DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1930, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS ANT) SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930 Session I, C-06

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1930. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1930, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS ANT) 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, 190)8. Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist July, 1930. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1930. I have, &c., J. B. THOMPSON, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

EE PORT. Proclamations issued during the year setting land apart as scenic or historic reserves under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act covered a total area of 6,982 acres. In the North Auckland Land District four small areas at the Bay of Islands, totalling 3 acres 2 roods 11 perches, were taken under the Public Works Act for scenic and historic purposes, no claim for compensation being made by the owners, the New Zealand Mission Trust Board and Messrs. W. C. Mountain and W. J. King. The Marsden Cross is erected on this area, and the graves of one or two of the original band of missionaries are situated within the boundaries of the area. The Department willingly gave an assurance that the graves would be treated with all care and consideration, and with this end in view arrangements are being made to have a suitable fence erected around the reserve. An area of 18 acres 3 roods 15 perches of Crown land in the Tutamoe district, containing a fine piece of native bush, was reserved at the wish of the local settlers, one of whom consented to act as an honorary inspector of the area. Oil the Great Barrier Island an area of 935 acres of Crown land in young kauri and other trees was proclaimed during the year. It is hoped to arrange for the appointment of a Scenic Board of local residents to control this reserve. An area of 80 acres near the Whangarei Heads was purchased and set aside under the Act. In this case half the purchase-money was provided by the Crown, and the remainder by the local authorities at Whangarei. I—C. 6.

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The fifth reservation in North Auckland during the year comprised an area of 98 acres 3 roods 2 perches in Wairoa Parish. This land was owned by the Manukau County Council, which body agreed to the area being formally taken under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act and the Public Works Act for scenic purposes. It is proposed to reserve some further areas in the locality, and finally to appoint the County Council as a special Scenic Board to have the local control and management. Reservations in the Auckland Land District included an area of 302 acres with a frontage to Lake Rotoma, and an area of 448 acres on the Kiritehere Road. The road through the Rotoma area is overhung on either side by tree-ferns and dense native bush, forming one of the most beautiful drives in a noted scenic locality, while the Kiritehere Road reservation is an addition to the reserves set apart in that district in 1927. An area of 3,575 acres in the Matakaoa Survey District, Gisborne Land District, was surrendered from a small grazing-run lease and set apart for scenic purposes. The land concerned has little value for grazing, and comprises mostly very steep cliffs covered with bush. It has been placed under the control of the Pukeamaru Range Scenic Board, which already had the control of an adjoining reserve of 1,878 acres. An area of 11 perches was purchased from the Mangorei Dairy Co. and added to the Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve, New Plymouth, for the purpose of providing access to the suspension bridge across the Waiwakaiho River. Other reservations in the Taranaki District were those of a small area on the Stratford - Main Trunk Railway adjoining an existing scenic reserve, and the Tapuinikau Pa site near Warea. An article on the latter area kindly contributed by Mr. C. M. Hill, of New Plymouth, is published as Appendix J of this report. An area of 2 acres 3.roods 19 perches at Lowry Bay, Wellington Harbour, was purchased and. set apart during the year. Half the purchase price was provided by the Bruce Trustees, the remainder being found by the Crown and by means of private subscriptions. Miss Nancy Wilson, of Bulls, was instrumental in bringing the desirability of the acquisition of this area under the notice of the Department, and also took a leading part in raising the funds required. The reserve contains a good selection of native bush, and should prove a valuable public asset. The only other Wellington reservation was that of an area of 132 acres along the Raurimu-Kaitieke Main Road, on the watershed overlooking Raurimu. This is a rugged piece of bush country particularly rich in ferns, and lies in full view of the tourist traffic from the Chateau Tongariro to the Whakahoro Landing. In the Nelson District an area of 8| acres was set aside in the Bulwer Township, Pelorus Sound. This reserve, which is a very pretty spot, covered with good mixed bush, is an addition to a reserve proclaimed in 1921. Last year Lake Rotoroa, together with a large area of the surrounding country, was set aside for scenic purposes. It was subsequently found that the scenic reserve overlapped portion of a provisional State forest, and with the concurrence of the State Forest Service the matter was adjusted by means of special legislation cancelling the forest reservation and setting apart the land concerned as a scenic reserve. In the Marlborough District an area of 9| acres which became vested in the Crown as a publicutility reserve on the subdivision of the Town of Miritu, Queen Charlotte Sound, was set apart as a scenic reserve, for which purpose it is well adapted. Other reservations in this district were those of some 179 acres on the top of the range overlooking Picton ; a small piece of closed road adjoining one of the Ilundalee Reserves ; and an area of 95 acres of native bush fronting Patten Passage, Queen Charlotte Sound. In the last-mentioned case special legislation was necessary cancelling the existing provisional State-forest reservation over the land and setting the area apart as a scenic reserve. The State Forest Service concurred in the proposal. Several interesting reservations were made in the Westland District. An area of 7 acres near the Main Coast Road from Greymouth to Westport was generously surrendered by the lessee in order that the scenic bush might be preserved. The land contains a very fine piece of bush, particularly rich in tree-ferns. On the main tourist route to the Franz Josef the opportunity was taken in connection with a road-deviation being carried out by the Public Works Department to acquire under the Public Works Act an area of 220 acres of scenic value along the Wataroa River. An area of 169 acres, comprising a strip of land 5 chains wide around the shores of Lake Rotokino, together with portion of an unformed and unused road along the Rotokino River and the shore of the lake, was set apart for scenic purposes under the provisions of section 11 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1929, The 5-chain strip was portion of a provisional State forest, and the State Forest Service agreed to the change of purpose of the reservation, while the Westland County Council offered no objection to the closing of the road area. It is proposed to extend the reservation by the proclamation under the Scenery Preservation Act of a further area of 461 acres, being the lake itself and portion of the river-bed. An area of 362 acres of birch bush in the Wairere Settlement, near Springburn, Canterbury, was proclaimed under the Act during the year. The reserve comprises an area of bush withheld from selection when the settlement was opened in 1919, together with an area recently surrendered from one of the settler's holdings. In the Catlin's District, Otago, an area of 327 acres of dense bush was proclaimed for scenic purposes. On the face of a hill on this reserve a colony of penguins build their nests and rear their young, this being one of the few places where the birds breed along that part of the Otago Coast. The revocation of the scenic reservation over areas totalling some 198 acres was arranged during the year. The cases dealt with were those of a small portion of the Wairua'River Reserve, North Auckland ; the Omaio Reserve at Whitianga Bay, Gisborne District, a small portion of the Tangarakau Gorge Reserve, Taranaki District; portions of the Lake Kanieri Reserve, Westland ; and a reserve of 40 acres on the Port Hills, Canterbury. In the case of the Omaio Reserve the circumstances were somewhat unusual. The area in question was taken for scenic purposes under the Public Works Actin 1927, it being understood at the time that the Native owners were agreeable to the proposal. Tt.

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subsequently transpired that the Department had been misinformed, and that the real owners were opposed to the reservation of the land. Steps were therefore taken to revoke the Proclamation taking the area, and to revest the land in the owners. In the Tangarakau Gorge case an area of 17-84 perches of the scenic reserve was required in connection with the setting-aside as a cemetery of the site of the grave of Joshua Morgan, a Government surveyor who died in the gorge many years ago. A fence and cross mark the spot, which is well known in the locality, and the Whangamomona County Council have consented to take over control of the grave. The two portions of the Lake Kanieri Reserve dealt with contained 67f acres and 58| acres respectively, and the scenic reservation was revoked for the reason that these particular areas should, in order to provide suitable boundaries, have been included in some adjoining sections which were surveyed for settlement many years ago. In the Port Hills case the area concerned was not of any scenic value, and the reservation was revoked in order that the land might be dealt with under the Land Act. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 851, covering a total area of some 511,792 acres. Supervision of Reserves. During the year special Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : Rangitikei County Council, to control the Silverhope Scenic Reserve ; Dannevirke Borough Council, to control parts of Makirikiri Scenic Reserve ; and the Ohakune Lakes, Pukeamaru Range, Kirk's Bush, Papatowai, and Haehae te Moana Scenic Boards, to control their respective reserves. Two warrants were issued placing additional areas under the control of the Hundalee and New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Boards respectively. Appointments of honorary inspectors were made as follows: Mr. J. D. Galder, for the Samson Hill Scenic Reserve ; Mr. A. A. Meyer, for Scenic Reserve, Section 12, Block XII, Tutamoe Survey District, North Auckland Land District; Messrs. R. H. Wilson and F. Bracegirdle, jnn, for the Everett Road Scenic Reserve : Mr. J. Sutherland, for the Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve ; Miss Nancy Wilson, Mrs. M. A. Johnston, and Mr. H. Mcintosh, for the Lowry Bay Scenic Reserve. Upon the nomination of the Auckland District Council of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture twentynine ladies and gentlemen were also appointed honorary inspectors, their appointments covering scenic reserves throughout the Dominion. The Department greatly appreciates the interest taken in this matter by the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and it is probable that further appointments of honorary inspectors nominated by that body will be made from time to time. The general supervision carried out by the honorary inspectors is a great aid to the Department in the work of safeguarding our scenic areas, and the appointments must assist materially in the creation of a more enlightened public opinion towards the preservation of the magnificent reserves with which the Dominion is endowed. At the time of writing arrangements are in hand for the printing of inspectors' certificates in a handy form. These certificates will be evidence of each inspector's authority to act, and will be issued by the Department as appointments are made. During the year vacancies were filled on the Pongaroa, Lake Rotoiti, Katikati Hot Springs, and Mount Balloon Hut Scenic Boards, and additional members were appointed to the Hundalee, Mount Balloon Hut, and Everett Road Scenic Boards. A warrant was issued under the provisions of section 2 of the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1926, authorizing the caretaker of the Trounson Kauri Park Reserve to use firearms for the destruction of rabbits in the park. The laying of poison on the outskirts of the forest did not prove altogether effective, and there is no doubt that the use of a shot-gun by a reliable man is the best means of exterminating the pest in a reserve such as the Kauri Park. Damage to Reserves and Trespass thereon, etc. The reports received during the year from field officers of the Department, Scenic Boards, and honorary inspectors indicate that the great majority of our scenic reserves are in a good state of preservation. There is, however, still a tendency in some localities for the cutting of timber and fencing-posts from outlying reserves. Three cases of timber-cutting were brought before the Courts during the year, and convictions secured against the offenders. In another case, owing to a confusion of boundaries, some trees were felled on a scenic reserve during the course of milling operations on adjoining land. This particular case was adjusted by the person primarily responsible paying the value of the trees removed, plus the expenses incurred by the Department in investigating the matter. An undertaking was also secured for the planting of suitable native trees in place of those inadvertently felled. General. The practice of advertising-matter being nailed to trees on reserves, &c., was brought under notice by the Canterbury Automobile Association, and the co-operation of the Department with other Government Departments was asked for with a view to effective steps being taken to deal with this evil. The Lands Department has never given authority for the display of advertising-matter on Crown lands or reserves under its control, but a special investigation was carried out by field officers throughout the Dominion to ascertain the exact position. It appears that in practically all cases the advertisements complained of are displayed on private property or on public roads, and the Department has, therefore, no jurisdiction in the matter. A careful watch is, however, being kept on all scenic reserves as I*

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far as possible, and appropriate action will be taken if any cases of unauthorized advertising come under notice. It may be mentioned that two County Councils which have never given any permission for advertising on the public roads under their control have consented to the Department removing and destroying trade posters or other advertisements affixed to any tree growing on a public road, and action in that direction will be taken by our field officers from time to time in the districts concerned. An application was received during the year for permission to mill timber on an area of some 275 acres of a well-known scenic reserve. The request was supported by arguments to the effect that the area concerned was somewhat remote from existing or prospective tourist routes ; that an ample scenic area would still be left; and that if permission were refused the mill concerned would have to close down and throw its staff out of employment. The Department declined to approve of the granting of milling rights, but, as it is possible that similar applications will be made in the future, it may be advisable to place on record the exact, position with respect to the cutting of timber on scenic reserves. Section 15 (b) of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, provides that every person is liable to a fine not exceeding £100 who cuts or removes any timber or bush on a scenic reserve without the written authority of the Minister. The language of the section implies that the Minister possesses the power of granting written authority to any person to cut or remove timber from a reserve ; but as the main object of the Act is the conservation and preservation of scenery, and as the destruction of native bush must necessarily tend in the opposite direction, it is clear that such power should be exercised only in very exceptional circumstances, and that no authority should be granted unless it is perfectly clear that the cutting and removal of timber will not in any way damage the scenic features of the particular reserve concerned. It is necessary from, time to time to deal with cases involving the removal of dead or fallen trees from reserves. Applications of this nature, however, usually concern merely an individual tree or so, and can reasonably be approved, provided every care is taken to prevent damage to the hush ; but the Department has yet to experience a case where the circumstances would warrant the milling of standing bush on a scenic reserve. The Department had the honour last year of publishing an article by Dr. L. Cockayne, C.M.G., F.R.S., on the vegetation and flora of the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve. That article was widely appreciated, and is succeeded this year by an exceedingly valuable and interesting paper on the glacial scenic reserves of Westland, contributed by Dr. Cockayne in collaboration with Dr. E. Teiclielmann, of Hokitika. The country dealt with includes the Franz Josef Scenic Reserve of 48,500 acres, an adjoining reserve of 14,120 acres, an area of 61,000 acres surrounding and including the Fox Glacier, and an area of 64,000 acres farther south, including the watersheds of the Copeland and Twain Rivers and the upper reaches of the Karangarua River. The two last-mentioned areas are at present Crown land, but arrangements are in hand to have them permanently set aside under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act, and when this action has been completed the Dominion will possess in this chain of reserves a national asset of unsurpassed beauty and grandeur. The reservation of the Fox Glacier area had been decided upon some time ago, and the desirability of reserving an additional area farther south was brought under notice by Mr. A. P. Harper, the president of the New Zealand Alpine Club, who has carried out extensive explorations in South Westland, and whose enthusiasm for our alpine regions is well known throughout the Dominion. The paper, now published, deals in detail with the intensely interesting vegetation of this unique region, describes the excursions that may be made through the beautiful forest and on the glaciers and snowfields, and discusses the bird-life as it exists to-day. The illustrations are exceptionally fine, and the Department has prepared a special map, which it is hoped will add, if that were possible, to the interest and value of the article. The Department is fortunate in being able to arrange for the publication of an article of such outstanding interest, and confidently anticipates that it will attract widespread attention both in the Dominion and overseas. Appendices. The appendices to this report are listed hereunder :— A. Schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, accompanied by statement of expenditure. B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. C. The Glacial Scenic Reserves of Westland (Dr. L. Cockayne, C.M.G., F.R.S., and Dr. E. Teichelmann). D. Kapiti Island. E. Hawke's Bay Scenic Reserves. F. Taranaki Scenic Reserves, together with Report of the New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. G. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. H. Westland Scenic Reserves. I. Canterbury Scenic Reserves. J. Tapuinikau Pa.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1929-30 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

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hi. I I II lp ' LocaI Name ' Description. Area. J Pro^°t f ion S I ; 1 I North Auckland Land District. i. k. p. 658 .. Portion of part Allotments 11 and 16, Wairoa I 98 3 2 26/2/30 Parish, Block VII, Wairoa S.D. f Portion of Subdivision 6 of O.L.C. 56 .. 0 2 15 11/3/30 | Part O.L.C. 56 (Hohi) .. .. 10 0 11/3/30 671 Marsden Cross .. .. <( Subdivision 5 of O.L.C.'56 (Hohi) .. 0 2 20 11/3/30 j Subdivision 4 of O.L.C. 56 (Hohi), Block IX, 1 1 16 11/3/30 : Kerikeri S.D. 667 .. Section 12, Block XI1, Tutamoo S.D. .. 18 3 15 19/9/29 652 Great Barrier Island .. .. Allotments 128, 129, 130, 182, and 182.4, 935 0 0 24/7/29 Aotea Parish 632 .. Southern portion of Allotment 62, Parish 80 0 0 12/6/29 I of Manaia Auckland Land District. 685 I Lake Rotoma .. .. Section 16, Block VI, Rotoma S.D., and 302 2 0 25/3/30 Otumarokura Lagoon 630 I Kiritehere Road .. .. Section 2, Block VIII, Whareorino S.D. .. 448 0 0 14/10/29 Gisborne Land District. 656 j Pukeamaru Range .. [ Section 1, Block XI, Matakaoa S.D. .. | 3,575 0 0 7/5/29 Taranaki Land District. 601 Tapuinikau Pa .. .. Tapuinikau A Block, Block IX, Cape S.D. 2 2 25 10/10/29 654 | Meeting of the Waters (addition) Lot 1, D.P. 4790, being a subdivision of part 0 0 11 26/8/29 Section I, Hua and Waiwakaiho Hundred, Block X, Paritutu S.D. 655 .. Section 25, Block III, Ohura S.D. .. [ 3 3 23 4/5/29 Wellington Land District. 648 j Lowry Bay .. .. .. Lot 36 on D.P. 1714, being part of Section 20, 2 3 19 5/8/29 Harbour District, Block XVI, Belmont S.D. 674 Raurimu .. .. .. ! Section 8, Block XII, Kaitieke S.D. .. 132 1 0 7/12/29 Nelson Land District. 677 Bulwer .. .. .. I Sections 100 to 104, Village of Bulwer, 8 2*37 [ 7/2/30 Block VI, French Pass S.D. Marlborough Land District. 662 [ Kurakiira Point .. .. Section 28, Town of Miritu, Block 111, 9 2 0 28/1/30 Arapawa S.D. fLot 1 of Section 42, Block XII, Link- 83 0 0 26/8/29 661 Ka-ipupu (addition) .. water S.D. 43, Block XII, Link water S.D... 96 0 0 ! 26/8/29 660 : Hundalee (addition) .. .. I Section 6, Block XI, Hundalee S.D. . . 0 1 25-4 j 23/8/29 629 | Patten Passage .. .. ; Section 10, Block IV, Arapawa S.D. .. 95 0 0 1 (a) Westland Land District. 678 .. Reserve 1002 (formerly part of Section 2988), 7 1 32 24/2/30 Block IX, Waiwhero S.D. f Situated in Blocks III and VII, 145 0 0 (6) 669 Lake Rotokino .. .. <J Wataroa S.D. Situated in Block VII, Wataroa S.D. .. 24 0 0 (b) f Part Section 2374 .. .. .. 151 3 0 5/9/29 w , J Part Section 2374 .. .. .. 60 1 19 5/9/29 Wataroa <j „ 3 5 2 22 5 ) 9 ) 29 Section 999, Block XV, Wataroa S.D. .. 2 1 21 5/9/29 Canterbury Land District. 681 ( Wairere .. .. .. | Reserve No. 4247, Block VIII, Alford S.D. | 362 1 8 24/2/30 Otago Land District. 683 | Hina-hina .. .. .. Sections 7 and 10, Block VIII, Wood- 327 1 20 7/2/30 land S.D. (a) Section 9 of Reserves an<l other Lands Disposal Act, 1929. (J) Section 11 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1929.

