reserve contains several hundred acres, but the plan is not yet finished. It contains two very pretty waterfalls and a good deal of mixed bush. The waterfalls are in what is known as " Boyes's Gully," and are distant about two miles from Tuamarina and about nine miles from Blenheim. It is a very favourite spot for picnics, as in the hottest weather the ravines are always cool and shady. The reserves described above are all situated north of the Wairau Eiver, where the climate is more moist than further south. The middle portion of the Marlborough district is rough and mountainous, and consists chiefly of open country held in large areas, where it is not necessary to reserve areas for scenic purposes. There now only remains the country within the Kaikoura County to be considered, and I requested Mr. W. B. Buckhurst, Eanger, who had lately been over the district, to report on the most suitable areas for scenic reserves. I attach copies of his reports. He recommends three reserves, which I think very suitable —namely, 2,370 acres of a Native reserve along the coast lying between the Clarence and Hapuku Eivers ; and two reserves of 200 acres and 300 acres respectively, the first being on Messrs. Garratt Bros.' Small Grazing-run No. 91, and the second on Miss E. V. M. Goulter's Small Grazing-run No. 95. Ido not think it would be difficult to resume the portion of the Native reserves, as the country is almost too rocky and precipitous to be made any use of; and the land on the two small grazing-runs is somewhat similar in character. C. W. Adams, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Chief Surveyor. Blenheim, 18th July, 1902.

Scenic Beserves. Be your request for suggestions for suitable places to secure for scenic reserves, I respectfully draw your attention to a very fitting piece of ground for the purpose. It comprises about 300 acres. It is situated on the coast on the north bank of the Oaro Biver, and partly at the back of Native reserves in Block XV., Hundalee Survey District. The land is stony, consisting of forest-clad spurs facing the sea and road. The bush contains mahoe, karaka, puka, kohutuhutu, tawa, ngaio, akeake, kawakawa, hinau, horopito, makomako, manuka, matipo, and other native trees, forming a beautiful cluster, rich in scenic beauty. It is hardly fit for grassing. It belongs to Small Grazingrun No. 95, and is in the occupation of Miss E. V. M. Goulter. Ido not think that the severance of; this land from the said run would deteriorate its value as such anymore than the loss of acreage. W. B. Buckhurst, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Blenheim. Crown Lands Eanger.

Blenheim, 19th July, 1902. Climatic and Scenic Beserves. In continuation of my memorandum of the 18th instant, I beg to add the following suggestions for the making of reserves for the above purpose : — The first reserve which I would recommend is a part of Small Grazing-run No. 91, now in the occupation of Messrs. Garratt Bros. The land is similar in every respect to the suggested 3—C. 13b.

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reserve on Small Grazing-run No. 95, and the description given of the latter applies to the former. I do not think the tenants would make any objection to the severance of about 200 acres, which amount of land would, I think, be sufficient. The second proposed reserve is a portion of the Native reserve on the coast south of the Clarence Eiver. It comprises an area of (approximately) 2,370 acres, consisting of beautiful wooded slopes and hills overlooking the main road and sea-coast. Very little of this land is fit for cultivation or pasture, and the bush will probably be destroyed by fire unless active steps are taken for its protection, a part having been burnt last summer south of the land in question. The forest contains specimens of nearly all native trees found in this portion of New Zealand. The scenery along this coast is noted for its beauty, which is chiefly dependent upon the forest growth on the slopes and hills ; it would be a calamity to have this forest or any part of it burnt. I have little doubt but that the Natives could be compensated for the loss of this land by a gift of land elsewhere. The suggested scenic reserve does not take in all the present Native reserve, as there is a considerable area both north and south not included. W. B. Buckhuest, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Blenheim. Crown Lands Banger.

Schedule of Existing and Proposed Climatic and Scenic Reserves.

Survey District. Section. Block. Purpose. Area. Tennyson a Existii I., II., VI. II., III., IV., VI., VIII. V. VII. <,g Reserves. Growth and preservation of timber tr A. R. P. 11,500 0 0 12,800 0 0 a tr Orieri... 4 2 3 5 5 12 7 4 II., III. XII. IV. XI. VII. XIV. I., II, III., VI., VII., VIII. VI. X. Preservation of scenery... State forest Preservation of scenery 397 0 0 671 0 0 65 0 0 20,340 0 0 1,683 0 0 110 0 0 370 0 0 179 0 0 47 0 0 6,800 0 0 it • • • a • • • „ ... ... State forest Gore ... ... Growth and preservation of timber a • • • 32 15 14 Preservation of scenery... 40 0 0 285 0 0 161 0 0 80 0 0 n • • • n ... ... „ ... ... Motungara Island 2 4 3 XXIII. Preservation of native flora and fauna State forest /, •.. if • • • n • * * Heringa IX. XIII. XXIV. XI. II. XI., XII., XV. X., XL, XIV., XV. VIII. Growth and preservation of timber State forest Growth and preservation of timber State forest 152 0 0 236 0 0 176 0 0 7,000 0 0 850 0 0 5,760 0 0 4,850 0 0 Whrtkamarina .. it it 7 18 Preservation of scenery... 51 0 0 98 0 0 6,000 0 0 Link water 7 11 Part 2 8 6 6 16 11 X., XL, XIV., XV. XVI. II. Growth and preservation of timber 960 0 0 190 0 0 173 0 0 168 0 0 105 2 0 131 0 0 138 0 0 126 0 0 202 0 0 37,100 0 0 if Preservation of scenery... a tr if a • * • Arapawa ir Pine Valley It IV. VII. II. VIII. XII. XV. VI., VII., VIII., X. to XV. VIII. XII. V. XVI. IV. ) XIII. } XL ;/ ... ... State forest Growth and preservation of timber Onamalutu Cloudy Bay Kaitarau Mount Fyffe ... 9 4 8 6 I I 8 9 10 4 5 6 '/ it Preservation of scenery... Growth and preservation of timber ' 232 0 0 76 0 0 823 0 0 200 0 0 4,175 0 0 Hundalee Preservation of scenery... 25 1 0 14 2 0 13 0 17 2 0 12 2 0 31 2 0 It XV. a it ... ... tr •' • It i/ ... ... » ... ...

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Schedule of Existing and Proposed Climatic and Scenic Reserves— continued.

NELSON. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Nelson, 22nd October, 1903. Ec Circular No. 507, Preservation of Native Forests. Consideeable attention has been paid in the Nelson Land District to the question of the preservation of the native forest, which is becoming of insistent importance as time slips on; some 23,727 acres have been reserved in the district; 21,699 acres of this total would be classed under Class A (climatic), the remaining 2,028 acres coming under Class B (scenic). The mountainous and rugged nature of a large area, recently estimated as 1,058,000 acres, of barren lands, about half of which are bush-clad, has practically proved their protection from the encroachments of settlement; but, while no reservation has been actually necessary, it would be better to place these on a proper basis, and gazette them as reserves. Owing to the excessive rainfall in the bush districts of the west coast, where already there are some 823,000 acres suitable for milling purposes, it would seem scarcely necessary to widely reserve the forest lands there for climatic reasons, though I would suggest that portions of the bush on the higher hills along the Buller Eiver should be reserved, in order that they might not be denuded and in wet seasons give rise to sudden heavy floods. On the other hand, the reserves under Class B (scenic) might well be increased —for instance, some stretches of the Buller Eoad, up the Mokihinui Eiver, &c. —embodied in the accompanying schedule of proposed reserves; but it would be necessary to first lift the mining reserves, which overlap these in some instances. Conservation of Forest Lands at Heads of Eivers, etc. In the Waimea County the Crown Forest lands at the heads of streams and along the tops of hills have been reserved as much as possible; notably in the Maungatapu and Wai-iti Districts. A report on the forest reserves of the latter was furnished on the 6th July, 1903, and their destruction by bush fires, it is to be feared, is only a matter of time, for some three years ago about 800 acres were burnt, and though efforts were made to lease these portions and get them grassed, of

iurvey lisi irici lOO ;ion. .00] 'urpose. Area. Proposed Beservations. Tennyson 6 V. VII.. VIII. II., III. I.,V. XXV., XXVI. Scenic Climatic 256 900 3,200 2,200 600 B. P. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Orieri Scenic Gore ... Chetwode Island I., VI. II. III., IV. VII., VIII., IX., XII. I. III., IV., VII., to XI. I. IX. IX., XIII. XIII., XIV. XVI. Climatic 1,000 570 3,400 5,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n a ■•• a a Heringa Scenic 525 22,400 0 0 0 0 „ n Whakamarina ... it 2,400 47 600 4,200 1,000 540 7,250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a a a Link water Climatic Arapawa vii.,viii.,xi., XII., XV. I. to VII., IX., X., XL XL to XVI. 1 I. 1 IX. I., II., V., VI. IV. II., III., VII. H II Pine Valley Scenic 34,900 0 0 ,; ... Mount Olympus Onamalutu Climatic 16,600 0 0 Cloudy Bay Patriarch Kaitarau Puhipuhi Mount Fyffe Hundalee XVI. Scenic Climatic Scenic Climatic Scenic 510 14,400 1,000 600 20,400 300 1,600 510 150 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. XL XV. a n • • •

