DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1913; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1913 Session I, C-06

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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY: SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1913; TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly "pursuant to Section 17 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908. Sic, — Department of Lands, Wellington, 2nd June, 1913. [ have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1913. I have, &c, John Strauchon, The Hon. W. P. Massey, Under-Secretary for Lands. Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation.

EBPOET.

Reservations during Year. During the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1913, an area of 55,140 acres, in fifty-nine reserves, was set aside under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, for scenic, historic, and thermalsprings purposes. There had previously been reserved an area of 159,808 acres, but during the year the reservation over 3,386 acres was revoked, so that the net area reserved on the 31st March, 1913, was 211,562 acres, contained in 318 separate reservations. Included in the area reserved during the year was the beautiful Manga-o-Kewa Gorge, near Te Kuiti, a portion of which can be viewed from the Waiteti Viaduct on the Main Trunk line ; the Waikite Hot Springs, Ohinemutu, were also secured ; a portion of the ramparts and fortifications of the Rangiriri Pa were acquired ; the land around the celebrated Te Reinga Falls, near Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, was permanently reserved, and several patches of beautiful bush on the banks of the Waitotara River, in the Rangitatau Block, were set aside. Two patches of bush adjoining the Waimarino Rail-way-station, Main Trunk line, and an area of magnificent forest adjoining the railway-line close to the Kaitoke Railway-station, on the slopes of the Rimutaka Hills, were likewise set aside under the Act. The greatest area of reservation was recorded in the Nelson District, where 45,000 acres of hilly and mountainous forest country, chiefly on the banks of the Buller River, were proclaimed for scenic preservation. The maintenance of the banks of the Buller Gorge under forest covering is most important, so as to prevent denudation of soil from the surrounding country. In addition, two patches of bush adjoining the French Pass on D'Urville Island, and many other areas of forest-covered land in various parts of the Dominion, were acquired and preserved on account of their exceptional beauty. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. H. G. Ell, M.P., and several enthusiastic lovers of scenery around Christchurch, two more areas of land on the Port Hills were purchased and reserved for scenic purposes, the purchase-money being found by these gentlemen. The two areas are named respectively Coronation Hill and Hoon Hay Park, and from them magnificent views of the Lyttelton Harbour and surrounding country can be obtained. The control of this land has been handed over to the Summit Road Scenic Board, who were largely instrumental in securing these additional lands, and whose efforts to preserve the scenery in this locality have been of great assistance in this respect.

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As a result of negotiations with the owner of the land adjoining the Wairarapa Lake (Mr. Matthews), an area of 67J acres was acquired by way of exchange and reserved for scenic purposes. Most of the land that has been reserved during the year is Crown land of a rough and broken character, largely unfitted for farming operations. Expenditure. The gross expenditure during the year amounted to £17,351, but as £508 was recovered, the net expenditure was £16,842, as set forth in" the statement of accounts appearing in Appendix A. Every care has been taken to expend the funds of the scenery-preservation vote to the utmost advantage, and no land has been recommended for reservation until it has been carefully viewed and reported upon, and every precaution taken that the interests of settlement are not detrimentally affected, but that the land is well worthy of preservation on account of its picturesqueness, and calculated to remain a permanent asset to the scenic beaut)' of the Dominion.

Comparison of Expenditure.

The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903, consolidated in the Act of 1908, provided a total sum of £100,000 for the purposes of the Act. Each year a certain portion of this amount is appropriated by Parliament and authorized for expenditure. It will therefore be seen that a balance of £40,145 remains available for future appropriations under the Scenery Preservation Act. As already stated, an area of 211,501 acres is reserved under the Act. These lands require periodical inspection, eradication of noxious weeds, fencing, and otherwise attending to, and the annual cost of maintenance and administration is a constant charge upon the vote. Revocation of Reservation. On the north shore of Lake Rotorua the reservation has been removed from an area of 3,049 acres, chiefly covered with scrub, manuka, and forest. It was never intended that scenic reservations should cover areas of land suitable for farming and not of special value from a scenic point of view, and the removal of the reservation in question will largely help settlement in that part of the district. A small area around the beautiful Hamurana Springs has, however, been left intact. Protection op Reserves. Every care has been taken to guard the scenic reserves throughout the Dominion from fire and destruction by cattle or trespassers, Each year adds to the value of the scenic reserves, as through the destruction of the native forests for the needs of settlement, and through accidental fires, &c, the typical bush is disappearing with great rapidity. Visitors who have travelled through the Dominion have expressed their appreciation of the foresight of the Government in preserving such beautiful specimens of nature, and it is hoped that before long the remaining portions of our unique scenery may be permanently secured to the people of New Zealand. Value of Scenic Reservations. One aspect of the operations under the Act must not be overlooked, and that is their great value from an economical point of view ; the protection of the soil, the prevention of denudation on steep slopes and on the mountain-ranges, the conservation of the water-supply, and the good done to the country from a climatic point of view cannot be too much dwelt upon. The retention of most of the reserves is eminently desirable in order to maintain the water-supply in many districts in a satisfactory state, and as a large proportion of the reserves are situated on the banks of streams and rivers they act very materially in keeping open the channel and preventing its silting up through the deposit of soil from the surrounding country after a heavy rainfall. In some cases the value of a few hundred acres of native bush on the steep banks of rivers and streams may be set down at thousands of pounds, a typical instance being afforded at Taihape, where the steep banks of the Hautapu River and the

