DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1927, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1927 Session I, C-06

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1927. NE W ZEALAN 1).

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1927, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 17 of the, Scenery Preservation Act, 1908.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 30th June, 1927. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1927. I have, &c., J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

RE PORT. Legislation. The Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1926, contains several provisions which it is hoped will considerably improve the working of the principal Act. Under the amendment the Minister may authorize the taking or killing, as may be found necessary, of animals within scenic reserves, subject to certain stringent provisions. Tt will now be possible to grant permits on suitable conditions for the destruction of wild pigs, deer, &c., in cases where scenic reserves are being damaged by the depredations of such animals. Provision is made for the issue of licenses (including tramway licenses) to occupy portions of scenic reserves for short terms, and it is enacted that any land set apart under any Act for scenic purposes or for the preservation of native flora and fauna may be declared to be a reserve under the Scenery Preservation Act. Power is also conferred on local authorities to contribute towards the cost of acquisition of scenic reserves, and towards the improvement and maintenance of same. Section 26 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926, makes provision for the transfer of control of certain of the Summit Road scenic reserves from the Summit Road Scenic Reserves Board to the Board of Trustees of the Port Hills - Akaroa Summit Road Public Trust (Incorporated). Arrangements had been made locally that the control of some of the reserves should be transferred to the Trust, and the Scenic Reserves Board had agreed to the proposals. The legislation provides the requisite machinery for the change of control, and confers the necessary powers to enable the new body to carry out its programme of development in the public interests.

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Reservations during Year. The total area of reservations made during the year was some 2,354 acres. In the North Auckland Land District the area of 652 acres 2 roods on the Waitakerei Ranges, the purchase of which was completed during the previous twelve months, was formally proclaimed during the year, and control vested in the Auckland City Council in accordance with the provisions of section 12 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1925. The reservation was also completed of the Waro limestone-rocks area referred to in the last report. Arrangements will shortly be made for the appointment of a local Scenic Board to control the reserve. Other reservations in North Auckland included those of some 359 acres of the Manga,muka West Block No. 3d, and of an area of 79 acres in Waipu Parish. The former comprises part of a chain of reserves it is hoped to establish on the route of the Mangamuka - Victoria Valley Road, while the latter includes an exceptionally fine limestone gorge along the Pohenui Stream. This gorge is richly forested, and, as Waipu can now be reached by a splendid road, the reservation that has been made should be greatly appreciated by all lovers of scenic beauty. In the Auckland District an area of beautiful bush on the main Te Awamutu - Kawhia Road was acquired and reserved under the Act, while an addition was also made to the Mamaku Reserves. An area of 25 acres of Native land in the Omaio Block, Gisborne District, was taken for scenic purposes during the year. The land is a narrow strip along the main road at Whitianga Bay, and contains some splendid bush. Some interesting reservations were made in the Taranaki District. Section-167, Oakura district (known as Te Koru Pa) was proclaimed Crown land under the special provisions made in section 23 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1926, and thereupon became a scenic and historic reserve within the meaning of the Scenery Preservation Act. This area was a gift to the Crown from the Native owners, and control has been vested in the New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board, which body already has supervision over many historic spots in Taranaki. The pa, which was at one time the headquarters of the Ngamahanga Hapu of the Taranaki Tribe, is situated in a horseshoe bend of the Oakura River, and, apart from its historic interest, has long been held in high regard as a favourite picnicking-ground. It forms one of the very few remaining examples of apa with stonefaced glacis or parapets surrounding the tiki or citadel. The narrow neck connecting the pa with the mainland was in the old days defended by a very deep trench backed by three terraces, all of which were faced with stone to a height of 15 ft. in places. Another valuable reservation was of some 472 acres on the main Taumarunui-Ohura Road. The land is all forest-clad, and the greater part of the bush is visible from the Main Trunk line in the vicinity of Okahukura. It is stated that there is no other similar area of bush between Taumarunui and Ohura on the main road, and the reservation should therefore be greatly appreciated. In the Marlborough District an area of 5 acres of virgin bush on Ohoka Island, in the Sounds district, was reserved, while a small area was added to the Pelorus Bridge Reserve. An area of 291 acres adjoining the Ururakau Scenic Reserve, near Nelson, was reserved, and added to the area already controlled by the City Council as a special Scenic Board. The acquisition of the Sugarloaf Reserve of 272 acres on the Port Hills was completed during the year, and control vested in the Summit Road Scenic Reserves Board. This reserve, the purchase of which was rendered possible mainly through the generosity of Messrs. J. J. Thomson and W. G. Jamieson, who each donated £500, and to the efforts of Mr. H. G. Ell, who initiated the proposal many years ago, will form a splendid addition to the magnificent chain of reserves on the Port Hills. A subsidy has been provided by Government towards the fencing of the land. The total number of scenic reservations in the Dominion now stands at 777, covering an area of over 453,000 acres. Revocation of Reservations. The reservation over the whole or parts of certain reserves was revoked during the year for various reasons. Of the cases dealt with the most important were those of the Peel Forest Reserve, Canterbury, and an area of 1,970 acres of the Rainbow Mountain Reserve, Auckland District. In the former case the reservation under the Scenery Preservation Act was cancelled by the Peel Forest Act, 1926, which set the land apart as the Peel Forest Park, and provided for its management by a special Board. In the latter case the reservation for scenic purposes over the greater part of the Rainbow Mountain Reserve was cancelled by section sof the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. The area in question had been for many years included within the boundaries of the Waiotapu Plantation, and had been completely planted over. It was not of any particular scenic interest, and under the circumstances it was deemed expedient to permanently set it apart for State Forest purposes. An area of 60 acres of the Waiotapu Scenic Reserve extension was also set apart as a State forest under somewhat similar circumstances. In this case the area in question had been regularly burnt over and maintained as a fire-control zone in order to safeguard the Waiotapu Plantation. It contained only a small portion of hot ground with a few boiling mudholes not of sufficient interest to be retained for scenic purposes, and having regard to its value for fire protection it was considered advisable to permanently reserve it for State-forest purposes. This matter was dealt with under section 6of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. A small portion of the Lake lanthe Scenic Reserve, Westland, was set apart as a resting-place for travelling stock under section 24 of the same Act. The area so withdrawn from scenic reservation does not adjoin the lake itself, but is suitable for a stock reserve, which is very necessary in that locality. The other cases dealt with mostly concerned small areas where the bush had been destroyed, and nothing was to be gained by holding the land under reservation.