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some nine sections offered only one was taken up, chiefly, I believe, because of the restrictions imposed under subclause (2) of clause 232 of " The Land Act, 1892," and the result has been that fern and weeds have grown up, and during dry seasons will prove a great menace to the remaining bush. The settlers in the locality have recently petitioned to have the reserve lifted from the forest reserve of 4,020 acres in the Takaka and Kaiteriteri districts ; but it would be a great mistake to do so, as Mr. Sadd reports that it would have a very serious effect on the water-supplies to have this land cleared. Some 11,585 acres at the head of Eainy Eiver, in the Motupiko District, and 3,815 acres in the Tadmor and Howard districts have been marked as proposed forest reserves under Class A. The back country is generally of poor quality, and the land is only taken up along the main streams and adjacent slopes, so that this tract still held by the Crown should, I think, certainly be reserved. In the Collingwood County there are considerable areas of Crown forest lands at the back of the settled portions. A great deal of this is not likely to be taken up for many years, but as settlement extends the reservation of the forest at heads of water-supplies must be steadily kept in view. Peotection of the Native Fauna. The conservation of the back forests is the most that can be done in this direction, but of late years the rapid spread of the stoat and weasel has almost exterminated such birds as the weka, kiwi, blue duck, kakapo, crow, 'and thrush in a great many localities, and this season settlers are complaining of the loss of lambs killed by these pests ; one settler in the Ngatimoti states that some forty lambs were destroyed in this way. It seems a pity that the protection extended to vermin of this character should not be taken off, at any rate in this district, where the rabbits have never been too numerous to be dealt with satisfactorily by poisoning. Protection op Native Flora. The deer abound in all the forest country, especially in the Waimea County, and live chiefly on scrub and small plants and the bark of the smaller trees. Cattle also take to the bush in winter time, and wild goats in some localities do damage to the smaller growths. Considerable areas of mountain-tops are used for grazing sheep during the summer months, and quantities of the flowering alpine plants are eaten and destroyed, being preferred to the coarse grasses growing at high altitudes ; but the most important source of danger to the forest is fire, the devastating effect of which in the Wai-iti District I have already drawn attention to. It seems to be of little use to make forest reserves without making sufficient provision for enforcing the regulations under the New Zealand State Forests Act of 1885 and the Land Act of 1892. The Crown Lands Eangers are not numerous enough to do this —in this district only one has been appointed, and, though the officers of the Survey staff co-operate as far as possible, this duty can only at best be inadequately performed. I would suggest that Forest Rangers be appointed ; in many cases respectable settlers in the neighbourhood of forest reserves might possibly act as Forest Eangers for a small fee, or some such privilege as free firebote. The whole question of forest-conservation is now of such importance to the future welfare of the colony that it would seem advisable to submit the whole question for report to some expert. In this connection I may state for your information that amongst those who have been attracted to this district will shortly be numbered an officer in the Indian Forest Department, at present in charge of the forests of Ceylon, who has, I understand, at least twenty years' experience in the higher grades of the Indian forests service, and was for a considerable time Assistant InspectorGeneral of Forests. This officer, Mr. J. L. Pigot, is throwing up all his prospects in India for health reasons, and may be expected in Nelson next autumn. I would suggest that it might be advisable to take advantage of this gentleman's experience and presence in the colony, and secure an expert's report on the whole question at a nominal sum. W. J. Murhay, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Schedule of Forest Reserves, Etc.

District. Section. Block, Square. Area. Remarks. Waterwwt >rks. aungatapu iaruia 14 1 1 17 VIII., Sq. 18 ) IV. I II. I., 139 A. E. P. 1,416 0 0 1,000 3,200 107 0 0 0 0 0 0 Forest, :. aungatapu r ai-iti „ ... it "*\ it ''' 1, 3 16 17 18 19 20 I., IV. VI. It II 800 120 160 122 99 84 0 0 0 0 2 8 2 24 0 32 2 16 10 acres burnt. 20 acres burnt.

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Schedule of Forest Reserves, Etc.— continued.

District. Seotion. Block, Square. Area. Remarks. Forests —co itinued. Wai-iti tf "• 24 27 24 26 27 13 14 15 16 20 22 25 26 28 30 31 34 VI. it tt X. tt tr it A. 70 221 341 109 100 65 82 130 142 149 140 67 351 253 349 E. P. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 34 2 3 0 24 3 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 8 50 acres burnt. 20 acres burnt. Partly burnt. 20 acres burnt. Partly burnt. 20 no it it Nearly all burnt. tt 26 no it tr ;/ it 15 acres burnt. II • • • a Wai-iti • ■■ 3 3 4 6 11 14 15 157 9 6 7 8 213 4 5 6 8 9 5 9 14 15 16 29 30 31 10 11 17 33 34 4 5 2 5, 6 State Fo' ■ests. Partly burnt. III. 90 74 153 148 87 109 188 182 160 196 264 272 83 38 731 252 447 1,392 103 72 103 58 90 87 109 79 51 159 191 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 9 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 32 2 37 0 4 3 31 0 16 2 0 2 8 3 30 0 0 1 6 2 8 0 27 1 34 3 8 0 32 0 32 1 0 0 24 2 16 1 0 2 28 it Completely burnt. Partly burnt. tf III., 2 VI. VII. 30 acres burnt. Partly burnt. tt n VII., 2 X. a II It if 100 acres burnt. Partly burnt. Gordon Wai-iti 9 5 9 I A XI. VII. a it It " It a „ It a ... I It X. tt It XL About 10 or 12 acres burnt. Wangamoa... Takaka 4 2 5, 6 IV. \ v. VIII. ) XI. Parts of XI., ) XII., XV. Parts of VII., XIV., XV. ) 1,920 0 0 a 4,020 0 0 Kaiteriteri ... Kaiteriteri ... ... j Scenery Pres VI. ' irvation. 200 6 206 58 0 127 110 84 20 238 0 0 3 10 0 0 3 30 2 20 2 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Adele Island. Fisherman's Island. Waimea Pakawau W aitapu Totaranui ... it Kaiteriteri ... French Pass it • • • Wangainoa... 13 3 60/113 12 3 1 3 13 30 23 XL I. X. III. X. III. IX. XL ) III. \ 977 0 0

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Schedule of Proposed Reserves.

WBSTLAND. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Hokitika, 22nd May, 1902. Circular No. 507, Preservation of Native Forest. I have the honour to forward a report upon the above subject, in accordance with your circular instructions. The matter was placed before the Land Board yesterday, when it was unanimously resolved that my report be adopted and the reserves noted be approved. Pressure of sundry urgent matters has prevented an earlier reply. G. J. EOBEBTS, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

