DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1908; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULES OF ALL LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED UNDER "THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT, 1903," AND AMENDMENT ACT, 1906.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1908 Session I, C-06

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1908. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1908; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULES OF ALL LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED UNDER "THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT, 1903," AND AMENDMENT ACT, 1906.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 10 of " The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903." Sib,— Department of Lands, Wellington, 22nd June, 1908. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1908. 1 have, &c, William C. Kensington, Under-Secretary for Lands The Hon. Robert McNab, Minister of Lands. REPORT. The preceding twelve months has not witnessed any unusual need for urgent action in the direction of acquiring and purchasing private or Native lands for scenic purposes, and the extensive bush and grass fires during the summer months necessitated any steps so taken being of an extremely cautious nature. As most of the areas suitable for scenery-preserva-tion are lands almost entirely covered with native forest, great care had to be exercised in insuring that they had not been, or were not likely to be, affected by the bush-fires periodically occurring throughout New Zealand, particularly in such a dry summer as has been recently experienced. However, it is worthy of note that none of the existing reserves were seriously affected in this manner, and that their natural beauties are practically preserved under, in many cases, exceptionally trying circumstances. Reservations in Year. Up to the 31st March, 1907, an area of 25,801 acres had been acquired and reserved under "The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903," and "The Public Works Act, 1905," and during the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1908, an addition of 8,130 acres was made to the total, which thus reached 33,931 acres, exclusive of about 100,000 acres of Crown land similarly reserved under the Land Act. Prominent among the lands thus acquired is an area of 751 acres of Native land bordering the railway-line between Auckland and Rotorua, some six miles distant from the latter place, and a portion of 157 acres of freehold land almost adjoining, the result being that a stretch of native bush through which the railway-line runs is preserved intact. Another purchase was seme 1,517 acres of forest land on the banks of the Wanganui River, below Pipiriki and adjoining Koroniti. This includes several areas of detached forest in the Ahuahu, Ohotu, and other Native blocks recently leased 'for grazing purposes by the Aotea Maori Land Board; and the Government, in order to insure the protection of the bush on the river-banks, was compelled to take the land under the Public Works Act, which authorises the purchase of lands for scenery-preservation. A spring of mineral water near to Pipiriki, on the banks of the Wanganui River, was also taken under the same Act, and has now been leased to Mr, Hatrick, owner of the Pipiriki Accom

Sib,— Department of Lands, Wellington, 22nd June, 1908. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1908. 1 have, &c, William C. Kensington, Under-Secretary for Lands The Hon. Robert McNab, Minister of Lands. REPORT. The preceding twelve months has not witnessed any unusual need for urgent action in the direction of acquiring and purchasing private or Native lands for scenic purposes, and the extensive bush and grass fires during the summer months necessitated any steps so taken being of an extremely cautious nature. As most of the areas suitable for scenery-preserva-tion are lands almost entirely covered with native forest, great care had to be exercised in insuring that they had not been, or were not likely to be, affected by the bush-fires periodically occurring throughout New Zealand, particularly in such a dry summer as has been recently experienced. However, it is worthy of note that none of the existing reserves were seriously affected in this manner, and that their natural beauties are practically preserved under, in many cases, exceptionally trying circumstances. Reservations in Year. Up to the 31st March, 1907, an area of 25,801 acres had been acquired and reserved under "The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903," and "The Public Works Act, 1905," and during the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1908, an addition of 8,130 acres was made to the total, which thus reached 33,931 acres, exclusive of about 100,000 acres of Crown land similarly reserved under the Land Act. Prominent among the lands thus acquired is an area of 751 acres of Native land bordering the railway-line between Auckland and Rotorua, some six miles distant from the latter place, and a portion of 157 acres of freehold land almost adjoining, the result being that a stretch of native bush through which the railway-line runs is preserved intact. Another purihase was some 1.517 acres of forest land on the banks of the Wanganui River, below Pipiriki and adjoining Koroniti. This includes several areas of detached forest in the Ahuahu, Ohotu, and other Native blocks recently leased 'for grazing purposes by the Aotea Maori Land Board; and the Government, in order to insure the protection of the bush on the river-banks, was compelled to take the land under the Public Works Act, which authorises the purchase of lands for scenery-preservation. A spring of mineral water near to Pipiriki, on the banks of the Wanganui River, was also taken under the same Act, and has now been leased to Mr, Batriok, owner of the Pipiriki Accom

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li,ndat ion-house, who lias, by the terms of his leas,', in keep it in order Mini erect a suitable drink-ing-fountain and bath-house thereon, which the public, on payment of a small charge, can use. This will considerably popularise the spring, which hitherto has been little known. An area of 1,290 acres around Lake Mahinapua, Westland, has been set apart for scenic purposes during the year, and will tend to preserve the picturesqueness of the lake by retaining its border of native forest. This lake is one of Westland's beauty-spots, and well repays a visit thereto. The Waiotapu Valley has now been additionally protected by the reservation of 336 acres of Native land on which are situated some of its thermal attractions, and 140 acres of Crown land nearly adjoining, which includes additional hot springs and lakes. At the present time, therefore, Waiotapu is free to visitors for nearly every manifestation of thermal activity and interest. A hundred acres of freehold land at Katikati, near Tauranga, on which are situated the locally celebrated Waiora hot springs, has also been acquired, and may no \ be visited by the public. Many other small areas of land have also been acquired and reserved, as will be seen byreference to Appendix A of the report, and although much still remains to be done throughout New Zealand to preserve the most attractive and frequented beauty-spots which would otherwise be in danger of destruction, yet there is no fear that this country, which is so richly endowed with picturesque scenery, will fail to retain uninjured the greater part of what visitors praise so highly. Donations. Following the example of Mrs. Nini Koro, who had donated 3 acres of land at Pahiatua Hill for the purposes of scenery-preservation three years ago, and of Mr. W. O. Williams, of Grey-town, who donated 9-acres of land on which is situated the Kahutara Bush, Wairarapa district (reserved in Gazette of the 12th April, 1906), Mr. C. E. Street offered to the Government an area of 25 perches, being Subdivision 2 of Section 85, Block VII, Paritutu District, being the site where Rawiri Waiaua and several loyal Natives were ambuscaded by the Anti-selling League under Katatori in August, 1854, when earring out the instructions of the Government in cutting the boundary-line of the Tarurutangi district. The offer was cordially accepted, and the land will shortly be proclaimed as an historic reserve. Contributions in Aid. A pleasing feature of the year's operations was the willingness of residents of Christchurch and Northcote (an Auckland suburb) to assist the Government in securing for scenic reservation areas of native forest in their localities. This was shown by subscriptions towards the purchase of the land in question, and, as the matter is one which deserves special mention, it may be as well to set forth what has been done in this respect up to the present time. Kennedy's Bush (Christchurch), which now includes !>7 acres, was purchased by the Government at a cost of £954 17s. 3d., towards which the public (through the instrumentality of Mr. H. G. Ell, M.P., and a small committee) contributed no less than £414 17s. 3d. This was an object-lesson to the rest of the Dominion, and has been an example of what can be done by energetic and public-spirited residents who desire to secure a scenic reserve in their neighbourhood. Wilton's Bush (Wellington) affords the example of a public-spirited local body assisting in the preservation of the indigenous forest in its locality. An area of 143 acres was purchased fiom the freehold owners at a cost of £1,053 10s., of which the Wellington City Council has contributed £500, and, as the reserve is within easy walking distance from the city, the inhabitants of Wellington may justly thank their Council for its foresight in assisting to secure what is now the only remaining piece of the original forest that formerly clothed the hillsides of the Tinakori hills and surrounding country. The Government are paying a caretaker to watch over this area. The Kauri (,'ulli/, Northcote (near Auckland), contained L'l acres, ami, as it was the site of some fine specimens of young kauri-trees and native bush, the residents of the locality, by means of private subscriptions and entertainments, raised the sum of £50, which Government subsidised by £100, making a total of £450, so as to enable the picturesque gully to be preserved intact. A view of the land appears in this report. The above are examples of what can be done and should be done by inhabitants of populous boroughs who desire the Government to purchase scenic reserves for their benefit. Applications for the- acquisition of the Hunua (or Wairoa) Falls, near Auckland. Waihirere Bush, near Gisbofne, and Nicholl's Creek Palls, Water of Leith, near Dunedin, have been treated in this manner, and it now rests with those people who so strongly urge their reservation to take the necessary steps to raise sufficient funds to warrant the Government in promising a subsidy to purchase the lands in question. Botanical Value. Another feature of scenery reserves is their very great botanical value. Owing to the varied nature of vegetation in New Zealand, and the numerous reservations of choice portions ~f scenery, a botanist is well repaid by visits made to any of the reserves. A brief account of two of the Wellington reserves (Wilton's Bush and Silverstroam), by Dr. Cockayne, appears in Appendix B, and next voar it is hoped that a more general and elaborate report will be* published. Botany in the Dominion is comparatively in its infancy, and a magnificent chance presents itself to all botanists who desire to study our interesting and in many respects unique vegetation and will visit the scenic reserves set apart by the Government. Comparatively unexplored in a scientific sense, they will yield a rich reward to all students of botany who take the advantage now presented. The interesting and valuable report on a botanical survey of the Tongariro National Park, by Dr. Cockayne, now being published as a separate parliamentary paper, will serve as an object-lesson in this direction, and indicate the advantages to be gained by a systematic study of our natural flora. Nowhere in the world are such beautiful and rare plants and trees to be found as in New Zealand, and the time is not far distant when this will be widely recognised, and visitors from abroad will undertake what our own students have overlooked.