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Revocation of Reservations.

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Find A rpi i Date of han(J - [ Area * Proclamation. North Auckland Land District. . ,, ,, a.' it. r. Portion of Omiru West No. 2 Block, and portion of Section 7, Block XVI, Manga- I 6 1 22 i 25/5/29 kahia S.D. Gisborne Land District. Portion of No. 43, Oniaio Block, Block V, Ilaparapara S.D. (Omaio Scenic Reserve) B 25 0 0 [ 10/10/29 Taranahi Land District. Subdivision 1 of Subdivision 2 of Section 12, Block II I, Pouatu S.D. .. .. | 0 0 17-841 1/8/29 H'estland Land District. Part of Scenic Reserve No. 1177, Block XV, Kanieri S.D. .. .. .. I 07 2 21) j 4/11/29 Part of Scenic Reserve No. 1177, Block XVI, Kanieri S. J). .. .. .. | 58 2 20 ! 4/11/29 Canterbury Land District. Part of Reserve No. 2788, Block VI, Akaroa S.D. .. .. .. .. 40 2 25 27/4/29 198 1 24-841 Summary op Reserves. District. Number. I Area. A. K. r. North Auckland .. .. .. .. . . .. 5 1,136 0 28 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 750 2 0 Gisborne .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 3,575 0 0 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 62 19 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 135 0 19 Nelson .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 1 8 2 37 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 283 3 25-4 Westland . . . . .. . . .. .. 4 396 2 14 Canterbury . . .. .. .. .. . . 1 362 1 8 Otago ..' .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 327 1 20 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 25 6,982 I 10-"4 Reserved up to 31st March, 1929 .. .. .. .. 827 505,008 1 3-1 852 511,990 2 13-5 Less reservations revoked .. .. .. 1 198 1 24-84 851 511,792 0 28-66

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Statement showing Expenditure on Scenery-preservation for the Year ended 31st March, 1930. Compensation for Native lands taken for scenery purposes (including historic spots) £ s. dunder the Public Works Act, 1908, and the Native Land Act, 1909 .. 128 6 3 Britomart Memorial site, Akaroa, acquisition of, engraving of inscription, fencing, &c. 40 0 0 Fencing Whinray Park, Gisborne .. .. .. .. .. .. 69 7 6 Katikati Scenic Reserve —Construction of swing foot-bridge .. .. .. 50 0 0 Lowry Bay, .Wellington —Contribution towards purchase of 2 acres 3 roods 19 perches 200 0 0 Okuratope Pa, acquisition of .. .. .. . . .. . . .. 116 9 0 Ruapekapeka Pa—lmprovements .. . . .. .. .. .. 21 11 0 Scenery Preservation Board, expenses of .. .. . . .. .. 6 0 0 Subsidy—Everett Road Scenic Reserves (improvements), (£1 for £1) .. .. 50 0 0 Subsidy —Hundalee Scenic Reserve (improvements) .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 Summit Road Scenic Reserves —Ranger .. .. .. .. .. 300 0 0 Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses .. .. .. .. .. 108 8 4 Trounson Kauri Forest, charges in connection with protection of .. .. 636 1 0 Tuatapere Scenic Reserves —Fencing road frontage .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Administration of reserves (including fencing, &c.) — £ s. d. Eradication of noxious weeds .. .. .. .. ..173112 Destruction of rabbits .. .. .. .. . . 53 0 0 Fencing, repairs to bridges, and erection of river-protective works .. 141 6 9 Planting of trees.. .. .. .. .. .. 42 0 10 Law-costs, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 7 3 Supervision of scenic reserves—Lake Wakatipu .. .. .. 5 0 0 431 6 0 Gross expenditure for year .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,407 9 1 Recoveries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 0 5 Net expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. £2,391 8 8

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.

* Included in Board's expenses. f Includes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board. J Ranger for Summit Road Scenic Reserves. It must be noted that tlie above expenditure does not include expenses of raising loans and recoupment of interest, &c.

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Y Compensation 1'encing and Surveys, Board's j „ , . T t l for Land. Maintenance. Valuations, &c. 1 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 .. .. 2,619 715 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 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 1927-28.. .. 5,182 1,342 58 17 .. 6,599 1928-29.. .. 11,642 1,810 538 1 150$ 14,141 1929-30.. .. 445, 1,548 108 6 300$ 2,407 Grand total .. .. .. .. .. .. 212,753

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APPENDIX P. REPORT OF THE SCENERY PRESERVATION BOARD. The Scenery Preservation Board comprises the following members : The Surveyor-General (Chairman) ; the General Manager, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts ; the 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 13th June, 1929 (North Auckland, Auckland, Taranaki, Marlborough, Nelson and Westland) ; Ist August, 1929 (North Auckland, Nelson, and Westland) ; 10th October, 1929 (North Auckland, Auckland, Taranaki, and Wellington) ; 11th December, 1929 (Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, and Otago) ; and 7th January, 1930 (Auckland). Twenty-nine 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 provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act. The death occurred during the year of Mr. B. M. Wilson, General Manager of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Mr. Wilson had been a member of the Board for many years, and had always taken a very keen interest in its work. At a meeting held 011 the 10th October, 1929, the members placed on record their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Wilson, and their deep sense of the great loss sustained by his death. 11. E. Walshe, Chairman.

APPENDIX G. THE GLACIAL ,SCENIC RESERVES OE WESTLAN I). By Dr. L. Cookayjsie, C.M.G., F.R.S., and Dr. E. Teichelmann, Member of the English Alpine Club. General. The definite stamp impressed on any piece of natural scenery is made by its plant-covering and not by its geomorphological structure. The latter may be the same the world over —sand-dunes, alluvial plains, rolling hills, and high mountains, to cite common examples ; but the physiognomy and likewise the geographical position of a landscape, undisturbed by man, may be at once indicated by its vegetation, and, above all, by its forest-covering, should it be so adorned. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in that part of New Zealand dealt with here, for, though glaciers are a familiar feature of many lands and though, in some places, they descend to the lowlands, yet in 110 other part of the earth at the same latitude can such rivers of ice be seen flowing through forest-clad defiles far into the lowland belt (fig. 1) —the terminal faces of Franz Joseph and Fox, respectively 692 ft. and 670 ft.—while the forests themselves bear 110 resemblance to those of temperate lands in general, but rather are they first cousins to those of the moist tropics. In short, the scenery dealt with here, in terms of its vegetation, and its species of plants, may with all propriety be described as " unique." Even in New Zealand itself —a land of scenic surprises—there is nothing which matches in character the scenery of the area pierced by the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers —iong rivers of ice issuing from vast snowfields and passing finally through an evergreen forest where the dominant tree is of tropical origin, where tree-ferns grow at 110 great distance from the ice (fig. 2), and where an early colonist on rock recently left bare by the retreating ice is an epiphytic orchid ! Here, leaving the description of the scenery, as scenery, to abler pens than ours, we attempt only to briefly tell something more prosaic about the all-important vegetation of the Glacial Reserves of Westland and the species of which it is composed, and to deal with some other matters which may interest those visitors to South Westland, and others, who may read this paper. The reserves themselves, four in number, embrace the glaciers and snowfields on the western side of the main Divide of the Southern Alps from which issue the Callery, Waiho, Fox, and Gook Rivers, together with the country in the vicinity of these torrential streams —mostly forest-clad (lig. 1) —such extending for some distance westwards of the Main South Road and ascending, where bare of snow in summer, to an altitude of 5,000 ft., or even higher (see map). The total length of the whole block of country is approximately thirty miles, its average width about nine miles and a half, and its approximate area about 293 square miles ; but these figures give 110 idea of its rugged nature or of the difficulties its explorers have to surmount. Botanically most of the area is unexplored, so our statistics, &c., cannot be considered final, especially in what concerns the high-mountain vegetation and species. Nevertheless, as a good deal is already known concerning the plant-life of Westland in general, and as such seems to be fairly uniform throughout, our account of the vegetation and flora of the reserves should be, in the main, accurate, and the gaps to be filled not very wide.

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The Flora. Leaving on one side the lower plants —fungi, liverworts, mosses, &c. —and dealing only with those designated " higher " —ferns, lycopods, &c., seed-plants (conifers, grasses, sedges, &c., rushes, &c., orchids, trees, shrubs, semi-woody and herbaceous plants) —the total number of species and hybrid groups between such (57, the estimate low), extending our census to those outside of the area up to the coast-line, is 576 (ferns and their kin 92, conifers 17, monocotyledons 147 and dicotyledons 320), and these belong to 70 families and 202 genera, the largest of which are as follows : (Families) Filices (Fern Family), 81 species, &c. ; Compositae (Daisy Family), 69 ; Cyperaceae (Sedge Family), 46 ; Gramineae (Grass Family), 42 ; Hubiaceae (Karamu Family), 25 ; Scrophulariaceae (Koromiko Family), 24.; Onagraceae (Willowherb Family), 22; Orchidaceae (Orchid Family), 21; Umbelliferae (Carrot Family), 18 ; Liliaceae (Lily Family), 17 ; and Podocarpcweae (Rimu Family), 16. (Genera) Coprosma (karamus), 21 ; (Genera) Carex (sedges), 19 ; Hymenophyllum (filmy-ferns) and Celmisea 18 each ; Epilobium (willowherbs), 17 ; Olearia (tree-daisies), 13; Asplenium (spleenworts), 12; and Danthonia (danthonia grasses), 10. Taking a broad view of the life-forms of the species, &c., the following are the numbers for each class : Trees (many might equally well be classed as shrubs), 48 ; shrubs, 80 ; semi-woody plants, 81 ; herbaceous plants (in a narrow sense), 137 ; plants of the grass-form, 82 ; plants of the rush-form, 15; lianes (excluding climbing ferns), 18; epiphytes (excluding epiphytic ferns), 5 ; parasites, 2 ; water and swamp plants, 26 ; and ferns, 81 (tree-ferns, 4 ; filmy-ferns, 23, of which 18 are epiphytes ; herbaceous and semi-woody ferns, 55, of which 2 are lianes and 7 epiphytes). In regard to the altitudinal distribution of the species, &c., 17 are restricted to the coast-line, and 134 to the lowland belt, while 89 do not ascend above the montane belt or 237 above the subalpine belt, and 97 enter the alpine belt. For those visiting the reserves who are unacquainted with the names of the species we give the following brief descriptions of some of the most striking, though common elsewhere, together with a few absent in most parts of New Zealand. The wheki (Dicksonia squarrosa) is the smaller of the two common tree-ferns, and from its slender trunk project the persistent bases of the old leaves ; the green tree-fern (Hemitelia Smithii) has the old leaf-stalks of former leaves depending from below the spreading crown of large, green leaves (fig. 3) ; the kiokio (Bleclinum procerum}—so abundant on banks (fig. 4)- — forms with its huge pinnate leaves, up to 10 ft. in length, each clear of its fellows, a perfect mosaic ; the umbrella-fern (Gleichenia Cunninghamii) lends a rare beauty to the roadside, with its deeply-cut leaflets, white beneath, held out horizontally in tiers one above the other ; the crape-fern (Leptopteris superba) forms large colonics, the spreading crown of translucent crape-like green to almost black leaves, 2 ft. to 3 ft. long or more, raised on short trunks (Frontispiece) ; the tall rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is at once distinguished by its small crown of yellow drooping shoots ; that most elegant of grasses, the giant danthonia (Danthonia Cunninghamii)—both lowland and subalpine—is a huge tussock with rather broad green leaves, and stems up to 5 ft. high, bearing ail open feathery panicle ; the broad-leaved cabbage-tree, or toil (Cordyline indivisa), is a tuft-tree up to 20 ft. high, crowned by a great head of leaves each about 4 ft. long by 4 in. broad, thick, somewhat elastic, and marked by a handsome yellowish-red midrib ; the milk-berry (Enargea marginata) is a low-growing, wiry-stemmed plant of the forest-floor, with white flowers and opaque, fair-sized milk-white berries ; the liuta (Ascarina lucida) is a small bushy tree quite striking with its black stems, extremely glossy, green, toothed oblong leaves, 1 in. to 2 in. long, which resemble those of the puketea; the mountain-lily (Ranunculus Lyallii)—a giant buttercup, the finest in the world, in which fact, apart from its surpassing beauty, lies its special distinction—is remarkable for its huge bright-green, smooth, saucer-like leaves, raised on stems 1 ft. or more high, and its pure-white flowers, each 2 in. diarn., with their delicate petals so numerous that the blossoms look almost double, raised on tall branched stems high above the leaves in open bunches of thirty or more to the one stem ; the yellow mountain-lily (Rununculus Godleyanus) is much as H. Lyallii, but the flowers are golden-yellow, and the leaves not shield-shape, but broadly oblong— both buttercups are confined to the high mountains ; the red horopito (Wintera colorata) is a common forest shrub with striking oblong leaves, about 2 in. long, blotched with red and purple, and glaucous beneath ; the mountain-broom (Carmichaelia grandifiora)•—common in scrubs of all kinds and at all altitudes —has spreading, grooved, green branches, numerous small leaves, and small, fragrant pealike flowers veined with purple ; the Westland-quintinia (Quintinia acutifolia) —the commonest small tree of Westland forest in general —is distinguished by its slender habit, small pale-lilac flowers in racemes up to 4 in., long and yellowish oblong leaves with wavy margins and green midrib and veins ; the bronze-leaf (Rubus parous)—a species absent in nearly all parts of New Zealand—forms mats of linear-lanceolate evenly-toothed leaves 1 in. to 2 in. long, delightfully veined, or blotched, bronzy, purplish, yellowish, reddish, &e. —in winter the colour greatly intensified—and bearing in profusion bright scarlet berries up to 1 in. long ; the featherv-tute and the thymy-tute (Coriaria augustiosima, C. lurida) —lowland and subalpine—are elegant herbaceous plants which die to the ground in late autumn, the former, with very numerous, extremely narrow leaves about -Jin. long, but the latter with rather broader leaves, and both produce in autumn masses of small shining black berries; the southern-rata (Matrosideros lucida) —a medium-sized tree or merely a shrub-—has an irregular trunk covered with pale papery bark which hangs in long strips, crowned by a head of far-extending branches bearing glossy bright-green, thick, lanceolate leaves, each about 2 in. long, and, in due season, producing a wealth of bright-crimson blossom—the leaves being almost hidden ; the giant-spaniard (Aciphylla maxima) —confined to the subalpine belt-—has rigid bayonet-like, much divided, huge leaves in great rosettes, and very stout leaf-stalks up to 10 ft. high, or more, which bear small bunches of yellowish, rather insignificant flowers ; the lily-valley bush, snowberry, mountain snowberry, and wiry snowberry (Gaultheria rupeshis. G. antipoda, G. depressa, G. perplexa) occur in open places generally