District. Section. Block. Area. Tenure. Purpose and Class and Remarks. Maungatapu, Whakapuaka, Tapamutu A. B. P. 6,700 0 0 Crown lands Scenic reserve. Being a block of land commencing at trig, station, Maungatapu, and extending along the eastern side of dividing range to Saddle Hill, with a width of half a mile, and from northern boundary Section 1, Block II., Maungatapu Survey District, and extending along the western side of said range to Mount Duppa, with a width of one mile, and thence extending along the western said range to Raia saddle with a width of half a mile. Forest-reserve (Class A). Scenery - preservation (Class B, scenio). Cobb Valley. Scenery-preservation (Class B). For half a mile round the shore of Lake Rotorua. Scenery-preservation (Class B). For half a mile round the shore of Lake Roto-iti. Forest - reserve (Class A), climatic. Round the spring on North Branch of Riwaka River. /Scenery-preservation (Class B). Purchased by the Natives who hold a certificate of occupation, j but as far as known no improvements effected. These sections with section 13 embrace the bush-clad sea-face from Totaranui Bay to the \ north point of Waiharakeke Bay. Scenery - preservation (Class B). The gorge of Gorge Creek. Scenery-preservation (Class B). The Waikoropupu springs. Forest-reserve (Class A). At the head of Rainy River. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Ten miles up the Mokihinui River, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery - preservation (Class B). Eight miles up Rough and Tumble Creek, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Part railway reserve, seven miles up the Ngakawau River to junction with Blackburn River, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Three miles up the Waimangaroa River to junction of north and south branches, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Part Buller Coalfields Reserve, part Mining Reserve No. 7, fifteen miles along the course of the Buller River from south • east corner of Section 9, Block II., to north-west corner of Section 35, Block IV., Inangahua, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery - preservation (Class B). Part Mining Reserve No. 7 and part Mining Reserve No. 8, sixteen miles along Buller River from south-west corner of Lyell Township to junction with Jecklyn's Creek, Fern Flat, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Six miles and a half up the River Nile from south-east corner of Section 1, Block VII., to the boundary of the Waitakerei District, for 20 chains on either bank. Scenery-preservation (Class B). Part Mining Reserve No. 6, from the mouth of Fox's River, five miles up to the junction with Dilemma Creek, for 20 chains on either bank. Tadmor, Howard Mount Arthur 3,815 0 0 ■25,000 0 0 It Rotorua 6,000 0 0 Roto-iti 5,000 0 0 Kaiteriteri VII. 630 0 0 Totaranui IV. 256 0 0 Freehold .. 6,7, 11, 12 13 119 0 0 Crown lands Takaka IV., VII. 2,000 0 0 Waitapu Pt. 44 V. 27 1 0 Freehold .. Motupiko, Howard .. 11,580 0 0 Crown lands Mokihinui 1* XVI. 3,200 0 0 Marina 2* 2,660 0 0 Ngakawau 3 II., III., VIII. 2,240 0 0 Kawatiri 4 VI. 960 0 0 Ohika and Inangahua 5 4,800 0 0 Lyell and Maruia .. 5,120 0 0 Waitakere 4,800 0 0 Brighton 1,600 0 0 leference numl >er.

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Report by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Westland, in Connection with Circular No. 507, Preservation op Native Forest. A (Climatic), including Objects Nos. 1 to 3. 1. In this densely timbered district it is hardly necessary to conserve the forest lands covering the upper watersheds of rivers and streams to insure the maintenance of water-supplies ; nor, apart from bush fires, is there any likelihood of these regions becoming deforested. Owing to the mild humidity of the climate, whenever a landslip takes place in the upland or lowland valleys, within a few years the scar is covered with luxuriant greenery, chiefly lace-bark and fuchsia, and these flowering deciduous trees lend a most pleasing variety to the adjoining shaggy forest. And thus, all over the inland and coastal bush-clad hill-sides there are numberless streaks of young forest which once were bare patches of rock-slides. Even in the higher valleys the confused, rock-strewn slopes and all the moving shale fans are sooner or later arrested and covered with rata and other alpine trees. There have therefore been no efforts made in the direction of attaining object No. 1. 2. With an average rainfall of 115 in. per annum (much heavier even amongst the hills) there has arisen no sufficient cause to preserve the forest " to insure the gradual distribution of rainfall," or to maintain the climatic equilibrium ; nor has anything been done to protect the native flora and fauna, save regulations connected with acclimatisation, &c. Our Westland Society has made Mahinapua Lake and Creek a refuge for birds, and no gunning is permitted. 3. Again, nothing has been done for " the prevention of the degradation of the surface of the mountains and high hills and the deposit of detritus in the valleys." B (Scenic), including Objects Nos. 4 and 5. 4. To preserve scenic effect and shelter in the low country the Land Board has set apart reserves near Lake lanthe and adjoining the terminals of the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers. In the preservation of the forest and scrub along the rivers to maintain their banks, a special Act, " The Mahinapua Creek and Lake Eeserves Act, 1893," was passed in connection with the margin of Mahinapua Creek and Lake. The Crown Lands Ranger and the roadman have particular instructions to prevent any unnecessary destruction of the forest bordering the main roads. The Land Board has always insisted upon a road reserve of 2 chains or more in width along the banks of rivers and lakes and of 1 chain on the margins of the large streams. On the Grey and other rivers small reserves have been made with this object in view, but beyond this nothing has been done in the direction indicated. 5. Connected with the "reservation of forest-clad gorges and other places of natural beauty," only one area between the Otira and Bealey has been set apart for the purpose of a National Park (see Gazette No. 46, 9th May, 1901, page 1026). As instructed, I would suggest the following reservations of the forest lands in this district: — (1.) A reserve covering the higher portions of the hummocky ridge known as the Twelve Apostles, between the townships of Cobden and Point Elizabeth. A reserve including the high bush-clad range from Greymouth southward beyond Kakawau Trig. These "to insure the maintenance of water-supplies," and also from a scenic point of view. The denudation of these hills is gradually creeping upward, and if not checked in a few years there will be merely bleak tops and slopes overhanging the towns in the place of the lovely backgrounds of exuberant forest which now exist. These limestone ranges are also the habitat of large numbers of trees, plants, and ferns wholly peculiar to the localities—that is, to this district. A portion of the area is within Native Reserve No. 31, but no doubt arrangements could be made for this reservation. (2.) " To insure the gradual distribution of rainfall and to maintain the climate-equilibrium," I do not consider that any reservations are required; but "to protect the native flora and fauna" I would advocate stern measures with regard to the lighting of fires in the alpine scrub and grass lands, especially along any of the transinsular tourist routes. About twenty years ago scrub, grass, and flora in Arthur's Pass were almost swept bare by fire, and the smaller shrubs, &c, are only partially recovering now. Of course, the bulk of the beautiful alpine forest was destroyed for good. A few years ago the grand beech forest that coated the range behind the Bealey Township was virtually wiped out by fire, and now there is left simply a bleak, blistered hillside dotted with blackened stumps and lpgs. A favourite outing from Hokitika is to go to the summit of Mount Tuhua, to which a toun'st track has been made through the timber at considerable expense, and one of the first parties who went up fired the hill-top, thus destroying and ravaging the flora and mountain forest for many years to come. Years ago when I visited the upper Rakaia Valley, in Canterbury, the mountain-flanks and river-flats were beautified by patches of timber and shrubs tenanted by numerous small birds. Now, lam told, the whole region has been scarified by fires lit purposely by a sheep-farmer who, after some years of fruitless experiment, has abandoned the place. The revenue derivable from the lease of such country and the advantages from a settlement point of view are so small that valleys so situated should be reserved for scenic purposes and for the protection of native and imported fauna. There is another aspect of vandalism in connection with this subject, and that is the wholesale pilfering of alpine flora from Arthur's Pass. For twenty years hardly a coach passes through but some of the passengers root out some dozens of the flowers which grow alongside the road, and this is further aggravated by the numerous picnic parties who come in covered vans and wagons, encamp in the pass, and carry back huge loads of plants. In Switzerland no tourist is allowed to meddle with the alpine flora, because it was found that, ere long, these lovely alpine meadows would have been cleaned right out. Now that we have a National Park, including this pass, special measures can be taken for the preservation of its flora.

