DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1928, 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, 1928 Session I, C-06

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1928. N EW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION: REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1928, 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, 31st July, 1928. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1928. I have, &c, J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. A. 1). McLeod, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

REPORT. The total area of reservations made during the year was some 11,786 acres. In the North Auckland Land District an area of 1 acre 3 roods 28 perches on the banks of the Waima River was taken for scenic and historic purposes by arrangement with the Methodist Mission Property Trustees, who owned the land. The area contains an exceptionally large and beautiful oak-tree, reputed to have been planted by the early missionaries ; and the spot is a favourite picnicplace for people of the district. Thanks are due to the Mission Property Trustees for the generous manner in which they met the desire of the local people to have this particular area reserved for all time. Arrangements are being made by the Department for the appointment of a special Board of local residents to control the reserve. Several reservations were effected in the Auckland Land District. On the Kiritchere Road an area of 910 acres of Crown land, together with 1,069 acres of provisional State forest, was set aside for scenic purposes. The bush on these areas is described as being particularly beautiful, while the land itself is too steep for farming. Legislative authority was necessary in connection with the settingaside of the provisional State forest portion, and this was provided by section 14 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1927. An addition was made to the many fine reserves in the Rotoma district by the setting-aside of a further area of 426 acres of Crown land. This particular reservation will preserve a beautiful stretch of bush lands, and will materially add to the already considerable scenic attractions of the locality. An area of 110 acres adjoining the Recreation and Hot Springs Reserves at Te Aroha was reserved during the year, while the acquisition was completed of some 3,849 acres surrounding and including the Maungatautari Mountain. The bulk of the funds for the purchase of the last-mentioned reserve was provided by the Crown, the remainder being found b\ the Matamata, Waipa, and Waikato County Councils, the Cambridge Borough Council, and the Leamington

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Town Board, all of whom were interested in the reservation of the mountain area. It is proposed, by arrangement with the local bodies named, to vest control of the reserve in the Matamata County Council, pursuant to the provisions of section 13 of the Scenery Preservation Act. 1908. and arrangements will also be made for the appointment of honorary inspectors to assist in the safeguarding of the reserve. In the Gisbornc Land District an area of 4 acres 1 rood 20 perches of closed road near the mouth of the Motu River was declared Crown land and reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act. Other reservations in this district included 118 acres in the Putere Block, 548 acres on the Papamoa Hill, and a small area on the Waikohu River. Numerous reservations were made during the year in the Marlborough District. These comprised additions to the Tennyson Inlet, Kaipupu, Hundalee, and Pelorus Bridge Reserves, while a good many new areas in the Sounds were set aside. The Department has for some years been endeavouring to foster the regeneration of the native bush on suitable areas in the Sounds, and in pursuance of this policy the reservation of the lands concerned as scenic areas has been receiving close attention. Steps have also been taken to effect the acclimatization of pohutukawa-trees on various islands, fcs., and a considerable amount of successful work has been accomplished in that direction. In the Westland District an area of 20 acres of splendid native bush in the Poerua Settlement was proclaimed under the Scenery Preservation Act, while areas totalling 3,330 acres at the Saltwater Lagoon were also set aside. The Saltwater Lagoon is a noted beauty-spot of South Westland, and although at the present time it is difficult of access there is no doubt that in the future its exceptional scenic qualities will be fully appreciated. An area of 370 acres of Public Reserve 386, Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, was set apart under the Scenery Preservation Act in order that more effective steps might be taken to adequately preserve the beautiful alpine flora of the locality. In the Southland District an area of 87 acres near Tuatapere was permanently set aside as a scenic reserve during the year. The land contains some very fine bush, and is held in high regard as a beauty-spot by the residents of the district. In four cases it was necessary to revoke the reservation over small areas, which for various reasons were no longer suitable for retention as scenic areas. The total area concerned was 55 acres. In addition to the above a scenic reserve of 587 acres was vested in the Wellington City Council pursuant to the provisions of the Wellington City and Suburban Water-supply Act, 1927. The land is to be held for the purposes set forth in the Act mentioned, and it is provided that the bush on the reserve is to be preserved. The total number of scenic reservations in the Dominion now stands at 806, covering a total area, of over 464,000 acres. Supervision of Reserves. During the year special Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : The Whangarei County Council, to control the Coronation Reserve ; Whangaroa County Council, to control the Ranfurly Bay Reserve ; Waipukurau Borough Council, to control the Tukituki River Reserve ; Levin Borough Council, to control the Waiopehu Reserve ; Upper Hutt Borough Council, to control the Upper Hutt Blockhouse Reserve ; Wanganui City Council, to control the Gordon Park Reserve ; Invercargill Borough Council, to control the Waihopai River Reserve; and the Katikati Hot Springs, New Plymouth, Huatoki, Everett Road, Hundalee, Summit Road, Orari Gorge, and Tuatapere Scenic Boards, to control their respective reserves. Two warrants were issued placing additional areas under the control of the Hundalee and Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserves Boards respectively. Appointments of honorary inspectors were made as follows : Mr. A. Butterworth, for the Kirk's Bush Reserve ; Mr. J. Cantrick, for the Lake Kanieri Reserve ; Mr. N. Peat, for Scenic Reserve 807, Brunner Survey District; Mi. 0. G. Parr, for the Rainclin' Bush Reserve; and Mr. U. F. Jaquiery, lor all scenic reserves in and adjacent to Stewart Island. At the present time some twenty-six reserves are controlled by local authorities appointed under the provisions of section 13 of the Act, while twenty-one reserves are under the management of special Boards of private persons similarly appointed. The system of delegating powers of control and management is giving very good results, and the Department is anxious to arrange for the setting-up of further Boards, as it is recognized that such appointments are a valuable means of enlisting the active support and sympathy of lovers of scenic beauty throughout the Dominion. The work of the honorary inspectors has also proved exceedingly valuable, and thanks are due to these gentlemen, as well as to the various Scenic Boards, for the keen interest displayed in the safeguarding and proper control of numerous reserves. A good deal of general inspection work has been carried out during the year by officers of the Department, and numerous special reports have been furnished on various areas. The periodical inspection of all reserves which are not controlled by special Boards, or in respect of which no honorary inspectors have been appointed, is recognized as very necessary, and endeavours are being made to have all such reserves visited at least once a year. Damage to Reserves, etc. Owing to the unusually dry summer experienced in the Nelson District there were a, number of cases of tires in scenic reserves. Four of these attained serious dimensions and were subdued with difficulty. The first fire reported was in the vicinity of Tophouse, and had evidently travelled a considerable distance before a strong northerly wind. There appeared to be every likelihood of the fire devastating