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Supervision and Inspection or Reserves. During the year special Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : the Birkenhead Borough Council to control the Birkenhead Reserve ; Northcote Borough Council for the Northcote Reserve ; Raetihi Borough Council for the Raetihi Reserves ; Rangitikei County Council for the Rangiwaea and Silverhope Reserves ; Rangataua Town Board for the Mangaehuehu Reserve ; Hutt County Council for the Silverstream Reserve; Nelson City Council for the Ururakau Reserve ; Dunedin City Council for the Evansdale Glen Reserve ; Edendale Town Board for the Edendale Reserves ; Southland Electric-power Board for the Lake Monowai Reserve ; and the Ruapekapeka Pa, Kirk's Bush, Pukaahu Hot Springs, Pukeamaru Range, Pelorus Bridge, Mount Balloon Hut, Haehae-te-Moana, and Papatowai Scenic Boards to control their respective reserves. Four warrants were issued, placing additional areas under the control of the New Plymouth, Pelorus Bridge, and Summit Road Scenic Reserves Boards, and vacancies in the membership of various Boards were filled as required. Appointments of honorary Inspectors were made as follows: Mr. C. S. Andrews, for the Ngougotaha Mountain Reserve ; Mr. H. Cole, for the Awa-te-Take Pa Reserve ; Mr. R. W. J. Davies, for various Taranaki reserves ; Messrs. F. P. Archer, P. E. Mills, C. H. Mills, A. W. Nisbet, and H. C. Christian, for the Tennyson Inlet and other reserves ; and Messrs. J. S. Winstan'ley and J. A. Perano, for the Queen Charlotte Sound Reserves. The system of vesting control of scenic reserves in local authorities or special Boards constituted under the Scenery Preservation Act has been continued during the year, and is giving very good results, as is also the appointment of honorary Inspectors for the purpose of safeguarding reserves and reporting acts of trespass, &c. The Department is pleased to accept the help and co-operation of all who have the interests of scenery-preservation at heart, and the appointment of Inspectors and of local Boards of control affords enthusiasts an opportunity of performing useful service of considerable value to the public and the State. It is recognized that in the great majority of cases the welfare of our scenic reserves rests almost wholly with the public, and on this account the growing appreciation of the beauty and value of our Native flora and fauna that is to be noted throughout the Dominion is greatly to be welcomed. As much supervision of reserves as possible has been carried out by departmental officers during the year, and officers of the State Forest Service have also afforded valuable assistance. The members of the Scenery Preservation Board carried out an inspection of various reserves in the Marlborough Sounds, and, in addition, the Chairman and Mr. B. M. Wilson looked into various matters of scenic interest in the Nelson and Westland Districts. General. Statements of accounts and balance-sheet are attached hereto. No attempt has been made to show the real value of the national asset as represented by our scenic reserves, as it is manifestly impossible to assess the monetary value of all the beauties and wonders of Nature with which the Dominion is so richly endowed. Appendices. Attached to this report are the following appendices A. Schedule of Reserves made and Reservations revoked during the Year, accompanied by Statement of Expenditure. B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. C. Report of the New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. D. Kapiti Island. E. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. F. Summit Road Scenic Reserves.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1926-27 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