Year. Compensation for Land. Fencing and Maintenance. Surveys, Valuations, &c. Board's Expenses. Salaries. Total. 1904-5 .. 1905-6 .. 1906-7 .. 1907-8 .. 1908-9 .. 1909-10 .. 1910-11 .. 1911-12 .. 1912-13 .. £ 216 3,336 7,856 4,286 3,813 1,688 1,066 2,619 12,997 £ Nil 304 382 1,063 1,159 685 715 798 £ 52 527 801 555 540 2,603 1,643 2,237 2,697 £ 1,822 1,221 185 SO 24 Nil 11 22 6 £ * * 175 325 325 325 345 345 I £ 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,765 5,775 3,730 5,938 16,843 Grand ital . . 59,855 * Included in Board's expenses.

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Otaihape Stream are clothed in forest, which not only protect the streams in question and the surrounding country, but will undoubtedly attract to the town an increasingly large proportion of visitors each year. In this case alone the two or three hundred acres of bush, so long as it is kept intact, may be valued at £100,000 ; but should it be destroyed and the land denuded of forest covering, the damage done to the streams and the surrounding country would be very great indeed. It is hoped, therefore, that local bodies and settlers throughout the Dominion may realize more and more how advisable it is to maintain scenic reserves in suitable positions as much in a state of nature as possible, and future generations will undoubtedly bless their efforts in this direction. Scenery Preservation Board. Durirg the year the Scenery Preservation Board has held six meetings, all in Wellington, and has endeavoured to make recommendations on the matters submitted to it as far as possible in the joint interests of settlement and forest-preservation. Fencing. One of the questions that is becoming every day more pressing is the need of adequate fencing around many of the best scenic reserves, in order that, as the surrounding country becomes more and more settled, the stock of the settlers cannot inadvertently trespass upon and damage the reserves. Weeds. v The growth of noxious weeds has been kept down to a very satisfactory extent, and the Inspector of Scenic Reserves makes periodical visits to each district to ensure that the lands remain in a satisfactory condition. New Waterfall. During November, 1912, Mr. J. P. Larkin, Assistant Surveyor in the Department, visited a very fine waterfall the existence of which had been previously known but which had not hitherto been reached. It is known as the Rerepahupahu Fall, and is situated in the Ohura County (Waro Survey District), on the Waitaanga Stream. Its height is estimated to be 280 ft., the aneroid height of the bottom of the fall being 925 ft., and the river at top 1,225 ft.; the tops of the wall or cliff surrounding the fall is 1,525 ft. At the bottom of the fall is a lake about If acres in extent. The volume of water coming over the falls varies greatly according to the season of the year. At present the access to the fall is very difficult. General. In conclusion, it may be stated that officers of the Department, and Government officers generally, appear to take a keen and intelligent interest in the question of scenic preservation, and it is most satisfactory to relate that local bodies and settlers generally appear more and more disposed to co-operate with the Government so far as is practicable in this respect. Appendices. Attached to the report are the following appendices : — (A.) Schedule of reserves made during the year, accompanied by statement of accounts. (B.) (1.) Report of the Inspector of Scenic Reserves. (2.) Report of the Honorary Ranger, Pelorus Sound. (3.) Report of the Caretaker in Queen Charlotte Sound. (C.) (1.) Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. (2.) Report of the Kennedy's Bush Scenic Board. (3.) Report of the Summit Road Scenic Board.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1912-13 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and the Amendment Act, 1910.

