DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1932 Session I-II, C-06

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1932. NEW ZEA L A N I).

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

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

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist August, 1932. I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery-preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1932. I have, kc., W. Robertson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

REPORT,

Proclamations issued during the year setting apart land as scenic or historic reserves under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act covered an area of some 12,773 acres. In the North Auckland Land District arrangements were completed for an addition of 297 acres to the scenic reserve abutting on the majestic Bream Head and including Manaia Mountain, forming the promontory commanding the entrance to the Whangarei Harbour. The jagged peaks of Manaia Mountain and Bream Head comprise the outstanding natural features on that portion of the coast between Cape Rodney on the one hand and the Three Gables at Tutukaka on the other. The total area of this reserve has now been extended to approximately 675 acres, stretching along the northern foreshore of the harbour from Smugglers Bay to the Bream Head. The inspiring spectacle of these dominant sentinels and the rugged grandeur and imposing scenic beauty of the bush-clad ravines of this locality evoked especial mention by Captain Cook in his journal. The whole area is clothed in valuable natural bush, including some handsome stands of ancient puriri, the preservation of which is much to be desired. The only other land reserved in this district was a small area of 1J acres lying into and forming a natural corner of the famous Trounson Kauri Park. Reservations in the Auckland Land District included the magnificent bush areas along the shores of Lake Okataina, and also some fine reserves in the Waione Block on the Rotoiti-Okataina Road. Reference was made in the report for the year ending 31st March, 1921, to the intention of the Native owners to present these areas to the Crown, and the Department is now pleased to report that the matter has been satisfactorily completed. With regard to the Okataina areas provisions relating to the cession by the Native owners to the Crown were set forth in section 20 of the Native Land Amendment, and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1921-22. It was provided that the lands to be ceded should be determined by the Native owners or their representatives, and should be defined by the Crown by survey. The areas were duly surveyed and the plans showing the reserves were approved by certain of the leading men on behalf of the owners. A Proclamation was then prepared declaring the various areas, covering a total of 2,970 acres 3 roods 33 perches, to have been duly ceded to the Crown by the Native owners, and upon the gazettal of this document on the 4th June, 1931, the lands vested in the Crown as scenic reserves subject to the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908. The matter of the management of the ceded areas was dealt with in section 32 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1928, which provided that the GovernorGeneral might vest the control of the reserves in a special Board of Control, consisting of not less than six persons, of whom five were to be members of the Ngati-Tarawhai Subtribe. The Board of Control was appointed in April, 1932, and regulations prescribing its practice and procedure have also been issued. The appointment was made under section 17 of the Native Purposes Act, 1931, which has replaced the previous legislation mentioned above.