— - S'-p IP Local Name. Description. Area. i p^mation. W s c I I North Auckland Land District. A. ». P. 572 Victoria Valley .. .. Portion of Mangamuka West Block No. 30, 359 0 0 24/3/26 Block IX, Maungataniwha S.D. 571 Waitakerei .. .. .. Lot 2 of Allotment 8, Waitakerei Parish .. 652 2 0 9/6/26 Waro Limestone Rocks .. Part Allotments M. 41 and N.M. 41, Hiku- 19 2 39-7 30/8/26 rangi Parish 599 Pohenui Gorge .. .. Part Allotments 219, 244, and 355, Waipu 79 0 7 6/1/27 Parish Auckland Land District. 526 Te Rau-a-Moa ., .. Part Section 4, Block X, Pirongia S.D. 37 0 10 9/6/26 552 Mamaku .. .. .. j Whaiti-Kuranui No. Iby No. 2o No. 1 135 0 38 29/1/27 Block Oisborne Land District. 556 j Omaio .. .. ... Part No. 43, Omaio Block, Block V, Hapara- 25 0 0 23/3/27 | para S.D. j Tarandki Land District. Parts Sections 19 and 17, Ornata District, 12 0 [ 18/12/26 Block VIII, Paritutu S.D. 596 Okahukura .. .. .. Sections 5, 18, 22, and 23, Block I, Rangi ( 472 2 0 12/5/26 S.D. 595 Te Koru Pa .. .. Section 167, Oakura District, Block II, j 3 10 * Wairau S.D. Marlborough Land District. 512 Okoha Island .. .. Part of Okoha Island, Block VIII, Gore S.D. 5 0 0 18/12/26 606 | Pelorus Bridge .. .. j Section 31, Block IX, Wakamarina S.D. .. 1 2 20 j 29/1/27 Nelscm Land District. 604 | Ururakau .. .. .. Section 58, Square 18, Block 1, Maungatapu , 291 0 0 i 27/9/26 j S.D. Canterbury Land District. .. j .. Reserve 4170, Block III, Halswell S.D. .. 272 1 0 22/12/26 * Section 23 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1926. Revocation of Reservations. Land. I Area. j ,, D , ate °J. Proclamation. North Auckland Land District. A. r. p. Tangowahine Gorge Scenic Reserve, part Section 7, Block XIII, Mangakahia S.D. .. j 5 2 0 j 2/4/26 Part Mangakahia 2b2 Block .. .. .. .. .. .. j 418; 12/5/26 Auckland Land District. Section 6, Block VIII, Rotorua S.D. .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 10 9/6/26 Part Rotoma Scenic Reserve, Section 4, Block X, Rotoma S.D. .. .. I 25 2 25 11/12/26 Part Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, part Section 8, Block III, Paeroa S.D. .. ! 1,970 0 0 (a) Part Waiotapu Scenic Reserve Extension, part Section 5, Block VII, Paeroa S.D. .. I 60 2 0 (6) Taranaki Land District. Part Waikaka Scenic Reserve, Section 9, Block VII, Aria S.D. .. .. 7 2 20 23/4/26 Part Matiere Scenic Reserve, Subdivision 1 of Section 28, Block XII, Aria S.D. ..' 1 2 32-5 23/4/26 Section 11, Block XVI, Aria S.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 10 13/9/26 Section 26, Block IX, Totoro S.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 1/11/26 Part Mokau Scenic Reserves, Subdivision 1 of Section 3, Block IV, Mokau S.D. 2 3 0 22/12/26 Part Lake Rotokohu Scenic Reserve, part Section 2, Block II, Kapara S.D. . . 23 0 0 (c) Wellington Land District. Reserve in Block'V, Ruahine S.D. .. .. .. .. .. ... | 5 2 16 | (d) Nelson Land District. Part Buller Gorge Scenic Reserves, Section 11, Block VII, Hope S.D. .. | 25 3 20 j 3/5/26 Westland Land District. Part Lake Ianthe Scenic Reserve, being part Reserve 1191, Block III, Mount Bonar | 23 0 0 (e) S.D. I I Canterbury Land District. Peel Forest Scenic Reserve, being Reserves 3796, 3797, 3899, and 4019, Blocks I, II, 1,208 0 27 (/) and III, Orari S.D. —— 3,422 0 38-5 (a) Section 5 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. (b) Section 6 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. {) Section 17 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. (d) Section 18 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. (e) Section 24 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1926. (/) l'eel l''orost Act, 1926.

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Summary of Reserves.

Statement showing Expenditure on Scenery - preservation for the Year ended 31st March, 1927. £ s. d. " Britomart" Memorial site, Akaroa .. .. . . . . . , 50 0 0 Compensation for Native lands taken for scenic purposes .. . . . . . 9 11 Scenery Preservation Board—Expenses .. .. .. .. .. 17 16 2 Kawhia Harbour Scenic Reserve —Acquisition .. .. .. .. .. 304 0 0 Mangamuka—Victoria Valley Scenic Reserve .. .. .. .. .. 1,077 0 0 Parr's Park, Swanson —Cost of fencing .. . . .. . . . . .. 12 10 0 Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve .. .. .. .. .. .. 73153 Surveys, valuations, &c. .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 74 11 4 Subsidy, Gordon Park, Wanganui .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 0 0 Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve .. . . . . . . .. . . .. i 76 12 10 Trounson Kauri Forest (roading, £100 ; expenses, £637 13s. 2d.) . . . . . . 737 13 2 Administration of reserves and historic spots (including fencing, &c.) — £ s. d. Caretaker's wages . . . . .. .. . . 28 6 8 Eradication of noxious weeds . . .. . . . . .. 127 10 1 Erection and maintenance of fences . . . . . . .. 177 11 8 Subsidy, swing bridge, Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve . . 25 0 0 — 358 8 5 Gross expenditure for year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,891 8 3 Recoveries .. .. .. .. . ■ .. .. .. .. 102 13 9 Net expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. £3,788 14 6