S % Date of 3 a Local Name. Description. Area. Proclamation o≤ in Gazette. _ I _ Description. Auckland Land District. \W2 196 Manga-o-Kewa Gorge .. .. Parts Pukenui 2u and Rangitoto Tuhua .514 1 18 25 April. No. 64 Blocks, Otanake S.D. 264 Mangamuka Gorge .. .. Section 7, Block II, Mangamuka S.D. .. 70 0 0 i 25 „ 269 Arorangi Scenic Reserve .. Section 1, Block X, Awakino North S..D... 463 0 19 25 ,, 251 Ohiwarau Scenic Reserve .. Part Sections 183, 189. Block XI, Whaka- 50 3 8 8 Aug. tane S.D. 265 .. Section 4, Block XI, Tokatoka S.D. .. 74 3 10 22 „ 267 Waikite Hot Spring (Ohinemutu) Sections 6-10, Waikite, Block I, Tarawera.. 0 0 22-5 5 Sept. 180 Rangiriri Pa .. .. .. Part Section 154, Township of Rangiriri .. 0 1 20 21 Nov. 1913. * .. Section 1, Block XIV, Coromandel S.D. .. 1.14 2 6 20 Feb. 1,288 0 23-5 i 224 Hawke'e Bay Land District. 1Q13 224 I Te Reinga, Falls .. .. Parts Rimuroa and Mangapoike 2a No. 2 38 3 0 16 Mav. Blocks, Opoiti S.D. : 38 3 0 Taranaki Land District. i q i <> 291 I Paritawai Scenic Reserve .. Section 6, Block VI, Mahoe S.D. .. j 5 0 9 12 Sept. 292 ! Mapara Scenic Reserve .. Section 7, Block V, Totoro S.D. . . 15 0 0 12,, 293 j Arahui Seenic Reserve .. Section 6, Block X, Waro S.D. .. .. 16 3 0 12 „ 36 3 9 291 :>92 293 36 3 9 Wellington Land District. 1Q12 271 Rangitatau Scenic Reserve .. ] Section 10, Block I, Nukumaru S.D. .. 11 2 16 11 April. Section 15, Block 1, Nukumaru S.D. .. 17 1 24 11 Section 4, Block V, Nukumaru S.D. .. 36 3 0 11 „ Section 5, Block V, Nukumaru S.D. .. 14 0 0 11 Section 6, Block V, Nukumaru S.D. .. 18 3 24 11 „ Section 9, Block V, Nukumaru S.D. .. 98 0 0 11 „ 38 Waimarino Scenic Reserve .. Part Waimarino No. 4, Block IV, Manganui 128 1 02 25 S.D. 151 ! Upper Turakina Valley .. : Parts Sections 7 and 8, Block V, Tirirau- 17 1 35 25 July. kawa S.D. 256 Ruapirau Scenic Reserve .. Part Ohutu 3a, Block XI. Tauakira S.D... 102 1 21 29 Aug. * .. Section 166, Town of Makuri . . .. 10 1 13 5 Sept. 305 Waimarino Scenic Reserve .. Sections 7, 8, Block XVI, Kairoke S.D. .. 130 1 10 21 Nov. 156 Wairarapa Lake .. .. j Sections 1, 2, Block IX, Wairarapa S.D. .. j 67 2 23 21 „ 303 Puawai Scenic Reserve .. «f Section 26, Block VI, Hunua . . .. 25 3 35 5 Dec. * .. Section 2, Block X, Umutoi . . .. 106 2 33 5 „ 304 Pahiatua Hill .. .. Closed road in Block XI, Mangahao .. 0 1 30 12 „ 272 ■ Turakina River bank .. .. Part Section 13, Block XII, Mangawhero.. 1 0 28 12 1913. 273 i Kaitoko Scenic Reserve .. Part State forest in Blocks III, Rimu- 587 1 6 30 Jan. taka S.D., and XV. Akataiawa S.D. 1,374 2 20 271 38 151 256 * 305 156 303 * 304 272 273 i ' '.: Nelson Land District. * Marble Hill .. .. .. I Section 6, Block III, Lewis S.D. .. 408 0 0 23 May. * Hope and Buller River banks .. Reserve 1, Blocks II, III, VI, VII, IX, X, 5,000 0 0 13 June. Hope S.D. .. i Reserve 2, Blocks VI, VII, IX, X, XI, 4,200 0 0 13 , Hope S.D. * LakeRotoroa .. ... Reserve 3, Blocks II, VI, VII, X, XI, 5,100 0 0 13 „ Rotoroa S.D. * Previous Land Act reservation.

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APPENDIX A—continued. Reserves made in 1912-13 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, etc. — continued.