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and on rocks—the first-named is the tallest (sometimes a small tree) and its lovely flowers are waxywhite, urn-shaped, and arranged in racemes up to 2 in. long, and its fruits are dry capsules, but those of the other species (very large in G. depressa) are succulent, white or red, and quite pleasing ; the mountain-neinei (Dracophyllum Traversii) is a tuft-tree which occurs in abundance in the subalpine forest and cries aloud for attention, with its rosettes of tapering, long-pointed, reddish, recurved leaves (frequently compared to those of a jiineapple), 1 ft.—2 ft. long, terminating short, stout branches which, candlebra-fashion, curve outwards and upwards ; the creeping-calceolaria (Jovellana repens) makes mats of small, round coarsely-toothed, hairy leaves in moist places on the forests' outskirts and bears in abundance small, two-lipped, white flowers spotted with purple; the false-musk (Mazus radicans), so common on old river-beds, at once betrays itself by its large, two-lipped, white flowers blotched with purple ; the alpine-azalea (Hebe macrantha) straggles amongst shrubs, its obovate leaves pale green, thick and glossy and its beautiful flowers pure white and § in. diameter or more ; the snowglory (Ourisia macrocarpa var. calycina) has rather large white flowers on slender stalks arranged tier above tier on a stout main stem, 6 in. to 12 in. high, and dark-green, oblong leaves crowded on a short, creeping stem ; the creeping snow-glory (Ourisia caespitosa), a lovely plant forming close mats of small, glossy-green, notched leaves bearing on slender stems the rather large white blossoms in the utmost profusion ; the violet snow-glory (Ourisia sessifolia) has flat rosettes of densely-hairv pale-green leaves and large flowers, white above, but violet below, held above the foliage on stems about 4 in. high; the various sorts of karamu (Coprosma) have usually small leaves, and bear in autumn a surprising wealth of small usually translucent " berries " (really stone-fruit each with 2 plano-convex stones) which are white, yellow, orange, red, blue of every shade, and black; the fairy-cup (Forstera Bidwillii) is a charming little plant with very small spreading, horny, recurved leaves pressed to the short (2 in.6 in. long) slender stems, which give off still more slender flower-stalks each bearing 1 to 3 delicate white flowers at most -j in. diameter; dense cushion-plants (especially Donatio, novae-zelandiae, Pliyllachne Golensoi, and Celmisia sessilijiora) are a feature of high-mountain bogs, semi-bogs, and stony debris — the first two are green and bear multitudes of small, white flowers on the surface of the cushion, and the last consists of silvery rosettes of short leaves crowded together and bearing in abundance small stemless white daisy-like flowers; the various tree-daisies (species of Olearia and Senecio) have usually thick leaves (in some cases musk-scented, particularly those of the mountain-holly and the incense-bush) of many shapes and sizes, generally covered beneath with a dense mat of hairs (tomentum), and bear in the greatest profusion large bunches of their sweet-scented flower-heads ; the cotton-plants (species of Celmisia with, striking upright rosettes of lance-shaped or dagger-shaped leaves, silvery or green, and covered beneath with a close mat of hairs) are a remarkable feature of subalpine scenery, striking both from the colour and form of their rosettes, and from their profusion of large marguerite-like flowerheads reaching in the silvery cotton-plant (C. coriacea) a diameter of 5 in. ; the mountain-musks (matforming species of Celmisia, with generally white or silvery, aromatic, short leaves, usually covered beneath with a white mat of hairs, and bearing numerous, medium-sized flower-heads on rather wiry stalks) are represented by several charming species, of which the most common are C. Du Rietzii (leaves green above —formerly included as one of the problematical group, C. Sinclairii), and C. discolor (leaves white above —the C. intermedia of the " Manual of the New Zealand Flora ") ; the false-edelweiss (Helichrysum bellidioides) occurs at most altitudes, forming silvery mats, and having daisy-like heads of white flowers which last a long time when dried ; the South Island edelweiss (Lencogenes grandiceps) is a wonderfully beautiful " everlasting '* with perennial silvery leaves pressed rather closely against the much-branched stems which may be 3 in. to 6 in. high, and which bear at their apices a large compound flower-head surrounded by short spreading, shining-white, flannellv leaves ; the snowmarigold (Senecio scorzoneroides) in its large marguerite-like flower-heads is much like a celmisia, but its leaves are green and fleshy, and it is covered in most parts with short glandular hairs. Besides the species—group of similar individuals which breed true (" simple species "), or slightly different true-breeding groups of which two or more are taken together for convenience—(" compound species ") —there are a good many groups of hybrids between them. This matter of the abundance of hybrid groups —not merely an occasional hybrid here and there—is arousing the keen interest of botanists in every part of the world, for the phenomenon has a strong bearing both on the origin of species and on their delimiting ; indeed, so far as the New Zealand flora is concerned, much new knowledge has already come to light regarding the species, and no few believed for many years to be absolutely valid are now known to be merely individual hybrids forming a small part of the great group of such. In the list of species, &c., of the area under consideration we include 50 groups of hybrids, but there are doubtless more awaiting discovery, for, according to a list by L. Cockayne and H. H. Allen, soon to be published, the total number for the whole New Zealand region is no less than 427 groups. Some of the hybrid groups of the Glacial Reserves are of great size, and the individual hybrids show every transition in character from the one parent to the other, while those very near to either parent can only be recognized as hybrids by breeding methods. The largest groups occur between species in the following genera : Asplenium, Podocarpus (especially when P. nivalis and P. acutifolius are present), Danthonia, Astelia (first noted in South Westland), Coriaria (easy to pick out the hybrids), Aristotelia (a surprising mixture), Fuchsia Nothopanax, Gaultheria (all the species are concerned), Dracophyllum, Coprosma (the hupiro —C. foetidissenia —hands on its evil odour), Olearia, Celmisia, and Senecio (S. Lyallii X scorzoneroides produces a most beautiful race of white, cream, and various yellows). This matter of hybridism is too intricate to deal with here at any length, but for those who are already able to recognize the species involved the quest for hybrids is most fascinating, and likely to be of far greater scientific value than the hasty grabbing of bits of plants in the hope that such may be something " new " —a procedure which has done no end of harm to botany in the past.

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Vegetation. Tlie vegetation falls from the scenic standpoint into the following well-marked classes : Rain-forest associations (lowland, semi-swamp, montane-lower subalpine, upper subalpine), swamp communities, shrub associations (river-terrace, old moraine and river-bed, subalpine scrub), rock vegetation, subalpine herbfield (tall-tussock herbiield, shrub herbfield), and an alpine association confined to stony debris. Such classes are not of uniform composition and structure, but taken as a whole they serve one purpose of this paper —the relation of the plant-covering of the reserves to its scenery. The lowland forest is a part of that vast tree-community which extends the narrow coastal plain of Westland from the River Taramakau to near the River Paringa —at which point the southern beeches (species of Nothofagus) come in—and ascends to some distance on the slopes of hill and mountain. This absence of southern-beech (Nothofagus) for about 100 miles is one of many puzzles in New Zealand plant-geography, since the question arises, Was it ordinary Westland forest, or southern-beech forest which repopulated the land-surface at the close of the glacial period during the retreat of the ice ? The remarkable discovery by A. P. Harper in 1894 of a piece of pure Nothofagus forest (the species not identified) about 1,000 acres in extent, on the southern bank of the Karangurua at an altitude of some 1,700 ft. is of particular interest in this regard, for it lies some twelve miles northwards of the continuous Nothofagus area to the south, and is surrounded by typical upland southern-rata forest, only a few Nothofagus trees occurring on the northern bank. The question arises, Is this Nothofagus forest a remnant of a former much larger area, or is it an invader ? And with this question the matter must rest for the present. Lowland forest may be defined as one dominated by broad-leaved dicotylous trees and podocarps (frequently called " pines," but lacking dry cones). The only tall broad-leaved tree is the kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa), which frequently dominates (tig. 5), though in many parts podocarps abound, especially the beautiful rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), distinguished, even at distance, by its rather small head of yellowish pendulous branchlets. Associated with the tall trees are various small trees, groves of tree-ferns and shrubs of many kinds. Ordinary herbaceous and semi-woody ferns abound, including the exquisite crape-fern (Leptopteris superba) —• (Frontispiece); and the ground is carpeted with an indescribable wealth of mosses, liverworts, and filmy-ferns —a striking testimony to the frequent rain and the mild climate. In regard to Westland lowland forest in general, two small trees are characteristic — the Westland-quintinia (Quintinia acutifolia), an erect tree of slender habit with yellowish oblong leaves, 2 in. long or more, their margins waved and veins green, and their small pale-lilac flowers in racemes, and the hutu (Ascarina lucida), readily recognized and certainly to be admired with its almost black stems, dense habit, and extremely glossy green oblong toothed leaves, 1 in. to 2 in. long, which greatly resemble those of the puketea (Laurelia). The hutu is by no means everywhere, nor is the quintinia always present. Another interesting point to be noted is that three small trees all extremely common in New Zealand lowland forest in general are absent in Westland —the kahotu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), the tarata (P. eugenioides), and the whauwhaupaku (Nothopanax arboreum); but the iirst and last are each represented by a close relative —in the one case a variety of P. Colensoi, and in the other the ivy-tree (N. Colensoi). Westland forest, too, differs from that of the eastern and southern part of the South Island in the presence of lianes of the kiekie (Freycinelie Banksii) and the climbing ratas (Metrosideros scanderos and M. perforata), and the tussock-like epiphyte, the kokaha (Astelia Cunninghamii). In some places on the way to the glaciers, owing to the ground being too stony or too wet —but there will be other causes —tall trees are absent, and there is a tangle of slender branches of low trees and shrubs covered with epiphytic mosses, liverworts, and filmy-ferns (fig. 6). Where cuttings, &c., have been made on the roadside, nature in the moist climate soon covers the bare ground with a pleasing carpet of greenery, made up especially of certain ferns and lycopods : e.g., the piopio fern (Blechnum procerum)—its leaves several feet in length — the umbrella-fern (Gleichenia Cunninghamii), and the climbing club-moss (Lycopodium volubile). The montane-lower subalpine forest is dominated by the southern-rata (Metrosideros lucida), and may be called " southern-rata forest." It can be at once recognized by the billowy appearance of its roof. The kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa) is nearly as plentiful as the southern-rata, and in the association as a whole it frequently dominates. Near the terminal faces of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers the association commences at about 400 ft. lower altitude than usual. Included in the small trees are the putaputawheta (Carpodetus serratus), the tree-tute (Coriaria arborea), the mountain ribbonwood (Hoheria glahata) most beautiful with its cherry-like white blossoms, the mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), the pate (Schefftera digitata), certain tree-daisies, and various ferns, including the green tree-fern (Hemitelia Smithii). With increasing altitude the less hardy species give out. A remarkable feature is the enormous numbers of the crape-fern (Leptopteris superba). " Would you believe," exclaimed Dr. A. W. Hill, Director of Kew, when speaking of his ascent of Aleck's Knob, " that for 1,000 ft. at every step I trod on Todaea (its old name) superba "—to him a marvellous experience, as he only knew it as a plant in captivity growing rather feebly in a moist atmosphere under glass. The upper subalpine forest, above which comes the entrancing alpine garden of white flowers, is specially distinguished by the abundance of the mountain-neinei (Dracopliyllum Traversii) already described, various daisy-trees with thick far-extending branches, and the false-manuka (Archeria Traversii), a heath-like small tree or shrub bearing small red flowers. Above this upper forest is a belt of varying width of shrubs growing one into the other with the tupare (Olearia Colensoi) frequently dominant and associated with other daisy-trees, various species of Coprosma (karamu), and the rather grass-like—so far as foliage goes—inanga (Dracophylhim longifolium).

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Passing through the above formidable barrier to progress —oil some Westland mountains it extends upwards for some hundreds of feet —the domain of many lovely high-mountain flowers is entered, which, when seen for the first time in full bloom, are a, spectacle never to be forgotten. Defined in prosaic scientific language this wondrous natural garden is merely " herbfield," which is entitled " herbfield proper " when mainly made up of mountain-lilies, huge daisies, graceful snow-glories, dainty eyebrights, white violets, mountain-musks filling the air with aromatic odour, silvery everlastings, and, later, plants with coloured berries; or, according as graceful tussock-grasses or striking flowering shrubs rule, is " tall-tussock herbfield " or " shrubby-herbfield." Here and there, where the ground is wet, straw-coloured bog-moss forms a special habitat for striking cushion-plants, sundews (Drosera), tiny heaths bearing red berries, and, above all, gentians of pure white ; or, where the herbfield is hardly a bog, there will be wide breadths of the white snow-marigold and its lovely hybrids with a yellow species—in colour creamy pale-yellow and golden. Nor is there need to climb steep-forested slopes to reach these natural gardens, for the glaciers form an easy-enough path thereto, leading to spots free of snow in summer where perhaps the finest gardens of all are to be seen, as near the Aylmer Hut and that on Chancellor Ridge, but such gardens abound. Life-history of the Upland Forest. To those interested in natural phenomena the glacial reserves afford nothing more fascinating than a view of what is taking place where the ice has receded and forest, shrubland, or alpine garden can be seen in the making. Nature being the skilled gardener equipped with exact knowledge. In various places the procession of events can be readily observed from the appearance of the first colonists on ground abandoned by the ice a short time before, up to the establishment of a close association of tall shrubs, young trees, and floor-plants beneath. In regard to the Franz Josef Glacier, J. M. Bell wrote in 1910 : " In quite recent times (probably not more than 150 years ago) the snout of the glacier stood quite 41 chains to the northward of the present site. ... At the tourist bridge the heavy forest comes directly to the edge of the valley, growing on moraine or the relatively thick product of rock-decay, while above for a gradually increasing height up the slopes the valley may be seen to be bordered by smooth rock slopes clad in a scant scrubby vegetation. The demarcation between the old and the young vegetation is very evident, especially on the eastern side of the valley." So, too, a similar state of affairs is perhaps more striking still just below the terminal face of the Fox Glacier looking from the north bank of the river at the vegetation of the slope on the opposite side. Coming to details, these three habitats are in process of invasion—rock smoothed by the ice, moraine both lateral and terminal, and river-bed. Taking the exposed rock of the Franz Josef from near the terminal face to Robert's Point, though mostly smooth, it is marked by many cracks, grooves, and notches, while —according to the observations of L. Cockayne in 1910-11 —at a few yards distant from the ice there were everywhere patches of the dark-coloured, water-holding moss, Rhacromitrium symphiodon, 2 in. deep or rather more. This moss, through, portions dying and rapidly decaying, prepares an excellent seed-bed in the chinks of the rock, which are very soon occupied by various vascular plants (fig. 7), their seeds or spores brought from neighbouring plant-associations by wind and spread over the surface of the rock by water, the number of species of ferns and lycopocls (spore-plants) and seed-plants which take part in the invasion being about fifty, but of these eighteen barely count. The most important of the plant-colonists are : Four tree-daisies, the mountain-broom (Carmichaelia grandijlora), the southern-rata, the inuka, the Westland-koromiko, the tree-tute, the shingle-speedwell (Veronica Lyallii), the common filmy-fern, the nodding lycopod (Lycopodium varium), and, never dreamed of close to a glacier, an epiphytic orchid—the raupeka (Earnia autumnale). In course of time, the distant small groups of plants become united into a scrub, but only a few except the shrubs persist. In such scrub there are a good many young southern-ratas, showing it to be potential rata forest which, in time, will be united to that, which it adjoins. Taking the 50 species which are the pioneer plants on the rock, nearly all occur in the subalpine belt, and 11 are under ordinary circumstances virtually confined thereto. At first thought it might appear that the descent of the latter to so low an altitude was owing to the rock being so close to the permanent ice. But judging from the rather frequent occurrence of New Zealand high-mountain plants at low levels, and giving consideration to the habitats of these plants in such cases, it seems far more likely that any lowland station would suit such, provided the climate was wet euough, the drainage ample, the sun's rays not too powerful in summer, and competition absent with tall or rapidly-growing lowland plants. Probably alpine and subalpine plants, as a whole, simply live under the unfavourable conditions for plant-life the mountains provide because they are free from competition with ordinary lowland trees and shrubs. Easy Excursions. Besides the valleys, slopes, and mountain-tops clothed with a beautiful and remarkable vegetation, no less than 13,032 acres of snowfields feed the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, each of which, in addition, is about eight miles in length. There are also many tributary glaciers and alpine peak after peak, some of which at the head of the Callery snowfields—not included in our estimate, though a part of the reserves—are still unconquered. This huge area of snow and ice and glistening j>eaks forms a magnificent playground (fig. 10), not only for the skilled mountaineer but for those less ambitious who desire comparatively moderate exercise amidst delightful yet awe-inspiring surroundings. Here we call attention to a few only of the many excursions suitable for ordinary walkers who are not content to limit their excursions to trips up the tracks to the ice or to climb over the clear ice of either glacier as far as the first pinnacles.