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With regard to the protection of native fauna, Open Bay Islands are the only places that I know of which might be made a sanctuary for that purpose, and, although limited in extent, yet I am certain they would support kiwis and wood-hens if introduced. These two small islands, of about 40 acres, are covered with dwarfed trees and an inexpressible tangle of kihikihi, and are extremely interesting in every aspect : they fairly swarm with insects of all sorts, have several varieties of land birds, and are the roosting and breeding places of innumerable sea-fowl, besides being the favourite haunt of the fur seal. No persons should be permitted to land on these islands, nor should any one be allowed to shoot in their vicinity. I would suggest that no shooting be allowed along or in the vicinity of the main roads, nor on any of the proposed scenic reserves. If this were done we should soon have the forest-lined tourist routes of this district populous with birds, to the great delight of all travellers. And I would recommend the transfer of our ground-birds, such as the kiwi, roa, and kakapo, into the headwaters of the Bealey, Waimakariri, Otira, Hurunui, Teremakau, Eakaia, &c. All of these localities once swarmed with these birds, and would do so again if protected. The Maoris tell me that in old time these valleys were full of these birds, more especially the Bakaia and its tributaries. The " kakapo-tracks " are still in evidence on the grassy uplands. It may interest you to know that the last locality known to the Maoris here as the habitat of the notornis was in this valley, and one of my men in 1881 found an enormous " nest " on the ground in the scrub. He and others also averred that on several occasions they were awakened at night by what appeared to be the tread and rustle in the scrub of a large bird close at hand. Touching " the prevention of the degradation of the surface of the mountains and high hills, and the deposit of detritus in the valleys " (object 3), little or no harm has as yet been done on this side of the main range, but the continued firing of the high country in Canterbury by the sheep-farmers has led to the destruction of enormous quantities of natural pasture, and where the slopes were smoothly coated with a firm sward of grass now there are simply bare, bald areas of the underlying till; the humus has been swept down by frost and rain into the gulches and lost for all human time. On this side certain of the settlers who are farming the high tussock lands have burnt these tops very severely, and it will take years ere these alpine pastures recover. A notably sad example is to hand in the upper valley of the Bakaia (mentioned above), where, in 1880, the whole of the mountain-sides were intact, not a bare landslide nor shale-slope visible ; every acre covered and held together by gnarled, twisted forest and the matted undergrowth of sub-alpine shrubbery. Now, visitors tell me of, and photographs exhibit, bald, scattered flanks, scarred and riven by numerous slips. I would, therefore, earnestly suggest that some means be taken to prevent this indiscriminate burning, which should only be permitted at certain places and times. With reference to object 4—viz., " In the low country to conserve scenic effect and shelter, and by preserving the forest and scrub along rivers to so maintain their banks " —we will, where necessary, increase the width of the road reserves, which, as noted before, are made along the banks of all our rivers, lakes, and larger creeks. Under object s— i.e. " To generally reserve all forest-clad gorges and other places of natural beauty, which may be available from a tourist point of view, and which also may serve to make the colony attractive " —I would recommend, first, that 5 chains in width on both sides of our main roads and rivers be specially reserved for scenic purposes, at such places as may be deemed desirable. Also that reservation be made in the following localities : —(1.) The Twelve Apostles Bange, at Cobden ; (2) Kakawau Bange, at Greymouth ; (3) National Park at Otira and Bealey, already temporarily reserved ; (4) Mount Te Kinga and adjoining country ; (5) upper Valley of Teremakau, with extension down Hurunui Biver in Canterbury ; (6) surroundings of Lake Kanieri, including Mount Tuhua ; (7) surroundings of Lake Mahinapua ; (8) watershed of Whitcombe Biver, with extension down Bakaia Valley, Canterbury ; (9) surroundings of Lake lanthe ; (10) surroundings of Lake Whahapo; (11) surroundings of Lake Mapourika ; (lla) Okarito Lagoon; (12) in vicinity of Franz Josef Glacier ; (13) in vicinity of Fox Glacier ; (14) the watershed of Copland Biyer, with extension to " Hermitage," Canterbury ; (15) the surroundings of Lake Paringa; (16) the surroundings of Haast Pass; (17) Open Bay Islands. Other than the Native land within proposed reserve (2) above, I do not consider it necessary to acquire or resume any private holdings. I would desire to recapitulate what I stated in my letter to you of the 22nd March, on the alleged " destruction of bush at Lake Brunner, &c," viz.: " That in this densely-timbered district we must remember that the miner, settler, and lumberer have prior claims to certain areas." Hence I consider that in connection with these proposed reserves certain powers should be given to the Commissioner, or other person in charge, to permit the miner and lumberer to prosecute their callings on these lands where no permanent damage may accrue to the blocks from the scenic point of view. Again, as noted in my former letter, I would also suggest that all officers and Boad Inspectors, also all overseers and surface-men who are permanently employed on the roads throughout the district, whether under the Government or county control, should be appointed rangers with special power to prevent indiscriminate trespass and damage to the forest on such reserves. To stop the pilfering of plants at Arthur's Pass, I would suggest that the drivers of the mail-coaches be also made warders for that place. This could be one of the conditions in the mail contract. ■G. J. Boberts, Commissioner of Crown Lands,

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CANTERBURY. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Christchurch, 17th November, 1903. Preservation of Native Forests. In reply to your circular No. 507, I have to report that the total area of native-forest country in the Land District of Canterbury is 532,000 acres, of which it is estimated that 11,000 acres are on freehold land, scattered about in numberless patches throughout the district. Of the 521,000 acres of forest on Crown lands no less than 311,368 acres have already been protected by being within formally proclaimed reserves; and the Land Board some time ago recommended the reservation of a further 204,732 acres, chiefly north of the Hurunui, particulars of which — i.e., tracings and descriptions—were forwarded for gazetting under cover of memorandum of the 18th September, 1899; and, now that the Midland Railway area restrictions have been removed, there is nothing to hinder the proclamation. When this is done only about 4,900 acres, or less than one hundredth part of the whole of the forest lands belonging to the Crown, will be outside the reservations. About half of it is in the vicinity of Oxford, and this will sooner or later be inevitably destroyed by fire, as the bulk of the forest in this particular locality has been in previous years; for, as the Ranger states, there is no possibility of saving it, and consequently there is no advantage in reserving it. The remainder of the area is in widespread isolated patches. It may be found prudent later on to reserve some of the scattered clumps in some of the small grazing-run leaseholds; but I would like to see them, and judge for myself whether there is sufficient to justify their acquirement. It is possible that the lessees might consent to their exclusion from their leases; in the meantime, lam urging them to protect, instead of destroying, what bush there is in existence on their runs. Of the 11,000 acres (rough estimate) of forest lands that are in the hands of private individuals, about 4,000 acres are in North and 7,000 acres in South Canterbury. Mr. T. N. Brodrick, District Surveyor, in his report in regard to South Canterbury, says, —" With regard to my opinion as to the desirability of the Government acquiring any part of the above for the purposes named in your letter, from a climatic point of view, or to prevent denudation of the hills, I do not think there would be any need for the Government to buy back the forest. The Crown already possesses reserves in Peel Forest and along the Hunter Range which should in my opinion be jealously protected from destruction, but I do not think it would be wise to acquire more, because I doubt if it could be better protected than it is now by its position in the gullies. I notice a fire has run through the 285-acre Government forest-reserve on the Hook River already, and I fear that much of it will gradually disappear, no matter what is done to preserve it." In this I quite agree, and similar remarks will apply to the private lands in North Canterbury. From a scenic point of view, however, there are places that it might be well to acquire, provided they could be got at anything like a reasonable price, but here will be the difficulty, I fear. Appended will be found a list by Mr. Brodrick of areas which he thinks might or should be acquired. Not having had time as yet to see for myself, lam unable from personal knowledge to express an opinion just now; later on I may do so. On the Akaroa Peninsula, more especially at Kaituna, there is still some native bush on private lands; but, from what the Ranger informs me, the price would be likely to be almost prohibitive, as there is value nowadays both in the timber and in the land when cleared. On the question of the advisableness of the acquisition of private lands, I will report more definitely when I have had an opportunity of seeing the most likely places, and ascertaining what the cost to the Crown would likely be. Attached will be found schedules of reserves, classed A (climatic) and B (scenic). Thomas Humphries, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

List of Foeest Lands eecommended foe Acquisition. (Feom Repoet by T. N. Beodrick, Disteict Surveyor.) Peel Forest.—There are about twenty very fine totara-trees on Sections 1347 and 1362, belonging to Mr. Button, standing not far from the road in a grass paddock. He informed me they were to be cut for timber when the price had gone up. If they could be bought and left standing by any arrangement, the timber in the event of their dying to belong to the Crown, I would recommend their purchase. They are very beautiful, and it seems a great pity they should be destroyed. 1 would also recommend the purchase of Mr. Miller's land —I think Sections 1414 and 1415— for a park. It is virgin bush. Failing that, Mr. Button's 30 acres of virgin bush would be suitable. The bush belonging to Mr. Denniston, near the outskirts of Peel Forest, adds greatly to the attractive appearance of the place, but it is so near his homestead that I do not think it is at all likely it will ever be destroyed. Governor's Bush, Hermitage. —So long as Mr. Melville Gray owns the 20 acres of freehold bush he assures me it will never be cut, and if he finds it necessary to sell he promises to let the Government have the first offer of it. I strongly recommend its purchase should it ever be offered for sale. It would be a great shame if the only piece of real bush in the Mackenzie Country was allowed to be destroyed. It is only a mile from the Hermitage, and is a delight to 4—C 13b.