¥ II 3* Local Name. Description. Area. Date of Proclamatioi in Oazette. >*H Nelson Land District —continued. a b p 1912 a., jv. jr. villi. * Buller River banks .. .. Reserve 4, Blocks XIV, XV, XVI, Lyell; 7,300 0 0 13 June. Blocks I, II, Maruia S.D. .. Reserve 5, Block XIII, Lyell; and Block I, 500 0 0 ' 13 „ Maruia S.D. .. Reserve 6, Blocks XIV, XV, Lyell; 6,800 0 0 13 „ Blocks I, II, III, Maruia S.D.; and Block III, Inangahua S.D. .. Reserve 7, Blocks I, II, III, V, and VI, 4,300 0 0 13 „ Inangahua S.D. .. Reserve 8, Blocks III, IV, VII, VIII, 3,600 0 0 13 „ Ohika S.D. .. Reserve 9, Blocks III, IV, VII, VIII, 4,600 0 0 13 „ Ohika S.D. * Lake Rotoiti .. .. Reserve 11, Block XVI, Howard; Block 1,900 0 0 13 „ XIII, Motupiko ; Blocks IV, VIII, Arnaud ; Blocks I, V, Rotoiti .. Reserve 12, Block XIII, Motupiko; Blocks 1,700 0 0 13 „ I, V, Rotoiti S.D. 171 D'Urville Island .. .. Part Section 20, Block XVII, D'Urville S.D. 192 0 0 19 Dec. 1013 A. B. P. 7,300 0 0 1912. 13 June. 500 0 0 13 „ 6,800 0 0 13 „ 4,300 0 0 13 „ 3,600 0 0 13 „ 4,600 0 0 13 „ 1,900 0 0 13 „ 1,700 0 0 13 „ 171 171 LUIS. 171 „ . .. Section 21, Block XI, D'Urville S.D. .. 53 0 0 20 Feb. 192 0 0 53 0 0 19 Dec. 1913. 20 Feb. 45,653 0 0 45,653 0 0 Marlborough Land District. 1912 88 Mahau .. .. .. Section 6, Block II, Linkwater S.D. .. 131 0 0 16 May. „„. (Whenua-nui Scenic Reserve .. Section 13, Block XI, Linkwater S.D. .. 160 0 0 8 Aug. t Kaipupu Scenic Reserve .. Section 4, Block VIII, Linkwater S.D. .. 145 0 0 8 „ „„„ (Ronga Scenic Reserve .. Section 51, Block I, Wakamarina S.D. .. 42 0 0 8 ,, (Rai River bank .. . . Section 52, Block I, Wakamarina S.D. .. 12 0 0 8 „ 282 Blumine Island .. .. Section 1, Block XIV, Gore S.D. .. 113 0 0 8 „ 92 Otoromiro Scenic Reserve .. Sections 13, 14, Block XI, Orieri S.D. .. 39 0 0 17 Oct. 86 .. Sections 22, 23, 24, 29, Block IX, Waka- 372 2 0 17 „ marina S.D. 284 Hundalee Scenic Reserve .. Section 2 of Native Reserve K and Native 15 1 11 28 Nov. Reserve J, Block XV, Hundalee S.D. 1,029 3 11 88 281 131 0 0 160 0 0 145 0 0 42 0 0 12 0 0 113 0 0 39 0 0 372 2 0 1912. 16 May. 8 Aug. 8 „ 8 „ 8 „ 8 „ 17 Oct. 17 „ 283 282 92 86 284 15 1 11 1,029 3 11 28 Nov. Westland Land District. 1913 1913. 6 Feb. *j .. Section 638, Block XIII, Hohonu S.D. ..I 1,347 0 0 6 Feb. 1,347 0 0 Canterbury Land District. 1Q12 210 1 Peel Forest .. .. .. Sections 1414, 1415, Block II, Orari S.D... 40 0 0 2 May. 310 Coronation Hill .. .. Reserve 3900, Block III, Halswell S.D. .. 8 1 31 28 Nov. 311 Hoon Hay Park .. .. Reserve 3901, Block III, Halswell S.D. .. 41 1 13 28 „ 89 3 4 210 310 311 40 0 0 8 1 31 41 1 13 1912. 2 May. 28 Nov. 28 „ 89 3 4 262 166 Otago Land District. jgj2 262 Roslyn Scenic Reserve .. Part Sections 121, 122, Waikari; Allot- 9 3 33 22 Aug. ments 39-43 and part 38, Township of Rutherglen (Borough of Roslyn) 166 i Leith Valley, Dunedin .. Part Sections 1, 3, 11, 33, 34, Block VIII, 18 1 2 22 „ . North-east Harbour; part Section 74, Block XI, Blueskin S.D.; and Allotment 2, Block V, Township of Dalmore 252 Taieri River bank .. .. Lots 29a, 29b, Block A, Taieri Native 39 3 8 5 Sept. Reserve, Otokia S.D. 274 Evansdale Glen .. .. Section 96, Block I, Waikouaiti S.D. .. 12 3 0 19 „ 1Q1Q 9 3 33 18 1 2 1912. 22 Aug. 22 „ 39 3 8 5 Sept. 252 274 12 3 0 19 „ 1913. 6 Feb. 1913. 106 Waipori Falls Scenic Reserve .. Sections 54, 55, Block XV, Maungatua; 1,262 0 0 6 Feb. Section 7, Block X, Waipori S.D. 1,342 3 3 106 1,262 0 0 1,342 3 3 Southland Land District. 1912 286 I Ouruwera Scenic Reserve .. Section 4, Block XII, Longwood S.D. ... 122 0 0 i 8 Aug. * ! Rakiahua Scenic Reserve, Stewart Section 1, Block IV ; Sections 1, 2, Block V ; 2,800 0 0 ' 5 Sept. Island all Block VI; Section 1, Block VII; ] Mason S.D. 232 Clifden Scenic Reserve .. Lot 1, Section l,|Block I, Lilbnrn S.D. .. 17 0 30 12 2,939 0 30 * Previous Land Art reservation.

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Summary of Reserves. Land District. Number. A Are *' p Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 8 1,288 0 23-5 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. .. 1 38 .3 0 Taranaki .. .. .. .. ..3 36 3 9 Wellington .. .. .. .. ..12 1,374 2 20 Nelson .. .. .. .. ..14 45,653 0 0 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. 9 1,029 3 11 Westland 1 1,347 0 0 Canterbury .. .. .. .. ..3 89 3 4 Otago .. .. .. .. .. 5 1,342 3 3 Southland .. .. .. .. .. 3 2,939 0 30 Totals, 1912-13.. .. .. 59 55,139 3 20-5 Reserved up to 31st March, 1912 .. ..262 159,808 2 35 321 214,948 2 155 Less reservations revoked (as under) .. .. 3 3,386 038 Grand totals .. .. ..318 211,562 1 17-5

Revocation of Reservation.