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the big scenic reserve extending to the top of the St. Arnaud Range, but owing to the efforts of the Public Works Department and the Forest Service the fire was confined to freehold land and no serious damage was done to the scenic reserve. A second fire swept about .1,500 acres of scenic reserve near the Gowan Bridge. This area was principally fern spurs which were coming back into second growth, also about 100 acres of green bush. This fire burnt for some days, and was extinguished with great difficulty. Fortunately no serious damage by fire was caused to the principal scenic reserves on the main highways, but the position in midsummer was serious and was viewed with apprehension. Considerable assistance was given by the State Forest Service in subduing fires in various localities which threatened to spread into scenic reserves. A few other fires occurred in various districts, but fortunately the damage done in most cases was not extensive. General. The reservation of further areas of Crown lands, and the acquisition of privately owned lands of scenic and historic interest, are being carried out as opportunity permits. In this connection it may be pointed out that the expenditure on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1928, was £6,599, while from 1904 to that date the. total expenditure amounted to £196,205. The expenditure fluctuates considerably from year to year, and activity in the direction of acquiring new areas is governed to a large extent by the funds made available to the Department for the work. By the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1926, local authorities were empowered to contribute towards the cost of the acquisition by the Crown of land for scenic purposes, and towards the cost of improve ment or maintenance of any scenic reserve, and it is hoped that by enlisting the sympathies of City, Borough, and County Councils, &c, in this matter it will be possible to aid materially the cause of seen cry-proservati on. The public are taking a much keener interest in our scenic reserves than was formerly the case, the largely increased use of private motor-cars rendering it possible for many people to visit areas well away from the main centres of population. The increased use that is now being made of many reserves has brought with it additional responsibilities and difficulties in connection with control and management ; but it is pleasing to record that visitors generally appear to appreciate the fact that the welfare of the reserves rests largely in their hands, and that it is incumbent on them to assist in the preservation of the bush. It has been found necessary in some cases to issue permits to camp on certain reserves under reasonable conditions ; but it is not proposed to allow camping except on reserves adapted for the purpose, and then only under proper safeguarding conditions. The illustrations of scenes in Westland are reproduced from photographs kindly lent by Dr. E. Teichelmaun and Mr. Peter Graham. 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. 15. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. C. Kapiti Island. D. Report of the New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. E. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. F. Canterbury Scenic Reserves.

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APraNDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1927-28 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