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tourists even now. I know Mr. Gray well. He is an independent gentleman, who bought the bush for the sole purpose of preventing its destruction ;soit is safe in his hands at present. He told me he had asked your predecessor to instruct Boss to prevent any one destroying it, and this had been promised. Perhaps you would draw Mr. Donne's attention to the matter if Boss has passed to his Department. Pukaki Island. —The small freehold section of 20 or 30 acres on this island should be acquired by the Government, and the whole island planted. There is some scrub and five or six large birch-trees on the island —I believe on the freehold. Formerly there was quite a small forest on the freehold, which has nearly all been cut for firewood or posts. It is much to be regretted it was not protected, and what is left should be acquired now. Waimate, or Kelcey's Bush. —This 600 acres, more or less, has been offered to the Government, and should, I think, be acquired. It covers the future water-supply of Waimate, which will probably dry up considerably when it is cut, and it was a very favourite resort for picnic parties from Waimate and the surrounding district. If it is to be purchased at all it should be done immediately, as very extensive firewood-cutting and general clearing are being done in it. Waimate, Mr. Francis's Bush. —Mr. Francis holds about 15 acres of pine forest close to Waimate, the only bit of the outer Waimate bush left. He is not likely to want to part with it, as it is such an ornament to his property; but I think there will be no harm in asking him to place it under offer to the Government should he ever contemplate parting with it. Forest Reserve, Hook River.—The purchase of Sections 18311, 18312, 18313, and 17921, part 20913 above road, and 35831, in all about 137 acres, would add greatly to the value of the 285-acre forest reserve, as it would give good access and command of all the bush at the head of the Hook River : it would also provide better access to Eun 48 than there is in any other direction. The roads north of and adjoining 20913 and the one running through the north-east corner of 18311 are both well-formed, good driving-roads. This purchase would give the public a nice camping-ground, and I think it would not cost very much.

Gazetted Reserves for Preservation of Native Forests, Etc. (Class A.)

section. District. Block. Area. Purpose. Date of Reservation. 3111 Mount Thomas ... V., VI., IX., X., xr. XII., XV , XVI. i IX., XIII. i VI. T I XII.. XVI. VIII. ) VIII. III.. IV., \ J IL.. VIII., XI. IX., XIII. III., IV., VIII. II., III., IV., VII. VIII. I., II., III. V.,VI.,VII.,VIII. I., II. I IV, VIII. , II., III. I X., XL, XIV.,!XV. ) I., V. IX , XIII. XII.. XV., XVI.) III., IV. IX. ) XVI. 1 XIII. T t V.. VI.. IX. X., XL, XIV. XV., XVI. i IX., XIII. I II., V., VI. 7,200 K. P. 0 0 Growth and preservation of timber July 26, 1881. 3 i 15 3116 3117 I Upper Ashley ... 1 Mount Thomas... Kowai (Alford Spaxton j Somers [Huu ... Hutt ... Alford ... 6,000 432 5,735 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ditto II II II 3118 3119 1,500 8,750 0 0 0 0 ii • • • 3120 3121 3)22 3064 3262 3263 Kowai... 2,560 3,842 1,700 595 6,000 7,500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pigeon Bay Katiinii Dee. a" 1895. Aug. 13, 1898. State ioreso 3264 i Noble (Katrine (Esk ... ■(Katrine 1,100 0 0 if if 3265 10,000 0 0 n 3266 3267 I. Okuku 2,000 800 0 0 0 0 3268 (Esk ... -j Upper Ashley ... (Okuku Esk ... Okuku Upper Ashley ... Mount Thomas... 10,000 0 0 It 3269 1,500 0 0 I! 3270 3271 Grey ... Mount Thomas ... I Upper Ashley ... ( Mount Thomas... Upper Ashley ... 2,400 450 0 0 0 0 a II a II 3272 7,600 0 0 a II 3273 3,300 0 0 Carried forward 90,964 0 0

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Gazetted Reserves, Etc. — continued.

lection. Diatrict. Blook. Area. Purpose. Date of Reservation. Brought forward J Grassmere ( Upper Ashley , . Hawdon (Hawdon (Esk ... Bsk ... 90,964 n. 0 l>. 0 3274 3275 3276 3277 3278 3279 3280 3281 3282 3283 3284 3285 3286 3287 3288 Hawdon Minchin Hawdon Bealey (Hawdoii ] Bealey \Davie I Bealey (Harper Harper ( Grassmere ] Harper Harper j Grassmere I Kowai xii.,viii..xvi.i V., IX., XIII. i XII., XV., XVI. XII. i IX. j X., XIV. IV. II , V., VI., VII. I.. V. n..in.,iv.,vii.,I VIII.. XI., XV. [ (No blocks in i Minchin) J II., III., VI., VII., XI. V., VI., IX., X.. XI., XIII., XIV., XV. I., II., V., VI., VII.. VIII., X., XI., XII.,XIV., XV., XVI. V., IX. ) I., V., VI., IX.,I X., XIII., XIV. VII., VIII, XII.) IX..XIIT..XIV.,) XV., XVI. I., II , III., IV. ) IV., VIII. V., IX. ) VIII., XL, XII., I XV., XVI. J XVI. XIV. ) II. ) XIV., XV. XV. VIII., XII. XVI. III. IX., XIII., XIV. ■ I. V., VI., VII., IX., X, XI. V , IX., XIII. ) VIII.,XII. ) XVI.j VII., VIII., XI., XII. VI., VII., X. I., II., III. VI. VI., X. VI., X. IX., X. I., II.,, V.,VI.,) IX., X. IX., X. j X., XL, XIV. XIV , XV. II., III. VIII., I. 6,600 2,800 2,300 3,300 1,200 4,000 1,300 17,000 4,400 14,500 14,000 7,000 13,000 2,300 6,500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 State forest a a n it a a tt Aug. 13, 1898. It tt It It tt a 3289 500 0 0 tt 3290 600 0 0 it a 3291 3292 3293 Grassmere „ ... Coleridge Coleridge Fighting Hill ... Kowai Hororata 300 1,200 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 a a 3294 3,800 0 0 a n 3298 Harper 16,000 0 0 3299 (Wilberforce 6,500 0 0 3300 2,000 0 0 3301 3302 3303 3304 3305 it a Davie ... 500 3,500 500 700 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 3306 (■Wilberforce I Davie... Wilberforce 15,000 0 0 n a 3307 3308 3309 3310 Oakden Whitcombe Plenrock Alford... 600 1,400 1,100 9,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 3311 3312 II., VI. VI. 350 100 0 0 0 0 tr Carried forward 255,314 0 0

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Gazetted Reserves, Etc.— continued.

Ungazetted Reserves. (Class A.)

lection. District. Block. Area. Purpose. Date of Reservation. 3313 3314 3315 3316 3317 Brought forward Alford... Hutt ... VI., VII., X., XI. V., VIII., IX. VIII., IX. A. E. P. 255,314 0 0 500 0 0 660 0 0 800 0 0 200 0 0 2,100 0 0 State forest Aug. 13, 1898. ir • • • tt it • • * • ■ • Whitcombe, RamIt it a 3318 3319 3320 3321 3322 3323 3324 3325 say Eamsay Eamsay, Clyde ... Clyde Bainsay, Clyde ... Clyde ... ii. 300 0 0 1,800 0 0 800 0 0 1,000 0 0 400 0 0 400 0 0 300 0 0 1,200 0 0 a a • • • • • • Sinclair IX., X., XIII., xiv. i. it a 3326 (Torlesse, Sinclair IGodley Torlesse Havelock Hopkins, Campbell Hopkins Ward, Hopkins... Hopkins (Hopkins, Ward... (Tasman Mueller, Tasman Mueller 250 0 0 3327 > J 2,600 0 0 a 3328 3329 3340 2,600 0 0 1,300 0 0 2,800 0 0 a a a 4341 3342 3343 3,600 0 0 11,000 0 0 5,100 0 0 a • • • it • • • 3344 ::: ) 9,000 0 0 a 3345 3348 xii."km. 2,500 0 0 150 0 0 a ••• 3349 I „ (Tasman ii., in. f 200 0 0 3350 3347 3346 3500 Waimate Nimrod Tekoa... (Oxford 1 Upper Ashley ... v. hi. 350 0 0 450 0 0 i65 2 32 5,600 0 0 Nov. 13, 1899 Dec. 12, 1901 3547 1 13,000 0 0 Water - conservation Total 326,439 2 32

lection. District. Block. Area. Purpose. Date of Reservation. 3424 to 3441 inclusive North of Eiver Hurunui A. 204,250 I E. P. 0 0 State forests

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Gazetted Reserves for Preservation of Native Forests, Etc. (Class B.)