Statement of Accounts showing the Amounts expended, and the Purposes to which the Money so expended has been applied, for the Year ended 31st March, 1913.

u S c Locality. 3.2 &• aDescription. i Area. Date of Gazette. A. k. p. 16 1 22 1912. 18 April. 272 Turakina River bank .. 272 Turakina River bank . . t>6&67j Rotorua Lake, north shore 19 f Pongaroa Scenic Reserve 246 Islands in Hauraki Gulf .. , Part Section 5, Pukeroa Village, Block XII, Mangawhero Part Section 9, Block IX, Hunua S.D. .. Part Section 7, Pukeroa Village, Block XII, Mangawhero . . Section 8, Block XII, Rotorua S.D.; Block V, Rotoiti S.D. . . ! Part Sections 1, Block XII, and 3, Block XIII, Pongaroa Town Motu Oruhe and four other islands 6 0 0 0 3 28 3,049 0 27 23 May. 12 Deo. 21 Nov. 0 0 25 12 Deo. 310 0 0 12 „ 1913. 16 Jan. * Part Section 2, Block X, Umutoi S.D. .. 3 2 16 3,386 0 38 * Land Act reservation.

Reference to Appropriations. Particulars. Gross Expenditure. Recoveries. Net Expenditure. 'ote 122. Item 1 ,, 2 „ 3 „ 5 £ s. d. Salaries .. .. .. .. 345 0 0 Administration of reserves and historic spots 825 5 4 Compensation, &c, in connection with lands ; 742 16 9 taken under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908 Compensation for Native lands taken for 10,015 4 7 scenery purposes Expenses of Board .. .. .. 6 4 0 For payment to Land for Settlements ; 2,710 2 6 Account for capital value of reserves, I Tripp Settlement Survey, valuations, and incidental expenses | 2,706 18 5 £ 471 s. 1 d. 9 £ s. d. 345 0 0 825 5 4 742 16 9 9,544 2 10 „ 6 „ 7 6 4 0 2,710 2 6 ». 9 9 ' 6 0 2,697 12 5 Credits in reduction previous year's ex- ' £17,351 11 7 28 i 4 9 16,871 3 10 £508 12 6 £16,842 19 1 Note. —£11 14s. 3d. was received by way of rents for period under review.

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Cost of Administration of Reserves and Historic Spots under the Scenery Preservation Act. Particulars. fiT^d. Advertising reserves about to be taken for scenery purposes .. 50 10 9 Fencing reserves .. ' .. .. .. .. .. 493 1 3 Eradication of noxious weeds .. .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 Salaries and expenses of caretakers .. .. .. .. 131 13 4 £825 5 4 Compensation, &c, in connection with Lands taken under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908. Amount of Name of Reserve taken. Compensation paid. £ s. d. Diamond Lake, head of Lake Wakatipu .. . . .. 57 2 6 Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin . . .. .. . . .. 265 10 3 Mangamuku Gorge . . . . .. . . . . . . 200 0 0 Maungakaretu, near Turangarere .. . . . . . . 79 0 0 Mangaotaki .. .. .. ~ .. .. .. 121 4 0 Sections 7 and 8, Block V, Tiriraukawa . . .. .. . . 20 0 0 £742 16 9 Compensation for Native Lands taken for Scenery Purposes. Amount of Name of Reserve taken. Compensation paid. £ s. d. Atene (part only), Wanganui River .. .. .. .. 5 0 6 Kahura, Wanganui River .. .. .. .. .. 136 18 1 Mohunu, Wanganui River .. .. .. .. .. 34 19 4 Dannevirke (Tahoraite No. 2 Block) .. .. .. .. 717 10 0 Maungakaretu, near Turangarere .. . . .. .. 879 14 4 Ruakuri Caves .. .. .. . . . . ... 137 2 1 Waharangi (Pipiriki-Raetihi Road) .. .. .. ..2,618 13 10 Paetawa, Wanganui River .. .. .. .. .. 32 9 1 Te Tuhi, Wanganui River . . .. .. .. .. 37 4 9 Rangiwaea (near Karioi) .. .. .. .. .. 199 0 0 Haumoana .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 148 2 2 Waitomo Bush, opposite caves .. .. .. .. .. 136 0 0 Hangatiki, between caves and station . . .. .. . . 223 6 2 Whakaihuwaka, Wanganui River .. .. .. .. 957 0 0 Te Reinga Falls, near Wairoa, Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 75 0 0 Whakapapa Gorge, North Island Main Trunk Railway .. .. 34 5 0 Tongoio Falls, near Napier .. .. .. .. . . 1 211 Mangaokewa Gorge, Te Kuiti .. ..... .. .. 792 511 Mamaku, near Rotorua .. . . .. . . .. 1,949 210 Hongi's Track, Lake Rotoiti .. .. .. .. .. 150 19 2 Rotoma, at Lake Rotoma . . . . . . 40 0 2 Taieri River bank .. .. .. .. . . .. 68 6 6 Waikite Hot Springs, Ohinemutu . . . . . . . . 170 0 0 £9,544 2 10 Cost of Surveys, <&c, under the Scenery Preservation Act. n Amount. Reserve*. « A Dannevirke .. . . . . . . ... 18 710 Mokau River bank .. . . . . . . .. .. 692 17 3 D'Urville Island .. .. .. .. .. .. 47 10 0 Maungakaretu .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 10 4 Wanganui River bank .. .. .. .. .. 596 0 4 Papaitonga Lake, Levin .. .. .. .. .. 484 Kawhia Harbour reserves . . . . . . .. . . 307 0 0 Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin .. .. .. .. .. 6110 NgapaerurUj near Dannevirke . . . . . . .. .. 18 7 10 Kaitoke, alongside railway .. .. .. .. .. 60 18 0 McLennan's River . . . . . . .. . . . . 87 3 8 Ohura .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 45 15 0 Table Hills 64 9 8 Clifton .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 876 Tainui .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 2 3 Travelling, legal, and incidental expenses . . .. . . 718 3 5 £2,697 12 5