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EXPHNDITURE DURING YEAR. Although a fair area of land was acquired during the twelve months, the expenditure by way of compensation is smaller than the preceding year, on account of most of the land not having been paid for during the financial year, and the delays occasioned through the necessity of making accurate surveys and valuations before the land is finally proclaimed. The result will probably be in swell the amount of compensation paid during 1908—9, as not only land authorised for purchase during the present year will have to be paid for, but also lands acquired previously. The statutory " Statement of Accounts " is published in Appendix A. The following summary shows by way of comparison the expenditure each year since the pawing of " The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903," which set aside the sum of £100,000 for all expenditure thereunder : —

It will therefore be seen that there remains a balance of £78,196 for the operations of the current and future years, and no one who has any intimate knowledge of the magnificent forest lands on the North Island Main Trunk Railway line, in the vicinity of main roads all over the Dominion, the practically unique river scenery on the Wanganui, Mokau, and other well-known waterways, the bush-clad shores of inland lakes and ocean inlets, and the innumerable scenic, historic, and thermal attractions of our country can deny that this amount will be more than required to preserve the best features of New Zealand scenery. The Wanganui River, for instance, has no equal in the world as regards its botanical and scenic attractions, and so in a greater or less degree throughout the whole of the Dominion, our natural scenery is more appreciated the more it is visited and known. Sobnbrt-prbsbrvatioh in Australia. It will be interesting to compare the steps taken by the States of Australia to preserve the scenery in their respective countries. The following is a brief resume : — New South Wales. —No legislation has been passed dealing specially with the subject of scenery-preservation, but the provisions of the Crown Lands Act, under which Crown lands may lie dedicated or reserved for public purposes, including purposes of public recreation and the preservation of indigenous flora, and of the Public Works Resumption Act, under which alienated lands may be acquired for purposes, inter alia, of public recreation, amply meet requirements in this direction. . In dealing with the Crown lands of the State, due consideration is given to the desirableness, in the public interests, of protecting from alienation lauds required for general purposes of public recreation, or for the preservation of attractive indigenous flora, or which have claims to be regarded as natural beauty-spots or places of scenic interest. Many such areas have already been reserved or dedicated, and further similar reservations will be made from time to time as fiesh areas' come under review or have attention directed to them. Regarding alienated lands, no very extensive areas have been acquired for scenic purposes, but some comparatively small areas of special interest in such connection have lieen purchased or resumed, and proposals for the acquisition of other areas of this character are at present receiving attention. The cost of such acquisition is met from an annual vote usually provided by Parliament for the acquisition of parks and recreation grounds, &c. Large tracts of land specially adapted for recreation reserves, but unsuitable in almost every instance for cultivation or settlement from an agricultural or pastoral aspect, have been set aside in New South Wales and dedicated to the public as national reserves. They are generally vested in Trusts, usually consisting of prominent local men, who, with the aid of private subscriptions and subsidies received from the Government, carry out all necessary- work, such as roads, tracks, and shelter-sheds, for the benefit of the visiting public. The two more important reserves in the vicinity of Sydney are National Park, of 36,000 acres, and Kuring-gui Chase, of 35,300 acres. Here, the Trustees, in addition to providing facilities for visitors, have taken steps to preserve the natural flora and fauna committed to their care, making it a penal offence to discharge firearms or to interfere in any way with the birds and animals in the parks. No is allowed, without the permission of the Trustees, to remove, cut, or deface any trees, shrubs, plants, rocks, fences, or gates; to fish in prohibited waters, advertise, or depasture stock. Employees are sworn' in as special constables to enforce these laws, and it is found that this policy of preservation has been successful in making the parks the haunts of great varieties of beautiful birds and other fauna. The same principle is adopted on a smaller scale at reserves of well-known beauty-spots. , ■ • These Trusts make their own rules and regulations, particularly emphasizing the fact that the natural flora must not be interfered with, and, where funds allow it. employees acting as special constables enforce this, or in other instances the Trustees, acting in an honorary capacity, endeavour to preserve the natural beauties.

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1904-5. 1905-6 1906-7. 1907-8. £ Compensation for land ... ... 216 Expenses of Commission and Board ... 1,822 Administration (including fencing) ... .... Miscellaneous (including surveys, valuations, &c. 52 3,336 1,221 527 £ 7,856 185 304 801 £ 4,286 111 532 555 Totals ... ! 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,484