District. Number. Area. A. R. P. North Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 4 1,110 1 6-7 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 172 1 8-0 Gisborne .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 j 25 0 0-0 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 ' 477 1 0-0 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 : 62 20-0 Nelson .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 1 291 0 0-0 Canterbury .. .. .... .. . . 1 272 1 0-0 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 14 2,354 2 34-7 Reserved up to 31st March, 1926 .. .. .. .. 769 454,127 0 30-8 783 456,481 3 25-5 Less reservations revoked .. .. .. .. .. 6 3,422 0 38-5 777 453,059 2 27-0

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Comparison op Expenditure. It is interesting to note how money raised under the Act or provided from other sources has been expended. It will be seen that the cost of administration has been reduced to a very small proportion of the total expenditure.

If must be noted that the above expenditure does not include expenses of raising loans and recoupment of interest, &c.

APPENDIX B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. The Scenery Preservation Board comprises the following members : Messrs. W. T. Neill (SurveyorGeneral), Chairman; B. M. Wilson (General Manager, Tourist and Health Resorts); Chief Judge B. N. Jones (Under-Secretary, Native Department) ; and the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district within which the lands being dealt with are situated. Meetings were held in the office of the Surveyor-General, Wellington, on the 24th June, 1926 (North Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago) ; 17th July, 1926 (Nelson) ; 20th September, 1926 (Taranaki) ; and 14th February, 1927 (Marlborough). A meeting was also held in Blenheim on the 16th November, 1926. Seventeen recommendations were submitted by the Board to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral for the acquisition and reservation of areas of scenic and historic interest throughout the Dominion under the Scenery Preservation Act. W. T. Neill, Chairman.

v ! Compensation Fencing and Surveys, Board's « 1 .• , , for Land. Maintenance. Valuations, &c. Expenses. a arles- £ £ £ I £ £ £ 1904-5 .. .. 216 Nil 52 1,822 * 1 2,090 1905-6 .. .. 3,336 „ 527 1,221 * 5,084 1906-7 .. .. 7,856 304 801 185 * 9,146 1907-8 .. .. 4,286 382 555 86 175 5,484 1908-9 .. .. 3,813 1,063 540 24 325 5,765 1909-10.. .. 1,688 1,159 2,603 Nil 325 5,775 1910-11 .. .. 1,066 685 1,643 11 325 3,730 1911-12.. .. 2.619 715 2,237 22 345 5,938 1912-13 .. .. 12,997 798 2,697 6 345 16,843 1913-14 .. .. 10,467 627 1,547 3 365 13,009 1914-15 .. .. 6,253 758 476 12 388 7,887 1915-16 .. .. 1,530 698 104 6 390 2,728 1916-17 .... 252 836 76 1 390 1,555 1917-18 .. .. 428 602 114 3 390 i 1,537 1918 19 .. .. 1,295 1,964f 49 1 280 ! 3,589 1919-20.. .. 510 188 12 .. 40 750 1920-21 .. .. 3,031 471 299 .. 25 2,825 1921-22 .. .. 57,768 227 224 .. 25 58,244 1922-23 .. .. 6,306 377 290 .. 25 6,998 1923-24 .. .. 1.488 118 1,589 .. 25 3,210 1924-25.. .. 1,158 1,565 240 ... '18 2,981 1925-26.. .. 17,923 2,310 305 9 .. 20,547 1926-27.. .. 2,617 1,182 75 17 .. 3,891 Grand total .. .. .. .. .. .. j 189,606 I 1 I * Included in Board's expenses. f Includes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board.