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APPENDIX B. Report by the Inspector of Scenic Reserves. Dubing April and the earlier part of May of the last year I was engaged in Southland in inspections of gazetted scenic reserves and proposed acquisitions of land for scenic purposes. In June I made a visit to the Motu district to inspect the forest that the Department had been urged to buy for scenic purposes along the Gisborne-Opotiki Railway. In August I inspected the forests in the vicinity of the lakes near Rotorua, and made proposals for the acquisition of the Native lands along the lakeshores, and the opening-up of some of the Crown forest reserves to pay for the former. In December 1 was principally engaged in the inspection of assisted plantations that had been done on sand-dunes on the west coast of the Auckland Province. I also inspected other dunes at Waiuku, Kawhia, Levin, and Rangitikei. I had to make several visits to the Mokau River and Wanganui River in connection with lands that were being surveyed for scenery-preservation by Messrs. Larkin, Sladden, Bogle, Wall, and Richmond. All the surveys of lands proposed to be acquired on the Mokau are now completed, but there are some sixteen miles more of the frontage of Native lands on the Wanganui to be surveyed. I inspected and reported on the State forest reserves at Rangiwahia, Ohau, and Wainui, besides in the intervals inspecting numerous other smaller reserves and proposed reserves and forests in both the North and South Islands. In February I was appointed Secretary to the Royal Forestry Commission, and since then have been entirely engaged with the duties of that position. Condition of Reserves. —As pointed out above, during the past year I have been almost entirely occupied with inspections of new country, but those established reserves that I did inspect were, with one or two exceptions, in very good condition. Noxious Weeds. —ln some districts where noxious weeds are prevalent they have spread on to our reserves, and though the adjoining settlers may have their own lands badly infested with weeds they are very impatient when weeds are seen on the Crown reserves. For this reason, and also for the reason that negligence to regularly attend to weeds generally leads to their getting entirely beyond control, it is most necessary that they should be regularly cut down. Damage by Stock. —All people who make any study of forest-preservation are unanimous in the opinion that it is absolutely essential to exclude all herbivorous animals from the forests. Not only are there many plants that they soon eat out, but by breaking down the undergrowth and opening up tracks they let in light (which enables noxious weeds to get established) and wind (which, by its drying effect, increases the risk of fire). Stock also carry about seeds of noxious weeds in their dung or in their hoofs. Furthermore, if the seedlings in our native forests are going to be eaten by trespassing stock, what will there be to replace the big trees that in most cases are on the decline ? The above opinions I have expressed in previous reports, but they are of such importance that their reiteration must be a part of any essay on forest-preservation. Fires. —As far as my inspections went I did not see evidence of much additional damage to the reserves by fires. Any observant person who travels much through New Zealand cannot fail to notice how recklessly people burn off the natural covering of the land in places where it should never be interfered with. In the mountains of the South Island one sees steep slopes, formerly carrying a dense growth of tussock, fast being converted through the agency of fire into shifting shingle-slopes. In the North Island one sees the sides of deep gorges and steep hillsides (once carrying a vigorous crop of tutu, manuka, or fern, which used to retard the " run-off " of the water) being recklessly burnt off, and rapid denudation taking place. Is it not time that we should adopt some severe measures to stop this blind and stupid destruction ? In the United States and Canada quite numerous staffs of firewardens are kept, and their wages are said to have been paid many times over by the property they have saved from fire. In his last annual report the Director of Dominion Parks, Canada, states that since the railway companies have been forced to use spark-arresters on the trains there has been a very marked diminution in the number of prairie and forest fires. Native Birds. —All that I have to report with regard to our native birds is that I liberated on Kapiti Island sanctuary three night-parrots (kakapo) and five kiwis from the South Island. The birds were in good heart when let go, and should succeed on the island. It is hoped later on to put on this island some more specimens of our rarer birds. Botanical. —I had little opportunity of botanical work this year, so all I have to record is the discovery of some plants in new habitats. Teucridium ■parvifolium, Microlcena polynodum (a bamboolike grass), and Veronica jiarviflora were found in Whisker's Bush at Feilding. The diminutive plant Drosera pygmma I found at Waiouru. As this plant had previously been found only at the northern and southern ends of the Dominion, its discovery in the middle is of considerable interest. Olearia furfuracea (a daisy-tree) was found near Pipiriki, and Paratrophis hetewphylla (a rubber-producing tree) at the Hokonui Hills. General Observations. —l have now inspected most of the reserves in the Dominion, and, speaking generally, I can say they are in very good condition. In one of my previous reports I advised that at railway-stations, river-landings, and wharves notices should be erected warning people of the penalty they incurred if they made fires in scenic or forest reserves. Some of the reserves that have been made on the highest slopes of ranges are' valuable more particularly as climatic reserves ; they are generally of large area, and in consequence are often looked upon with disfavour by the pioneer settler, as he has seldom an appreciation of their purpose. Were these reserves also called climatic reserves he would understand they had a definite and very important utilitarian object, and would in consequence be quite reconciled to their existence. As the lands in the vicinity of the lakes in the Rotorua district are being fast taken up by European settlers, it seems important that the forests fringing the shores of these important lakes should be