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Thanks to various tracks which have been made to a number of points of interest by the Public Works Department, not only days but weeks may be spent in a fresh excursion each day. For instance, the Callery Gorge —one of the most magnificent canyons in the Southern Alps—can be explored for a distance of six miles. Hende's Track, on the north-eastern side of the valley, in parts above the Franz Josef and in other parts close to the ice, which ends at Roberts's Point, is an easy but wonderful walk, the track passing over foot-bridges and cunningly-devised galleries. En route, the incoming of the new vegetation can be observed as already described. At one point—Rope Creek —the Baird Range can be ascended up to the " Water-holes," where a camp can be made, and in due season a wealth of alpine flowers admired. For the more adventurous from this point, under the care of a guide, Thelma Peak can be climbed, whence a glorious view is obtained of the whole basin of the snowfields feeding the trunk of the glacier (fig. 8), together with the fine glaciers and extensive snowfield of the Gallery. On the south-western side of the Franz Josef a track leads up to the lower spurs of the Fritz Range via Lady Westland's Lookout on to Aleck's Knob, where is the natural flower-garden so greatly admired Dr. A. W. Hill, C.M.G., F.R.S., of Kew, and whence is a very fine view of the great ice-fall, the snowfields beyond up to the Divide, the Baird Range, the vast forest of the Wcstland Plain, and the Tasman Sea. There are two huts —that of Cape Defiance and the Alma —available for alpine excursionists, or they make in themselves an admirable objective. These are easily reached with the assistance of a guide by any ordinary good walker. The ascent of Mount Moltke—a fairly easy climb—is made from the first-named hut by means of a graded track leading to the snowfields. The Fox Glacier is less developed than the Franz Josef from the tourists' point of view, but such development by means of tracks and huts will be a matter of no long time. Even now, its attractions for the average walker are great. From the hostel, a track —soon to be available for motors —leads through lovely forest to a bridge over the Fox not far from the terminal face of the ice, whence, proceeding round that wonderful roche montanne, the Cone Rock, which abuts on the terminal face of the glacier, the clear ice is readily gained. As for Cone Rock itself, a track is being made to its summit, whence is to be gained a delightful view of the head of the great ice-river (fig. 9). Sam's Knob and Craig's Peak are by no means beyond the powers of an average climber, and those who gain their summit will be amply rewarded by a wide view of alpine scenery equal to anything in the Southern Alps. On Chancellor Ridge, some five miles up the Fox Glacier (fig. 9) a tourist hut is nearing completion, which is destined to play the same notable part for climbers as the Defiance and Alma huts now do for those of the Franz Josef. Where bare of snow in summer the natural alpine gardens of Chancellor Ridge are not to be excelled. Apart from glacial and alpine excursions, there is much to interest the visitor who is willing to do some walking. The paths to the terminal faces of both glaciers lead, at a most easy grade, through exquisite ever-changing forest scenes. For those willing to venture farther afield, the walk by the Main South Road of some eighteen miles from the Franz Josef Hostel to that of the Fox, or vice versa, is perhaps the finest forest-walk (figs. 4, 5) in New Zealand, and from time to time the great mountains of the Divide glorify the horizon as viewed through the greenery where there are gaps in the otherwise dense mass of forest. From the Fox Hostel, Lake Matheson is an easy distance, and there one of those scenes almost peculiar to Westland is to hand, for in its dark, peaty waters are reflected the vast snowfields and the ice-capped giants with Cook and Tasman as their monarchs (fig. 11). Longer trips than these are available, including those to the coast —Gillespie's Beach from the Fox, and Okarito from the Franz Josef, with its famous lagoon scenery. From both these parts of the shore-line a panorama of the region of snow and ice unfolds itself in all its glory. The Bird-life. No account of a scenic reserve can be considered complete without some reference to its bird-life. In what follows we have not relied upon our personal knowledge, but have the good fortune to place, side by side, an estimate of the relative abundance of most of the land-birds as it was some thirty years ago and at the present time, thanks to information generously supplied by Messrs. W. Wilson, formerly District Surveyor for Westland, and Peter Graham, who has known South Westland all his life. Though, recently, it has been frequently asserted that native birds are on the increase in New Zealand generally, we are indeed sorry to say that—as is seen below—this is far from being the case in the area dealt with bv us. In what follows the popular name of each bird is alone given—such names being far better known by the general public and more definite than are those of plants, and to each name is appended first Mr. Wilson's estimate of the relative abundance of the bird in his time, and then Mr. Graham's estimate of to-day. It will be seen, however, that thirty years ago the decline in the number of the birds was evident enough, as .shown by the fact that the kiwi and the ground-parrot (kakapo)—once the particular pride of Westland —had become quite scarce. (1) Orange-wattled crow-—rare; never seen now. (2) Ground-lark —fairly common; fairly common. (3) South Island thrush —rare ; never seen now. (4) Saddle-back —rare ; never seen now. (5) Brown-creeper —not seen by either observer. (6) Canary, or yellow-head —very common ; never seen now. (7) Grey warbler —very common; seen occasionally. (8) South Island robin —seen occasionally ; never seen now. (9) South Island tit (yellow-breasted tit) —not in Wilson's list; fairly common. (10) Pied fantail —very common; fairly common. (11) Black fantail—very common; fairly common. (12) Tui —very common; common. (13) Fernbird —seen occasionally; fairly common on the road to Okarito, (14) Rifleman —common ; seen occasionally. (15) Rock-wren—

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fairly common; seen occasionally but rare. (16) Green wren —fairly common; not mentioned. (17) Kingfisher—common; fairly common. (18) Morepork—common; fairly common. (19) Laughing owl —not seen by either. (20) Yellow-fronted parakeet—seen occasionally ; seen occasionally, but, rare. (21) Red-fronted parakeet—seen occasionally ; seen occasionally, but rare. (22) Kaka —fairly common ; seen occasionally. (23) Kea —common ; fairly common. (24) Kakapo —seen occasionally ; not seen. (25) Shining cuckoo —fairly common ; seen occasionally. (26) Long-tailed cuckoo —seen occasionally; seen occasionally. (27) Banded dottrel — fairly common; seen occasionally. (28) Pigeon — very common; very common. (29) Pukeko — very common; fairty common. (30) Weka —seen occasionally; seen occasionally, but rare. (31) Kiwi —seen occasionally; heard occasionally, but rare. (32) Sparrow-hawk—common; seen occasionally. (33) Harrier—common ; common. (34) Black teal —very common ; fairly common. (35) Brown duck—common; seen occasionally. (36) Grey duck—very common ; very common. (37) Blue-duck —seen occasionally ; seen occasionally, but very rare. (38) Paradise duck —very common ; fairly common. (39) White heron —seen occasionally ; seen occasionally, but very rare. (40) Spotted shag—not seen by either. (41) White-throated shag —very common; fairly common. (42) Wax-eye —very common; very common. (43) Bell-bird —common ; very common. In addition to the above, Mr. Wilson has further informed us that he frequently saw bitterns, and the last time he saw one was in ] 916, near Hokitika. In the Cook's River area he frequently saw South Island thrushes and saddlebacks between the years 1897 and 1905, and the last crows he saw were on the summit of Mount Greenland, near Ross, in 1900. List of Tin? Species, eto., of the Reserves, together with those extending to the Coast. (The popular names are placed between parentheses attached to the scientific names.)

Filioes. Tli/menophyllum rarium (Shining filmy-fern). —— sanguinolentum (Scented filmy-fern). vittosum (Mountain filmy-fern). australe (Crisped filmy-fern). pulcherrimum (Tufted filmy-fern). dilatalum (Broad-leaved filmy-fern). demissum (Carpet-fern). scabrum (Rough filmy-fern). flabettatum (Woolly filmy-fern). rufescens (Reddish filmy-fern). ferrugineum- (Rusty filmy-fern). • Malingii (Silvery filmy-fern). tunbridgense (Tunbridge-fern). peltatum (One-sided Tunbridge-fern). — x tunhridgense. Armstrongii ("Dwarf filmy-fern). minimum (Little filmy-fern). multifldum (Common filmy-fern). bivalve (Toothed carpet-fern). Trichomanes reniforme (Kidnev-fern). —— Lyallii (Fan-like bristle-fern). venosum (Common bristle-fern). Colensoi (Fine-leaved bristle-fern). strictum (Tufted bristle-fern). Dinlcsonia sjuarrosa (Wheki). lanata var. gregalis (Trunkless tree-fern). Hemitelia Smithii (Green tree-fern). Alsophi'a Colensoi (Mountain tree-fern). Polystichum vestitum (Prickly shield-fern). cytotegia (Snow-fern). adiantiforme (Climbing shield-fern). hispidum (Hairy shield-fern). Vryopteris decomposita (Common boss-fern). glabella (Smooth boss-fern). pennigera (Feather-fern). Leptolepia novae-zelandiae (Haresfoot-fern). Lindsaya cuneata (Common lindsaya). Asplenium adiarJoides (Glistening-spleenwort). — X bulbiferum. — x flaccidum. ——• X lucidum. ■ —-—• lucidum (Shining-fern). —- — X bulbiferum. — x flaccidum. —-— bulbiferum (Common-spleenwort). x flaccidum. flaccidum (Thong-fern). —-—• obtusatum (Shore-spleenwort). —■ —- x bulbiferum. Blechnum Patersoni var. elongatum (Peretao). discolor (Crown-fern). vulcanicum (Rock-hardfern). —— lanceolatum (Rereti). penna marina (Alpine-hardfern). —— procerum (Giant-hardfern). nigrum (Black-fern). fluviatile (Stream-fern). Ilypolepis tenuifolia (False-bracken).

Filioes-—continued. Hypolepis tenuifolia x rugosula. X punctata. rugosula (Mokimoki). punctata (Tall false-bracken). • millefolium (Thousand-leaves). Histiopteris incisa (Water-fern). Pteridium esculentum (Bracken). Paeria scaberula (Pasture-hardfern). Poly podium Billardieri (Dwarf-polypody). var. vittosum (Hairy dwarf-polypody). —-— pumilum (Alpine-polypody). — diversifolium (Common-polypody). gramitidis (Fuegian-polypody). Gyclophorus serpens (Fleshy-fern). Gleichenia alpina (Alpine-tanglefern). circinata (Tanglefern). Cunninghamii (Umbrella-fern). Schizaea fistulosa (Bush-fern). Leptopteris superba (Crape-fern). —— hymeophylloides (Single crape-fern). —• X superba. Ophioglossum coriaceum (Adderstongue). pedunculosum (Greater-adderstongue). Botrychium australe (Anstral-mooriwort). Salviniaceae. Azolla rubra (Water-fern). LyCOPODIAOEAE. Lycopodium australianum (Alpine-lycopod). varium (Nodding-lycopod). Billardieri (Iwituna). novae-zelandicum (Siender-lycopod). fastigiatum (Mountain-lycopod). scariosum (Creeping-lycopod). ramulosum (Bog-lycopod). volubile (Climbing-lycopod). PSILOTACEAE. Tmesipteris tannensis (False-lycopod). CUPBESSAGEAE. TJbocedrus Bidwillii (Southern-kawaka). Po DOOA R PACEAE. Podocarpus Hallii (Mountain-totara). totara (Totara). acutifalius (Prickly-totara). X Hallii. X nivalis. nivalis (Alpine-totara). ferrugineus (Miro). spicatus (Matai). dacrydioides (Kabikatea). Dacrydium biforme (Pink-pine).

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List of the Species, etc., op the Reserve a— continued.

Podocarpaceae—continued. Dacrydinm Bidwittii (Mountain-pine). X laxifolium. cupressinum (Rimu). Colensoi (Silver-pine). laxifolium (Pygmy-pine). Phyllodadus alpinus (Mountain-toatoa). Txtiiaceae. Typha angustifolia (Raupo). Potamogetonaoeae. Polamogeton Cheesemanii (Common-pondweed). ochreatus (Grass-pondweed). Zostera nana (Sea-grass). Ruppia (maritima (Tassel-pondweed). Gramineae. Microlaena avenacm (Forest-grass). Colensoi (Rock-grass). Hierochloe redolens (Holy-grass). Fraseri (Alpine holy-grass). • X redolens. Agrostis subulata (Alpine-bent). Dye.ri (Mountain-bent). Deyeuxia Forsteri (Toothed-bent). pilosa (Hairy-bent). setifolia (Snow-bent). avenoides (Oat-bent). quadriseta (Spiked-bent). Dicheiachne crinita (Plume-grass). Deschampsia caespitosa (Tall hair-grass). novae-zealandiae (Mountain hair-grass). Chapmani (Alpine hair-grass). Trisetum anlarcticum (Mountain-oatgrass). Youngii (Hairy oat-grass). subspicatum (Alpine oat-grass). Danthonia Cunninghamii (Giant-snowgrass). flavescens (Snowgrass). X Cunninghamii. X Saoulii var. rubra. Saoulii var. rubra (Red-tussock). crassuiscula (Alpine-snowgrass). X flavescens. pilosa (Danthonia). semiannularis (Tufted-danthonia). setifolia (Mountain-danthonia). Arundo conspicua (Toetoe). Koeleria novo-zelandica (Koeleria). Poa novae-zelandiae (Nodding poa). Coclcayniana (Mat-poa). pusilla (Slender-poa). caespitosa (Poa-tussock). Colensoi (Blue-tussock). imbecilla (Flaccid-poa). Astoni (Coast-poa). Festuca novae-zelandiae (Fescue-tussock). an unnamed species. Agropyron scabrum (Bluegrass). Asperella gracilis (Asperelle-grass). Cyperaceae. Ileleocharis acuta (Greater-spikerush). Cunninghamii (Slcnder-spikerush). Scirpus auckland.icu* (MOuntain-clubrush). cernuus (Common-elubrush). inundatus (Water-clubrush). americanus (Three-square). ' acustris (Great-bulrush). Carpha alpina (Carpha). Schoenus pauciflorus (Palse-snowgrass). axillaris (Tender-schoenus). Cladium vauthiera (Square-stem). —— teretifolium (Common twigrusli). Gahnia rigida (Kiwi-grass). procera (Mountain-gahnia). Oreobolus pumilio (Small cushion-sedge). strictus (Open cushion-sedge). pectinatus (Comb-plant). Uncinia macrolepis (Fuegian-uncinia). tenella (Flaccid-uncinia). compacta (Mountain-uncinia). fusco-vaginata (Alpine-uncinia). caespitosa (Common-uncinia). X filiformis.

Cyperaceae—continued. Dncinia uncinata (Kamu). ferruginea (Brown-kamu). Banksii (Slender-uncinia). filiformis (Upland-unoinia). C'arex acicularis (Alpine rock-sedge). diandra (Bog-sedge). virgata (Slender-niggerhead). secta (Niggerhead). stellulata (Prickly-sedge). Gaudichaudiana (Common-sedge). subdola (small cutty-grass). ternaria (Cutty-grass). testacea (Slender-sedge). wahatipu (Alpine-sedge). lucida (Mania). Buchanani (Tussock-sedge). Petriei (Red-sedge). comans (Maurea). dissita (Plat-leaf sedge). ■ Lambertiana (Bush-sedge). Cockayniana (Cinnamon-sedge). Forsteri (Porest-sedge). Oederi var. catarractae (Yellow-sedge). Lemnaceae. Lemna minor (Duckweed). Restionaceae. Tlypolaena lateriflora (Wire-rush). Centrolepidaceae. Gaimardia setacea (Bog-cushion). ciliaia (Green bog-cushion). Juncaceae. Juncus mginatus (Tall-rush). —^— polyanthemos (Common-rush). bufonius (Toad-rush). planifolius (Plat-leaved rush). maritimus var. australiensis (Sea-rush). holoschoenus (Swamp-rush). novae-zelandiae (Mountain-rush). Marsippospermum gracile (Alpine rock-rush). Luzvla Colensoi (Alpine wood-rush). campestris vars. (Wood-rush). Traversii (Mountain wood-rush). Liliaoeae. Rhipogonum scandens (Supplejack). Enargea marginata (Milk-berry). Cordyline Banksii (Ti-nghere). indivisa (Broad-leaved cabbage-tree). australis (Cabbage-tree). Astelia Cunninghamii (Kokaha). nervosa var. sylvestris (Bush-lily). X Cockaynei. Cockaynei (Mountain-astelia). X Petriei. Petriei (Alpine-astelia). linearis (Turfy-astelia). Dianella intermedia. (Blueberry). Phormium Colensoi (Mountain-flax). term:: (New Zealand-flax). X Colensoi. Chrysobaction lioolceri (Bog-lily). Iridaceae. Libertia pulcheUa (Porest-libertia). Orchid ace ae. Dendrobium Cunninghamii (Common dendrobe). Earina mucronata (Yellow-erina). autumnale (Fragrant-erina). Bulbophyllum pygmaeum (Dwarf-bulbophyllum). Spiranthes australis (Austral-spiranth). Thelymitra longifolia (Maikuku). uniflora (Blue-maikuku). Microtis uniflora (Onion-orchid). Prasophyllum Colensoi (Mountain-orchid). Pterostyiis Banksii (Elfs-hood). australis (Smaller elfs-hood). • graminea (Grassy elfs-hood).

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List of the Species, etc., of the Reserves—continued.

Okchidaceae—continued. Lyperanthus antarctic.us (Alpine-orchid). Caladenia Lyallii (Alpine-caladene). bij'olia (Twin-leaf ealadene). Gorysanth.es oblonga (Lesser spider-orchid). rirularis (Spider-orchid). rotundifolia (Gnomes-head). triloba (Common spider-orchid). macrantha (Giant spider-orchid). Gastrodia Cunninghamii (Hupereil. Fagageae. Nothofagus (Menziesii) ? (Silver southern-beech). Chlobanthaceae. Ascarina lucida (Hutu). Urttcaceae. Vrtica incisa (Bush-nettle). Loeanthaceae. Loranthus mieranthus (Common-mistletoe). POLYGONAGEAE. Muehlenbeckia australis (Bushy-vine). X complexa. complexa (Pohuehue). axillaris (Wire-mat). Rumex flexuotms (Wire-dock). var. viridis (Green wire-dock). POBTULAGACEAE. Montia fontana (Water-chickweed). Claytonia australasica (Spring-beautv). Caryophyllagea >•:. SleUaria parvijlora (Little-chickweed). Colobanthus crassifolius (Common-colobanth). Speroularia media (Salt -spurrey). 7/ectorella caespitosa (Hectorel). Sderanthus bifiorus (Yellow-pincushion). Ranunc ulacea f. Clematis indivisa (White-clematis). Ranunculus Lyallii (Mountain-lilv). —— Godleyanus (Golden mountain-lily). sericophyllus (Silky-buttercup). hirtus (Marueu). lappaceus (Mountain-buttercup). foliosus (Leafy-buttercup). macropus (Swamp-buttercup). rivularis (Water-buttercup). Caltha novae-zelandiae (Dwarf-marigold). W t interaceae. Wintera colorata (Red-horopito). Monimtaceae. Iledycarya arborea (Pigeonwood). CRUCI FERAE. Car da mine heterophi/lla (Panapana). Droseraceae. Drosera stenopetala (Alpine-sundew). arcturi (Mountain-sundew). spathnlala (Spoon-leaf sundew). binata (Scented-sundew). Saxtfraoaoeae. Qwin tinia acutifolia (Westland- qu i n tinin). Carpodetas serratus (Putaputaweta). Pfttesperaceae. Pittosporum Colensoi var. westlandicnm (Westlandrautawhiri). crassicaule. (Stout tangle-bush). CITNONIACEAE. Weinman nia racemosa (Kamahi).