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APPENDIX C. New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. Five meetings of the Board were held during the year, and in addition several inspections of the various reserves were made. Mr. R. W. J. Davies resigned from the Board during the year owing to his inability to attend meetings. Mr. V. C. Davies has been appointed to replace him, and lias rendered valuable assistance during his term of office. Pukerangiora Pa : The trees which were planted 011 this pa in 1924 have made excellent growth during the year. Further expenditure has been found necessary to cope with the fern and gorse, both on the site of the pa itself and on the road-line fronting same. Meeting of the Waters Reserve : Action was taken during the year to obtain control of the suspension bridge giving access to this reserve. Contributions towards the cost of repairs were obtained from the New Plymouth Borough Council, Taranaki County Council, Tourist and Expansion League, Taranaki Acclimatization Society, and the Taranaki Automobile Association. A subsidy of £25 was also obtained from the Scenery Preservation Fund. Arrangements had been made to dispose of the bridge to Mr. T. Alexander, of Wanganui, but he agreed to cancel the sale, and the work of renovation was then put in progress. Repairs have now been completed by the bridge overseer and staff of the Taranaki County Council. The thanks of the Board are due to the latter body for their assistance in carrying out the work, and to the District Engineer of the Public Works Department for supplying a very full report 011 the condition of the bridge, and complete plans and specifications for the repair work. It is proposed to further improve the bridge by running wire netting along the sides, thus making it absolutely safe for foot traffic. Additional authority will, however, have to be obtained before this work can be carried out. It was also found necessary to acquire a small area of 11 perches at the western end of the bridge in order to give the necessary access. The Mangorei Dairy Co. agreed to transfer this free of cost 011 condition that the right is reserved to them to convey cream across the bridge should this be found necessary in the future. Mr. Claude H. Weston has given his services gratuitously in regard to the legal expenses in connection with the transfer. Puketi Pa : Arrangements have been made to grant a lease of this pa to the New Plymouth High Schools Board for a further term of five years, at a nominal rental. A considerable expenditure is required each year by the lessees to cope with the suppression of weeds 011 this reserve. Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves : These were inspected during the year, and arrangements have been made to carry out repairs to the fencing, and also to plant trees along the western boundary of the Onaero Reserve. Koru Pa : This reserve is now under the control of the Board, the Native owners, Kehu Moepuke and her niece, having generously donated the pa-site to the Crown, in trust for reservation for historic purposes. The thanks of the Board and the public are due to Mr. W. J. Gray, of Okato, for his action in arranging this transfer. Awa te Take Pa : This pa was inspected in December last, and control has now been vested in the Board. Mr. Henry Cole, of Tikorangi, lias been appointed honorary inspector. It is proposed to have inspections made of Sections 17 and 19, Block VIII, Paritutu, a small reserve 011 the coast, at an early date, with a view to having them brought under the control of the Board. Okoke Pa : This reserve has been kept in good order by Mr. Bleaklev, the lessee, but some arrangement will have to be made in regard to fencing the boundaries, and pressure brought to bear on the adjoining owners to keep the land clear of weeds. Ratapihipihi Reserve : The open portion of this reserve is still under lease to Mr. A. R. Gudopp, who has done good work in clearing up the blackberry, &c. The thanks of the Board are due to the honorary inspectors who have been appointed to look after the reserves in their various districts. These are —Mr. S. Topless, who has control of the Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves; Mr. P. H. E. Surrey, of Pukerangiora Pa; Mr. A. R. Gudopp, of Ratapihipihi Reserve Mr. Henry Cole, of Awa-te-Take Pa Scenic Reserve ; and Mr. R. W. J. Davies, of the reserves in the Taranaki District generally. W. D. Armit, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chairman of Scenic Reserves Board. APPENDIX D. Kapiti Island. The following is an extract from the caretaker's report for the year ended 31st Ma.rch, 1927. The Department is fortunate in having such an experienced and painstaking officer as Mr. Wilkinson in charge at Kapiti. Although the island is of course his first consideration, he is an enthusiastic student of the flora and fauna of the Dominion as a whole. H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands. Taken on the whole, the seasons of the past year were favourable to the growth of plant-life. Although during the early spring we experienced two severe snowstorms (a rare occurrence on Kapiti), and some of the trees, especially the mahoe and tree-ferns near the summit of the island, suffered severely, there is hardly any trace of the damage to be seen now,