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Considerable areas of land have been proclaimed reserves in the vicinity of the principal limestone caves, as well as at smallei caves, These caves are all under the control of the Intelligence Department, and are in charge of permanent employees- —caretakers and guides—who are all special constables. Stringent regulations are in force for the preservation of the natural formations, as well as of the flora and fauna, and any persons found guilty of vandalism are prosecuted. Where other limestone caves are known to exist, reserves have in many instances been proclaimed, and, in order to prevent vandalism, the openings of the caves have been blocked until such time as the demands of the tourist warrant'their being improved and thrown open. Occasionally caves are discovered on alienated land ; but it is only in very exceptional cases, where they are particularly attractive, that any resumptions are made. It has been the aim of the Government to devote the most attention to the three principal series of caves —viz., Jenolan, Yarrangobilly, and Wombeyan—and large sums of money have been spent on their development and improvement. They are considered national assets, and will in time be a source of large direct revenue, as well as affording an indirect return through the railways, &c. The other caves are mainly of local interest, and will probably be taken over by the respective Shire Councils. (Report by Robert McDonald, Acting Under-Secretary, Department of Lands, Sydney.) Queensland. —Considerable areas of land of scenic value have been reserved in various parts of the State, and several of these have also beeji proclaimed national parks under the provisions of "The State Forests and National Parks Act, 1906." Other areas at present only reserved will doubtless from time to time be similarly proclaimed, and thus secured against alienation except with the approval of Parliament. Nothing has yet been done to develop the natural advantages of these areas, and no areas have been acquired by purchase. (Report by W. J. Scott, Under-Secretary, Department of Public Lands, Queensland.) South Australia. —The only efforts which have been made in this State to preserve the natural scenery are the creation of the National Park at Belair and the reservation of the Waterfall Gully aiea near Burnside. Negotiations are, however, in progress for dedicating portion of the western end of Kangaroo Island as a "Fauna and Mora " reserve. (Report by Walter Gill, Conservator of Forests.) Tasmania. —Scenery-preservation in Tasmania has not yet passed beyond the initiatory stages. Where waterfalls, limestone caves, lakes, and other natural features of a beautiful order exist, the Crown land surrounding them has been withdrawn from selection, tracks cut, and aocommodationbouses built. Notably is this the case at bake St. Clair. Bartz Mountains, ami Interlaken. Where there is a sufficient local population the resorts are placed under the control and management of the Municipal Council or other body of a local character. This is the case with the Queen's Domain, Hobart, where some 600 acres of park-like land is being beautified by tree-planting. The Corporation of Hobart voted a sum which is annually spent in this direction, and a local committee arrange with the Government as to how the money can be mosi usefully expended. The Lauhceston Corporation continues to improve the beauty-spots in and around the city. The Tasmanian Government has in one or two instances repurchased land where limestone caves have been found to exist. (Report by E. A. Counsel, Secretary for Lands, Tasmania I Victoria. —Special attention is now being given to the protection of places of scenic importance and to the development of tourists' resorts. By a wise decision in 1881 the permanent reservations of all the unappropriated land along all the rivers and important creeks in the State to the extent of from one to three chains in width were made, and, in addition, large numbers of reservations of specific areas as parks, water reserves, reserves for public purposes have been effected. These include numerous lakes, water storages, waterfalls, hill crests, high mountain peaks, rugged areas of special interest, cave oountry, mineral springs, &c. To a limited extent land purchases have been made where by alienation in early years some places of peculiar interest were disposed of. Many of the reserves are under the joint control of the Board of Land and Works, and Municipal Councils; others are under municipal control alone, while in numerous cases local committees of management appointed by the Board of Land and Works have charge of the reserves. For special areas, such as Buchan Caves, the Department of Lands and Survey exercises the control and directs all improvement works. Parliamentary votes (this year of £12,590) are dealt with by the Minister of Lands, limited sums being given to the local councils (under the Local Government Act) for improvement works, while the large works are carried out by the Public Works Department. For the development of Mount Buffalo, one of the finest features in Australia, a sum of £5,000 is being expended this year on road construction. It is intended to erect an accommodation house and provide attractions during the snow periods. (Report by J. M. Reed, 1.5.0., Surveyor-General, Victoria.) Western Australia. —An Act entitled the " Permanent Reserves Act " was passed in December, 1889, to enable reservations made of suitable lands for parks, beauty-spots, <fee, to be permanently reserved. Cnder this Act considerable attention has been paid to protection of beautyspots, and lands for national parks, recreation, caves, fauna and flora protection, water-conserva-tion (including catchment-areas), waterfalls, lakes, State forests, &c, have been set apart and reserved, whilst in several instances private lands have been purchased for one or other of these purposes. All these are gazetted as Class A reserves under the above Act, and cannot be altered otherwise than by Act of Parliament. (Report by R. Cecil Clifton, Under-Secretary for Lands, Western Australia.) Many national parks (corresponding to New Zealand scenic reserves and national parks) have been so set aside, among them being the " King's Park," of about a thousand acres, and other parks in the immediate vicinity of Perth, whilst a " National Park." of about 4,000 acres, situated a few miles beyond the junction of the Eastern and Midland Railways, about twenty-five miles east of Perth, has also been reserved, with many other smaller areas, for recreation and similar purposes.

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[TourUt Department, photo.

Limestone Rocks, Waru, near Whangarei.

To face p. i. ]

[Toun*t Department, photo.

Limestone Rocks, Waru, near Whangarei.

To face p. J,.~\

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Motutapu Bay, Auckland.

[A. Morrow, photo.

To face p. 4.]

Tamaki East Head, near Auckland.

[A. Morrow, photo.

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Scenery-preservation in the Argentine. Elsewhere this increasingly important duty of preservation of natural scenery has been recognised by the State Governments, and as a typical example may be quoted extracts from a publication by Dr. Eugene Autran on " The National Parks of the Argentine," which states at its commencement that the aim of the work is merely to put before the scientific world certain facts of an interesting nature. The first park dealt with is the National Park of the Iguazu. M. Charles Thays, the distinguished Director of Public Parks and Promenades and of the Botanic Garden of Buenos Ayres, was ollicially directed by the Argentine Government, in April, 1902, to go into the territory of Missions, which formerly belonged to the Jesuits, and is situated after' the manner of a wedge between Brazil and Paraguay. His instructions were to investigate the celebrated falls of the iguazu, which, although they are as yet but little known, surpass those of Niagara, and are, moreover, situated in a marvellous territory, surrounded by a subtropical vegetation —all which matters the Argentine Government expect will in course of time make them the rendezvous of crowds of tourists from the world at large. M. Thays was instructed to choose sites for the construction of hotels, of casinos, of baths, and so on ; to suggest roads, in order to give access to the magnificent virgin forests, and to look out for spots where the best view of the falls could be obtained. Having carried out this work, he put forward a general project, which was approved of by the Government in July, 1902, and which is being put into execution. The area of the park will be 25,000 hectares—rather more than fifteen square French leagues. In his recommendations M. Thays has especially stiught to preserve the delightful aspect which a luxuriant vegetation gives when associated .with mountain scenery. Every care is to be taken to stop the interference of man, ami to Iran'the place in that wild and primitive state which is its principal charm. An excellent map of the park and its surroundings, together with photographs of the falls, are published in the report. The second national park is that of Nahuel-Huapi. This is designed to show the varied aspect of the scenery and natural productions of the Argentine, and is situated in a region which offers a great contrast to that <»f the above-described reserve. The lake Nahuel-Huapi is situated in the extreme south of the territory of Neuquen, in the vicinity of the Patagonian Andes. It is extremely irregular in shape, and its area is about 430 square kilometers. It lies between the 71st and 7-2 nd parallels of longitude, and the 41st parallel of latitude passes through its centre. It was for a long time known as " the mysterious lake," but now that smalj steamboats ply on its waters, harbours have been made on its'shores, and agricultural and commercial establishments have been organized the veil of mystery which surrounds it has been torn aside by civilisation. A railway has already reached the station of Neuquen, and will eventually traverse to NahuelHuapi, and, later on, passing through Chilian territory, will reach the shores of the Pacific. The region is one of forests and mountains. The former contain four species of beech, also various species of Araucaria. of Poilocarpus, of myrtles, of Anarcardiacese, ami of (Vlastrinese ; and a list of the flora, containing 376 species of flowering-plants and ferns, is given at the end of the The park owes its origin to a donation from Dr. Francisco P. Moreno, formerly Director of the Museum of La Plata, but who ha*s more latterly been for a number of years the Argentine Agent at Santiago in Chili, and in London. For his valuable services he received a large landgrant in Patagonia, on the shores of the lake, and of this land he, in 1903, returned to the Government three square leagues, to lie set aside as a national park. An interesting experiment is being carried on with regard to the acclimatisation of fish in the lajte, a million eggs of whitefish and 150,000 eggs of trout and salmon having been brought fiom the United States to Buenos Ayres as a gift from the North American Government to that of the Argentine. The results of the experiment are so far considered very favourable. The value of the report is increased by details of a botanical survey of this last named park, made in order to give the people of the Argentine some idea of its value as a national museum. The list of plants should be of interest to New-Zealanders, since quite a number of genera are common to both countries, such names as Drymis caltha, Podocarptu /undo, Libocedrut acana, Viola, Epilobium, and Gunnera occurring. Inspection of Reserves. Mr. E. Phillips Turner (licensed surveyor), an officer of the Department of Lands, was appointed as from the Ist October, 1907, to the position of Inspector of Scenic Reserves, and commenced his duties by inspecting the reserves in the Canterbury and Otago Districts. He was then detailed to execute a topographical survey of the Tongariro National Park, and is now carrying out inspections of the scenic reserves in the Auckland District. His report will be found in Appendix B. Scenery Preservation Board. Several meetings of the district Scenery Preservation Boards were held during the year, and the report of the Chairman of the Board thereon appears in Appendix C. Wanganui Rivbr. In last year's report special attention was paid to the scenery along the route of the North Island Main Trunk Railway, and a detailed report, maps, and photographs gave full particulars of what had been done and"what was proposed to be done along the well-known route. This year similar information is supplied regarding the Wanganui River, as it has always been recognised that this magnificent waterway is unrivalled in its natural beauty, and deserves the greatest possible protection from any source of danger or destruction to its scenery. Appendix D contains the recommendations of the late Scenery Preservation Commissioners, and a brief account of the proposed reserve, whilst the maps at the end of this report illustrate the proposed boundaries.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1907-8 under the Scenery Preservation Acts and " The Public Works Act, 1905."