Rosaceae. Rubus australis var. glabra (Lawyer). schmidelioides var. mloratus (Whiteleaf-vine) subpauperatus (Red-prickled lawyer). parvus (Bronze-leaf). Oeurn parmfiorum (Mountain-avens). uniflorum (Rock-beautv). Potentilla anserina var. anserinoides (Silverweed). Acaena Sanguisorbae var. pusilla (Piripiri). sericeinitens (Silky-piripiri). pilosa (Mountain-piripiri). Leguminosae. Carmichaelia grandifiora (Mountain-broom). Unnamed prostate sp. arborea (Swamp-broom). Edioardsia microphylla (Kowhai). Gerantaceae. Geranium microphyllvm (Prostrate-cranesbill). Oxalidaceab. Oxalis lactea (Whitc-oxalis). corniculata (Yellow-oxalis). Euphorbiaceae. Euphorbia glauca (Sand-spurge). CALLITRIGH ACEA R. Callitriche verna (Water-starwort). —- Muelleri (Austral-starwort). CORIARTACEAE. Coriaria sarmentosa (Tutu). arborea (Tree-tute). X / (trida. X sarmenlosa. - hirida (Thymy-tute). — X sarmentosa. angustiosnma (Feathery-tute). X hirida. X sarmentosa. Tcacinaceae. Pennatia corymbosa (Kaikomako). Elaeocarpaceae. Elaeocarpus Hoolceriamis (Pokaka). Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry). fruticosa (Mountain-wineberry). X serrata. Malvageae. Plagianthus belulinus (Ribbonwood). Uoheria glabrata (Mountain-ribbonwood). Elatikaceae. Elatine gralioloides (Water-wort). Violageae. Viola filicaulis (Creeping-violet). Cunninghamii (White-violet). Melicytus ramifiorus (Mahoe). laneeolatus (Mahoewao). X ramiflorus. Thymeiaeaceae. Pimelea prostrata (Pinatoro). psevdo-lyallii (Mountain-pinatoro). Drapetes Dieffenbachii (Drapetes). villosa (Hairy-drapetes). Mybtaceae. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka). Metrosideros seandens (Scarlet-vine). - — lucida (Southorn-rata). hypericifolia (Common rata-vine). perforata (Clinging rata-vine). Myrtus pedunculata (Rohutu).

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List of the Species, etc., of the Reserves—continued.

Onagraceae. Epilobium pallidiflorum (Swamp-willowherb). chionanthum (Pale-leaved willowherb). junceum (Pink-wiliowherb). pubeus (Hairy-willowherb). X glabellum. tasmanic.um (Alpine-willowherb). alsinoides (Slender-willowherb). chloraefolium var. varum (Mountain-willowherb). inmlare (Marsh-willowherb). rotundifolium (Forest-willowherb). linnaeoides (Upland-willowherb). nummularifolium (Creeping-willowherb). pedunculare (Brownish-willowherb). macropus (Stream-willowherb). westlandicum (Westland-willowherb). microphyllum (Papakoura). rubromarginatum (Snow-willowherb). novae-zelandiae (Pale-willowherb). glabellum (Glossv-willowherb). Fuchsia excorticata (Tree-fuchsia). X perscandens. perscandens (Fuchsia-vine). Halorrhagaceae. Ilalorrhagis erecta (Tall-haloragis). depressa (Mat-haloragis). micrantha (Bog-haloragis). Myriophyllum elatinoides (Water-milfoil). propinquum (Austral-milfoil). Votschii (Dwarf-milfoil). Gunnera albocarpa (White-gunnera). dentata (Red-gunnera). Araliaceae. Nothopanax simplex (Haumakaroa). Edgerleyi (Raukawa). anomalum (Wauwapaku). —• X simplex. Oolensoi (Ivy-tree). Schefflera digitata (Pate). Pseudopanax crassifolium var. unifoliolatum (Lancewood). —-— lineare (Mountain-lancewood). Umbellieerae. Hyclrocolyle dissecta (Forest-pennywort). novae-zelandiae (Common-pennywort). moschata (Grey-pennywort). Gentella uniflora (Sourwort). Schizeilema nitens (Shining-pennywort). Haastii (Alpine-pennywort). Oreomyrrhis Oolensoi (Mountain-myrrh). Lilaeopsis attenuata (Crantzia). Apium prostrat'im (Wild-celery). Aciphylla similis (Dwarf-spaniard). maxima (Giant-spaniard). crenulata (Westland-spaniard). Anistome Haastii (Mountain-carrot). X pilifera. —'— pilifera (Mountain-parsnip). aromatica (Kopoti). Angelica montana (Aniseed). decipiens (Rock-aniseed). CoRJTACEAE. Griselinia littoralis (Broadleaf). Ericaceae. Gaultheria antipoda (Snowberry). X rupestris. perplexa (Wiry-snowberry). r — X depressa. depressa (Mount ain-snowberry). X rupestris. rupestris (Lily-of-valley shrub). Epacbidaceae. Pentachondra pumila (Hollow-berry/. Gyathodes acerosa (Taumingi). pumila (Bog-berry). Leucopogon Fraseri (Dwarf-heath). Archeria Traversii (False-manuka). DracophyUum Traversii (Mountain-neinei). 2—C. 6.

Epacbidaceae—continued. DracophyUum longifolium (Inuka). X uniflorum. uniflorum (Turpentine-shrub). X Kirleii. Kirleii (Prosirate-neinei). X lonrjifolium. Myrsinaceae. Suttonia australis (Mapou). divaricata (Wiry-matipo). nummularia (Kca-berry). Primulaceae. Samolus repens var. procumbens (Shore-pimpernel), Gentianaceaf. Qentiana Griesbachii (Dwarf-gentian). bellidifolia (Snow-cup). patula (Taller snow-cup). dicisa (Snowball-gentian). Montana (Mountain-gentian). Apocynaceae. Parsonsia heterophyPa (Kaihua). capsularis (Kaiku). X heterophylla. Convolvulaceae. Galystegia tuguriorum (Bell-vine). Dichondra repens (Dichondra). Boraginaceae. Mi/osotis Fore-tferi (Shade forget-me-not). macrantha (Bronze forget-me-not). sp. name uncertain, flowers white. Labiatae. Mentha Gunninghamii (White-mint). SCBO PHTJLAHTACE AE. Jovellana repens (Creeping-calceolaria). Mazus radicans (Purple-lip). Gratiola peruviana (Herb-of-Grace). Glossoetigma elatinoides (Water-moss). Limosella tenuifolia (Mud-wort). Hebe salicifolia var. communis (Koromiko). var. paludosa (Swamp-koromiko). elliptica (Shore-koromiko). subalpina (Westland-koromiko). buxifolia (Box-koromiko). ciliolata (Heath-koromiko). macrocalyx (Straggling-koromiko). macrantha (Azalea-koromiko). Pygmaea ciliolata (Snow-cushion). Veronica linifolia (Rock-speedwell). Lyallii (Shingle-speedwell). Ourisia maerocarpa var. calycina (Snow-glory). sessilifolia (Hairy snow-glory). caespitosa (Creeping snow-glory). Cockayniana (Smaller snow-glory). Euphrasia Laingh (Mountain-eyebright). revoluta (Lesser-eyebright). CocJcayniana (Yellow-eyebright). X zelandica. zelandica (Small-eyebright). Siphonidium longifolium (Bog-eyebright). Lextibulanaceae. Utricularia monanthos (Purple-bladderwort). Myopobaceae. Myoporum laetum (Ngaio). Plantaginacea e. Plantago Raoulii (Common-plantain). Brownii (Mountain-plantain). — lanigera (Woolly-plantain). triandra (Star-plantain).

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List of the Species, etc., of the Reserves—continued.

Rubiaceae. Coprosma lucida (Karamu). serrulata (Creeping-karamuj. robusta (Swamp-karamu). rotundifolia (Currant-karamu). rhamnoides (Wiry-karamu). ciliata (Mountain-karamu;. parviflora (Leafy-karamu). ramulosa (Wine-drop). X pseudocuneata. propinqua (Common-karamu). X robusta. brunnea (Jewel-spray). rugosa (Heath-karamu). foetidissema (Hupiro). crenulata (Westland-karamu). Golensoi (Forest-karamu). X foetidissima. pseudo-Golensoi (Shade-karamu). X Colensoi. pseudocuneata (Scrub-karamu). repens (Alpine-karamu). Nertera depressa (Red-berry). dichondraefolia (Bush-berry). Galuim umbrosum (Bedstraw). Asperula perpusilla (Dwar!-bedstraw). CAMPAN ulace AE . Pratia angulata (Purpie-berrv). Lobelia anceps (Shore-lobelia). Wahlenbergia alhomarginata (Mountain-bluebell). gracilis (Slender-bluebell). Goodentaceae. Selliera radicans (Salt-wort). Stylidiaceae. Phyllacne Colensoi (Green-pinchusion). Forstera tenella (Tender fairies-cup). Bidwillii (Fairies-cup). Donatiaceae. Donalia novae-zelandiae (Alpine-cushion). Compositae. Lagenophora pumila (Slender-daisy). Barkeri (Leafy-daisy). Olearia Colensoi (Tupari). arborescens (Thousand-blossom). X lacunosa. X ilicifolia. ilicifolia (Mountain-holly). X lacunosa. —— lacunosa (Lancewood-daisy). moschata (Incense-shrub). nummidarifolia (Hard-leaf). cymbifolia (Boat-leaf).

Compositae—continued. Olearia cymbifolia X nummidarifolia. avicenniaefolia (Mountain-akeake). laxiflora (Swamp tree-daisy). Celmisia Walkeri (Straggling-celmisia). discolor (Mountain-musk). X Walkeri. Du Rietzii (Kid-glove celmisia). X discolor. petiolata (Soft-leaved cotton-plant). Armstrongii (Dagger-plant). X coriacea. CQriacea (Silver cotton-plant). X petiolata. longifolia (Pekepeke). X coriacea. alpina (Bog-pekepeke). sessilifolia (Silver-cushion). X longifolia. laricifolia (Alpine needle-leaf). bellidioides (Green rock-cushion). glandulosa var. vera (Bog-celmisia). Haastia Sinclairii (Snow-plant). Gnaphalium Lyallii (Rock-cudweed). trinerve (Smaller rock-cudweed). Traversii (Mountain-cudweed). paludosum (Water-cudweed). luteo-album (Flannel-leaf). collinum (Austral-cudweed). japonicum (Japan-cudweed). Raoulia mbulata (Alpine-raoulia). grandiflora (Snow-raoulia). glabra (Green turf-raoulia). auslralis (Silvery-raoulia). tenuicaulis (Mat-raoulia). Lencogenes grandiceps (South Island edelweiss). Helichrysum bellidioides (False-edelweiss). filicaule (Slender-everlasting). Cassinia V auvilliersii (Mountain-tauhinu). Craspedia major (Soldiers-buttons). minor (Smaller soldiers-buttons). X major. Cotula coronopifolia (Yellow-button). squalida (Fern-cotula). dioica (Shore-cotula). pyrethrifolia (Alpine-cotula). Abrotanella linearis (Abrotanella). Erechtites prenanthoides (Common-fireweed). arguta (Woolly-fireweed). glabrescens (Mountain-fireweed). Senecio bellidioides (Mountain-groundsel). laut.us (Shore-groundsel). Lyallii (Alpine-marigold). X scorzoneroides. scorzoneroides (Alpine-marguerite). elaeagnifolius (Tree-groundsel). Bidicillii var. viridis (Leather-leaf). Taraxacum megellanicum (Fuegian-dandelion).

APPENDIX D. KAPITI ISLAND. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The bountiful rainfall experienced during the year, and more especially during the summer months a period usually of a trying nature to the plant-life of the island —produced a remarkable growth, and never at any period during the year did the hardier plants receive a check. It was only during March that the more delicate shrubs, such as hangehange, and some of the ferns, showed signs of wilting. The undergrowth has become so dense in places that it has been found necessary to open up tracks along ridges which only a few years ago were absolutely bare of undergrowth and could be traversed without difficulty. Amongst the manuka, too, the undergrowth is coming up well, even in the southern part of the island, where wild sheep were plentiful a few years ago. This undergrowth comprises plants of the most useful kinds for the birds, as the majority of them belong to the Coprosma family. Other plants are houhou, makomako, hinau, miro, matai, tarata, horoeka, rangiora, and heketara, the bushlawyer, and clematis. Miro and matai are doing well on the ridges north of Taepiro.

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The beautiful crape-fern (Leptopteris superba), so common near the Glaciers, showing its habit. The leaves are about 2½ ft. long. Frontispiece.] [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Fig. 1.—View of the Franz Josef Glacier, as seen from Cannavans Knob, descending into the great forest-mass of Westland. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

Fig. 2.—The green tree-fern (Hemitelia Smithii) at one mile and a half from the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier, growing in the forest at no great distance from the ice— a phenomenon not to be seen in any part of the world except New Zealand. [Photo, E. Teichelmann. To face page 18.]

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Fig. 3.—Path through the lowland forest bordered by the green tree-fern (Hemitelia Smithii) at various stages of growth. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Fig. 4.—Characteristic forest scene along the road between the two glaciers. Note the absence of dead trees and the abundance of the fern (Blechnum procerum). [Photo, B. Theim.

Fig. 5.—General view of a piece of virgin lowland forest as seen from the Main South Road leading from the Franz Josef to the Fox Glacier, and showing its extreme density. The trees are mainly rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) and kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa). In foreground, on right-hand side, is a bank of the fern (Blechnum procerum). [Photo, L. Cockayne.

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Fig. 6. — Characteristic view of a piece of lowland forest where the soil is shallow and wettish. Note the slender stems, some horizontal, covered with epiphytic ferns. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Fig. 7. — Rock from which the Franz Josef Glacier had receded in process of colonization by plants. The dark patches are a moss which forms a seed-bed; the small "island" of plants consists of the tree-tute (Coriaria arborea) —the tallest—and in front of this the southern-rata (Metrosideros lucida), and at the base the thong-fern (Asplenium flaccidum). [Photo, L. Cockayne.

Fig. 8.—Head of Franz Josef Glacier as seen from the R. S. Low Rocks on the Baird Range. The ice-capped peak on the Divide towards the centre on the right is Mount Tasman. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Fig. 9. —View looking up the Fox Glacier from the summit of Cone Rock. In centre the icecapped Chancellor Ridge, at the base of which is the new alpine hut and in the background the sharp summit is that of Douglas Peak. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

Fig 10.—Head of the Fox Glacier as seen from Chancellor Ridge. Looking from left to right, the peaks of the Divide are Tasman, Lenderfeld, and Haast. [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Fig. 11.—Lake Matheson, showing the reflection in its peaty water of Mounts Cook and Tasman, and in centre a glimpse of the Fox Glacier. The forest is semi-swamp forest of kahikatea (Podocarpus dacrydioides). [Photo, E. Teichelmann.