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On looking over the northern part there can be seen a big difference in the undergrowth. Not only has it grown well, but there are quite a number of useful species scattered about that were not noticeable two years ago. Prominent among the new undergrowth in many places is the wineberry (Aristotelia racemosa), the scarcity of which surprised me when I first looked over the sanctuary. This useful and pretty tree is now generally spread through the bush on the northern part. The fuchsia is another tree that is making great headway, not only on the hills and sidelings is it coming on, but even in the mouths of streams close to the seashore. The taupata, perhaps the best all-round tree on the island so far as food for birds and quick and hardy growth is concerned, is also showing up. Even on the western side, where goats have eaten everything they could reach, this useful tree has recovered, and has borne good crops of berries during this autumn. Other noticeable plants that were not plentiful and have spread since the goats were destroyed are the pate (Schefflera digitata), the hangehange (Geniostoma ligustrifolium), and several of the coprosmas, especially C. lucida and C. grandifolia. On some of the ridges leading to the summit young matai and miro plants are numerous. Another pleasing feature is the great number of young rata seedlings coming on in the bush. Since we have been trying to get the remaining few goats we have had to climb into places where previously there was no need to go. In some of the places visited quite a lot of shrubby kowhai can be seen on the cliffs. The grass areas are being gradually closed in by manuka, fern, and other plants. Of course, at the southern end of the island, owing to wild sheep, not much mixed undergrowth can be seen. There are, however, numbers of species growing both in the bush and on the open places that even the sheep will not eat, such as the two Olearias (Forsteri and Solandri) and the climbing white rata (Metrosideros scandens). In one place there is a patch of the latter plant, of perhaps 2 acres in extent, where this plant has assumed a shrubby form and is almost impassable. Nearly all over, or at least in places where the forest-roof is open, the Uncinia riparia is becoming a pest and is a menace to bird-life. This plant has probably been spread by goats and opossums. Not only does it hold small birds, but even the morepork is not able to extricate himself when once he is properly caught. The unfortunate part about it is that the plant is seeding, and therefore in its dangerous stage, just when the young birds are beginning to fly about. I have several times rescued birds, and in nearly every case they were adult birds, so that young birds caught must eventually die of starvation or be taken by the wekas. The season was favourable to plant-life, and there was an abundance of berries and insect-food, producing ideal conditions for bird-life. As far as my experience goes I have never seen so many young birds about. Not even in the days when the bell-bird was plentiful about the Nelson District do I remember seeing so many young ones as we have had about Rangatira during the nesting season just finished. It is indeed pleasing to report these conditions. All the species have bred well and reared their young ones. Something like sixty nests were known to us, and in all of these with the exception of ten the young birds were successfully raised. This was, I believe, largely due to the scarcity of the long-tailed cuckoo, as it is well known that this parasite takes not only the eggs but young birds as well. During the nesting season 1924, and also 1925, this cuckoo was very prominent; sometimes as many as six could be seen flying at once, most of them pursued by tuis. Another factor that has assisted to bring about improved conditions is the destruction wrought on wild cats and rats, probably the two worst enemies of our native birds. The nests that were found belonged to the following species : Tui, bell-bird, robin, tomtit, fantail, whitehead, pigeon, kaka, pipit, morepork, harrier, yellow-fronted parakeet, red-fronted parakeet, silver-eye, weka, mutton-bird, penguin, blue heron, black-backed gull, red-billed gull, and the white-fronted tern. The saddlebacks that were brought from the Hen Island weathered a fairly rough winter, and this season a pair nested and reared three young birds. Besides the pair at Kahikatea with the young ones, another pair was seen in Te Rere gully, while others were heard as far south as Maraetakaroro. Although no more young were noticed, it is quite likely that some of the other pairs had young too. A few weeks ago a black fantail was seen, and four days ago another one (perhaps the same bird) was noticed. This is probably the same bird that was seen about Rangatira last year. On the 31st October a rare penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) was seen at the mouth of the Taepiro Stream. A few days later another was seen on the back of the island below the trig., but whether it was the same species or not I cannot say, as I had the report from the trapper. The shining cuckoo put in an appearance,on the Ist October. One was heard whistling for several days, and then disappeared, to reappear in January. The long-tailed cuckoo first appeared on the 24th October; these birds were heard all the summer up till the 25th March, when they apparently left the island. While I was away from the island, in August, Mr. K. W. Dalrymple, of Bulls, sent over to the island three grey ducks and three pukekos. The ducks were liberated at Rangatira, where they nested and reared eight young ones. They are still to be seen in the swamp that was dammed up. The pukeko were liberated at Wharekohu, and have not been seen since. The following plants were also received from Mr. Dalrymple : Para (Marattia fraxinea), grass-tree (Dracophyllum Sinclairii), mangeao (Litsaea calicaris), tanekaha (Pkyllocladus trichomanoides), akerautangi (Dodonaea viscosa), holly (Olearia ilicifolia), parataniwha (Elatostemma rugosum), willow-leaved mahoe (Melicytus lanceolatus), mountain-rimu (Dacrydium biforme), Pkyllocladus alpinus, Nothofagus Solandri, Pittosporum rigidum, Cordyline indivisa, C. australis, Hebe amplexicaulis, //. buxifolia, H. carnosula, Agathis australis, and Adiantum. formosum. Mr. Dalrymple also sent seeds of the poroporo (Solanum aviculare), kowhai (Sophora tetra.ptera), pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa), ngutukaka (Clianthus puniceus), and Hibiscus trionum. Mr. R. H. D. Stidolph, of Masterton, sent me four nice plants of Todea superba and a parcel of kowhai seed. From Mrs. T. Smith, Brooklyn, I received some plants of Ourisia macrophylla and Veronica catarractae. From the Nelson Rock Garden Society one dozen plants of Celmisia coriacea