?3 a 2" T ,„ Proclamation mendation Local Name. District. Area. in New Zealand JNo - Gazette Auckland District. A. k. p. 1 Mangonui Scenic Re- Section 131, Mangonui Parish ... 60 0 0 23 May, 1907. serve 199 Ruakuri Caves ... Part Section 6, Block X, Orahiri 90 2 0 13 June, Survey District 90 Northcote Scenic Re- Sections, Block XII, Waitemata 23 . 3 39 4 July, serve Survey District 114 Okoroire-Rot orua Part Whaiti-Kuranui 1a and 1b, 751 1 2 1 Aug., Railway Line Patetere North - east Survey District 316 Waiotapu Scenic Re- Rotomahana-Parekarangi, Nos. 335 3 12 5 Sept., serve 3a, 1a, and 3a, Ib, Blocks II and III, Paeroa Survey District 341 Waiora Hot Springs - Section 67, Block VIII, Katikati 100 0 0 24 Oct., ■ (Katikati) Survey District 80 I Mangaotaki Gorge Karu-o-te-whenua B 2b 5a Block 155 0 32 ! 30 Jan., 1908 114 Mamaku Scenic Re- j Parts Sections 11, &c, Blocks 157 1 17 ' 27 Feb.', serve XIV and XV, Rotorua Survey District *68 Waiotapu Scenic Re- Section 5, Block VII, Paeroa 140 2 14 19 Mar., serve (extension) Survey District . *64 Orahiri Scenic Re- Sections" 6, 7, Block XIV, Ora- 3 2 3 19 serve hiri Survey District 23 May, 1907. 13 June, „ 4 July, „ lAug., „ 5 Sept., „ 24 Oct., „ 30 Jan., 1908. 27 Feb., „ 19 Mar., „ 19 „ , 1,818 0 39 Hamlet's Bay District. 40 Tongoio Falls ... Subsection 2, Tongoio Block ... 86 0 16 I 80 May, L907. 59 Pukeamaru Range Part Small Grazing-run 71, Mata- 1,878 3 0 3 Oct.' (Hicks Bay) kaoa Survev District 1,914 3 16 Taranaki. 380 Meeting of Waiwa- Part Section 158, Block X, Pari- 40 2 20 i 20 June, 1907. kaiho and Arakeke tutu Survey District Streams (New Plymouth) 880 Meeting of Waiwa- Native Reserves J and L, Block X, 21 0 10 5 Sept. kaiho and Arakeke Paritutu Survey District Streams (New Plymouth) 129 OkokiPa... ... Section 24, Block IV, Waitara 42 2 0 1 Aug. Survey District 151 Otoki Gorge ... Part Sections 8,9, 10, Block XII, 50 2 0 5 Sept. Hawera Survey District *57 Ohura Scenic Reserve Sections 23, &c, Block II, &c, 228 2 5 12 Mar. 1908. Ohura Survey District *58 Totoro Scenic Re- Sections 26, &c, Block IX, &o., 263 2 0 12 serve Totoro Survey District 646 2 35 ) * Board's recommendations

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Appendix A.—Reserves made in 1907-8 under the Scenery Preservation Acts and " The Public Works Act, 1905 "—continued.

•Board's recommendations. Summary. District. Area. Auckland 10 1,818 0 39 Hawke 8 Bay ... ... ... 2 1 914 3 16 £ aranaki 6 '646 2 35 Wellington 6 1,748 3 17 .Nelson ... ... ... ... ... 1 28 2 12 Westland ... , 1290 Q Q Canterbury ... ... ... ... 1 44 1 1 ° ta ?° . 1 38 2 11 Southland ... ... • ... ... i 600 0 0 Totals, 1907-8 29 ~BJ3O 0 11 Reserved up to 31st March, 1907 ... ... 88 25,801 2 38 Grand totals ... . . ... 117 33,931 3 9

Recommendation No. Becomendatio No. '" r , „ Proclamation on Local Name. District. Area. in New Zealand Gazette. J l_ Local Name. Wellington District. 265 *15 *54 21 52 196 Paraparaumu Scenic Muaupoko A, Nos. 2, 3 102 2 30 4 April, 1907. Reserve Pipiriki Mineral Part Te Autumutu Block 27 3 18 30 May, Spring Wilton's Bush exten- Lots 6/8, Section 2, Block VI, 7 1 39 25 July, sion Port Nicholson Mangaweka Scenic Section 5, Block IX, Hautapu .. 83 0 10 13 Feb., 1908. Reserve Makohine Scenic Re- Parts Sections 11,12, Block XVI, 10 1 0 27 serve Tiriraukawa Wanganui River Parts Ahuahu, Ohotu, &c, Native 1,517 2 0 20 banks Blocks 1,748 3 17 - Nelson District. *42 Rotoiti Scenic Re- Sections 70/73, Rotoiti Village ... 28 2 12 1 Au» 1907 serve s Westland District. 10 Lake Mahinapua ... I Reserves 1055/6, Blocks VII,4c., 1,290' 0 0 ! 22 Aug., 1907. | Mahinapua Survey District ! Canterbury District. *55 Kennedy's Bush ex- I Section 485, &c, Block III, Hals- I 44 1 1 j 27 Feb 1908 tension well Survey District | Otago District. 171 Mount Pleasant (Dun- Part Section 76, Block VII, North I 38 2 11 I 13 Feb 1908 edin) Harbour and Blueskin '■— _| 13 Feb., 1908. Southland District. 222 Waiau River Islands , Longwood Survey District ... 600 0 0 I 19 Mar., 1908. 19 Mar., 1908.

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8

Statement of Accounts, showing the Amounts expended, and the Purposes to which the Moneys so expended have been applied, for the Year ended the 31st March, 1908. Purpose to which applied. Amounts * expanded. Purchase of land (private land),— £ s. d. Ratapihipihi Bush (Native Reserve 5, Block VIII, Paritutu Survey District) ... 490 0 0 Kawau Pa, Taranaki ... ... ... ... 12 13 2 Pipinui Bush (Sections 4, 5, Block XI, Makuri) ... 12 0 0 (Section 4, Block XI, Makuri) 134 5 0 Mount Cargill, Dunedin ... ... ... 20 0 0 Water of Leith Valley, Dunedin ... ... ... ... 312 0 0 Kauri Gully, Northcote, Auckland (£5O also contributed by residents) . 350 0 0 Ruakuri Caves, Orahiri Survey District, Auckland (.£9B also contributed by Tourist Department) ... ... ... ... ... ... 106 10 0 Kennedy's Bush, Christchurch (£167 lis. 6d. also contributed by residents) 170 0 0 Meeting of the Waters, New Plymouth ... ... ... 150 0 0 Tongoio Falls, near Napier ... ... ... ... ... 180 10 0 Brunswick Bush (Sections 134-35, 188, and 229, Block 11, Westmere Survey District), Wanganui ... ... ... ... ... ... 250 0 0 Waiora Hot Springs (Section 67, Block VIII, Katikati Survey District) ... 250 0 0 Pourakino River banks (part Section 18, Block V, Jacob's River Hundred), Southland ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 105 0 0 Otoki Gorge (Sections i), 10, Block XII, Hawera Survey District) 350 0 0 Makohine Gorge (Pawerawera Block) ... ... 200 0 0 (Block XVI, Tiriraukawa Survey Distric 96 7 3 Wilton's Bush, Wellington ... ... ... ... ... ... 171 2 6 3,360 7 11 Purchase of land (Native land), — Wilton's Bush, Otari Native Reserve (£441 also contributed by Wellington City Council) '.. ... ... ... ... ... ... 461 12 1 Meeting of the Waters, New Plymouth (Native Reserve L, Block X, Paritutu Survey District) ... ... ... ... ... ... 76 4 5 Aorangiwai Mountain, Poverty Bay (Aorangiwai No. 1a Block) 175 0 0 Okoki Pa (Section 24, Block IV, Waitara Survey District) ... ... 212 10 0 4,285 14 5 Administration (including fencing) ... ... 381 18 5 Board's expenses (holding of meetings, &c.) . ... . 86 10 8 Inspector (six months), £150; Secretary, £25 ... 175 0 0 Miscellaneous (surveys, valuations', &c.) ... ... ... ... 555 3 7 Total ... ... ... ... . ... ... £5,484 7 1