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Continual warfare is necessarily waged against rats and opossums. Although, the opossums are being reduced in numbers, the extermination of rats is a difficult proposition. Over 160 rats were destroyed during the year, most of which were caught in traps set for the purpose, the others having been shot. A wild oat was sighted in June, but has not been seen again, although careful search has been made for it. During the year a motor-launch was provided for use by Mr. Wilkinson, and this will prove to be invaluable to him in his work. Moorings have been put down in the bay north of Rangatira, and a slipway and boat-shed have been erected opposite the moorings. In September Lady Alice Fergusson paid her third and final visit to Kapiti. Her Excellency is a most enthusiastic naturalist, and spent most of her time amongst the birds and bush, but also found time to sketch some of the more historic points of the island, in which she was intensely interested. Her Excellency was accompanied by Countess Thelma Mataxa ; Captain Orr-Ewing ; Mr. W. H. Field, M.P. ; Mr. E. Phillips Turner, Director of Forestry ; and Mr. L. 0. 11. Tripp, president of the Wellington Acclimatization Society. Beautiful weather prevailed during the trip, and the party journeyed to the summit of the island and were also taken round it in the launch. I append hereto an extract from the caretaker's (Mr. A. S. Wilkinson) report for the year : — " All round the coast, but more especially on the eastern side of the island, taupata is making good progress. This is very noticeable when travelling between Waiorua and Wharekohu, but can also be noticed at the very south end of the island. On the western side, which is so much exposed to westerly gales, and where most of the goats and wild sheep used to be, and where most of the plant covering had been destroyed by these animals, plants are slowly but surely re-establishing themselves. Taupata, kowhai, akeake, puka, rata, koromiko, and wharariki are following up tauhinu 011 the steep faces and cliffs. From the top manuka is creeping down this steep side. The open grass areas are also being gradually covered by shrubs. The Taepiro Valley, which has the largest area of grass, is being closed in by tauhinu, manuka, whauwhaupaku, and other more useful plants. Fuchsia is occupying all the damper parts of this valley, besides mahoe and the fine-leaved koromiko, of which several very large trees are growing on the ridge adjoining Taepiro. Other places, which, a few years ago were practically all grass, are now almost covered with the tauhinu, amongst which can be seen shrubs of all descriptions, hundreds of acres being thickly strewn with young plants, principally akeake sown by the wind, as well as cabbage-tree (Cordyline australis), houhou, horoeka, and others. " Since the extirpation of goats and sheep has allowed the undergrowth, which is so essential to the welfare of the bush, to make such headway many of the smaller plants, such as ferns, are spreading through the forests. The beautiful kidney-fern (Trichomanes reniforme) can be seen now in places where a few years ago it was either absent or represented by very poor specimens. Leptolepia novaezelandiae, another beautiful fern, is to be seen now in places where the ground was absolutely bare of growth a few years back. I have also come across many patches of that especially beautiful Hymenophyllum australe, which was decidedly hard to find even three years ago. Another plant, which Cheeseman calls " a very remarkable and beautiful species," the Senecio Kirkii, is also coming up m several places. Though fairly common in most parts of the North Island, where it is often found growing as an epiphyte, it is rare on Kapiti, and most of the plants are growing on the ground. " The abundant rainfall was responsible for the best display of flowers that I have seen during the last five years. The show of, firstly, the heketara (Olearia Cunninghamii), followed by the fiery blooms of the rata, was a glorious one. During the flowering of the rata the honey-eating birds were in their glory. It was quite a common thing to see upwards of two dozen tui in one tree, and korimako and kaka were also numerous. Nearly every rata was in bloom —not just a few, as in previous years. Those closest to the sea flowered first, and as these finished so others started at a higher altitude, until only a line of scarlet was to be seen towards the summit of the island. Though not so conspicuous during the flowering period as the two species above mentioned, the other berry-bearing trees flowered equally well, and more than made up the balance in the display of fruit. The karaka, which is everywhere abundant on the island, was loaded with the lovely yellow berries. The tawa, miro, matai, and hinau, to mention only the largest trees, were covered with berries. " The abundance of food naturally has a stimulating effect on bird-life, and this has been the case with the birds of Kapiti during the last season. The almost continual rainfall during the last season not only caused an abnormal growth of leaf and flower, to be followed later by a superabundance of fruit, but it was responsible for an increase in the supply of insect food. Thus the birds which live more or less on insects were in better condition to carry out their important functions than they have been for some time. This is shown by the noted increase in such species as the whitehead, tom+it, and the rare North Island robin. The tomtits which come about our house, and with which we have been intimately acquainted for the last five years, were able to rear two families. Previously they were able to rear only one young bird during the period mentioned, and this was in the 1928-29 season. In 1927 they reared a family of three until the young ones had been out of the nest five days, when they were taken by that terror of small birds, the long-tailed cuckoo, despite the efforts of myself and family to drive the pest away. The long-tailed cuckoo was much scarcer on Kapiti last season compared with previous ones, and I believe the success of the smaller birds in rearing young was largely due to this fact. Korimako and tui were also successful with their breeding, many young birds of both species being noted. No young saddlebacks were noticed, but, as they are birds that do not call much, they are easily passed by. The pigeon seems to be holding its own in spite of the fact that many leave the island and never get a chance to return. Dozens of these birds can be seen on the karaka, feasting on the berries. The kakariki, especially the red-headed species, show a decided increase in numbers. Many families of young are to be seen in the bush. They secure a good deal of food from grass-seeds, and with berries to help them are assured of food in plenty throughout the year. 2*

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" A kakapo was seen by the trapper when hunting for opossums, which his description leads me to believe was a fairly young bird. Tf my supposition is correct, these birds must be breeding, as it is now about seventeen years since they were introduced. In any case, it proves that the kapapo can get a living on Kapiti. The last bird seen was nearly two miles from where the other one was found. The petrels are now breeding all along the summit of the island. Burrows can be seen both north and south of the trig, station. The sea-birds have also had a good season, especially the gulls and terns. The white-fronted tern has increased in numbers, and there are many colonies of these beautiful birds to be seen around the island and on the adjoining islets. A new colony was formed on the rocks by the waterfalls, where hundreds of terns bred. " The herons occupied their old nesting-sites and reared their young successfully. During the year a shag that I had not previously noted at Kapiti was seen. The bird was the spotted shag (Phalacrocorax punctatus). Two species of birds not hitherto noted bred on Olsupe, the lake on Mr. Webber's property. I identified them as the spoonbill duck (Spatula rhynchotis) and the little grey teal (Querquedula gibberifrons). " A considerable amount of planting was done during the season. Seeds and plants of species belonging to the island as well as plants from different parts of the Dominion were put out in differentparts of the sanctuary. Generally speaking, most of the plants put out have done well. In some cases a remarkable growth is noticeable. For example a pukahu (Meryla Sinclairii) that I brought from the Hen Island and planted on the 31st October, 1925, which was then 12 in. high, is now 9 ft. in height, while a whau (Entelea arborescens) which was put in as a cutting in May, 1928, is now 8 ft. high. Many valuable and interesting plants belonging to different parts of the Dominion were received from enthusiastic nature-lovers, and it gives me pleasure to place on record my appreciation for the donations received. In all cases the plants reached me in good condition, proving that the donors went to considerable trouble and not little expense in despatching them. I have also to express my appreciation to the Wellington Acclimatization Society for practical help. From the society was received three sacks of wheat for ducks, six rolls of netting to fence in the swamp at Rangatira, and the sum of £10 to make a lagoon at Wharekohu. Following are the names of the people who sent plants, together with a list of species : — Captain E. V. Sanderson, Paekakariki —one hundred plants of Entelea arborescens, one plant of Todea superba. Mr. A. Wilkinson, Nelson —plants of hebe, euphrasia, ranunculus, and asplenium. I was unable to identify with certainty the species of this consignment, so planted them where they can be seen and identified later. Mr. R. H. D. Stidolph, Masterton —parcel of Celmesia spectabilis. Mr. A. Morris-Jones,Wellington—plants of Dacrydium cupressinum, Senecio Kirkii, Alseuosmia quercifolia, Podocarpus.dacrydioides, and Todea superba : seeds of Coprosma Baueri, Cyathodes acerosa, and Sophora tetraptera. Mr. J. Webber, Kapiti —fifteen plants of Hoheria populnea. Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., Wellington —seeds of Coprosma Baueri. Miss Watson, New Plymouth —plants of Pittosporum crassifolium. Mr. Silson, Palmerston North —plants of Dacrydium cupressinum, Nothofagus fusca, and Nothofagus Menziesii. Mr. K. N. Dalrymplc, Bulls—plants of Pratia macrodon, Hymenanthera novae-zelandiae, Pittosporum crassifolium, Coprosma sp. (2), Sicyos angulata, Veronica Lyalli, Celmesia seedlings, largeleaved forms of kawakawa, ngaio, and makomako. Mr. Dalrymple also collected in the Chatham Islands, and forwarded plants of Senicio Huntii, Cyathodes robusta, Olearia semidentata, Veronica Chathamica, and some seedling Dracophyllum. " During the year I came across a fern, which, so far as I know, has not hitherto been recorded from Kapiti. The fern is known as Doodia media."

APPENDIX E. HAWKE'S BAY SCENIC RESERVES. (J. D. Thomson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) It is with much pleasure I have to report that the. scenic reserves in this district are receiving now more attention than they have done in the past. The advent of the motor-car has enabled residents of the district to gain a personal knowledge of the various reserves, and the consequence has been a general realization of the importance of safeguarding the few remaining patches of native bush. Local bodies are also showing a willingness to shoulder more responsibility with regard to scenic reserves. Arrangements are now almost completed for constituting a Scenic Board to control all scenic reserves in this district, most of the local bodies being represented on the Board. The following particulars, with regard to the various reserves may be of interest: — Waihi Falls.—The original area of this reserve was 103 acres 1 rood 2 perches, but in 1928 the area was reduced to 35 acres. Fire and damage from stock had rendered 68 acres useless for scenic purposes, and it was considered advisable to cut this area off and concentrate on preserving the area of bush round the falls. When the road access is improved this reserve will receive the attention it deserves, but at the present time it is little known owing to its present inaccessibility. Tangoio Falls. —This reserve, owing to its proximity to Napier and the fact that the Napier-Gisborne Main Highway passes it, has become a popular picnic-spot. The bush is principally secondary growth, but this class is well represented. The small falls and swimming-pool make the place an attractive spot in summer-time.

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White Pine. —This reserve is situated also on the Napier-Gisborne Highway, about two miles farther from Napier. To a lover of New Zealand's flora and fauna this is a far more interesting spot than Tangoio Falls, as trees of the final forest growth-stage, such as rimu, matai, kahikatea, &c., are represented ; also, many species of native birds are to be seen in the bush. Makirikiri.- —This reserve is situated close to Dannevirke, and the control is vested in the Dannevirke Borough Council. The Council is carrying out a programme of planting with indigenous trees areas over which the original native bush had been destroyed. Tukituki River.—This is a reserve of white-pine bush on the bank of the Tukituki River, and is controlled by the Waipukurau Borough Council. Though at the present time the public do not show much interest in this reserve, it is considered by the Mayor of the borough that later on the residents will appreciate its value. Elsthorpe.-—This reserve is a swampy flat, the principal timber growing on it being white-pine, with tawa in small quantities on the drier ground. Owing to the wet nature of the ground, secondgrowth trees are poorly represented. Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary.-—The last season .saw the accommodation taxed to its utmost, and it was noted that the gannets had extended their nesting-area. The number of visitors to this interesting spot increases yearly owing to the publicity given by newspapers. The Board is gratified at the manner in which the public observed the conditions governing the visiting permits. It is proposed during the coming winter to improve the walking-track leading up the hill to the gannet-rookery.

APPENDIX F. TARANAKI SCENIC RESERVES, TOGETHER WITH REPORT OF NEW PLYMOUTH SCENIC RESERVES BOARD. (W. I). Armit, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chairman of Scenic Board.) During the year close supervision has been maintained over all the scenic reserves in this land district. Reports are filed showing in each case the quality and nature of scenic attraction, the accessibility of the reserve, its general state of preservation, and if any measures are required to prevent damage, action is immediately taken. In a number of cases the Department has assisted settlers in fencing the boundaries of their holdings adjoining reserves, thus preventing damage by straying stock. On some of the larger areas, such as the Wanganui River, the Tangarakau River, and Mokau River scenic reservations, wild cattle and pigs are present to a certain degree. Very little damage is apparent at the present time, and the position is kept under review. A few wild goats and opossums exist in the district, outside of the Egmont National Park area, and it is quite possible that preventive measures will be required in the future to deal particularly with wild goats, which are most destructive to the native flora. It has not been necessary to institute any prosecutions for vandalism or trespass daring the year, although several warnings have been issued to offenders who have unwittingly broken the scenic laws. Police inquiries in one ease, dealing with lighting of fires and damage, may lead to a prosecution in the near future. Excellent work is being done by the various Scenic Boards set up to administer certain reserves within the district. The Everett Road Scenic Reserves Board has been strengthened during the year by the inclusion of additional members, and this reserve is becoming most popular with the public, and is a frequent resort of large parties desiring to picnic. A good swimming-pool forms part of the attraction, and bathing-sheds have been erected near the river-bank. During the year a special Scenic Board has been set up to administer Tapuinikau Pa, which has recently been acquired from the Natives. This pa has many historic associations, and in deference to Native opinion the Board is comprised of part Maori membership. The use of motor-cars has brought a number of reserves within the public eye of recent years, and unremitting care and attention is necessary to prevent vandalism of any description. New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. The Board at present consists of Messrs. W. H. Skinner, W. W. Smith, F. Carrington, V. Davies, and W. D. Armit (Chairman). Three meetings were held during the year, and a number of inspections of the various reserves were also made by the Board and individual members. Several of the reserves have also been under close supervision by the Field Inspectors of the Department. The following work in connection with the reserves has been carried out during the year : — Pukerangiora Pa.—A distance of approximately 36 chains of this reserve was cleared of gorse, fern, and blackberry, at a cost of £40. This included some clearing around the trees which were recently raplanted on an area which was swept by fire. Messrs. Duncan and Davies supplied one hundred three-year-old trees for replacements free of charge, and the thanks of the Board are due to them for their

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generosity. Further maintenance will be required for the trees recent]}' replanted, but the weeds have been practically smothered over the greater part of the plantation, and beyond getting the road boundary cleared there should be little further expense in connection with this reserve. Trees which were planted five years ago have now reached a height of 25 ft. Meeting of the Waters Reserve. —Further repairs to the suspension bridge on this reserve were carried out during the year at a cost of approximately £20. A subsidy of £15 was obtained, bringing the Government grant up to £40, this sum representing the total subscribed by the local bodies towards the cost of the bridge. The fence on the southern boundary of the reserve requires renewing, and arrangements have been made with Mr. Marsh, the adjoining owner, to have the work carried out. A certain amount of revenue is derived from this reserve from the royalty on shingle, which is deposited after every flood in the river, and also for large boulders, which are taken from the bed of the river some distance below the bridge. The erosion of the bank on the south-western end of the reserve is assuming serious proportions, and steps may have to be taken in the near future to prevent the river from cutting through to the Araheke Stream and possibly washing away a considerable portion of the reserve. The expenditure in connection with the upkeep of this reserve, apart from the suspension bridge, amounted to £13 3s. Id. during the year. Pukemiro Reserve.—The work of fencing the boundary between this reserve and the adjoining property has been carried out during the year, and the fencing of the road boundary has been deferred until the question of deviating the Main North Road has been decided. Onaero Reserve.—The trees planted along the boundary of this reserve are making good growth, and the gorse and other weeds will soon be under control. The Okoke Pa has been inspected recently by one of the members and found to be in good condition. Awa-te-TaJce Pa. —The fencing of this reserve has been carried out during the year at the cost of £20 16s. 3d. A number of goats have been trespassing and the undergrowth has been entirely eaten out, and the fencing was undertaken with a view to preventing trespass by cattle and goats. Regeneration is now rapidly taking place. Authority has been given to the Board's local ranger to deal with any animals found trespassing on this reserve in future. Ratapihipihi Reserve. —Additional fencing on this reserve has been carried out during the year at a cost of £2 lis. 4d. The open area adjoining the bush is let to Mr. A. R. Gudopp, who is utilizing it to the best advantage. There is nothing further to report in regard to Puketi Pa, which is let under a five-years lease to the New Plymouth High Schools Board. Koru Pa. —This reserve continues to attract a fair number of visitors. A small amount of damage has occurred to the stone glacis work of the old fortifications either by natural causes or by human interference. Local associations interested in this reserve are co-operating with the Board to prevent further damage being done. Some of the tracks within the reserve will also receive attention at an early date. The following have been apjiointed honorary inspectors under the Scenery Preservation Act, and the thanks of the Board are due to them for their supervision over the reserves during the year : Mr. A. R. Gudopp, who has control of the Ratapihipihi Reserve ; Mr. S. Topliss, who has control of the Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves ; Mr. P. 11. 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.

APPENDIX G. MARLBOROUGH SCENIC RESERVES. (P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Early in February last, accompanied by Mr. S. Gambrill, of the Head Office staff, I made a tour of inspection over the whole of the Sounds County scenic reserves, and found that, generally speaking, they were all in good order. Some minor acts of vandalism were noticed, such as the cutting of tent-poles without permission by camping parties at Ship Cove and Kumutoto Reserves, and the unauthorized cutting of manuka firewood at Ngaruru Reserve, in Tory Channel. Depredation caused by deer was evident in the undergrowth at Tennyson Inlet, and this menace will be hard to control on this extensive reserve unless some organized efforts are made. It is pleasing to note that, with the exception of some scrub burnt on the Picton Hills Reserve, no damage by fire has occurred during the year, although during the summer it was reported to me that dead trees were on fire in both the Kumutoto and Ship Cove Reserves. Immediate steps were taken to combat the danger and keep the reserves intact.