Ungazetted Reserves. (Class B).

Summary of Forest Eeserves. Class A.— a. b. p. Gazetted reserves ... ... ... ... ... 326,439 2 32 Ungazetted reserves ... ... ... ... 204,250 0 0 Class B— Gazetted reserves ... ... ... ... ... 267,353 210 Ungazetted reserves ... ... ... ... 6,063 0 0

Gazetted Reserves for Preservation of ative Forests, Etc. (C: ,ass B.) lection. District. Block. Area. Purpose. Date of Reservation. 3106 Pigeon Bay IX., X. A. b. p. 17 0 0 Growth and preservation of timber Ditto Preservation of forests for scenery and climatic purposes Ditto Jan. 22, 1897. 2782 2783 Akaroa VII. 10 0 0 3 2 20 May 9, 1898. » 2784 2785 2786 2787 2788 2789 2790 2791 3002 3234 3235 3236 3237 3238 3239 3361 3242 n V., VII. VII. X. 13 2 32 74 2 0 6 2 0 5 3 0 161 0 0 50 0 0 33 2 0 38 0 0 57 0 0 5 0 0 75 3 0 5 2 0 44 0 0 5 1 37 56 2 0 49 0 0 268 2 0 if ii It tf a • • • Okain's Pigeon Bay V. VI. XL V. VIII., XII. X. X., XIV. VII. Sept. 12, 1898. May 9, 1898. Akaroa // " Okain's Akaroa V. VII. it tt it tt Nimrod III., IV., VII., VIII. XIV. Preservation of native flora and fauna State forest Sept. 12, 1898. April 7, 1898. 3244 3245 3295 3296 3297 2652 Tengawai 47 2 25 13 2 16 300 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 38,000 0 0 June 27, 1898. Hororata tt V. Aug" 13, 1898. VI. it • •' Mueller, Cook ... Recreation reserve, Mount Cook glaciers Tasman Park reserve June 21, 1890. 2756 Cook, Mueller. Cass Bealey, Hawdon, Minchin 77,800 0 0 June 26, 1887. 3535 150,000 0 0 National Park Reserve ... Oct. ,19, 1901. 3538 Grey ... VI., X. 137 0 0 Scenery-preservation April 26, 1901. Total 267,353 2 10 Ungazetted Resebves. (Class B). Section.' District. Block. Area. Purpose. 3411 Tekapo 3443 Hororata 3444 3445 V. IX. VI. V. V. A. B. P. 5,650 0 0 54 0 0 74 0 0 285 0 0 Sanctuary for wild-fowl. State forest. Total 6,063 0 0 Summary of Forest Beserves. Class A.— Gazetted reserves ... Ungazetted reserves 326,439 2 32 204,250 0 0 Class B— Gazetted reserves Ungazetted reserves 267,353 2 10 6,063 0 0

Section. District. Block. Area. Purpose. 3411 Tekapo 3443 Hororata 3444 3445 V. IX. VI. V. V. a. R. p. 5,650 0 0 54 0 0 74 0 0 285 0 0 Sanctuary for wild-fowl. Stace forest. H Total 6,063 0 0

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OTAGO. Department of Lands and Survey, District Office, Dunedin, 25th September, 1903. Ec Circular No. 507, Preservation of Native Forests. In reference to the subjects contained in above circular, I regret this has been so long held over. The pressure of other work made it a difficult matter to go into such a large question as that involved in the various points referred to. I have obtained from the Eangers within whose districts there is any bush reports giving the position so far as it affects certain localities. The report by Eanger O'Neill especially goes fully into the question. The schedules supplied show— (a) Eeserves made in Otago for the maintenance of water-sup-plies, &c. ; (b) lands in Otago reserved to conserve scenic effect; (c) Crown lands that might also be reserved on behalf of objects referred to in (a) and (6) ; (d) native and private land that might be resumed to give effect to proposals sketched out by Circular No. 507. These schedules deal with the principal points raised in your circular so far as Crown lands are concerned. The difficulty of dealing with private lands complicates this important question— that is, taking into account the fact that the greater part of the best and most available bush has been already alienated, and the repurchase would involve a great expenditure. Putting the question of cost of resumption aside, it appears to me that the first thing that should be attended to is the resumption and reservation of all the forest country within a radius of six miles of Dunedin for the purpose of preserving the scenic beauties of the district and also conserving the sources of supply for the water required by Dunedin. Further, the open country within this radius should be planted, and that already cleared should be reforested, otherwise it will be impossible to keep a sufficient water-supply for the future requirements of an increasing city population. Secondly, so far as the larger towns in Otago are concerned—viz., Oamaru, Palmerston, Port Chalmers, Mosgiel, Milton, and Lawrence —the first-named has already a good water-supply from the Waitaki Eiver; and, so far as scenery is concerned, it would cost too much to repurchase any of the good land in that district for tree-planting. Palmerston is in the same position so far as water is concerned. In the vicinity of this town, however, there is the well-known Puketapu Hill. This hill is a prominent feature of the landscape, and were it purchased and planted it would very greatly beautify the scenery of this locality. ' Port Chalmers has a water-supply from one of the main creeks. In this case also the repurchase and retention of the bush in the country some distance away from the town would preserve the well-known beauty of the scenery. As the clearing is still going on in this locality the sooner this is taken in hand the better. The town of Mosgiel and its neighbourhood would be greatly beautified by the repurchase and plantation of the face of Saddle Hill, and the scenery generally would be greatly varied and improved. The town of Milton, being situated in the middle of a plain, cannot well be dealt with except at a greater cost than the benefit would warrant. The town of Lawrence has a good commonage within an easy distance which could be utilised for beautifying the neighbourhood of the town. The above remarks briefly deal with the benefits which the various towns enumerated would derive from forest-conservation and new plantation. All these proposals are practicable and would amply repay in a very short time not only the towns interested, but also eventually the colony. The next point to be referred to is the bush in what is commonly known as " Catlin's." Eeference has been made in previous reports to the estimated quantity of milling-timber still available in that district, and so far as scenery is concerned the conservation of the bush for the purpose, except along the various rivers and coasts, might not be considered to be of much importance as, apart from anything else, the climate tends to prevent tourists and others from travelling in that district in search of scenery. The efforts of the Land Board have therefore been directed to the reservation as far as possible of the Crown lands on which there is any milling-timber growing and to getting the poorer bush cut down as quickly as possible, with the hope that the climate would thereby benefit. So far as the country in the vicinity of the lake is concerned, we are jealously guarding it from spoilation, and only in out-of-the-way places do we allow even the farmers to cut fencing or milling-timber. In these districts we have Rangers McKenzie and McDougall, both of whom are keenly interested in this matter, and the Land Board are careful to obtain their opinion in connection with any timber applications which may come before them. The hill country in these districts is also Crown lands, pastoral-leased, so chat should it be so desired by the Forest Department there is ample scope for tree-planting in the district without having to repurchase. I trust these remarks, with the attached reports, will be sufficient in the meantime. Should you desire more details in connection with private lands in connection with the suggestions I have made, they can be obtained and furnished as soon as possible. D. Barbon, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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CincuLAK No. 507, Pkeservation of Native Fokests, Etc. With reference to the above-mentioned circular, I have the honour to furnish the following report and suggestions : — During the early period of the history of Otago comparatively little was done to conserve the many naturally beautiful spots to be found in several parts of the province. Scenery of strikingly natural beauty existed round Dunedin and on many parts of the east coast, and our pioneer settlers still delight to describe the loveliness of the evergreen native bush to be seen in the early days rising gently from the sea-coast to the horizon ; and, though every one regrets that so little has been done to retain these lovely scenes, very few seem to have interested themselves further in the matter. Many magnificent forest scenes are yet to be found in the Catlin's, Glenomaru, and other bush districts towards the south ; while the far-famed Lakes District retains much of its original beauty and grandeur. Some of the bush rivers and streams of Otago still present to the tourist, the sketcher, and the photographer many scenes of beauty, while they offer abundant sport to the angler or other sportsman. The Maclennan, the Tautuku. and the Tahakopa Eivers, with their banks clad in native bush, which on a clear day is so strikingly reflected in the water, have been said by visitors to even rival the celebrated Wanganui Eiver. Of late years steps have been taken to conserve some of the beauty-spots of Otago, but comparatively little has been effected in this respect. Attached hereto are schedules showing (a) what has already been reserved to insure a maintenance of water-supplies, an even rainfall, and an even climate, and to protect the native flora and fauna ; (b) what has already been reserved to conserve scenic effect, shelter, and places of natural beauty; (c) what Grown land might be further reserved on behalf of (a) and (b) ; (d) what private land might be resumed to further the objects under (a) and (b). The Amenities Society of Dunedin has effected good work towards retaining the natural beauties of the scenery in and around Dunedin, and a proposal was brought forward lately to have several hill-tops in the neighbourhood reserved. The bed of Nicholls' Creek, a tributary of the Water of Leith, contains some splendid views, and the Water of Leith itself also offers some attraction to the tourist. The Taieri Gorge, throughout that portion traversed by the Otago Central Eailway, and the left bank of the Taieri River towards its mouth are well worthy of attention, as is also that portion of the Waipori Eiver Gorge in Blocks VIII. and X., Waipori Survey District. There is a large area of birch bush near the top of the Blue Mountains, behind Tapanui, in the Eankleburn District, which is becoming well stocked with deer. It contains some good sawmilling timber, but even after the sawmilling timber has been taken there will be sufficient bush left as a good reserve for the native flora and fauna. Though so much of Otago's loveliest scenery has been ruthlessly destroyed in the past, it is not too late yet to protect what remains. Many of the areas of bush that have been robbed of their largest trees still contain large numbers of young trees, and if these areas are reserved now much protection will be given to native trees and shrubs. A number of the reserves shown in Schedule A have been set aside for the Dunedin Corporation waterworks, and some of the bush reserves shown in the same schedule contain good sawmilling timber which might be removed without lessening their effect towards the preservation of native flora. In Schedules A, B, and C all lands not already permanently reserved might be gazetted reserves forthwith under the jurisdiction of the Land Board, who, in the case of bush reserves, could decide whether or not it would be advisable to remove the sawmilling timber. The suggested reserve (Schedule C) in Mount Hyde district is a wild rocky gorge traversed for some distance by the Otago Central Eailway. The land is steep and somewhat poor and is of little value for grazing purposes. The scenic effect might be made much more striking by the addition of forest trees and shrubs. The suggested reserve in Hummockside District (Schedule C) is a wild rugged gorge on the Waikouaiti Eiver, which affords splendid trout - fishing. Schedule D contains several areas that have been disposed of either by sale or by having been set apart as Native reserves. Mount Cargill was formerly covered with bush, which has now nearly all disappeared, and the same might be said of Signal Hill. These two hills, however, if resumed, might be planted with trees by the Forest Department. Flagstaff has also been made freehold, and if it were open to the public much use would be made of it by residents of Dunedin and suburbs. The hill commands a splendid view of the surrounding country. In Dunedin and East Taieri District Saddle Hill was once covered with native bush, but it has been sold and nearly stripped. A little bush, however, yet remains, and if resumed and made a reserve many young native trees would still flourish. Nicoll's Creek bed, which was formerly dense bush, and which contains a number of splendid waterfalls, is gradually being stripped of its timber. This is a very popular resort of picnic parties, sketchers, photographers, &c. That part of the Taieri Native Reserve suggested to be resumed lies between Henley and the Taieri mouth. It is now more or less covered with stunted bush and manuka scrub, and is resorted to by camping and picnic parties. Mount Puketapu lies near Palmerston, and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country. There is no bush of any value left on it. Carey's Creek, near Waitati, contains some very pretty bush scenes, and is much resorted to by picnic parties and parties camping out. The part of Purakanui Native Eeserve suggested to be resumed is on the west side of the Dunedin and Christchurch Railway, on that part known as the Purakanui Cliffs. It is nearly all under native bush, which has, however, been denuded of its larger trees. The Tautuku Peninsula is part of that area in the Tautuku Bush that has been set aside for landless Natives. The peninsula itself is nearly all clear land, but all the surrounding country is in virgin forest. The coast scenery here is rugged and beautiful, and fishing is carried on to some extent on both sides of the peninsula. B. O'Neill, Assistant Crown Lands Ranger.