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acquired for preservation. As there is a large area of forest reserve in the district which is serving no useful purpose, it would be advisable to throw open the reserve for settlement, and with the moneys thus obtained purchase the forested margins of the lakes. This could be done without monetary loss. Another matter of importance is the extension of the boundaries of the Tongariro National Park in accordance with the rough scheme proposed in the joint report of Dr. Cockayne, F.R.S., and myself. It is probable that if this park were made more conveniently accessible to tourists it would prove one of the greatest attractions in the Dominion. There are in the accessible parts of the world few active volcanoes that can be inspected with such ease and safety as Ngauruhoe. I am afraid that in the North Island, where native bush is still plentiful, scenic reserves are looked upon by the country residents with disfavour ; but the bush on private and Native lands is every year rapidly diminishing ; and I think it may safely be concluded that in quite a few years the children of the present objectors will be strong appreciators of the beneficent foresight of those who conserved for their use and enjoyment specimens of forests which are beautiful and unique. Then they will grudge the comparatively few acres that these reserves occupy no more than the average city man grudges the areas that are taken up by the city parks and gardens. E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves.

Report of the Honorary Ranger for Pelorus Sound. Having just returned from five days' tour, on foot, of scenic reserves, I am glad to say that since my report three months ago regarding fires adjacent to Mrs. Campbell's place near Tuna Bay, Tennyson Inlet, no further injury has been done there ; and, as regards all the scenic reserves throughout the various branches of the Pelorus, extremely little injury through fire during this very dry summer has been done. lam also glad to find that there now generally is a growing conviction amongst the Pelorus Sounds settlers that the scenic reserves are in reality adding to the value of their holdings, and there is evidence that greater care than formerly is now being taken to prevent fires from getting into them. I may also say that nearly the whole of the Sounds County settlers are now in favour of the preservation of the Upper Tennyson Inlet as a national reserve ; and, considering its value as such compared with its small value for any productive purposes, I would beg to urge that the whole of the unalienated hills and bush left on this inlet should be at once permanently reserved. Tennyson Inlet, I may add, is one of the scenic assets of New Zealand, and from its value as a flora and fauna reserve, as well as its accessibility and the delightful interests that are attached to it, it is worthy of the nation's care. I may also state that during my recent tour I have very respectfully urged upon a number of people the need of care as regards fires damaging what is left of bush on the one-chain reserves along margin of sea-shore of the Sounds, and, to some extent, I am being rewarded by promises from settlers as regards this. It sometimes happens that the freehold runs right down to the water, and in these cases one can only hope that the good taste and love of the beautiful in the freeholder will overcome the utilitarian side of his nature, and the beautiful fringe of native bush be preserved from destruction. F. Ward, Honorary Ranger.

Report on Scenic Reserves, Queen Charlotte Sound. During the year just closed matters in connection with the above-named reserves have remained much as in former years, and with the exception of the erection of a substantial monument to the memory of Captain Cook, at Ship Cove, and the building of sanitary conveniences and a fireplace at Kumutoto Bay, development has remained at a standstill. Visitors frequently complain of the density of the bush and the difficulty of getting about to the numerous beauty-spots, and suggest that rough bush-tracks be opened out on the principal reserves. Campers during the season just passed have been exceptionally few, though visitors have kept well up to the average ; both these sections of the community, on the whole, show a great admiration for and a keen desire to protect the reserves, though a few unprincipled vandals appear to take a delight in committing all the damage they can safely do. lam convinced that should the existing supervision be removed the damage done would be much greater than at present. Two additional reserves have been added to the number in Queen Charlotte Sound —viz., Kaipupu, within two miles of Picton, and Whenua-nui, about four miles ; both contain many beauty-spots, and through their proximity to town should prove a great attraction to visitors. Owing to the abnormally dry season, bush-fires were very prevalent, but I am pleased to be able to report that all the reserves escaped this scourge, with the exception of the Kumutoto, a bush-fire from Blackwood Bay spreading into this and destroying about 5 acres of bush. Kumutoto Reserve. —This reserve now takes premier place as a resort for campers and visitors, large numbers visiting it in the course of the season. During the year sanitary conveniences and a substantial brick fireplace were erected, and gave great satisfaction to all visitors. Bathing is a great attraction here, and I would suggest that a dressing-shed for ladies be built at an early date; it need not be either an expensive or elaborate affair, and would be a great comfort to the bathers. On the 15th February a fire spread from a holding in Blackwood Bay over the ridge into this reserve, destroying about 5 acres of bush on the hill-top. The matter was duly reported to the Department to be dealt with.