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A burning tree, presumably lit by pig-hunters, on the Ship Cove Reserve gave me great concern, for if a south-east wind had risen before steps were taken to extinguish it nothing could have prevented a disastrous fire from sweeping over a considerable portion of this beautiful reserve. I wish to thank our honorary inspector, Mr. Philpotts, for the timely warning given, and Messrs. Jones and Annear, settlers, of Endeavour Inlet and Resolution Bay, for their prompt assistance in extinguishing the fire before it made any headway. As a result of these efforts it is almost impossible to distinguish any burnt bush when viewing the reserve from the sea. The fire on the Picton Hill Reserve occurred through the lighting of some gorse cut on the boundary. The fire ran up a spur some 20 chains, burning the gorse and some light bush that was re-establishing itself, but fortunately died out before it reached the standing forest, consequently the damage is negligible, although it will retard the reafforestation of open portion for some years. The fire problem is a very real one in Marlborough, and gives us much concern during the dry season. Settlers necessarily have to burn the fern, danthonia, and other rubbish on their holdings in the course of a general clean-up during the proper season, and when fire runs into a reserve the first time the damage may not appear to be much ; there are, however, always a few trees killed, and the real danger appears when subsequent firings establish a good hold in the dead trees : then it needs only a light breeze to do extensive and lasting damage to some beautiful reserve. The problem is endless and difficult, but adjoining holders are gradually becoming educated and beginning to realize that the office must be notified when they propose to fire their lands. During the summer months the Marlborough Sounds were thronged with more tourists and holiday-makers than ever before experienced, the accommodation-houses being taxed to their fullest capacity, and large numbers of camping parties also utilized the various bays. The beautiful scenic reserves are the favourite resorts for the many fishing and picnic parties, and it is pleasing to note that the slogan of keeping these beautiful spots intact for future generations is bearing fruit, as we have little or no complaints of damage done nowadays, and the reserves are generally left in a clean and tidy condition. As mentioned in previous reports, the provision of low-water landing-jetties are a necessity, and I hope that the Department will now consider the question of erecting one or more of these structures on the principal reserves. Their cost will not be expensive : it is considered that suitable structures built of railway iron could be erected at a cost not exceeding £2 per foot. I would like to draw attention to Mrs. C. W. Parker's gift of some 50 acres of bush land, part of the Kaireperepe Native Block, in Block VIII, Linkwater Survey District. This public-spirited action on Mrs. Parker's part is to be greatly commended, for, besides the addition of a nice block of land in light native bush, the gift rounds off a very fine area of scenic reserve between Wedge Point and Ngakuta Bay, giving the Department control of all the land at the back of the seaside residence sites in this locality. The Picton-Grove-Havelock Road runs for some miles through this reserve, and provides a beautiful scenic drive, from which are obtainable many lovely panoramic views of the two Sounds. This road has been recently widened, and is becoming a favourite drive for motorists and has opened up another of Marlborough's scenic attractions. The advent of the seaside residence has been a great factor in the reafforestation of this land at the back. A few years ago it was ugly burnt bush, but the land is now clothed again with light forest growth, affording an object-lesson of what can be done with the burnt areas of bush in the Sounds district in the course of a few years. Neat bungalows peep out of the trees as you pass the shores, and the bright flowers of the scarlet gums and other flowering-trees in the late summer, and, later, the autumn foliage of the introduced trees, add a delightful colour to the picturesque surroundings. In this way the seaside bungalow has been of the greatest assistance in improving the natural scenery. These seaside residences are becoming dotted all over the Sounds, and, as their owners are replanting their lots in native and introduced trees, it will not be many years before they add considerably to the charm and beauty of the natural surroundings. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. —Situated on the Blenheim-Nelson Main Highway, midway between the two towns, this beautiful reserve was throughout the year thronged by the usual large number of picnic and camping parties. The local Scenic Board are ably administering all affairs in connection therewith, and are steadily adding to the number of improvements. An unfortunate bathing fatality occurred during the year in the Pelorus River, flowing through it, and the Board immediately installed a life-buoy and line at the principal bathing-hole. The main picnic-grounds have been cleared of dead standing trees that were a menace during windy weather, and further improvement has taken place in many ways. An attempt was made to collect fees by means of notice-boards requesting campers to forward them to this office, but I regret to say that it was not successful, the campers failing to recognize their responsibility towards the upkeep and maintenance of the various improvements installed for their benefit, the cost of which now totals some hundreds of pounds, and which has been provided by Government grants and local-body contributions. Donations towards the upkeep of this reserve totalling some £40 were received from the Blenheim Borough and Nelson City Councils, the Marlborough and Waimea County Councils, and the Marlborough and Nelson Automobile Associations. A donation of £5 was received from Dr. S. Gibbs, and cheques for smaller amounts from various other private donors. Parts of these amounts have been expended on the reserve, and the balance held over for more extensive improvements contemplated in the near future. Wild pigs have been much in evidence on the Pelorus lately, rooting among the fireplaces and turning up acres of the flats. A drive was recently organized under departmental supervision, which has driven them off for the time being. The installation of a permanent caretaker on this reserve is a matter of necessity for its proper protection, and the Scenic Board are hoping, with the assistance of a Government grant, to be in the position shortly to be able to erect a caretaker's cottage. With this end in view it organized a large public picnic, which resulted in some £27 being subscribed and earmarked for the purpose.

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Hundalee Scenic Reserve. —The Scenic Board controlling these reserves is steadily adding to their improvements. During the year a very creditable caretaker's cottage was erected. The official opening was performed by myself on Saturday, the 30th November. Besides the members of the Board, there were present a number of members of the Council of the Canterbury Automobile Association, members of the press, and local residents. The cottage is a very creditable improvement to the reserves, and was designed in a rustic style to suit its picturesque surroundings, the architect being Mr. B. J. Ager, of Christchurch, who made a special trip to view the locality in order that he could submit a suitable design. The cottage consists of three rooms and a bathroom. The largest room is to be used as a refreshment-room, morning and afternoon teas being obtainable by the travelling public. The room has been completely furnished by donations and gifts from individual members of the Canterbury Automobile Association, who have entered enthusiastically into the scheme to provide a dwelling for a full-time caretaker, who now controls the reserves all the year round. The cottage is situated on the south side of Goose Bay, and the beautiful panorama of coast scenery, with the Kaikoura Peninsula in the background, forms a view that for sheer beauty would be hard to surpass. The cost of erection of the cottage has been met by Government grants totalling £200, £50 donated by the Canterbury Automobile Association, £20 donated by the Kaikoura County Council, £20 obtained by local subscription (collected by Dr. R. L. Withers), £25 from the Board's camping fees, £10 by an anonymous donor, and other small sums obtained by private subscriptions. A further sum of £60 is required to meet the full cost of the building, but this is hoped to be collected by donations or public subscriptions in the near future. A post and telephone office has been opened at the cottage by the Post and Telegraph Department, which convenience is greatly appreciated by the numerous campers. Further public improvements have been installed during the year and the affairs of the Board are in a fairly flourishing condition. The cost of erection of the cottage exceeded the money in hand by some £60, but this amount was raised by a joint and several account guaranteed by the individual members of the Board, who are all enthusiastic in their duties of administration. The Hundalee Reserve was well frequented by motor campers during the holiday season, and, owing to the numerous fireplaces and other conveniences provided, no damage has been reported, and the reserves are kept in a clean and tidy condition. M.anc/amauna Scenic Reserves. —The usual large number of campers frequented the coast along these reserves during the season. Most of the camps are on the road, and are supervised by the Kaikoura County Council. The opinion is unanimously expressed by the Hundalee Scenic Board that these reserves should be placed under the Board's control, and that the fees collected should be expended in providing some much-needed fireplaces and conveniences at the favourite camps, necessities which are sadly lacking at the present time. I wish again to record my appreciation of the services rendered by the honorary inspectors and other gentlemen during the year in supervising the various reserves in their localities. With their aid and assistance, I have been kept advised on various matters affecting the reserves, and they have been of real value to our Department.

APPENDIX H. WESTLAND SCENIC RESERVES. (W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Grown Lands.) I have pleasure in reporting that all the scenic reserves in Westland are in a good state of preservation, and a close supervision of the reserves is being maintained by this Department's Field Inspectors and myself, inspections being made as we have occasion to visit various parts of the district from time to time. I also desire to place on record my appreciation of the enthusiasm shown by various local residents in accepting appointment as honorary inspectors, and for their assistance and advice at all times freely proffered. lam also pleased to report that no damage by fire or acts of vandalism have been reported. Franz Josef Glacier. —This reserve, with its famous glacier, ice phenomena, hot springs, picturesque bush tracks, and alpine walks continues to attract an increasing number of Dominion and oversea visitors. Some very picturesque bush tracks have been recently opened up, and further work in this direction is in hand. The bush and bird life on this reserve are jealously protected by local residents and the alpine guides, who all take a very real and personal interest in the reserve and its environs. Fox Glacier. —An area of about 13,000 acres along the Main South Road and abutting on the Fox Glacier was recently set apart out of provisional State forest by special legislation. This area is to be further supplemented by the reservation of another 61,100 acres, which, in addition to the Fox Glacier, will also include other glaciers of lesser importance and a large area of subalpine region. This area adjoins the Franz Josef Glacier Scenic Reserve. A new up-to-date hostel has been recently built on the Main South Road at the approaches to the glacier, and bridges are being erected to provide easy access on to the ice.

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Copeland and Twain Rivers. —Steps are in train to have set apart an area of 64,000 acres immediately to the south of the Fox Glacier region, and will include the watersheds of the Copeland and Twain Rivers and the upper source of the Karangarua River, together with some extent of subalpine region. In addition, and not the least important feature, the Copeland tracks traverse the area, crossing the Alps via Fitzgerald Pass into Canterbury and down the Hooker Glacier to Mount Cook Hermitage. This track already enjoys a certain amount of popularity, and only requires the further improvement of the Main South Road and a little more publicity to bring it into full recognition. Lake Kanieri. —This popular reserve, situated only twelve miles from Hokitika by a good metalled road, continues to attract an increasing number of visitors. Further roading is being carried out around the edge of the lake to give access to Dorothy Falls, with an ultimate outlet on to the Styx River. Dorothy Falls is also accessible by launch. Boating is becoming increasingly popular —to such an extent that measures were recently taken by the Board to exercise some form of control over the erection of boat-sheds on the shores of the lake, with the result that a number of boat-shed sites have been laid out in certain approved localities and are being readily taken up at small rentals. This course was found necessary not only from a scenic point of view, but also to ensure the non-pollution of the waters of the lake, which is the source of the Hokitika town water-supply. Quinnat salmon appear to be increasing in the lake, and some good fishing was obtained by local residents last season. Punahaiki Scenic Reserve. —With the completion of the Westport-Greymouth Coast Road this reserve is coming in for a large measure of popularity, the equable climate and the prolific growth of nikau-palms along the roadside endowing it with a semitropical appearance. The laminated rock formation, outcropping at some points, is to some extent unique, and is usually not allowed to miss the eye of the camera. A portion of the reserve was recently fenced to prevent damage to the bush by cattle, and some improvements were made on the track leading to the phenomenon known as the Blowhole. Lake Mahinapua —This reserve lies only a few miles to the southward of Hokitika, and, although on the Hokitika-Ross Railway, was only recently opened up by roal, and will now be accessible by car and enjoy much more popularity. Mahinapua Creek, the outlet for the lake, is being cleaned out and made accessible to launches, thus tending further to bring this picturesque little lake and its surroundings into full recognition. Some very fine stands of bush have from to time been reserved along the Main South Road, and the avenues formed by numbers of the colossal giants of the forest, with its verdant and prolific undergrowth, must be seen to be appreciated. In this direction the Department is particularly fortunate in having secured a very fine stand of bush on the Main South Road a few miles to the south of Ross for scenic purposes, which in the course of a year or two would otherwise have been milled out. Another pretty piece of bush, with tree-fern predominating, was secured at Barrytown, the acquisition being facilitated by the generosity of a Crown lessee, who permitted the area to be taken out of his lease without payment. Other reserves which might be mentioned generally are those which, owing to their isolation, are as yet little visited. To preserve, however, their natural scenery it was necessary to make early provision for their reservation, and they now only await adequate access to bring them into popularity and open up their natural beauties to the public. In conclusion, I desire to add that there are yet many isolated areas suitable for reservation in Westland, which are, however, at present secure from molestation, and will no doubt be set apart when the necessity arises.

APPENDIX I. CANTERBURY SCENIC RESERVES. (W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) In July, 1929, the Arthur Pass National Park Board was set up. This Board controls an area of 80,000 acres in Canterbury, together with 37,000 acres in the Westland district. The area taken over consisted of National Park reserve, forest reserve, and scenic ;"sserve. The Peel Forest .Reserve, comprising an area of 1,208 acres, is controlled by a special Board set up under special Act in 1926. Peel Forest is one of the finest stands of mixed rain forest in Canterbury. The Summit Road Scenic Reserves Board controls some twelve reserves totalling 1,212 acres, while the Port Hills - Akaroa Summit Road Public Trust controls a further seven areas, comprising 574 acres. These Port Hills reserves are dotted along the crest of the hills from Sumner to Akaroa. With the extension of the formation of the Summit Road these reserves are growing in popularity with the public, and the value and beauty of them is becoming more keenly appreciated. A scenic area of bush in South Canterbury is some 127 acres on the southern banks of the Haehae te Moana River. The area is controlled by a special Board. A portion containing 41 acres is in poor scrub, and the reservation over this area is being uplifted and the area added to an adjoining lease of part of the Four Peaks Settlement, and in exchange an area of 101 acres from the same lease is being added to the scenic reserve. The new area is in good mixed bush, and with the bush on the existing reserve will make one of the very popular bush resorts of the Geraldine district. The bush contains good specimens of totara, matai, rimu, and is in an excellent state of preservation.

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Of the reserves coming directly under the control of this Department, the principal ones in South Canterbury are Reserve 3724, at Raincliff; Reserves 3812 and 3813, in the Four Peaks district; and Reserve 3242, in the Nimrod district. Mr. 0. Gr. Parr is the honorary inspector of Reserve 3724, which comprises 62 acres of mixed bush, mostly broadleaf and smaller trees, although some good totara and pines are interspersed. It is a popular reserve, and is much frequented in summer months by picnic parties. The bush is in a good state of preservation. The Four Peaks reserves (Nos. 3812 and 3813), of 147 acres, are situated on the steep slopes fronting the Waihi River opposite the traffic road and ten miles from Geraldine. As the river separates the reserve from the road, this reserve is not used to any great extent by picnic parties. The bush here is in a fairly good state of preservation. Reserve 3242, in Nimrod Survey District, of 270 acres, is one of the few remnants of bush preserved in this area of South Canterbury. It was originally set aside for the preservation of native fauna and flora, and, being rough and inaccessible, is well adapted for the preservation of native bird-life. Adjoining this reserve are four areas, comprising 154 acres, which form portion of the Rosewill Settlement, and which were withheld from selection and have been lying idle for many years. The areas are settlement land, and, due to the need for conserving scenery-preservation funds, the question of the declaration of these areas as scenic reserves has been held up for the past seven years. It is hoped in the near future that provision can be made to finalize this matter and declare these areas scenic reserves. Of the area 50 acres are covered with good mixed bush, which many years ago was partly milled, and the balance of 104 acres is very broken and rocky, covered with lighter bush and scrub. In Mid-Canterbury the better-known reserves are those of Pudding Hill and Sharplin Falls. The Pudding Hill Reserve (Reserve 382-5 ; area, 82 acres) is situated on the north branch of the Ashburton River, seven miles from Metliven. It is of good scenic value, and although the area is north of the rain-forest line on this eastern coast, and the bush is mostly birch, yet it contains a few small kahikatea, together with an extensive variety of native shrubs. It has recently suffered erosion from the river, but most of the bush is on a high solid terrace and naturally protected from any stream erosion. Sharplin Falls (Reserve 3785), in the Alford District; area, 160 acres : This reserve lies under Mount Somers and Mount Winterslow, and is distant ten miles from Methven. This reserve, together with the Alford Forest region generally, is particularly rich in scenic quality, and many people journey to the district from all parts of the province. A track has recently been cut through this reserve to the falls, making the trip practicable for the ordinary visitor. Adjoining this reserve is the Wairere Settlement, which was opened in 1919. Section 8 thereof (298 acres), being covered with birch bush, was withheld from settlement, but no further action was taken. Recently a portion of Section sof this settlement, also bush-covered (64 acres) was excluded from the section, and the two areas, comprising 362 acres, were by Gazette, in February, 1930, brought under the Scenery Preservation Act. The area is steep and broken, covered with birch bush, and makes a valuable addition to the Sharplin Falls Reserve, which it adjoins. The area is in a fairly good state of preservation, but deer have come down into this country and unless drastic steps are taken to cope with this menace natural regeneration will be imperilled. On the Banks Peninsula are many reserves other than those vested in the Summit Road bodies. At Peraki, west of Akaroa Peninsula, a number of these reserves were of no value for scenic purposes, being covered with manuka or light scrubby bush. They were, moreover, inaccessible by road, and I am pleased to record that negotiations with Commander S. Hall have now been completed whereby several of these areas have been exchanged for an area of 35 acres of good mixed bush. The area acquired is one of the finest stands of mixed bush in Canterbury, is in a good state of preservation, and, moreover, has excellent road access. Together with an existing scenic reserve of 49 acres which adjoins, it forms a very valuable area, and is one of the finest reserves on the Peninsula. In the vicinity of Peraki and Akaroa are a number of other reserves, totalling in area 419 acres, of which 321 acres are bushcovered. These reserves are all well off the beaten track. In North Canterbury there are few scenic reserves. Reserve 3538 —area, 137 acres —lies at the foot of Mount Grey, and consists of tussocky spurs with the gullies covered with light birch bush. It is, however, fairly frequently visited by picnickers, and recently a few acres in scrub and tussock were burnt. No damage, however, was done to the bush. The reserve is twelve miles from Amberley. At present steps are being taken to proclaim as an historic reserve an area in the Weka Pass which contains an example of early Maori, or possibly Moriori, rock paintings. Before this cave was visited by Europeans it contained one of the most interesting collections of rock-paintings in New Zealand, and therefore is well worth restoring and preserving. The height of the shelter at its entrance is 9 ft., and the back wall, which slopes inwards, is about 6 ft. The rock is a very closely granulated limestone, which wears very slowly and takes a polish. The back wall of the shelter to a height of 6 ft. and a length of 66 ft. is covered in paintings. They represent grotesque forms of animals and men, the figures being some 2 ft. or 3 ft. in height, having been executed with an oil paint, possibly made from the black and red pigments mixed in bird-oil as commonly used by the Maori. The figures are now somewhat obliterated through the action of weathering, fungoid growth, and also by a limited amount of damage by rubbing by stock and scribbling by picnic parties. It is hoped to have a fence erected which will protect the shelter from stock, and also to have the figures repainted and restored while they are still decipherable. There are in South Canterbury, in the Raincliff and Cave districts some further examples of these paintings, and also at Cave some examples of early rock-carvings. The paintings at Raincliff are more extensive and in better preservation than those at Weka Pass, and are in consequence of great ethnological interest.