APPENDIX B. Report on Scenic Reserves, 1907-8. I started my work in October by an inspection of the scenic reserves in the Canterbury District. Most of these reserves are of old date, and the chief reason for their reservation appears to have been that the land was too poor and broken to be sold at that time for farming purposes, for nothing seems to have been done to preserve the bush from the depredations of man and beast. In some instances the settlers have cut out the good timber for fencing and bridge-building; in some instances parts of the bush have been Celled and the land grassed; and in nearly all instances the reserves have been used as winter runs for the local farmers' stock. In the Banks Peninsula some of the reserves still have their original bush in a fair state of preservation, and it is highly desirable that these should be fenced off before they are damaged. Some isolated small ones, however, are so damaged that they are no longer of value from the scenic point of view, and these should be disposed of, or set apart for some other purpose and leased till required. Dunedin is fortunate in having three large reserves within a few miles of the city. Flagstaff Hill is practically without any bush, and is of interest only from the fact that from it is obtainable a fine view of the city and environs. Signal Hill and Mount Cargill reserves contain some nice patches of bush, and are well worth preservation, but they require fencing and clearing of noxious weeds and pests. As previously stated in my reports, I would suggest that the reserves in the immediate vicinity of the city should be handed over to the care of a board of local persons interested in the preservation of scenery, and having the Commissioner for the district as chairman. The reserves in the country districts are generally very well preserved, and especially is this the case with those in the Callin's River district, which contain large areas of some beautiful and diversified bush. I must restate my opinion that the sold sections of the Papatowai Township should he resumed, as otherwise, when they are cleared and burnt off, the reserve will be much damaged. As milling operations have started in this district, a strict watch should be kept to prevent encroachment on the reservi

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Alum Cliffs, Waiotapu.

To face p. B.]

[H. lioscawen, photo.

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Black-froth Pool, Waiotapu.

[Burton Bros., photo.

Blue Lake, Waiotapu.

To fare p. B.]

[J. Martin, photo.

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Northcote Scenic Reserve, Auckland.

To face p. B.~\

[/''. E. Cory, photo.

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In addition to the foregoing districts, I have also inspected the Morere Hot Springs Reserve and the Tongariro National Park, on each of which 1 have made separate reports. Noxious Weeds and Pests. —As a rule, the reserves in Canterbury are not much invaded by noxious weeds and animal pests; but the reverse is, unfortunately, the case in Otago, especially in the Catlin's River locality, where rabbits have become extremely plentiful, and Californian thistle has spread over the cleared margins of the bush and along the roads. These pests require vigorous and immediate attention, or the cost of combating them will increase immensely. Damage by Stock. —ln Canterbury all the reserves have suffered more or less from the incursions of stock; but so far in Otago (except in the reserves near Dunedin) stock have done little damage. Timber. —In Canterbury, as a rule, most of the large trees have been taken out of the reserves, but there are many varieties of small trees still represented. In the Catlin's River locality, in Otago, the timber-trees have not been much interfered with ; but in the reserves near Dunedin not many large trees have been left. Fencing. —As a rule, little fencing has been done, as the adjoining owners feared the Crown would not bear half the expense; but most of them expressed their willingness to do so if the Crown would be responsible for half the cost. I have reported several instances in which fencing is necessary, but in some cases it can well wait. Fires. —The greatest difficulty that has to be faced in connection with the reserves is their preservation from the ravages of fires. Swaggers and Maoris appear to set fire to the country as if they were inspired by a spirit of destruction. Settlers in clearing their own lands are indifferent to the damage their fires may cause by spreading on to the lands of the Crown. There does not appear to be any entirely certain plan of obviating this liability, but the risk can be very much lessened by clearing belts round those reserves where the danger is greatest, sowing these belts by drought-resisting grasses, removing all dead timber from the edge of the bush, felling all standing dead timber within the bush, and grazing stock on the cleared belts. In addition to the boundary-fence, an interior fence would have to be run round the bush to keep the stock out. . Birds. —ln the Canterbury reserves I found that the native birds (with the exception of the tui, which in Akaroa is still fairly plentiful) are getting very scarce. In Otago the larger size of the reserves has served as a more effectual sanctuary, and tuis, bell-birds, and tomtits were fairly plentiful, whilst fantails, robins, wrens, parrakeets, kakas, and pigeons were also seen. As it is almost impossible under present arrangements to give a really effective and constant supervision to these reserves, owing to their generally being so scattered. 1 would suggest that some reliable settler in the vicinity should be given some small subsidy, in return for which he would be required to prevent the removal of timber or plants, destruction of native birds, and trespass by stock. Notices. —As I have suggested elsewhere, caution notices should be put up at railway-stations and post-offices, and by this the public would gradually get to know that any infraction of the regulations for the protection of the reserves would be at the risk of a heavy fine. The preservation of places of scenic or historic interest is a matter that is now receiving great attention in other countries. In Canada a large sum is being raised to purchase the celebrated Heights of Abraham; in England within the last few years large sums have even been raised byprivate subscriptions to purchase old abbeys and castles, the histories of which form part of the history of the Empire: and on the Continent of Europe also people are taking measures to prevent the destruction or disfigurement of beauty-spots that for years have attracted millions from other lands, and afforded infinite pleasure and instruction to those who dwell near them. I have, <fee, E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves. The Under-Secretary, Department of Lands, Wellington. Schedule of Reserves inspected, 1907-8. Canterbury. a. r. p-Twenty-five gazetted reserves, with an area of ... ... ... ... 1,363 3 23 Nikau"Gully (Akaroa Heads): Report on Rural Section 36386 ... ... 71 0 0 Total area ... ... ... ... ... 1,434 3 23 Otago Land District. Fifteen gazetted reserves, of a total area of ... ... ... ... 4,257 0 17 Hawkc's Bay Land District. Morere Hot Springs Reserve, in Nuhaka North Survey District, of an area of ... 585 0 0 Wellington Land District. Tongariro National Park, in Ruapehu and Kaimanawa Survey Districts ... 139,000 0 0 A total of forty-three reserves, with an area of 145,277 acres.

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Notes by Dr. L. Cockayne. Wilton's Jin"/: (Wellington). The object of such a reserve as Wilton's Bush is twofold. It serves to conserve one of the last pieces of that forest which formerly quite covered the hills neai Wellington, and it brings the special forest scenery of New Zealand with its diverse attractions within easy reach of the citydweller. Both these purposes are excellently fulfilled. With regard to the first-named, the main gully is quite in its primeval condition. It contains a considerable number of fine rimu trees. The lianes and tree-ferns which give the especial character to a New Zealand forest are there in quantity. Also there are probably still somewhere or other iii the reserve' examples of all the species which were to be originally found in a Wellington forest. The fire which occurred during the abnormally dry summer spoilt in some measure the general appearance of the forest as seen from the approach, but time will heal the damage, and the interesting gully referred to is absolutely intact. The most important desideratum is the cutting of tracks through the forest, as such, if designed with care, serve above all else to maintain a reserve in its natural state and at the same time enable it to be enjoyed and made use of. The Silverstream Reserve. This reserve is situated for the most part on a very steep hillside. It is by no means specially picturesque, its chief importance consisting in the fact that it represents and preserves in somemeasure a piece of the former forest (now destroyed) of the western side of the Hutt Valley. The reserve contains probably rather more than 100 species of flowering plants and ferns. Without the forest, too, are some interesting plants, especially a narrow-leaved form of Veronica rutaractae and the beautiful evebright Euphrasia euneata. There is one pretty gully, and this is specially remarkable for its wealth of fine leafy liverworts. The view of the bush from without is mailed by the willows which are planted along the bank of the river. These have been put there for tinpurpose of preserving the bank, but they could l)e cut down quite short without in the least interfering with this function, while at the same time the general appearance of the reserve would be improved.