e IM Local Name. Description. Area , il _ North Auckland L,and District. A. li. !'. 619 Historic Oak, Waima .. .. I Portion of 0.L.C, 80 (Claim 944), Block IV, I 1 3 28 I 21/11/27 Waoku Survey District Auckland Land District. 610 KiritehereRoad .. .. Sections 3, 5, and 11, Block V, Whareorino 910 1 0 28/6/27 S.D. 615 Rotoma .. .. .. Section 15, Block XI, Rotoma .S.I). .. 426 0 0 8/7/27 617 TeAroha .. .. .. Part Section 15, Block IX, Aroha S.I). .. 110 3 34 24/9/27 fMaungatautari No. 3a, Section 5a, No. 7 2,691 2 0 19/11/27 Block, Maungataiitari S.D. - an ., . , . ,, . . I Maungatautari No. 3a, Section 5a, No. 3 936 2 0 19/11/27 569 Maungatautan Mountain .. 1 Block, Maungatautari S.D. Maungatautari No. 3a, Section 5a, No. li I 221 0 0 19/11/27 1 Block, Maungatautari S.D. ..... ..... , ., . /Section 4. Block V. Whareorino S. IX .. j 556 I 0 (as) 616 iMntehere Road .. .. < a ,. , . DI , ,r, TI ,,,, ., ., - 1Q „ n ; I I Section 1a, Block VIII, Whareorino S.D. 513 0 0 (a) 616 615 617 569 616 Gisborne Land District. 556 Whitianga Bay .. .. Section 1, Block II, Tokata S.D. .. i 4 1 20 13/6/27 625 Putere .. .. .. Section 5, Block XXIV, Waiau S.D. .. 118-0 0 19/11/27 626 Waikohu River .. .. Lot 3 (formerly part of Lot 2), Section 5, I I 0 19/11/27 Block XII, Motu S.D. ; Lot 2 of Section 2, Block III, Urutawa S.D. 243 2 0 21/12/27 557 PapamoaHill .. .. \< Lot 2 of Section 5, Block III, Urutawa S.D. 226 0 0 21/12/27 [Section 4, Block III, Urutawa S.D. .. 7!) 1 8 21/12/27 556 625 626 557 Wellington Land District. 620 ! Silverstroam (addition) .. I Portion of Lot 3 (D.P. 7415), Section 196, j 0 1 14-7 1 13/12/27 Hutt R.D., Block IV, Belmont S.D. I 620 Marlborough Land District. ,,,,, r „ T . . , ..... , I/Section 9, Block V, Tennyson S.D. .. 93 0 0 j 2/4/27 610 rennyson Inlet (addition) •• | "i Section Block VI, Teniyson S.D. .. 67 0 0 ' 2/4/27 '609 Ivaipupu (addition) .. .. j Section 15, Block VIII, Linkwater S.D. .. 141 0 0 22/4/27 813 Motu-Tapu Island .. .. Section 8, Block VII, Arapawa S.D. .. 5 0 0 1 7/5/27 (ill llua-o-moko Point .. .. Section 132, Block IX, Arapawa S.D. .. 105 0 0 ': 25/7/27 60!) Kaipupu (addition) .. .. I Section 1, Block VIII, Linkwater S.D. .. 49 0 0 25/7/27 613 Mabel Island .. .. Section 112, Block VIII, Linkwater S.D. . . I 3 0 25/7/27 613 Motu-ngarara Island .. .. Section 113, Block VII, Arapawa S.D. .. 40 0 (I : 25/7/27 613 Moioio Island .. .. Section 133. Block IX, Arapawa S.D. .. 3 0 0 25/7/27 622 Diffonbach Point .. .. Part Section 131, Block VIII, Arapawa S.D. 76 2 0 1/10/27 623 Pelorus Bridge (addition) .. Section 25, Block VIII, Heringa S.D. .. 9 2 0 1/10/27 "Section 2, Block X, Hundalee S.D. .. I 2 10 7/12/27 Section 3, Block X, Hundalee S.D. .. 3 3 30 7/12/27 Section 3, Block XI, Hundalee S.D. .. 0 2 30 7/12/27 ..... I ., , , ,,,... , J Section 4, Block XT, Hundalee S.D. .. 20 0 7/12/27 621 Hundalee (addition) .. .. < 0 ,. r -di i vr i_r j i a n i •> nn ,,,,.,.,. v ' j Section 5. Block XI, Hundalee S.I). .. 1 ,i 20 7/12/27 | Section 3, Block XV, Hundalee S.D. .. 0 120 7/12/27 I Soction 8, Block XV. Hundalee S.D'. .. 3 3 16 7/12/27 [Section 9, Block XV, Hundalee S.D. .. 4 2 16 7/12/27 608 Popoure Reach .. .. i Section 7, Block VII, Orieri S.D. .. 179 0 0 (b) 612 Pelorus Bridge (addition) .. | Section 32, Block IX, Wakamarina S.D. . . 150 0 0 (c) 610 '609 613 611 60!) 613 613 613 622 623 Westland Land District. 018 | Rotomanu .. .. ..1 Reserve 990 (formerly Section 23. Poerua 20 2 0 | 18/2/28 Settlement), Block X, Te Kinga S.D. f Blocks XI, XIV, and XV, Mount Oneonc i 2,770 0 0 j 2/3/28 ,„„ \ „ .. . ., j S.D., and II and III, Wataroa S.D. 586 | Saltwater Lagoon .. .. Blocks XIV and XV, Mount Oneonc S.D., 560 0 0 ; (</) I i [_ and II and III, Wataroa S. 1). \ Canterbury Land District. 614 Arthur's Pass .. .. ] Portion Reserve 386, Blocks I, V, and VI, 370 0 0 8/8/27 Bealoy S.D. Southland Land District. 628 | Alton Burn .. .. .. Section 66, Block III, Alton S.D. .. 87 1 34 I 19/11/27 I («) Section 14 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1927. (b) Section 29 of Koservea and otlier Lauds Disposal Aot, 1927. >) Section 30 of Itoservcs and other Lands Disposal Act, 1927. (d) Section 82 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1927.

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Revocation of Reservations.

Statement showtnc Expenditure on Scenery - preservation for the Year ended 31st March, 1928. Compensation, &c, for Native lands taken for scenery purposes (including historic spots) £ s. d' under the Public Works Act, 1908, and Native Land Act, 1909 .. .. 38 6 L 0 Rotoiti Scenic Reserve and Hongi's Track—Cost of fencing .. . . . . 113 10 11 Ruapekapeka Pa —Improvements .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 11 10 Scenery Preservation Board—Expenses .. .. .. .. .. 16 15 5 Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses . . . . . . . . . . 58 6 6 Trounson's Kauri Forest—Charges in connection with protection . . . . .. 751 2 3 Land for Settlements Account —Capital value of Section 23, Poerua Settlement .. 25 0 0 Mangamuka : Victoria Valley Scenic Reserve—-Acquisition .. .. .. 1,696 17 0 Mungaroa Hill Scenic Reserve —Acquisition .. .. .. .. .. 78 15 0 Parr's Park, Swanson, Auckland—Cost of fencing .. .. .. .. 72 18 8 Peel Forest Scenic Reserve —Acquisition of 10 acres adjacent to .. ■ ■ 180 18 0 Pelorous Bridge Reserve —Improvements .. .. .. .. .. 9 19 0 Purchase of lessee's interest in S.G-.R. 114, Block VIII, Orieri Survey District .. 200 0 0 Subsidies— Maungatautari Mountain, Waikato „ .. .. .. .. .. 2,812 0 0 Peel Forest, Canterbury—Acquisition .. .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 Wallaceville Blockhouse—Renovation .. .. . . . . .. . . 101 3 4 Administration of reserves and historic spots (including fencing, &c.) — £ s. d. Fencing .. .. .. . . . . . . . . 1 29 7 3 Eradication of weeds . . .. .. .. .. .. 96 1.5 3 Planting and cleaning around trees in Pukerangiora Historic Reserve . . 29 4 0 Purchase and sowing marram grass for protection of a reserve .. 23 19 7 279 6 1 Gross expenditure for year .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,599 10 10 Recoveries . . .. .. .. . . . . .. .. 22 5 2 Not expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. £(i, 577 5 8