C.-13b

A.—Schedule showing Reserves for the Maintenance of Water-supplies, Etc.

District. Section. Block. Area. Remarks. Waikouaiti „ 1 2 10 64 to 75, and 44 X. x'i. VIII. a. B. p. 699 1 17 2,490 3 19 1,406 3 25 233 3 11 1 Vested in Corporation of City of Dunedin, in trust, for conservation of watersupply and preservation of timber, by section 8 of " The Public Reserves Vesting and Sale Act, 1892." North Harbour and Blueskin Ditto ... Silver Peak III. X. 8,610 2 13 106 2 28 262 I 4 6,183 3 15 32 to 39 1 2 3 ! I 60, 77 tr V. I Dunedin and East Taieri 278 3 21 Eankleburn X. 131 3 28 200 0 0 Whisky Gully, Tapanui; not yet permanently reserved; bush. Bush reserve. Maungatua 41 15 21 22 22 I. XIII. 162 0 19 188 0 32 216 3 35 246 1 6 676 0 0 tr ■ • • a tr • • ' * • • tr • • • f f ... ... XL Bush reserve. Permanently reserved under " The Public Domains Act, 1881."— Gazette, 25th July, 1889. Recreation reserve, near Outram Town. Vested in Outram Domain Board.— Gazette, 11th August, 1887, page 106. Recreation reserve, under " The Public Domains Act, 1881."— Gazette, 1st May, 1884, page 74. Bush reserve on Tahakopa Beach. Bush reserve. // 31 VII. 373 1 8 „ ... 32 18 0 19 tr Woodland 1 IX. 786 3 0 // • • • • • * „ ... ... a • •' • ■ • tr • • • ... Tautuku 5 18 28 52 1, 2 22, 24 5, 6 1 VIII. IV. X. VII. 223 2 20 91 2 0 179 0 0 320 0 0 2,337 0 20 334 3 18 134 0 18 422 2 36 493 0 0 Village reserve; bush. Reserve. Bush reserves. It • • • • • • VIII. X. XIV. Part I., XVII. a Bush reserve on foreshore. Bush reserve. Reserve for recreation purposes. — Gazette, No. 68, 24th Sept., 1891, p. 1050. Ditto. Upper Wakatipu, Dart ... Reserve E a Earnslaw, Dart Reserve D Reserve C Reserve B Reserve A III., IV. IV. I., II. I., XII. 227 0 0 222 0 0 503 0 0 708 0 0 113 0 0 Stevenson's Arm, Lake Wanaka Lake Wanaka, Crescent or Rabbit Island Mid-Hawea „ Silver Island Mid-Wakatipu ... 290 0 0 Reserve B Reserve A I.,IV. V.,XIL, XIII. 1,170 0 0 98 0 0 605 1 38 2,461 3 38 tr it if tr Upper Wakatipu Upper Wakatipu and Glenorchy Upper Wakatipu Reserve F Reserve E Reserve D 83 0 0 796 0 0 1,164 0 0 Reserve C 992 0 0

C—l3b

B.—Schedule showing Lands Reserved to Conserve Scenic Effect, Etc.

C. —Schedule showing Crown Lands that might also be Reserved on behalf of A and B.

5—C. 13b.

District. Section. Moeraki ... ... 36 Tautuku ... ... 10 Tautuku and Eimu ... | Rimu and Woodland Tautuku Woodland and Catlin's ... Hawksbury ... ... 35 Waipon Hawksbury ... ... 1 Block. Area. A. E. XI. 183 0 IV. 21 0 -200 0 -110 0 -150 0 " : 95 0 -350 0 XI. 1,080 1 VIII., X. 1,400 0 XII. 1,039 0 i Remarks. p. 11 j Permanently reserved as a public recreation-ground. 16 Recreation reserve. 0 Area, 1 chain wide on each side of Tahakopa River. 0 i Area, 1 chain wide on each side of Maelennan River. 0 ; Area, 1 chain wide on each side of Tautuka River. 0 Area, 1 chain wide on each side of Fleming River. 0 Area, 1 chain wide on each side of Catlin's River. 32 Recreation reserve for West Hawksbury P.G. — Gazette, 14th November, 1872, page 821. 0 Reserved for mining purposes, but well timbered. 13 Recreation reserve for West Hawksbury P.G. — Gazette, 14th November, 1872, page 485. •Approximate.