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APPENDIX J. TAPUINIKAU PA. (Contributed by C. M. Hill, New Plymouth.) Some three years ago the historical Maori pa named Tapuinikau was in great danger of being ruined by the depredations of goats and cattle. Built probably three or four hundred years ago, and situated in an almost impregnable position on the Ika-Parua Stream, two miles south-east of Wa-rea, the pa was one of the greatest sanctuaries of the Taranaki Maoris in centuries gone by. The district for many miles around held many pas, but it was to Tapuinikau that the people retired and found sanctuary when threatened by invasion from warlike tribes from the Waikato and other northern districts. Little wonder that the ancient Maoris held the sanctuary in great veneration. From time to time Native trustees have been appointed, but these have died out, with the exception of one old rangatira, named Inia te Ngongohau, still living at Pungarehu. This old trustee is burdened with some eighty-six or eighty-seven years, and has not been able for years past to actively engage himself in looking after Tapuinikau. At a meeting of settlers held at Warea, and presided over by Mr. Harry Chapman, a resolution was passed protesting against the destruction of forest on the pa, and urging that steps be taken to have it preserved. A copy of this resolution was subsequently taken to Wellington by Mr. Chapman. The Forestry League in Wellington was approached and its assistance asked for. Mr. W. H. Skinner, who was going to Wellington on other business, was asked to prosecute the matter. At a meeting of the Council of the Polynesian Society in Wellington a resolution, moved by Mr. Skinner, and supported by Sir Maui Pomare, whose ancestors were intimately associated with the pa, was passed urging the Government to have the locality declared a reserve. Mr. Skinner also interviewed the Native Trustee, the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, and the secretary of the Forestry League, and had the whole matter laid before the Native Department and Department of Lands and Survey. The latter immediately called for a report from the Commissioner of Crown Lands at New Plymouth, and a report was subsequently made to be laid before the Scenery Preservation Board. Ultimately it was decided by the Government to have the pa reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act and placed under the care of a special Board of three Maoris and three pakehas, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, New Plymouth, to be Chairman. For some time the old trustee, Inia te Ngongohau, was troubled about giving up his trusteeship, but eventually, after several visits the old rangatira promised Mr. C. M. Hill, New Plymouth, that he was prepared to relinquish his trust provided his people were represented on the Board controlling the future of the ancient stronghold of his tribe. Subsequently the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Mr. W. D. Armit, accompanied by Messrs. W. H. Skinner (New Plymouth), the late Willie Gray (Okato), H. N. Chapman (Warea), and C. M. Hill (New Plymouth), met the Maoris of Pungarehu to discuss the matter. Those mentioned have all interested themselves in the proposed saving and preservation of Tapuinikau. They were very kindly received by Inia te Nongohau and other members of the hapu, and were most hospitably entertained at dinner, when a sumptuous repast, cooked in the old-time Maori ovens, was partaken of. Inia te Ngongohau, a splendid specimen of an old-time Maori rangitira, gave the visitors the proper Maori welcome. The late Mr. Gray acted as interpreter, his eloquent command of both languages giving a lucid translation that enabled all present to understand the proceedings. The old Native rose from his chair, and, leaning heavily on his taialia (staff), stated how pleased he was that representatives of the two races had met. He was the sole remaining trustee of Tapuinikau, but his years made him feel that he would like to relinquish his responsibilities. Mr. Armit thanked the old rangitira for his remarks, and stated that the Government took an interest in Tapuinikau, and would be happy to make it a reserve which would be cared for for all time. Care would be taken to prevent trees and shrubs being cut from the pa, which would be fenced securely so as to prevent wandering cattle from destroying the shrubs, ramparts, kumara-pits, &c. Mr. Skinner said how pleased he was to meet Inia and other old Maori friends. The pakehas had come to express their good-will to the Maoris. He had always been anxious for the ancient stronghold to be preserved for future generations of both Maori and pakeha. Other old pas, including lvoru, Urenui, and Whakarewa, besides others, were protected and preserved, and Tapuinikau would now, he trusted, be added to the number. The pakehas were present to assist the Maori in bringing this about. Mr. Chapman, speaking 011 behalf of the Warea settlers, stated that very friendly relations existed between the people of both races in the district. They were very pleased that Tapuinikau was likely to be reserved. "Itis a delightful spot," proceeded the speaker, " and with the native bush on its slopes and the river-bank adjoining, is one of the choice spots of the district." Tired people from towns would find it a real sanctuary from the turmoil of business, while settlers would welcome it as a resort to which they could take their families for parties. It was a spot sacred to the old and present-day Natives ; it would therefore become a venerated spot to the pakehas. The late Mr. Gray gave greetings to Inia and the Native people of the hapu. It was very essential from a Maori point of view that the pa should be placed in the hands of a board of trustees consisting of Natives and Europeans, who would be appointed. Tapuinikau was a famous sanctuary stronghold built by the ancestors of the Taranaki people for protection against the raids of the Ngapuhi and Waikato Tribes. In some of these raids prisoners had been taken from Taranaki. When these war-parties returned to their homes in the north the missionaries, under Samuel Marsden, taught that it was against the teachings of Christianity to hold prisoners. Many of the Taranaki prisoners had returned home and had brought with them the teachings of Christianity. He felt very pleased that the Natives present were anxious for Tapuinikau to be vested in the Crown as a reserve.

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Mr. Hill stated that he was well acquainted with the locality under discussion. He frequently angled for trout in the stream that ran at the foot of the old pa. It was a secluded spot, with a pretty piece of bush that was much appreciated by the tired angler for the midday halt. Native birds were to be heard and seen in this sanctuary, including tuis, fantails, bell-birds, pigeons, and, occasionally, a kaka. The old fortification would, he was certain, be greatly appreciated by future generations. Addressing the old rangitira Inia, the speaker concluded his remarks by stating: " Taranaki (Mount Egmont) has always been with us, and will endure for all time. Let the Natives and pakehas now decide that Tapuinikau also be saved and so endure." In the generations to follow the pa would serve as a fine example of the work of the ancient Maoris in providing sanctuary for themselves in the days long gone by. Mr. Armit explained to the Natives that if the tribe desired to cede the pa to the Crown the Government would make a Proclamation embodying their wishes. A special Board consisting of three Natives and three pakehas would, he thought, be in the best interests of all. Inia te Ngongoliau thanked the speakers for their interesting remarks. He was anxious to have his people's old fighting-pa preserved for ever. He willingly gave his consent to hand over his trusteeship. He was getting old, and the responsibilities could be handled better by younger men. He wanted both races represented on the proposed Board. His day was done and his sun was setting. It was good to know the pakeha did not covet the pa, but wished to help the Natives have it set aside for ever. The speaker then, in a dramatic voice, stated : " I will soon be departing to the realms of my forefathers. I hereby give up my trusteeship and my authority." The Commissioner called for three nominations of the Native people as representatives of the Board, and the following were selected : Rangi Tekiri (Fred Inia), Tiriti Wharepouri, and Kupe Whiti Hold. At a later date Messrs. H. N. Chapman, Warea, and W. B. Smith, Newall Road, were appointed to the Board. Tapuinikau is one of the greatest historic fighting-pas of the Taranaki Tribe. In giving particulars about it to a News reporter, Mr. Skinner stated that it underwent a great siege in 1818. A northern war-party comprising about two hundred warriors started from Kaipara on a raiding expedition to Taranaki, and gathered recruits as it went from Kawhia, Mohakatino, and even as far as Paritutu. Their object was to secure as booty a haul of the famous mats made by the industrious Taranaki Natives from the best-fibred flax in New Zealand. Many men from the neighbouring hapus gathered into the powerful pa to do battle with the invaders. Great preparations were made and every precaution taken in accordance with the old Maori ideas of defence ; great stores of stones were gathered up into the fighting-towers and on stages erected on trees commanding the trenches and approaches to the pa. There were a great many chiefs in the pa at the time of the attack. At the first onslaught the taua, or war-party, was repulsed by the Taranaki people under Ruakiri. The invaders then prepared to make a regular siege of the place, with the idea of starving out the garrison, while the young men of the taua ranged the country in search of food and plunder. In the first assault on the pa a great many of the taua had fallen, notwithstanding that they possessed guns, whilst the defenders had lost only a few men, even though their only weapons of defence were Native ones. The besiegers, therefore, were thirsting for revenge. Amongst the taua, however, were some of the Te Atiawa chiefs, and one of these, Pahau, was desirous that the Taranaki people should be saved. For that purpose he approached the pa himself, and during negotiations with the besieged he was reminded that his grandfather had been saved alike by the Taranakis when they took the Awa-te-take Pa. The upshot of it was that Pahau conveyed this information to two other chiefs associated with him, and after consultation it was agreed to allow the besieged Taranakis to esca.pe from the pa by night. This decision, conveyed secretly to the pa, was very welcome, for supplies in the stronghold were running short, while the taua, who had all the country around at their command, were determined to reduce the pa by starvation. The same night that the information was received, with secrecy and despatch the garrison passed out of their pa with the connivance of the Atiawa sentries and made good their escape to the Te Kohatu Pa on the Patua (Kaitake) Ranges. In the morning the taua were very surprised at seeing no smoke or hearing no voices in the pa, for the coup had been managed so well that no one but those immediately concerned knew of the arrangements made. Great wonder was expressed as to how the besieged had escaped. During the siege Tawhia, a chief in the northern contingent, was close under one of the towers of the pa, when one of the defenders cast a big stone at him, which split open his head. By careful doctoring, according to Maori ideas, he recovered, the treatment being to pour hot oil into the wound, which was then sewn up. After the escape of the garrison of Tapuinikau and the plunder of the pa the whole taua returned to their respective homes, taking with them numbers of slaves and other booty in the shape of mats and dried heads. Mr. Skinner recalls the story of an unusual incident connected with the siege of the pa that illustrated the instruction in the use of firearms given to a Taranaki slave. One of the slaves was anxious to know how the musket was used. A Ngapulii man explained the procedure, and then told the slave to look down the muzzle of the gun. The Ngapuhi pulled the trigger, and the unfortunate slave's head was shattered, much to the amusement of the surrounding crowd. The territory round the foot of the pa, on both sides of the river, was occupied up to about twenty years ago by small families, generally old warriors, who left the more thickly populated kaingas to get away from the ever-increasing march of civilization. All their lives the old toas, used to the Maori way of existence, cultivated their plots of kumaras, kumi-kumi, and taro, potatoes, and corn, and collected berries in the autumn. Helped in their labours by their faithful wahines, the evening of their lives could be spent in peace and quietness near the homes of their forefathers. Then the forests" were full of pigeons, kakas, tuis, wekas, and a small edible vegetarian rat, which was snared and preserved in its fat for winter use. The river alongside also provided food in the form of tuna (eel), while a tramp to the seashore in summer and autumn enabled the old Natives to secure a change of diet in shell fish, shark, and schnapper.

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The old people had a great veneration for Tapuinikau, and looked upon the stronghold as tapu. Should visitors arrive and wander over the old fortification, they were warned not to touch any of the trees or shrubs. Clumps of flax growing on the summit were especially sacred, and should any one pull or cut the flax they would be destroyed with makulu (witchcraft). The tuatara lizard, that strange New Zealand reptile which is a survival of antediluvian days, were to be found on the pa. The Natives took particular care not to molest them, as they were under the particular care of Tane Mahutu, the Maori god who controlled all affairs of the forest. A Maori informant told the writer that up till recent times the bark around the foot of many sloping trees could be seen worn quite smooth and polished. This was caused by the lizards drawing their scaly bodies over the bark as they climbed the trees to bask in the warm rays of the sun. Most of the old people were well versed in the ancient songs of their tribes, and on sunny mornings and at eventide would sit for hours near the river-bank at the base of Tapuinikau and chant the history of their forefathers. There are several, clumps of native bush on the river-banks in the locality, and the note of the tui and makomako (bell-bird) may be heard occasionally. Of fantails there are considerable numbers, and their friendliness as they pirouette out over the water in search of gnats are the only movements that disturb the quietude of this interesting old home of the departed Maori people. On the lower slopes of Tapuinikau is situated a large boulder named Rangi Hauku. This stone is sacred to the memory of the dead. For many generations Natives have paid periodical visits to the spot to pay tribute to their departed. When the mourner or mourners reach the boulder they deposit green leaves on it, and then sit beside it and softly croon their ancient chants to the spirits of their ancestors. The custom still prevails. A recent chat with a Native resulted in interesting information being given respecting Rangi Hauku, the Native intimating that his people still remembered their old folk, and liked to show their remembrance, as does the pakeha in the services held on Anzac day. [Editorial Note. —Section 33 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1926, authorized the Governor-General, by Proclamation, to declare that certain lands should become vested in the Crown, to be held and administered as a reserve under the Scenery Preservation Act. The lands in question included the Tapuinikau Pa site of 2 acres 2 roods 25 perches, which area was duly declared a scenic reserve by Proclamation dated the 10th October, 1929. In accordance with the terms of the legislation, the special Board of control set up to administer the reserve includes three members of the Ngatimaehau hapu. It is hoped at an early date to make arrangements for the fencing of the reserve.]

Inia te Ngongohau (the last Trustee of Tapuinikau), and his Wife, Mihi Rameka. [By courtesy of the Taranaki Daily News.

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SCENIC RESERVES ACCOUNT. Receipts and Payments Account for Year ended 31st March, 1930.

Receipts. £ s. d. To Rents from reserves .. . . 488 4 7 Royalties from timber, &c. .. .. 274 11 10 Receipts from sale of reserves credited in error to Scenery-preservation receipts .. .. .. 21 15 0 Receipts in reduction of vote, " Expenditure," as per contra .. .. 16 0 5 Balance transferred to Treasury Adjustment Account .. .. 1,634 6 9 £2,434 18 7

Income and Expenditure Account Expenditure. £ s. d. To Rebates .. .. .. .. 05 8 " Thirds " (section 139, Land Act, 1924) 0 4 0 Rents written off — Writings-off in Suspense Account . . .. 100 0 0 Expenditure under vote, " Scenerv-preservation"— £ s. d. Expenses of Scenic Board 6 0 0 Administration of reserves —Cutting weeds, &c. 286 5 4 Expenditure on Trounson Park .. .. 616 4 7 Wages of ranger, Summit Reserve .. .. 300 0 0 Sundry surveys, valuations, &c. .. 68 210 1,276 12 9 Interest on capital invested in scenic reserves .. .. .. 8,979 3 3 £10,356 5 8 £ s. d. To Balance brought down .. .. 9,581 11 0 Adjustment on account of previous year 9 19 6 Balance brought forward from previous year .. .. .. .. 38,135 1 9 £47,726 12 3 Balance-sheet as a' Liabilities. Capital Account — £ s. d. Moneys provided out of Consolidated Fund— Balance, Ist April, 1929 .. .. 199,536 18 9 Expenditure during year .. .. 1,154 10 10 200,691 9 7 Less adjustment .. .. 4 2 6 Balance, 31st March, 1930 ..200,687 7 I Value of Crown lands set aside as reserves .. .. .. 174,561 3 4 Moneys provided from private sources for purchase of reserves, &c. .. 650 0 0 375,898 10 5 Treasury Adjustment Account .. 45,263 6 7 Sundry creditors — £ s. d. Departmental .. 38 13 0 Miscellaneous .. 64 18 6 103 11 6 Rents paid in advance .. .. 1 19 0 Rents charged in advance .. .. 109 7 11 £421,376 15 5

Payments. £ s. d. By Refund of rents .. .. .. 20 9 6 Refund of amount received on account sales of reserves in error .. .. 7 0 0 Scenery-preservation vote " Expenses " — Cost of acquiring reserves and effecting improvements of a £ s. cl. capital nature .. 1,154 10 10 Administration of reserves .. .. 262 7 4 Administration of Trounson Park .. .. 616 8 1 Salary of ranger, Summit Reserve .. .. 300 0 0 Surveys and valuations 68 2 10 Expenses of Scenic Board .. .. 6 0 0 2,407 9 1 £2,434 18 7

for Year ended 31st March, 1930. Income. £ s. d. By Accrued rents .. .. .. 456 10 5 Accrued royalties .. .. .. 301 7 10 Credits in aid —Recovery of sundry expenditure .. .. .. 10 10 5 Balance carried down .. .. 9,581 11 0 £10,350 5 8 £ s. d. By Balance —Accumulated excess of expenditure over income .. .. 47,726 12 3 £47,726 12 3 it 31st March, 1930. Assets. £ s. d. Land —Scenic reserves .. .. 373,429 4 4 Sundry debtors for- — £ s. d. Bents .. .. .. 46 18 10 Royalties .. ..174 0 0 220 18 10 Income and Expenditure Account .. 47,726 12 3 £421,376 15 5

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.—J. H. Fowler, Deputy Controller and AuditorGeneral. J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. J. H. O'Donnell, Controller of Accounts. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not giveD ; printing (850 copies, including illustrations and map), £77 10s. By Authority ' W. A. G. (Skinner. Government Vrinter, Wellington.—l93o. Price Is. 6d.]

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PLAN OF Scenic Reserves WESTLAND, N.Z.