.... ■ i a ™„ Date of Ulld - Area - Proclamation. I Hawke's Bay Land District. A. li. P. Waikopiro Waterfall Scenic Reserve, Section 23, Block X, Takapau S.D. .. I 7 0 0 | 1/6/27 Taranaki Land District. Subdivision 1 of Section I, Block VIII, Omara S.D. .. .. .. •• i 17 1 10 7/10/27 Wellington Land District. Tepure River-bank Scenic Reserve, Section 21, Block XII, Kaitieke S.D. . . .. 7 3 30 13/6/27 Block III, RimntakaS.D., and Block XV, Akatarawa S.D. .. .. ■• 587 1 6 (e) Section 3, Blook I, Kaitieke S.D. .. .. .. .. ., . 23 0 17 4/7/27 642 2 23 («) Soetion 4 of the Wellington Oity and Suburban Water-supply Act, 1927. Summary ok Reserves. Distriot. Number. Area. A. R. V. North Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 1 I 3 28 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 0,365 1 34 Gisborne .. . . . . . . . . . . 6 672 J 28 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 0 1 14-7 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. ■ • 14 938 2 22 Westland .. .. .. .. 3 3,350 2 0 Canterbury .. .. .. .. .. .. I 370 0 0 Southland' .. . . . . . . . . . . 1 87 I 34 Totals .. .. .. .. 33 11,786 3 0-7 Reserved up to 31st March, 1927 .. .. .. .. 777 453,059 2 27 11,786 453,059 3 0-7 2 27 810 464,846 1 27-7 Less reservations revoked . . . . . . 4 642 2 23 464,846 642 1 27-7 2 23 806 464,203 3 4-7 464,203 3 4-7

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Comparison of 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.

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 R.N. Jones, 0.8. R. (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 12th May, .1927 (Canterbury and Auckland); 13th May, 1927 (Westland); 11th July, 1927 (North Auckland and Wellington) ; 19th August, 1927 (Wellington and Marlborough) ; 14th October, 1927 (Auckland, Gisborne, and Southland) ; and 22nd February, 1928 (Marlborough). Fifteen recommendations were submitted by the Board to His Excellency the Governor-General lor the acquisition and reservation of areas of scenic and historic interest throughout the Dominion under the Scenery Preservation Act. W. T. Neill, Chairman.

APPENDIX C. Kapiti Island. I append hereto extract from the caretaker's report on the operations in connection with Kapiti Island for the year ended 31st March, 1928. Mr. Wilkinson is profoundly versed in matters relating to the flora and fauna of New Zealand, and his wide knowledge is of immense value in the administration of this island sanctuary which is his immediate care. I desire to again record my high appreciation of the efficient manner in which he carries out his duties. H. "W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

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Year. ' OomwiM*laii Fencing and Surveys Board's gtfai,,. Total, tor Land. Maintenance. Valuations, &c. Expenses. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1904-5 .. .. 216 Nil 52 1,822 * 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.. .. 2,61.9 715 2,237 22 345 5,938 1912-13.. .. 12,997 798 2,697 6 345 16,843 1913-14.. .. 1.0,467 627 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 1,537 1918-19 .. .. 1,295 l,964t 49 1 280 3,589 1919-20 .. .. 510 188 12 .. 40 750 1920-2.1 .. .. 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 1927-28.. .. 5,182 1,342 58 17 .. 6,599 I I , Salaries. £ * * * 175 325 325 325 345 345 365 388 390 390 390 280 40 25 25 25 25 18 Total. £ 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,765 5,775 3,730 5,938 16,843 13,009 7,887 2,728 1,555 1,537 3,589 750 2,825 58.244 6,998 3,210 2,981 20,547 3,891 6,599 Grand total .. .. .. .. .. .. 196,205 Grand total 196,205 * Included in Board's expenses. y Includes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board. It must be noted that the above expenditure does not include expenses of raising loans and recoupment of interest, &c.