District. Section. Block. Area. Remarks. Moeraki Hummockside ... Mount Hyde n N en thorn Purakanui Town Woodland 17 (Parts of 3 and 4 (Parts of 6 and 7 1 to 8, 69 to 77 3 XIV. I. IV. VII., XI. III. XI. I 316 *112 *140 *860 *250 19 82 160 3,019 580 1,240 1,014 526 217 2,176 B. P 0 0 At present open for settlement. q q I 4-ohain reserve on right bank of I Waikouaiti Eiver. 0 0 5-chain reserve on right bank of Taieri Eiver, adjoining Otago Central Railway. 0 0 5-chain reserve on right bank of Taieri Eiver, below where Otago Central Eailway enters gorge. 0 0 5-chain reserve on right bank of Taieri Eiver, adjoining Otago Central Railway. 3 5 Partly open and partly under bush. 1 20 ; On sea-coast; at present a village reserve, all bush. 0 0 , On sea-coast; at present a coal reserve, all bush. 3 20 All heavily bushed. 1 0 Bush reserves. 3 20 ; All heavily bushed. 3 5 2 2 '' Heavily timbered. 2 26 i 1 15 All under bush. « 4 It Tautuku // • • • a a a • • • Catlin's ... 1 to 17 2,9 5/8, 10, 11 13 to 16, and 25 4, 6, 7, 14, 15 21, 23, 25, 26 18, 23, 24, 26/30 33/39 1 to 5, 8 to 11 I. II. III. VIII. XII. „ * * • 3, 4, 6, 7, 11/20. 26 V. VII. IX., X. 1,976 3,402 600 1,000 2,344 1 34 Formerly open for selection, but withdrawn from sale on 20th February, 1902. 3 18 All bush land; formerly open for selection, but withdrawn on 20th February, 1902. All heavily timbered. 0 0 Bush in Black and Brandy Gullies. Deer resorts. 0 0 On Bun 202, in watershed of Leithen Burn. 0 0 i Known as Mount Alfred, near I Lake Wakatipu. Eankleburn Greenville XII. Dart ... III., IV. * Approximate.

a—l3b

D.—Schedule showing Native and Private Lands that might be resumed to give effect to Proposals sketched out by Circular No. 507.

Sir, — Queenstown, sth May, 1902. I have the honour to forward tracings showing certain reservations of forest lands I would recommend to be set apart in accordance with Circular No. 507. I may state that most of our bushes in the vicinity of the lakes have already been reserved (see Gazette, 24th September, 1891) ; but, in addition to the above, I would recommend that Mount Alfred bush (situated in Blocks 3 and 4, Dart) should also be reserved, for should this bush be fired it would disfigure the whole district. I would also recommend that a reserve be continued ten chains on each side of the Routeburn up to its source. It is already reserved one mile and a half from the Dart. Ido not think the reserving of any of these bushes would interfere with the settlers. I can see little advantage to be gained in making reserves in the Hollyford Valley, as, with the exception of tourists, no one is in this locality. I may also state that the bushes of any consequence adjoining Queenstown have been reserved to their source and given over to the Borough Council. Ido not in the meantime remember any other bushes that would be of sufficient importance to reserve. G. Mackenzie, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin. Crown Lands Banger.

Sir,— Pembroke, 19th April, 1903. Regarding Circular No. 507, Preservation of Native Forests. Locally, the contents of this circular apply in the following respects : — The shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea are, unfortunately, scantily clad with bush—in fact, it only exists in the occasional gorges which run down to the lake, and along the shore there are occasional patches which, though small, greatly enhance the scenic effect. The temptation to cut these patches, they being so handy to the lake, is strongly felt by those who have no regard for beauty. It is only the fear of the law that prevents it being done. Away back in the main bush the cutting-down of young broadleaf-trees for the purpose of feeding cattle on the leaves is very prevalent, and very difficult of detection. lam pleased to say there is a resuscitation of plant-life to a certain extent here and there along the shores of the lake, and' if this is guarded from the destroyer it will gradually grow into prominence again. In all applications I shall keep the contents of the circular before me. Andrew McDougald, Ranger. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Dunedin.

Block. Area. District. Section. Remarks. North Harbour and Blueskin Ditto ... Part 21, parts 52, 60, and 62 1 of 27, 2 of 27, 3 of 27 I 1 of 49 I 2 of 35 Parts 71, 72, 76 I Parts 21a 1 58 XII., XI. *50 o' 0 This is private land on Mount Gargill, near Dunedin. Freehold lard around Signal Hill, near Dunedin. ) Freehold land on Flagstaff Hill J (Mount Waikari). Freehold land on Nichol's Greek. ■) Freehold land on Saddle Hill ). (Pukemakamaka). Part of Taieri Native Reserve, area 5 chains wide, fronting Taieri Eiver, opposite Blocks B and C. Puketapu Mount; freehold land near Palmerston. [Freehold on bed of Carey's Creek, J near Waitati. A.t present part of Purakanui Native Reserve, and traversed by Dunedin-Christchurch Bailway. IX. 91 3 9 Dunedin and East Taieri Ditto ... V. 33 2 17 31 1 7 *30 0 0 VIII. 30 0 0 39 2 9 B and C *120 0 0 Otokia Moeraki 1 of 65, 2 of 65 IV. 95 3 32 North Harbour and Blueskin Ditto ... j Part 32, 1 1 of 37 Part 59, part 60, and 63, 64, 65 II. 10 0 0 12 0 0 IV. *51 0 0 t Waikouaiti 24 Part 22 Part 23 Parts 59, 60, 62, 63,89 10 % I. 19 0 14 20 0 0 25 0 0 30 0 0 ( Freehold on bed of Carey's Creek, near Waitati. Tautuku Peninsula; part of Native reserve. Land for landless Natives. Tautuku IX. 154 3 12 it 2,3 XIV. 984 8 24 I I * Approximate.

C—l3b.

Additional Schedule of Forest Reserves.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4

Section. Block. Area. District. Purpose. Perm! Rose inently :rved. Year. Page of Gazette. 24 25 16 17 18, 19 18, 19, 20 21, 22 53, 54, 55 18, 19, 20 50 9 XIV. A. B. P. 69 0 23 51 0 32 40 3 5 54 2 35 31 1 9 39 2 24 70 1 32 66 0 31 78 3 30 24 0 15 105 3 20 42 0 5 68 2 2 22 2 20 105 2 25 99 3 22 118 1 6 63 1 29 33 3 7 73 1 37 52 0 30 67 3 29 90 1 28 44 2 30 30 0 18 834 3 27 6 2 4 Maniototo Forest reserve .. 1884 164 XIII. VI. tt it Upper Taieri a State forest It 1886 II 696 It II. Strath Taieri Forest reserve ... 1.884 164 V. XIII. IV. II. V. „ ... Sutton a it a It » ■ • • ... a it it n • • • Lower Hawea n n it 30a, 31 32, 33 15 16, 17, 18 5, 15, 16 25 to 29 6, 19 1 15, 16 56 19 15 52 7 2, 3, 5, 8 31, 32, 33 v'i. XIII. XV. XVI. II. IV. III. IV. V. II. III. XIV. XVI. a Tarras Blackstone a .... Poolburn Tiger Hill Lauder ... it a it tt It It It It 708 it ft a n i, ... ... Blackstone Kavvarau Lower Wanaka Moeraki Township... if ... Plantation 1885 1892 1897 It 1337 1491 1343 46,47 II. 110 3 0 Manuka Island (Hillend) Gimmerburn // • • • Preservation o f bush Preservation and growth of timber State forest 1901 80 1 and part 2 25, 26, 27, 28 to 5, 1,2,3, 14 1 3330 3331 3332 3333 3334 3335 3336 3337 3338 3339 10 VI. 354 3 20 67 0 14 1,964 3 20 1,233 0 9 3,800 0 0 3,100 0 0 47,600 0 0 11,000 0 0 3,300 0 0 14,100 0 0 8,200 0 0 1,000 0 0 7,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 1,082 2 29 1886 696 Upper Taieri Gimmerburn Aspiring and Wilkin Wilkin Young, Haasc, Ac. ... Haast and McKerrow MoKeiTow Hunter ... it • • • // tt xii. 1887 1898 it 439 1458 it a ii it II It Stafford ... Hunter and Stafford a tt li It xi'i. Glenkenich a • • • 1903 661 Total 109,500 0 l>1

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FORESTS CONSERVATION: REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS OF CROWN LANDS DEALING WITH THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, C-13b

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