APPENDIX C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. Consideration of the various matters referred to the Board by the Minister of Lands under the provisions of " The Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1906," occupied the attention of the Board during the past year. In every ease careful inspections were made of the area so suggested. and wherever possible individual members of the Board themselves specially visited the lands. In other cases the services of the Crown Lands Rangers or staff surveyors were availed of, and on receipt of their reports and plans the Board considered their recommendations, and in most cases, through its previous knowledge of the locality, was enabled to deal with the matter without delay. Meetings of the Board were held as follows: Auckland Board, at Auckland, on the 17th February, 1908; Taranaki Board, at Auckland, on the 17th February, 1908; Wellington Board, at Wellington, on the 20th June, 1907, and the 13th July, 1907; Nelson Board, at Wellington, on the 18th June, 1907; Canterbury Board, at Wellington, on the 21st October, 1907. The accompanying schedule shows the various recommendations that have from time to time l>een submitted by the Board, and the action taken thereon. Several urgent cases of acquisition of private and Native lands have been authorised by the Government, and in other cases, as the land was not being dealt with by the owners in any manner, action was deferred until there was a probability of the land being injuriously affected in any way. Such a course was rendered advisable by the great prevalence of bush-fires during the past summer, and the danger that a scenic area might immediately after purchase be quite robbed of its beauties by the sweep of a bush-fire over its forest. Where practicable, all cases needing early action were dealt with in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. As there is at present no power to acquire Native lands for scenic purposes under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Ac!s. the Board lias nut dealt with several areas of Maori lands which are worthy of permanent reservation, but as far as possible has considered and reported on all other classes of land coming under its jurisdiction. At the present time no very large tract of country requires special consideration, but in the majority of cases scenic reserves are required to be made in areas of Crown or Native land hitherto unoccupied and now about to be surveyed and subdivided for settlement purposes, or in localities where suitable areas have hitherto been preserved by private persons, and there is a danger of the timber thereon being felled and removed for milling purposes. However, it is pleasing to report that the various officers of the Department of Lands and Survey endeavour to assist in the preservation of scenery as much as is in their power, whilst valuable suggestions and assistance have been given by private persons who take an interest in the matter. Among them is Mr. C. E. Street, of Taranaki, who through the Taranaki Scenery Preservation Society (a private society) offered to the Government an area of 25 perches as an historic reserve, free of cost. This offer was gratefully accepted, and the land will shortly be proclaimed under the Act. Particulars of the recommendations of the late Scenery Preservation Commissioners regarding the Wanganui River, as amended by the Board and Under-Secretary of Lands, appear as an appendix to this report, and show what is necessary to be done to adequately preserve the scenery on the banks of the river. Last year's report contained similar information regarding the North Island Main Trunk Railway line. It will thus be seen that the most pressing matters have now been attended to, and that the work of scenery-preservation is progressing very satisfactorily in New Zealand. Tims. BuHPHBIIS, Chairman, Scenery Preservation Board.

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Schedule of Recommendations of Scenery Preservation Board.

o i . o S'-S ■ ' 33 0) m a i Locality. Area. Action taken. Auckland District. 1 The Heads, Mangonui Harbour, *• h. p. Section 131,MangonuiE. Parish 9 0 0 Public Defence Reserve. Section 131, MangonuiE. Parish 60 0 0 Proclaimed in Gazette of 23rd May, 2 Marakopa Fall, Caves, and 1907. BushSection 4, Block X, Kawhia S. 5 0 0 Leasein perpetuity. Under consideration. Sections 4 and 7, Block X, 25 0 0 Leasehold. Under consideration. Kawhia South Kinohaku West No. 4 Block 50 0 0 Native land. Cannot be acquired at (Marakopa) present. 3 Okoinu Pa. Whangarei (part of 20 0 0 Ditto. Whatitiri No. 13z Block, Block Xin, Purua Survey District) 4 Kaihu Bush, Hobson Cpuntv 305 0 0 Proclaimed in Gazette of* 21st March, (Section 3, Block 111. Kaihu 1907. Survey District) 5 Kauri-trees, Puriri (Section 1, 16 3 0 Proclaimed in Gazette of 14th March, Block IX. Thames Survey 1907. District) 6 Near Mercury Bay (Section 32, 100 0 0 Under action. Hahei Parish) 7 White (Whakari) Island, in Bay 588 0 0 No action. of Plenty 59 ! Hills back of Waiarohia River, 173 0 27 Under consideration. Whangarei (Block XII, Purua Survev District) 60 ' Part of Te Akau Block, Raglan 300 0 0 Harbour (Block XIII, Whaingaroa Survey District) 61 i Ruapuke (or Te Toto) Gorge, 48 3 37 Protected by the owner. Raglan (Section 121, Block IV, Karioi) (52 Ditto (Section 2a, Block IV, 50 0 0 Karioi Survey District) 63 ' Ruakuri Caves Forest (Hauturu 144 0 16 Necessary to complete reservation in East Block, Block X, Orahiri locality. Survey District) 64 Orahiri locality (Sections 6 and 3 2 3 Proclaimed in Gazette of 19th March, 7, Block XIV) 1908. 65 Part of Run 78 (Block X, Tara- 650 0 0 Under consideration. wera Survey District) 66 North shore, Rotorua Lake (Sec- 1,716 1 0 About to be proclaimed. tions 6,12,13, 23, Blocks VIII and IV) 67 Ditto (Block V, Rotoiti Survey 1,405 0 0 District) 68 I Waiotapu Scenic Reserve exten- 140 2 14 Proclaimed in Gazette of 19th March, sion (Section 5, Block VII, 1908. Paeroa Survey District) 69 Ruapekapeka Pa, Bay of Islands 20 0 6 Under consideration. (Block I, Hukerenui Survey District) 1 2 6 7 69 60 (il Taranaki District. 66a Subsection 2, Section 85, 0 0 25 . Donated by C. E. Street, Esq. About Block VII, Paritutu Survey to be proclaimed. District 56 Rerepahupahu Waterfalls on ... When Crown land surveyed, suitable Waitaanga Stream (Blocks XI, areas to be selected for reservation. XII, Waro) 57 Ohura District (Sections 23, 27, 228 2 5 Proclaimed in Gazette of 12th March, Blocks II; 17, Block V: and 1908. 6, Block VI) 58 Totoro District (Sections 26, 263 2 0 Ditto. Block IX, and 9, 14, 15, Block XI)

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Appendix C.—Schedule of Recommendations of Scenery Preservation Board— continued.

. o 6*5 ■ 5 £ £ Locality. Area. Action taken. e Wellington. 10 j Whakapapa Gorge, near Oio 2,401 0 0 j Acquisition of land now under considera(Hunua, Waimanu, and Kai- tion. tieke Survey Districts) 11 Aorangi Mountain, near Moa-i 4,520 0 0 Held over. whango (Block XI, Pukeokahu Survey District) 12 Awarua 4c No. 15 Block (Block I, 221 0 0 Under negotiation. Hautapu Survey District) 13 Kawhatau River bank (Blocks 10,430 0 0 Rugged Crown land, unsuitable for settleVI, &c, Ruahine Survey Dis- i ment. Now under action for reservatrict) tion. 14 | Pipiriki Native Township (Block 65 0 0 Held over until Native land may be acIV) . quired under Scenery Preservation Act. 15 Pipiriki Mineral Spring (Block 30 0 11 Taken under "The Public Works Act, X, Rarete Survey District) 1905," in Gazette of 30th May, 1907. 16 -Maii ma Bridge Reserve (Section 22 0 0 Held over until power obtained to change 58, Block X, Mangahao Sur- reservation, vey District) 17 Makuri-Pongaroa Road (Section 7 0 10 Ditto. 146, Block XIV, Makuri Survey District) IK Makuri-Pongaroa Road (Section 11 0 30 2, Block X, Makuri Survey District) 19 Pongaroa Township (parts' 44 2 29 j About to be proclaimed. Blocks IV, VII, IX, XII, and XIII, and Suburban Section 14) 20 Hut t-Waikanae Road (part 1,853 0 0 ■ No action. Block II, Akatarawa Survey District) 21 Mangaweka Scenic Reserve 83 0 10 Proclaimed in Gazette of 13th Februarv, (Block IX, Hautapu, Section 5) 1908. 22 j Block VI, Hautapu, part Awa- 500 0 0 Under consideration. rua 1a No. 2 West Block 23 | Block VI, Hautapu, part Awa- 40 0 0 rua 4c No. 8 and 4c No. 9 Blocks 24 I Block II, Hautapu, part Awa- 80 0 0 „ rua 4c No. 9 Block •25 i Block IX, Ohinewairua, part 90 0 0 Awarua 4a 3c No. 7 Block 26 Block XII, Maungakaretu, part 1,200 0 0 of Section 10, and parts Nos. li anil 2. Raketapauma Block 27 I Block V, Ohinewairua, Crown 50 10 0 „ land between road and railway and part No. 2, Raketapauma 28 ' Blocks VI, VII, Karioi, part of 2,700 0 0 Rangiwaea Block (C.L.) 29 Block VI, Karioi, part of Rangi- 1,500 0 0 waea No 1 Block 30 Block VI, Karioi Survey District 450 0 0 31 : Block IV, Makotuku," part of 1,300 0 0 Kaetiin No. 4b Block 32 I Block IV, Makotuku, part of 1,000 0 0 Raetihi No. 4a Block and No. 5a 33 Block XVI, Manganui Survey 1,300 0 0 District 34 Block XII, Manganui Survey 1,500 0 0 District 35 Block XII, Manganui, Section 4, 1,700 0 0 and part Sections 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 18, 19 36 Block VIII, Manganui Survey 1,800 0 0 District '20 21 22 23 24 25 36 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

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Marakopa Falls, near Kawhia.