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The year just closed must be considered one of the most important in the history of the sanctuary, as it marked the almost complete extermination of the wild sheep. Mr. Fletcher took on the task of ridding the island of these animals, and made such an excellent job at it that only a few are left. The number of sheep destroyed reached a total, of 1,437. No goats were seen during the year, so they too can be considered a thing of the past. With these animals out of the way the plant covering will soon re-establish itself. Groat progress is already noticeable in parts where the goats were shot out. The large grass area at the northern part of the sanctuary is now almost covered with manuka anil tanhinu. All through the manuka young plants of many species are growing well, so that in time there will be a good mixture of suitable trees and shrubs on this end to provide food for the birds. It is especially pleasing to see amongst the, young growth a good proportion of fuchsia, one of the most useful trees we .have. Not only in this part of the island is this plant doing well, but in most of the ridges and gullies as far south as Maraetakaroro it can be seen. For some unaccountable reason, but probably largely due to opossums, the fuchsia had died out in many parts of the island. In many places dead trees 6 in. in diameter can be seen. The previous absence of the young plants could be accounted for by the presence of wild goats, but these animals can hardly be blamed for destroying the larger trees. No doubt it is due to the total destruction of the goats and a great reduction in the number of opossums that this plant is coming on so well. Amongst the many plants showing up can be noticed a, good number of miro and matai, both species being amongst the most useful, and providing fruit much sought after by the pigeon. Another tree which, though not quite so useful as the foregoing is nevertheless a beautiful species, is the titoki. Like the fuchsia, it appeared at one time to be dying out, but seems to have recovered. Last season some of them were loaded with berries. All of the coprosmas have done well, both in the bush and amongst the manuka. On the eastern coast-line from the Native land to Wharekohu the taupata is showing up well. Along the western coast on the cliffs this tree is also doing well, both seedlings and the old trees that had been kept down by goats. Scattered about all along the cliffs can also be seen plants of kowhai. Last season this plant flowered very well and attracted numerous bell-birds and tins. Other plants coming away on the cliffs are koromiko, akeake, manuka, and tauhinu. I was pi.'used to find*there a plant of Cook's scurvy-grass (Lepidium oleraceum). In several places on these cliffs the exotic lupin is growing, unfortunately in places hard to get at. This plant has probably been introduced by starlings, [n Taepi.ro Valley the fuchsia that showed up last year has made wonderful growth, not only by the main stream, but also in the side gullies. The narrow-leaved koromiko (Veronica parviflora), of which there are several very large specimens growing on Taepiro ridge can be seen coming up through the grass. Other plants are also helping to close m this large area, of grass. In the Kaiwharawhara and Maraetakaroro Valleys the flax flowered well, providing a feast for the, nectar-loving birds. The other flax growing on the cliffs also provided plenty of food. With the exception of the recent dry weather, which destroyed some of the plants I had put out, and would have killed many more if 1 had not watered them, and a severe gale which blew down a good many trees on the 28th October last, the year just ended is the best experienced during my term. The spring was exceptionally good, and the plants made wonderful growth. It was unfortunate that the gale should have come "just when the young growth was in its most tender stage. I had to make practically a new track to the trig, owing to so many trees being blown down near the summit of the island. Fortunately the gale did not last long or otherwise much more damage would have been done. It blew harder and knocked up more sea here than I have ever known before. This accounted for a considerable amount of destruction amongst the nests of the sea-birds on Tokomapuna, as it happened when the birds were right in the middle of the nesting season. Dozens of nests, eggs, and young birds were washed away, the gale raging at its worst at high water. On one rock alone where terns were nestino- only seven remained out of twenty-one. Out of about fifty nests of the black-backed gull, only those on the lee side of the islet were left. So strong was the wind that a Hock of terns that had been working north of Rangatira could not fly against the wind to get back to their nests and young, and had to take shelter just north of Rangatira, Point, Many times some ol them attempted to fly back to their homes, but every time they were blown down into the, sea. About fifty of them sheltered on the sand to wait for the wind to lull. The land-birds also suffered from the effects of the gale. We had many nests under observation that were destroyed. The species that suffered most were the whiteheads. A pair of tomtits that, had for some reason forsaken the usually secure position in a, hollow tree built their nests m a tauhinu, and this was blown down. , With the exception of perhaps the pigeon, most of the other species have done fairly well, the robin especially seems to have increased in every part of the sanctuary : it is easily the best season they have had during the last, four. Bell-birds, too, have multiplied exceedingly. On every part of the island young bell-birds could be heard. For some reason the pigeon does not appear to have been so successful. We, knew of three nests, and in all of them the one egg was taken by some marauder. The long-tailed cuckoo was not so plentiful during the last season as he was during the three previous years, and the shining cuckoo was seen on only two occasions. A black fantail that has been seen about Rangatira for the past two years mated up with one of the pied species, and had two nests, but the voting birds were taken by some pest. The saddlebacks that were brought from North Auckland may now be considered as well established. Each season has seen them feeding young birds. A pair of these birds—probably an original pair- can be seen at almost any time of the year at Kahikatea, just south of Rangatira. , In two widely separated parts of the sanctuary feathers of the kakapo were picked up by the opossum-trapper, showing that these birds have apparently increased. One of the birds was caught by the trapper, and brought to me for identification. It was stone-blind, but otherwise in perfect