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and C. spectabilis were received. A large parcel of seed of pohutukawa was sent by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington. Most of this seed was sown on the western cliffs while we were hunting for goats. All the species were recorded in my plant-ledger, and then put out in the most suitable places. During the year I have come across several ferns which, so far as I am aware, have not previously been recorded as growing on Kapiti. They are Nothoclaena distans, growing on sunbaked face of hill near Webber's, also at Paripatea ; Lindsaya cuneata, growing in bush near summit; Blechnum pennamarina, growing in open grass country at head of Taepiro clearing : Davallia novae-zelandiae, growing on ridge between Taepiro"and waterfall gully; Asplenium Hookerianum Colensoi, growing in forest. Lycopodium volubile was also located on hill ridge near Taepiro. Besides the planting of trees, other improvements were done. The fence round the flat at Rangatira was finished, and the cow-paddock enclosed. A rock-garden was made by the cottage, and although it is not quite finished it adds much to the appearance of the place. The launch and small dinghy were both repaired, and each of them received three coats of paint. Strenuous attempts were made to exterminate the goats, and we have gradually reduced their numbers until, as far as we know, but one remains. Seventeen were killed-during the year, making a total of 233 destroyed since I took charge of the sanctuary. The destruction of the wild sheep is now the most urgent work, Messrs. Weggery and Co. tried hard to get some away, but were unsuccessful, and eventually gave up the job. Mr. Fletcher, the trapper, is now erecting fences at the South end, and hopes to be able to remove most of them. In the event of his being unable to remove any live sheep he has agreed to shoot them out for the skins, &c. .As some of the sheep were wandering too far north and eating young trees that had been planted, twentynine of them were shot. Wild cats have been thinned out, and it is now some time since one was seen. Nine of these animals were shot or trapped during the year, making a total of twenty-six destroyed since December, 1924. Traps are regularly set for rats, and 133 were caught during the period under review, bringing the total destroyed since I came here to 247. In December last the Advisory Committee paid the usual periodical visit of inspection to the island. Two days were spent looking over the sanctuary, when the party traversed most of the north end between Te Rere and Kaiwharawhara. In July, while on annual leave, I was compelled to enter the Masterton Hospital to undergo an operation. It was nearly three months before I was able to resume my duties. During my absence Mr. Fletcher acted as caretaker. APPENDIX E. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. Practically all the scenic reserves in the district were visited during the year, and I am pleased to report that nearly all are in good order and condition, and that, with the exception of a small portion of the Kaipupu Reserve, all have been kept free from fires. Regarding Kaipupu Reserve, a fire left by some temporary workmen of the County Council burnt some 20 acres of light bush and fern. The attention of the County Council was called to the matter, and more care is promised in future. During the year marked progress has been made in the development of public interest in our reserves by the appointment of a Scenic Board to control the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. This beautiful reserve, comprising over 500 acres of virgin bush, is on the main Blenheim-Nelson highway at the junction of the Rai and Pelorus Rivers, and is a popular resort for camping and picnic parties. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York lunched and rested there on their journey through to Nelson, and expressed the opinion that it was the most beautiful reserve of its class that they had yet seen in the Dominion. The various local bodies and the Automobile Association were successfully approached during the year for donations towards the cost of erecting improvements, and a number of public conveniences and fireplaces have been erected in suitable positions. These were fully appreciated by the numerous travelling public who visited the reserve during the holiday season. The Scenic Board contemplates further improvements as their funds permit. The various reserves in the Sounds County attracted a large number of picnic and camping parties, and I am pleased to report that the public show their appreciation of their privileges by keeping the reserves in a tidy condition by disposing of their rubbish and camp-litter. The development of the three large reserves —Kumutoto, Ship Cove, and Tennyson Inlet—will be a matter for consideration in the near future, since they are visited annually by ever-increasing numbers. The question of providing public conveniences and fireplaces in the principal bays fronting these reserves, and cutting foot-tracks to enable the public to traverse the beautiful bush, will be gone into. At present it is practically impossible to make one's way through the bush, owing to the luxuriant undergrowth.