I'o face p. IB.}

[N.Z. Graphic, photo.

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[N.Z. Graphic, photo.

To face p. 12.]

"King Country" Scenery.

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Bush on Ohakune—Horopito Road, Waimarino.

//. /.'. Girdlestone, photo.

Ohakune-Horopito Road, Waimarino.

To face p. It.}

[11. hi. Girdlestone, photo.

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Appendix C.—Schedule of Recommendations of Scenery Preservation Board— continued.

. o 8- • o* o O 97 a, Cr5 w a | , o ; Locality. Area. Action taken. Locality. o C A -, Wellington —continued. 37 38 31) 40 41 44 IS 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 Block IV, Manganui Survey Dis- I 600 0 0 Under consideration. trict Block IV, Manganui, part of j 1,100 0 0 Waimarino No. 4 Block Blocks XII and XVI, Kaitieke 1,800 0 0 Blocks XII and XVI, Kaitieke ; 3,000 0 0 Blocks IX and XIII, Tonga- \ riro Survey Districts Blocks IV and VIII, Kaitieke... 2,600 0 0 North Waimarino Forest (Sec- I 43 0 16 Reserved under " The Land Act, 1892," tion 2, Block I, Kaitieke) in Gazette of 21st Match, 1907. North Waimarino Forest (Sei 23 0 17 Ditto. tion 3, Block I, Kaitieke Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Si 15 0 10 Proclaimed in Gazette of 18th July, tion 10. Block II, Kaitieke j . 1907. Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- Jii 2 0 Ditto. tion, 5/8, Blocks III, and 11, Block VI, Kaitieke Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- 168 3 0 tions 15, 16, Block III, Kaitieke Survey Distriet) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- 13 3 28 tion 6, Block V, Kaitieke Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- 12 3 2 „ tion 8, Block IV, Retaruke Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- 134 2 5 Reserved under" The Land Ace, 1892," tions 3, Block IV ; 6, 7, Block in Gazette- of 21st March and 18th VII; 5, 8, Block VIII; 6, April, 1907. Block XI; 2, 5, Block XII, Retaruke Survey District) North Waimarino Forest (Sec- 26 3 0 Proclaimed in Gazette of 18th Julv, tion 4, Block VIII, Hunua 1907. Survev District North Waimarino Forest (S. 169 0 14 Ditto. tions 8, 9, Block VIII, and 5,6, Block IX, Hunua Survey District Wilton's Bush Extension (Block 7 1 39 Proclaimed in Gazette of 25th Julv, VI, Port Nicholson Survey ; 1907. ' District i Nelson. 42 43 Rotoiti Scenic Reserve (Sections 28 2 12 Proclaimed in Gazette of 1st August, 70/73, Rotoiti Village) 1907. Matakitaki Bridge, near Murchi- 13 0 0 Laud now being acquired for reservation. son (Section 61, Block I, Tutaki Survey District) Canterbury. 55 Kennedy's Bush Extension (part 44 1 1 Proclaimed in Gazette of 27th February, Sections 485, &c, Block III, 1908. Halswell Survey District) Otago. 8 9 Flagstaff Hill, Dunedin (Allot- 71 3 24 Proclaimed in Gazette of 21st March, ments 13 to 17, Stanley Estate 1907. Kvansdale Creek (parts of Sec- 54 0 0 No action. tions 59, 60, 62, 63; 88, and 89 Block I, Waikouaiti Survey District W R. Joukdain, Secretary to-Board. to-Board.

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APPENDIX D. Brief Account of the Wanganui River and Proposed Reservations. In 1904 the Scenery Preservation Commissioners thoroughly inspected this beautiful river, and the gist of their recommendations, as subsequently revised by their successors, the Scenery Preservation Board, and the Under-Secretary of Lands, is embodied in the accompanying schedule, and illustrated upon the detailed plane bound with this report. Photographic views of several parts of the river are also given. Rising amidst the slopes of the Tongariro range of mountains, the river soon becomes large in volume, but it is not until the settlement of Taumarunui is reached, 143 miles from its mouth, that its picturesqueness becomes so noted. Steamers ply regularly from here down to Wanganui, usually stopping at Pipiriki (fifty-five miles from the sea) for the night. The river has been so often described that it is needless to give a long account of its varied scenery, but the following description by a visitor conveys some faint idea of its charm: — " The wild and romantic beauty of the Wanganui River must soon take a leading place among the scenic attractions of New Zealand. The broad river, always interesting and beautiful both in its rapids ami in the long reaches of still water; the steep rocky banks; the lofty trees, with white cliff-faces peeping out, tier above tier, from the varied foliage and blossoms of the trees; the graceful palms and the beautiful ferns rising as thick as they can stand (acres of them) from the water's edge right up to the top of some of the mountains; the Natives in their long canoes and picturesque costume, all combine to make up a scene of the most enchanting loveliness. The caves near Pipiriki are very extensive, and rich in stalactites. The view of the entrance is like a fairy seent —the ferns and lichens hanging round form a fitting frame, and from the ceiling hangs by a Blender cord a mass of living creepers like a great chandelier. From the caves for some ten or twelve miles the river Hows between perpendicular walls of rock, all festooned with a hanging drapery of ferns and lichens, whilst higher still rise lofty hills covered with luxuriant bush. Over these cliffs fall numerous streams, making a succession of waterfalls, all different and all beautiful —now a thin, gauze-like sheet of water falling from a projecting cliff high above our heads: then a roaring cascade of sparkling water; again, hidden back in a deep ravine almost covered with ferns and creepers. In several places two or three cascades are visible at the same time, and some of them are double falls. Thus the visitor is led on from one fine sight to another, his admiration growing at every turn : again and again he is ready to declare the view inimitable, until the next turn of theriver reveals fresh beauties, and calls forth new praises, when at last the interest culminates at the Manganui-a-te-Ao, where an immense cliff rises like a mighty pillar on the right, and the rivers meet like two lanes in a great city walled in by many massive piles of masonry."

The principal places of interest on the Wanganui River are the following: — Seven Miles from Wanganui.—The Kaimatira hill and cliff, on which may be seen the earthworks of two old pas. Eleven Miles.—Kaiwhaiki on the left bank, on which still stands the old " aukati " pole which marked the danger-line at the time of the Maori wars. Beyond this line no pakeha was allowed to go by the Maoris except at his own peril. Fifteen Miles.—Here stands the Maori settlement of Raorikia (Laodicea) on the right bank and Kuamoa on the left bank. Twenty-two Miles.—Parikino (the bad cliff) on a long reach of winding river. Thirty Miles. —Atene (Athens), a kainga at a pretty bend in the river. Thirty-seven Miles.—Koriniti (Corinth), a kainga on the left bank, with a Maori meeting-hoiise worthy of inspection. Forty-one Miles. —Karatia (Galatea), a Maori settlement on the right bank. Forty-five Miles.—Ranana (London), a kainga on the left bank fairly well inhabited. Formerly a mission station. Forty-six Miles.—The island of Moutoa, the scene of the famous battle of thai name in May, 1864, when 800 friendly Wanganui Natives, led by Haimona Hiroti, Hemi Nape, Kereti te Hiwitahi, and Mete Kingi, met and defeated with great slaughter the rebel llauhau Natives under a chief called Matene and a prophet named Te La, after a fight in which both sides fled in turn. This prevented the intention of the rebels to raid Wanganui and drive the pakchas into the sea. Forty-nine Miles. —Hiruharama (Jerusalem), to which place the Roman Catholic, Mission has been transferred. A large kainga and well cultivated. Fifty Miles.—Ohoutahi, the scene of another light where the rebel Maoris were again defeated by the Wnnganuis after the battle of Moutoa. Hoani Hipango, a loyal chief, was killed here. Fifty-five Miles.—Pipiriki, a European village, with two large accommodation houses. The site also of a military camp after Moutoa battle. Steamers stop here for the night, whilst the coach road to Kaetihi branches off at this place. A mineral spring exists about a mile along the bank to the north, and a good drinking fountain has now been erected around it. Kilty-six Miles.—The Paparoa Rapids (upper and lower). Fifty-eight Miles.—The Autapu Rapid. Sixty-one Miles.—The Ngaporo Rapids. Sixty-three Miles.—The junction of the Manganui-a-te-ao River on the left bank. This is a line rushing stream which has its source among the snows of Ruapehu.