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condition, though apparently an old bird. Perhaps it was one of the original birds that was brought here some years ago. Kiwi are also well established, as they have been heard calling at night in several places on the sanctuary. On several occasions my wife and I camped out all night to listen for the call of the. kiwi, and every time many of them could be heard. A nest of the kiwi was found m the Kaiwharawhara Valley, commonly called " The Basin," The nest was not finished when discovered, but a week later the opening, just like a rabbit-burrow, had been deepened, and a nest made of leaves and grass placed at the end of the tunnel 2 ft. 6 in. from the entrance. When examined some time after the birds had apparently left the nest, probably owing to the fact that I had put my hand in the tunnel, although they had not resented this the first time, as the nest had. been completed afterwards. At the beginning of the year I received instructions to proceed to the Gouland Downs Sanctuary, Nelson District, to endeavour to capture kakapo and other birds for liberation on Kapiti. I did not see any kakapo, and only caught a glimpse of two of the other species, which, however, were too high up in the trees to do anything with. I was unfortunate in striking very bad weather, which may have driven the birds down on to the lower country. It rained, hailed, and snowed nearly all the time I was there, with heavy gales of wind making it unsafe to be in the bush ; but I gathered a good number of plants and seeds, some of them peculiar to that region, and returned to Wellington. After spending a fortnight's leave I journeyed to Taranaki to try and secure some North Island crows for Kapiti. Although I located the birds, I was unable to get close enough to them to catch any. 1 think this could only be done during the nesting season. As I was satisfied that it was impossible to'catch any crows at that time of the year, I gathered some dozens of puriri and karo plants and returned to Kapiti. During mv absence Mr. E. Till, of Paraparaumu, acted as caretaker. During the year a large number of plants from different parts of the Dominion were planted out on the sanctuary. Seeds and plants belonging to the island were also put out in different parts, mostly in the open places and on the cliffs. The following list shows the species brought from the Gouland Downs and Aorere Valley, Nelson : Quintinia aCutifoKa, Dracophyllum latifolium, Olearia lacunosa (and two others not yet identified), Phyllocladus alpinus, Nothofagus Menziesii, M. Solandri, Librocedrus Doniana, Alseuosmia, macrophylla, Pittosporum rigidum, Pim'elia loriqifolia, Metrosideros lucida, three species of Hebe, Celmisia spectabihs, C. Dallii, C. longifolia, C. viscosa, Podocarpus Hallii, Elaeocarpus Hookerianus, Thelymitra pulcMla , and seeds of Pittosporum Dallii. Plants brought from Taranaki: Pittosporum crassifolium,, Vilex lucens, and Bleohnum Patersom. While I was in New Plymouth I paid a flying visit to the nursery garden of Messrs. Duncan and Davies, who specialize in growing native trees.' Mr. Davies very kindly offered to let me have some of these for Kapiti. Following are the names of the plants sent by Messrs. Duncan and Davies : Phebalium nudum. Litsaea calicaris, Melicope Mantellii, Melicytus macrophyllus, Asca,rina lucida, Myrtus obcordata, M. Ralphii, M. pedunculata, and a new unnamed hybrid of the same genus, Dacrydwm Kirkii, Metrosideros villosa, Hoheria populnea, Olearia, insignis, Phyllocladus alpinus, P. glaucus, Ixerba, brexioides, Gleichenia flabellata, Dodonaea viscosa, Agathis australis, Pittosporum, umbellatum, P. Ralphn, Aristotelia colensoi, Pseudopanax ferox, P. discolor, Jovellana repens, Metrosideros diffusa, Persooma toru, Rubus parvus, Pisonia Brunoniana, Ackama rosaefolia, crimson manuka, Angelica _ monlana, Corokia Cheesemanii, Lygodium articidatum, Pimelia longifolia, Olearia oleifolia, Quintinia _ serrata, Todea barbara, Gaulthena op posit ifolia, Coprosma Kirkii, Hymenmithera dentata var. angushfoha. From Mr. R. D. Dalrymple. of Bulls. I received the following plants : Agathis australis. Cordyhne indivisa, C. pumilio, C. australis, Fusanus Cunninghamii, Hoheria Lyallii, Pittosporum umbellatum, Arthopodium cirrhatum, Metrosideros villosa, Quintinia acutifolia, Dracophyllum species, Nothopanax linare, one hybrid Panax (simplex X crassifolium), Clematis foetida, Pomaderris apetala. From Mr. R. H. D. Stidolph, Masterton, I received plants of Todea superba. From Mr. Esmond Atkinson, Wellington, I received plants of Myosolidium hortensia ; from Mr. A. Morris Jones. Wellington, plants of Todea superba, Gleichenia Cunninghamii, Alseuosmia quercifolia, Blechnum nigrum,, B. membranaceum. Mr. J. W. Murdock, Tima.ru, sent seeds of Olearia angustifoha, and Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, of Wellington, seed of Fusanus Cunninghamii. During the year several plants were found which, as far as I am aware, have not been previously recorded from Kapiti. They represented the following species: Leucopogon Fraseri, growing on northern end ; Craspedia uniftora, growing on southern end ; Melicope Mantellii, growing on Rangatira, Kahuotirangi; Carmichaelia australis, growing on north end and Maraetakaroro: SarcocMkis adversus, growing on north Te Rere : Lepidium oleraceum, growing on cliffs, western side. Mr. Morns Jones also found some plants not hitherto recorded—viz., Ganltheria antipoda, growing near waterfall, and Drimys colorata, growing in head of Taepiro Valley. , i • n the last season showed an increase in the number of visitors to the sanctuary. Early in October Lady Alice .Fergusson and party paid a four-day visit to the island. Lady Fergusson took great interest in the bird and plant life of the island. The party tramped to the summit of the island, where they had a good view of the. coast of the mainland from Terawhiti, as far north as Otaki, and the South Island "from about Tory Channel to Stephen Island. A good view of Mount Egmont was obtained On the way to the trig. Her Excellency planted a pohutukawa-tree, The party then tramped south along the western cliffs for about two miles, and down to the shore on the eastern side ol the island, anil out by the waterfall—a hard tramp even for men used to the work. At the end of October a party consisting of eight members of Parliament, accompanied by Mr. H. W. C. Mackintosh, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, paid a visit of inspection to the island. The members of Parliament were Messrs, Field, Dickie, Samuel, Elliot, J. Hamilton, Harris, Veiteli and McCombs. They were taken for a good tramp over the sanctuary, and all seemed very interested in everything they saw.

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Although traps have been set regularly on different parts of the sanctuary and 356 rats have been caught, these animals seem to be as numerous as ever. The increase is no doubt due to the fact that so many dead sheep were lying about for the brutes to feed on. The extermination of these animals will prove to be a very difficult proposition, as the traps have to be baited for them, and baiting is also an attraction for certain birds. The only places where trapping can be done with safety is inside the netted enclosure round my house and in the whare at the waterfall. No cats have been seen since the last one was shot about eighteen months ago, so they have evidently been killed out.

APPENDIX D. New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. Six meetings of the Board were held during the year, and in addition several inspections of the various reserves were made. The appointment of the members expired by effluxion of time in October last, and all the members have accepted reappointment for a further term of five years from February, 1928. The following is a short summary of the, operations of the Board during the year. Puherangiora Pa. —The trees on this reserve have made splendid growth, and. have required very little attention. Unfortunately, however, a fire spread from an adjoining property in October last, and necessitated the replacement of about 2,300 trees. A special grant was obtained for this purpose, and further expenditure will also be necessary for clearing until trees make sufficient headway to get above the fern. The area in question was subject to very heavy growth, and required more clearing than any other part of the reserve. Meeting of the Waters Reserve. —Action has been taken during the year for the acquisition of a small area of 11 perches to give access to the suspension bridge at the western end. of this reserve, The matter is now being completed, A foot-bridge has been erected over the Araheke Stream near its junction with the Waiwakaiho River. This will prove a great convenience to persons visiting the reserve. A certain amount of repair work was necessary to the suspension bridge, and, in spite of notices requesting public to use every care and to avoid causing unnecessary damage to this structure, a good deal of unnecessary strain is often placed upon the bridge. The destruction and removal of ferns and young trees is still reported, but owing to the difficulty of detection it has not been possible to institute proceedings against any particular individuals. The long spell of dry weather has caused anxiety for the safety of this and other reserves in the district, and one or two fires were started within this reserve, but were suppressed, before much damage was done. Unfortunately, in one case the name of the parties who lit the fire could not be ascertained or a prosecution would have eventuated. Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves. —The work of fencing the western and southern boundaries of the Onaero Reserves was carried out during the year. A number of trees were also planted, mostly Pinus insignis and. Cupressus macrocarpa. Koru Pa. —This reserve has been visited by large numbers of people during the year, and its proximity to the Taranaki forests lends an additional interest to this trip. The bush on this reserve was threatened with destruction last summer while bush fires were raging in the locality, and was only saved by the exertions of Mr. R. W. Davies and the staff of the Taranaki Forests, Ltd., assisted by the nursery' staff from Messrs. Duncan and Davies. OkoJce Pa. —Arrangements for fencing this reserve were made during the year, and the work has now been completed. Ratapihipihi Reserve.- —The lease of the open portion of this reserve expired during the year, and it was decided to grant a renewal to Mr. A. R. Gudopp for a period, of ten years. Mr. Gudopp has done excellent work in cleaning up this area, and has also rendered valuable service as caretaker of this reserve. It was threatened, with destruction by fire during this last summer, and but for the exertions of Mr. Gudopp and others a considerable area might have been burned. Provision will have to be made during the coming year for repairs to the boundary-fences on this reserve. The thanks of the Board are due to the honorary inspectors who have been appointed to look after the scenic reserves in their various districts. These include, in addition to Mr. A. R. Gudopp, Mr. S. Topless, who has control of the Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves ; Mr. P. H, E. Surrey, of Pukerangiora Pa ; Mr. Henry Cole, of Awa-te-Take Pa ; Mr. Henry King, of the Meeting of the Waters Reserve ; and Mr. R. W. J. Davies, of the reserves in the Taranaki District generally. W. D. Armit, Chairman.