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The Kaikoura scenic reserves on the Coast Road, north and south of Kaikoura, were more popular than ever for camping and picnic parties throughout the holiday seasons. The forethought of this Department in providing conveniences and fireplaces has enabled the reserves to be kept in a fairly tidy condition. Nevertheless it is advisable that a Scenic Board similar to that of the Pelorus Reserve should be appointed to control these reserves, as where large numbers of camping parties are situated strict supervision must be kept to prevent the chopping-down and mutilation of the bush to provide tent-poles, &c. During the coming year it is hoped that a Board of Control will be appointed. Successful attempts have been made by the Department to acclimatize the pohutukawa on several of the islands, and their showy blooms provide a welcome attraction to the scenery of the Sounds. The advent of the seaside dwelling in the Sounds has proved an important factor in the improvement to the scenery during the past few years. Most of the owners of these are enthusiastic naturelovers, and, besides protecting the remnants of native bush on their properties, have extended these by planting more native or introduced trees. In this way many hundreds of acres which a few years ago were in bracken or burnt bush are rapidly becoming reafforested, and prove a welcome addition to our efforts in conserving what we can of the original native bush that beautified the Sounds. During the year five new honorary inspectors were appointed for the Pelorus Sounds, and two new inspectors for the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sounds district. John Stevenson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. APPENDIX F. Summit Road Scenic Reserves. There are twenty-seven reserves situated on the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula controlled by the above Board. Many of these have been furnished with access, and are being taken advantage of by the public as pleasure and camping resorts. There is a large rest-house and tea-rooms, known as " The Sign of the Kiwi," situated on Reserve No. 3900 at Dyer's Pass, and another on Reserve No. 3735, known as Kennedy's Bush ; while a small rest-house for tramping parties is provided on reserve No. 3988, known as " Kaituna." The reserves in question are mostly isolated patches of bush and scrub, and every endeavour is being made to preserve same. Opossums, which have afforded a little revenue to the Board, have been fairly plentiful in the past, but as the trapping results were very poor last season it has been decided not to allow any trapping this coming season. Five of the above reserves, including Reserve No. 4170, known as the Sugarloaf, which was only acquired by the Board during the present year, are leased, bringing in a total annual rental of £65 17s. Legislation has recently been passed handing over thirteen of the reserves to the Port Hills Akaroa Summit Road Public Trust, including those on which the Kiwi and Kennedy's Bush tea-rooms are situated, also the Kaituna rest-house. The Board are retaining the reserves which are leased as stated above. These pleasure resorts are greatly appreciated by the public, and a great number take advantage of them all the year round. Mr. Ell, the secretary of the Trust, is leaving no stone unturned in his endeavour to popularize these pleasure-spots. A considerable amount of money has been subscribed locally towards the movement, which is supported by a strong body of local leading business men, who intend to extend the roading and make all other possible improvements with the idea of bringing as many as possible of the reserves within the reach of the public. W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chairman of Scenic Reserves Board. SCENIC RESERVES ACCOUNT. Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1927. Payments. £ s. d. Receipts. £ s. d. By Refunds of rent, &c. .. .. 710 0 To Rents, royalties, &c. .. .. 1,329 4 2 Refunds, timber royalties .. .. 1419 3 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 102 13 9 Scenery-preservation vote— £ s. d. Balance transferred to Treasury Adjust- Purchase of new reserves 2,681 8 1 ment Account .. .. .. 2,608 9 7 Compensation for Native land taken .. 9 11 Expenditure on Trounson Kauri Forest .. 737 13 2 Expenditure on reserves 370 18 5 Board expenses .. 17 16 2 Miscellaneous expenditure .. .. 74 11 4 3,891 8 3 £4,040 7 6 £4,040 7 6

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SCENIC RESERVES ACCOUNT—continued. Revenue Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1927. Dr. £ s. d. , Or. £ s. d. To Loan repayments (principal and interest) i By Accrued rent .. .. .. 845 9 4 under section 47, Land for Settle- j Accrued royalties .. .. .. 652 15 10 ments Act, 1925 .. .. 36 6 1 Balance carried down .. .. 8,401 9 1 "Thirds" and "halves" .. .. 829 811 j Rebates of rent .. .. .. 15 8 4 I Irrecoverable rents .. .. 0 16 3 Administration of reserves, &c. .. 261 8 5 Expenditure in connection with Trounson Kauri Forest .. .. 484 0 7 Expenses of Scenery Preservation Board 17 16 2 j Interest on capital invested in scenic reserves .. .. .. 8,254 9 6 ; £9,899 14 3 £9,899 14 3 £ s. d. ; £ s. d. To Balance brought down .. .. 8,401 9 1 By Balance, accumulated excess of charges Balance from previous year .. .. 12,228 15 4 over revenue .. .. .. 20,630 4 5 £20,630 4 5 j £20,630 4 5 Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1927. Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Capital at Ist April, 1926 183,432 16 10 Land—Scenic reserves .. .. 217,997 8 3 Capital expenditure dur- Buildings Account .. .. .. 180 0 0 ing year .. .. 3,017 0 6 Native Land Settlement Account—Land Reserve Account—Value purchased for exchange purposes .. 5,094 8 4 of Crown land set aside 38,700 16 11 ' Sundry debtors, rents .. .. 592 5 0 225,150 14 3 Sundry debtors, royalties .. .. 10 6 Treasury Adjustment Account .. 18,804 510 Sundry debtors, miscellaneous .. .. 115 6 Payments in advance— £ s. d. Postponed rent .. • .. .. 208 3 6 Rents .. .. 15 11 4 j Remissions of rent by Revaluation Board 174 0 0 Royalties .. .. 419 6 Outstanding Rent Suspense Account .. 216 3 20 10 10 Revenue Account—Accumulated excess of Sundry creditors .. .. .. 50 0 0 charges over revenue .. .. 20,630 4 5 Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account—Section 20, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1923 .. 635 0 0 Rents charged in advance .. .. 218 14 7 Writings-oil in suspense .. .. 2 16 3 £244,882 1 9 j £244,882 1 9 J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. J. H. O'Donnell, Controller of Accounts. I hereby certify that the Receipts and Payments Account, Revenue Account, and Balance-sheet have been duly examined and compared with the relative books and documents submitted for audit, and correctly state the position as disclosed thereby. The following comments are appended: — 1. In the case of the District Land Offices of North Auckland, Auckland, Taranaki, Gisbome, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland the departmental figures have been accepted pending the completion of the local examination by the Audit Inspectors. 2. There is no statutory authority for recouping the account for the land purchased for exchange purposes which under section 25 of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Act, 1925, is available for disposal as Grown lands, the proceeds to be paid to the Native Land Settlement Account. J. H. Fowler, Deputy Controller and Auditor-General.

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