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Sixty-five Miles. —The Rurupopo Caves on the right bank. Sixty-nine Miles. —Tieke, a Maori settlement on the right bank. Sixty-six Miles. —Mangaeo, a former Maori pa on the top of the high river cliffs, only reached by means of a long ladder made of supplejacks and rata vine, which could be hauled up at a moment's notice. This mode of access rendered the occupants of the pa practically secure from any war parties passing along the river. Eighty-two Miles.—The confluence of the Whangamomona Stream on the right bank. Eighty-five Miles.—The Tangarakau River here flows into the Wanganui on the latter's right bank. The Tangarakau is navigable for a considerable distance up to Putikituna. Kighty-six Miles. -Puketapu (sacred hill), a small kainga on the bank. Along the banks can easily be seen the holes made by successive generations of canoeists, who place their poles into holes in the papa cliffs so as to push their canoes against the stream. Ninety-eight Miles. —Tarepokiore, where a landslip formerly occurred, and a whirlpool is frequently caused at high flood thereby. A Hundred Miles. —Kirikiriroa, a small Maori settlement on the left bank. In this localityis " Te Rerenga-o-ko-lnaki," or " The Leap of Inaki," a bluff on the right bank which resembles the stem of a warship, and from which a Maori named Inaki was supposed to have leapt into the river. A Hundred and Seven Miles.—Here the Retaruke River flows in on the east side. The Wanganui at this place is 2W) ft. above sea-level. A Hundred and Twelve Miles. —TaVhata, a Maori settlement on the left bank. A Hundred and Thirteen Miles. — Maraekowhai, a Maori settlement. A Hundred and Fourteen Miles. —The confluence of the Ohura River, where the " Houseboat is moored. There are two pretty falls on the Ohura not fai from its junction, and which are well worth a visit. A Hundred and Twenty-four Miles. —Paparoa Rapids, where a fine waterfall may be seen. A Hundred and Twenty-five Miles.—Whenuatere, a Maori settlement on left bank. A Hundred and Forty-three Miles.—Taumarutnii, a thriving Maori and European town, where the North Island Main Trunk Railway is reached. The Wanganui here is nearly 600 ft. above sea-level. The Ongaruhe River joins the Wanganui. the settlement being situated between the two streams.

Schedule of Lands recommended for Reservation, Wanganui River. (Vide Plans at end of Report.)

No. Name of Block. Tenure. Area. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Part Puketarata ., Kaiwhaiki Puketarata No. 2 No. 3 ., Puketarata No. 1, Ramahiku 1a, and Patupa „■ Paetawa and Paetawa No. 5 „ Te Kahakaha and Tauakira, and part Crown land ., Paetawa No. 4b .. „ Te Tuhi 4b Special Settlement „ No. 4 .. „ Tauakira, part of No. 2p and part No. 2q .. Native 9, Freehold Native ,, ,, ,, . . . . Crown ,, ,, Surveyed for reservation Ditto ,, Crown and Native.. Acres. 100 50 20 50 60 230 190 160 120 186 144£ 236 136 700 12 13 14 No. 2o .. „ No. 2n (?) Section 1, and part Section 2, Block III, Waipukura Survey District; Section 1, Block XV, Tauakira Survey District ; and part of part Tauakira No. 2 Part Te Tuhi Nos. 3b and 4 .. „ „ No. 1b .. 15 16 Crown Surveyed for reservation Ditto ,, .. ,, ,, . . - - i ,, . • * ■ ,, Native ,, ,, , . . . , 700 79 590 210 203 50 111 27 72 364 75 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 „ Ohotu No. 5 „ No. I „ No. 1 .. .. ,, Ahuahu A Ahuahu F No. 2 Part Ahuahu B „ Tawhitinui Block „ Ranana Block, and part Morikau No. 1 Block „ Tawhitinui Block

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Schedule of Lands recommended for Reservation, Wanganui River— continued.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing, including maps and illustrations, (2.000 copies), £ 79 15s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB Price Is. 6d.]

No. Name of Block. Tenure. Area. 26 Part Whakai-Huwaka B Block .. 27 - ,, and part of Whakaihuwaka Block 28 „ of Hautahi, parts Whaharangi Nos. 1 and 2.. 29 ., Whaharangi No. 2 and Kauaeopou Blocks 30 ., Te Automata Block (subdivision of Whaharangi Block) 31 „ Te Autumutu Block and part of Whakaihuwaka Block and Forest Reserve 32 Parts of Paehaka, Ngaporo, and Waimarino No. 3 Blocks .. 33 Forest reserve 34 Public domain 35 Part of Waimarino No. 5 Block No. 2 ,. .. .; " 36 Public domain 37 Part of Native Reserve B and part Waimarino No. 5 38 Parts of Blocks I, XIII, XVII, XVIII, Whirinaki Survey District, and part of public domain 39 Part Taumata-Mahoe No. 2b and part of public domain, and part of Tawata Native Reserve Id Parts of Blocks VI, VII, XI, X, XIII, XIV 11 Part of Taumata-Mahoe Block. No. 2n No. 1, and parts of Whitianga Nos. 1 and 2, and also part of Native land 42 Part of forest reserve Opatu Block, and part Native reserve 43 „ public domain.. 44 „ „ and Native Block 15 Nukunuku Block, Section 2, Block IV, Heao Survey District Hi Part of Native reserve 17 Crown land in Block XVI, Ohura Survey District 48 Part of Meremere F No. 1 Block 49 .. public domain 50 „ Meremere F No. 1, and part of Omaka E Block 51 » » .. No. 1 Block 52 ., Ohura South F No. 2 Block 53 „ Ohura South F No. 2, and part of Section 1, Block II, Piopiotea West Survey District 54 Part of Ohura South N, Section 2 (Pongahuru) Crown Crown and Native.. Native and freehold Native Acres. 50 1,435 320 130 85 1.72(1 Native and reserve Native Crown 1,050 1,397 500 [,060 Native and Crown Crown Native Crown 267 1,704 5,950 Native and Crown 2,660 Native Native and Crown 9,000 7,160 Crown and Native.. Crown Crown and Native.. Crown Native ■ .. Crown 2,673 1,300 650 720 310 460 417 304 90 75 70 90 ,, .. 4, Crown and Native. . Native Crown and Native.. Native 30 Total 46,530$

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Wanganui River Scenery.— Mangaeo, 66 Miles from Wanganui.

'/'.. face /i. in.]

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Wanganui River Scenery.— Maunga Puketea, 65 Miles from Wanganui.

To face p. 16.]

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Wanganui River Scenery.—Upper Reaches.

To fuce p. 1(1.]

[A. Martin, photo.

ll'. //. Partington, photo.

To face p. It:.]

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Wanganui River Scenery.— Upper Reaches.

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[J. Martin, photo.

Wanganui River Scenery.— Ngaporo, 61 Miles from Wanganui.

To face p. t6.]

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Wanganui River Scenery.—Upper Reaches.

[J. Martin, photo.

To face p. 16.]

(

Wanganui River Scenery.—Upper Reaches.

To face. p. 16.]

[A. Martin, photo.

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Scenic Reserves, Wanganui River.

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