APPENDIX E. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. Owing to pressure of other work it has been found impossible to visit all the scenic reserves during the past year, but advantage was taken of the Christmas holidays to pay a visit to most of those in Queen Charlotte Sound and Kaikoura district, and the appointment of honorary inspectors has enabled a close supervision to be kept over most of the other reserves within this district.

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In spite of the dry season that obtained throughout the summer months, and which from January to March almost reached the conditions of a drought, it is pleasing to report that the reserves have not suffered much from fires. Unfortunately, such fires as did occur affected several of the reserves most continually under the public eye. The reserve at the back of the Borough of Picton suffered from two disfiguring fires that destroyed about 20 acres of light bush. These fires were lit by the owners of land adjoining the reserves. It is very disheartening to those interested in the preservation and re-establishment of native scenery to have their efforts nullified by such fires. The Department in its endeavours to improve the natural beauty of this picturesque port has set aside these reserves, and they were being rapidly converted from their former untidy condition into native bush. Two other small fires affected the Whenuanui and Tuamarina Reserves, but not to any marked extent. The question of dealing with the fire problem is one of difficulty, for, as the adjoining owners point out, they must take advantage of the dry season to fire their fern and' danthonia, and once these fires get away it is almost impossible to control them. The question has been given consideration, and the only solution that suggests itself is the compulsory notification to the Commissioner of Crown Lands of the intention to burn adjoining lands during the season, and the preliminary burning of a fire-break under the control of the Field Inspectors. Another fire that had disastrous possibilities, but fortunately was checked before it had done much damage, occurred at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, when some 4 or 5 acres were burnt, but had it not been for the strenuous exertions of the local member of the Scenic Board, Mr. C. J. Bryant, and his employees, ably assisted at a later stage by an officer of the State Forest Service and local residents, the whole of this beautiful and picturesque reserve would have been endangered. Such a loss to this district would have been irreparable. This fire was also caused by a fire lit on adjoining land getting out of control. This latter popular reserve was visited by large numbers of picnickers and camping-parties throughout the year, and owing to the number of fireplaces erected by this Department prior to the formation of the Scenic Board there has been no danger of fires occurring through their occupancy, and the reserve has the further advantage of being on the main road and thus under constant supervision. 1 The reserves in the Sounds County attracted large numbers of camping-parties, as usual, and although some minor cases of vandalism have been reported, such as breaking down the wild cherrytrees to obtain the fruit, the occupation has been, generally speaking, of an orderly nature. The formation of a local Scenic Board to control the large reserves at Kumototo and Ship Cove in the Queen Charlotte Sound seems a question well worthy of consideration. The erection of more fireplaces and conveniences is a matter of some urgency, and the cutting of foot-tracks to enable the public to traverse the bush is very desirable. No great amount need be spent on these tracks —something in the nature of a surveyor's traverse-line with the underscrub cut to ground-level would meet all requirements. The beautiful Tennyson Inlet Reserve is not so easily accessible to the public as the former reserves mentioned, but nevertheless attracted its share of visitors. The " Tamahine" makes fortnightly week-end excursion trips from Wellington throughout the summer season, and this reserve is generally the venue favoured for the Sunday trip. The question of the erection of a summer hotel or accommodation-house on this reserve is well worthy of consideration. Various applications have been made from time to time for this privilege, but have been deferred from consideration or recommendation for the reason that if such a structure is erected it should be of some magnitude and of such a nature to attract the best class of tourist traffic throughout the Dominion. The development of the reserves in the southern end of the district has been advanced by the appointment of a Scenic Board to control the so-called Hundalee Scenic Reserves on the coast south of Kaikoura. These reserves are the favourite resort of the motor campers from Christchurch and other parts of the South Island, and also motorists from the North Island make this one of their restingplaces on tour. The reserves consist of a narrow strip of land running along the coast for some four to five miles, and in the Christmas and Easter seasons they are thickly studded with tents throughout the whole distance. The Scenic Board was appointed early in December last year, and its operations have been markedly successful. A caretaker was appointed to control the orderly occupation of the reserves, his wages being paid from the fees collected from the campers. Marked improvement in the condition of the reserves is shown. Instead of being left in the usual unsightly condition, with stray tins and debris studded about the various camping-sites, they are now in a clean and orderly state and vandalism has been kept in check. The Canterbury Automobile Association has actively interested itself in the development of these reserves in the interests of its members, who patronize it in large numbers, and have made a substantial donation towards its improvement, subject to a certain sum of money being raised by local subscription or otherwise. The Railway Department organized a rail and motor excursion in March last which was well patronized, and it is possible that these trips will become a periodical feature in coming years. The erection of a cottage at Goose Bay and the installation of a permanent caretaker is contemplated by the Board when their finances permit, and if this can be done the loss caused by the death of the late Mr. F. Auchinleck, who for so many years so ably controlled these reserves for this Department, will be repaired. The question of control of the Mangamaunu Scenic Reserves, on the coast north of Kaikoura, has been met to a certain extent by the action of the Kaikoura County Council, who supervise and issue permits to camp on the roads fronting these reserves. During the year a number of honorary rangers were appointed throughout the district.