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Ship Cove. —During the past year a handsome and substantial monument to the memory of Captain Cook was erected here. The unveiling ceremony took place on the 11th February, and was a great and brilliant success, an estimated gathering of some two thousand visitors being present. On the 10th June and 14th September, 1912, wild-pig hunts were carried out with the assistance of adjoining settlers, the idea being to drive out the pigs breeding there, and so relieve the settlers of the depredations caused by them. On both occasions the weather was unfavourable, the results being practically nil; since when no complaints have been made in regard to the wild pigs. Bushfelling. —ln only one instance was bush felled in conjunction with a reserve. This was in connection with Edgecombe Point. The work of firing the bush was successfully carried out on the 4th February, hardly a tree on the reserve being scorched. All the reserves are more or less run through by sheep and cattle. It is with much pleasure I can report that the native pigeon this season is fairly numerous on all the reserves, being particularly so at Ship Cove. Harvey Turner, Caretaker.

APPENDIX C. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. During the twelve months ended the 31st March, 1913, the following meetings of the Board were held : At Wellington, on the 7th May, 1912, to deal with Marlborough lands ; at Wellington, on the 26th June, 1912, to deal with Southland lands ; at Wellington, on the 22nd July, 1912, to deal with Taranaki lands; at Wellington, on the 23rd August, 1912, to deal with Auckland lands ; at Wellington, on the 12th September, 1912, to deal with Wellington lands ; at Wellington, on the 26th September, 1912, to deal with Canterbury lands. The Board submitted thirty-one recommendations to His Excellency the Governor, and a large number have already been given effect to, while the remainder are under consideration. In all cases the Board has exercised the greatest care and discrimination in not recommending for reservation areas of land suitable for close settlement, and has endeavoured to confine its recommendations to country of a picturesque appearance but almost entirely unfitted for settlement. The preservation of most of the land recommended for scenic reservation in a state of nature will undoubtedly be to the benefit of the surrounding country, as it will tend to the check or prevention of floods in the locality, and preserve the soil on the numerous high ridges, ranges, and deep gullies which form such a large portion of the reserves. Only where land is situated close to large centres of population and the residents strongly desire its reservation for the benefit of the town, or where the bush is of exceptional beauty, is flat land or farming-land ever recommended, and then only in small areas. The interests of settlement are in every case rigidly respected and safeguarded, and most careful and detailed inspections are made of every area before its reservation is recommended. I took the opportunity, when carrying out departmental inspections, to visit and inspect scenic areas adjacent to my route of travel. James Mackenzie, Chairman, Scenery Preservation Board.

Kennedy's Bush Scenic Board. The only work done during the year has been the cleaning of the springs in the reserve, strengthening of fencing, and clearing of the planted enclosure from the mat of grass, twitch, and weeds that was checking the growth of the tea-trees, koromiko, &c. Since the area has been fenced in and cattle excluded the bush is recovering vigorously. The cocksfoot last season was harvested by the roadmen who had been working on the new track to Cooper's Knob, at 2|d. a pound, which resulted in a profit to the Board of £5 Bs. sd. Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1913. Receipts. £ s. d. | Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from last year .. .. .. 010 7j A. Small, grass-seed .. .. 28 10 0 Grass-seed, 1912.. .. .. .... 52 13 2 Wages and expenses .. .. .. 20 9 6 Lithos, Summit Road .. . . .. 6 16 6 Balance in hand .. .. 16 8 8 Grass-seed, 1913.. .. .. .. 5 8 5; £65 8 2 £65 8 2 C. R. Pollen, Chairman. Summit Road Scenic Board. No work has been carried out during the year on the reserves under the control of the Board, but arrangements have been made for the fencing of the Hoon Hay Park Reserve. When fenced, a revenue will be derivable, which will be be devoted to planting and other desirable improvements of parts of the reserves. These works will be definitely decided upon when it is known what amount of revenue will be obtained. C. R. Pollen, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,5011 copies), £9.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l3. Price 6d.]

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Unveiling of Captain Cook Monument, Ship Cove, Marlborough Sounds, 11th February, 1913.

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B. C. Aston, photo.

Waihi Waterfall, near Weber.

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Rerepahupahu Waterfall, near Ohura, Taranaki.

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Rerepahupahu Waterfall, near Ohura, Taranaki.

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Plan of Horahora-kakahu Pa (Horikaka) Port Underwood Block XVI, Arapawa S. D.