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APPENDIX F. Canterbury Scenic Reserves. The greater proportion of scenic reserves in this district are under the control of Scenic Boards or trusts. Inspections of most of the other reserves have been made during the year, and lam pleased to be able to state that in practically every case they are. in good order and condition, and that there has been no destruction of native bush. Owing to representations made as to the destruction of bush and alpine vegetation at Arthur's Pass, an area of 370 acres, formerly reserved for provincial purposes, was declared scenic reserve, and notices posted in the vicinity. This was the only new scenic reserve declared during the year. A large number of the reserves are on the Banks Peninsula, some being in very out-of-the-way places and containing very little bush of scenic value. Some years ago an endeavour was made to exchange some of the poorer and less accessible reserves at Peraki for an area containing some very fine native bush adjoining Scenic Reserve 3361, but unfortunately the proposal fell through. The owner of the land has again been approached on the matter, and I trust that some arrangement may be reached, by which the Crown will be able to acquire this area for scenic purposes. During the year Mr. Oliver Glencross Parr was appointed Inspector under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, of the Raincliff Bush Scenic Reserve, No. 3724.

SCENIC RESERVES ACCOUNT. Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1928. Receipts. £ s. d. Payments. £ s. d. To Rents from reserves .. .. 640 5 2 By Refunds of rents .. .. .. 20 4 2 Royalties from timber, &c. .. .. 948 1 6 Refunds of royalties .. .. 419 6 Amount recovered in reduction of vote Scenery-preservation vote expenditure as per contra .. 22 5 ' 2 expensos— Repayment of capital—Amount paid out Capital expenditure on £ s. d. of Scenery Preservation Account in reserves .. .. 5,614 11 0 1924-25 (now recouped from Land for Compensation for Native Settlements Account) .. .. 5,094 8 4 land taken .. .. 38 6 10 Expenditure on Trounson Kauri Forest .. 744 13 3 Surveys and valuations, &c. .. .. 53 1 6 Expenses of Board .. 16 15 5 Miscellaneous.. .. 132 2 10 6,599 io 10 Amount wrongly credited to Scenery Preservation receipts in previous year 50 0 0 Balance transferred to Treasury Adjustment Account .. .. .. 30 5 8 £6,705 0 2 £6,705 0 2 Revenue Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1928. Dr. £ s. d. Or. £ a. d. To Loan repayments (principal and interest) By Accrued rents .. .. .. 901 911 under section 47, Land for Settlements Accrued royalties .. .. .. 947 2 3 Act, 1925 .. .. .. 51 12 5 Miscellaneous receipts—Credits in reduo- " Thirds " and " halves " .. .. 69 3 2 tion of expenditure .. .. 118 3 Rebates of rents .. .. .. 6 2 6 Balance, loss for year carried down .. 8,288 16 6 Writings-off in Suspense—Rents irrecoverable .. .. .. 64 15 4 Expenses of Scenic Reserves Board .. 16 15 5 Expenses in connection with Trounson Kauri Forest .. .. .. 744 13 3 Surveys, valuations, &c. .. .. 53 1 6 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 132 2 10 Remissions of rent by Revaluation Board 141 12 0 Remissions of rent under section 6 (1), Deteriorated Lands Act, 1925 .. 469 3 6 Interest on capital invested in scenic reserves .. .. .. .. 8,390 5 0 £10,139 6 11 £10,139 6 11 £ s. d. To Balance forward from previous year .. 20,630 4 5 By Balance, accumulated excess of chargos £ s. d. Balance brought forward .. .. 8,288 16 6 over revenue .. .. .. 29,076 6 8 Adjustment on account of previous year 157 5 9 £29,076 6 8 £29,076 6 8

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Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1928.

Liabilities. Capital Account — £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1927 186,449 17 4 Capital expenditure, &c. during year .. 5,614 12 0 192,064 9 4 Less capital repaid .. 5,094 8 4 186,970 1 0 Reserve Account —Value of Crown lands set aside as reserves .. 51,051 6 5 ■ 238,021 7 5 Treasury Adjustment Account .. 26,605 15 8 Sundry creditors, for compensation payable on land takon for reserves .. 208 0 0 Liability to Native Land Settlement Account in respect of Waikaremoana watershed area .. .. .. 9,766 13 4 Rents paid in advance .. .. 58 0 6 Rents charged in advance .. .. 151 17 7 Writings-off in Suspense Account .. 66 15 4 £274,878 9 10

Assetx. • £ 3. d. Land —Scenic reserves .. .. 235,695 2 10 Waikaremoana watershed area—to be taken over from Native Land Settlement Account .. .. .. 9,766 13 4 Sundry debtors for— £ s. d. Rents .. .. 186 10 5 Royalties .. .. 0 13 186 11 8 Postponed rent .. .. .. 87 0 0 Outstanding rents in Suspense Account .. 66 15 4 Revenue Account —Accumulated excess of charges over revenue .. .. 29,076 6 8 £274,878 9 10

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. —G. F. C. Campbell, Controller and AuditorGeneral.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (700 copies, including illustrations), £25.

By Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—1928.

Price 9d.]

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Mt. Hercules, Main South Road to Franz Josef Glacier.

Franz Josef Glacier from Canavan's Knob.

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Lake Kanieri from Hahn's Bay.

Mt. Lambert and Lambert Glacier, Wanganui River, Westland.

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Goose Bay, Kaikoura, Hundalee Reserves.

Goose Bay, Kaikoura, Hundalee Reserves.