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The cession to the Crown of portions of the Waione Blocks was dealt with under section 32 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1922, which provided that the boundaries of the lands to be ceded should be pointed out by Ngataiawhia te Ruahuihui, and that they should thereupon be defined by the Crown by survey. The boundaries were duly pointed out on the ground to the surveyor, and, following the approval of the survey plan, a Proclamation was gazetted oil the 4th June, 1931, declaring five areas, totalling 162 acres 3 roods 19 perches, to have been duly ceded to the Crown. On the issue of this document the lands concerned vested in the Crown in trust as scenic reserves, and their administration passed to the Rotoiti Scenic Reserves Board, which controls the areas at Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoehu ceded to the Crown under section 33 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1919. This Board consists of six members, of whom five are members of the Ngatipikiao Tribe. The gift of these reserves by the Native owners is greatly appreciated, and preserves to the Dominion scenic areas of unusual charm. Lake Okataina itself is a popular attraction for tourists and local residents alike, and forms one of the premier sights in a district in which Nature lias taken delight in lavishing her gifts with a bountiful hand. The lake is a beautiful sheet of placid water hidden away in a basin in the hills, with shores flanked by grassy flats and precipitous bush-clad heights, and numerous tranquil bays dominated, in many cases, by lowering cliffs. A further public-spirited gift was that made by the Whakamarama Land and Timber Co., Ltd., of an area of 85 acres of heavy native bush near Omokoroa. This bush is of particular interest to lovers of nature as, in addition to the usual forest trees, it possesses ferns and shrubs in great variety and profusion. During the past year only one area of 73 acres was set aside in the Taranaki Land District. This reserve comprises a steep, bush-clad face in full view of the Main North Road over Mount Messenger, and its reservation was made possible through the generous action of a Crown tenant in surrendering his interest in the land. Activities in the Wellington Land District led to the reservation of several areas of considerable scenic interest. The first of these is the Whakapapa Island situated between the Wanganui and Whakapapa Rivers at their junction in the vicinity of Kakahi and forming a favourite picnic spot for residents of the surrounding district. It carries a good stand of young totara trees bordered on the outskirts by fern and heavy manuka, and will form a most valuable reserve. The river boundaries form a natural firebreak, and the development of the totara bush should prove of great interest. The second area forms a peninsula projecting itself into the Pohangina River some little distance from Pohangina. The reserve is a favourite picnic spot for local residents and possesses considerable scenic charm lying, as it does, in a horse-shoe bend of the river. The third reservation was that of an area of some 634 acres adjoining the Rotokahu Scenic Reserve on the Maungaroa Road and exhibiting' varied pretensions to scenic interest. The new reserve comprises, for the most part, exceedingly rough, precipitous country, but containing a considerable amount of native bush. This will prove a valuable reserve for the preservation of native bird life. The locality is somewhat inaccessible, and the reserve is a favourite haunt of various native birds. The final Wellington District reservation during the year was the setting-apart of two small areas overlooking Taumarunui and originally comprising portion of the Wanganui River Trust Domain. Representations were made that these areas should be set apart as scenic reserves and the control thereof vested in the Taumarunui Borough Council. The matter was therefore dealt with by section 4 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1931. Several reservations of some importance were made in the Nelson Land District during the period under review, not the least important of which was the setting-apart of 884 acres of heavy bush country in the Maruia Valley. The West Coast Road through the valley traces its way through this bush, the reservation of which enables a major scenic attraction on the route to be preserved. A further 2,023 acres of high bush-clad country in the Buller Gorge were added to the already extensive reservations in that locality. Eight areas totalling 698 acres of unalienated Crown land in virgin forest on the GreymouthWestport Main Highway were reserved during the year. This highway is developing into a popular tourist route, and it is intended to preserve its interest to the traveller by the reservation of all available bush areas. An area of 3,290 acres in the vicinity of the Dun Mountain, and containing portions of the basins of the Mait.ai and Roding Rivers, was also set aside under the Scenery Preservation Act. The land concerned was State forest, but contained little timber of commercial value, and the State Forest Service agreed to the purpose of this reserve being changed. Special legislation was provided in section 8 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1931, cancelling the State forest reservation, and setting the land apart for scenery purposes. The control of the reserve is being vested in the Nelson City Council, which has for some years controlled considerable areas of scenic reserves in the vicinity. Ngaio Island, in Tasman Bay, was proclaimed as a scenic reserve since, although this small island has always been regarded as a reserve, an investigation of the title showed that no Proclamation had ever been issued. This fault has accordingly now been rectified. In the Marlborough Land District the areas placed under the control of the Hundalee Scenic Board was augmented by the addition of the Hapuku Reserve of 142 acres of bush land. This is a particularly welcome addition since it has been used extensively in the past as a camping-ground. A narrow and picturesque bush road winds through the area which was the only reservation effected in the district during the year. Reservations in the Canterbury Land District include four sections in the Rosewill Settlement of an aggregate acreage of some 154 acres of excellent native bush. This locality is singularly deficient in really good reserves, and these areas should prove a valuable asset to the district. An area of 510 acres in the Pareora Gorge of native bush reserved in 1898 as a sanctuary for native birds was set aside as a scenic reserve. This reserve is one of the few areas of first-class native bush left in the South Canterbury District.

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Other reservations in this land district included areas of 82 acres of native bush situated at Pudding Hill on the Ashburton River ; 100 acres in the Four Peaks Settlement; and 268 acres on the Whiterock River. This last was set aside in 1898 for the preservation of native fauna and flora, but it was considered desirable to bring it under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Act. In the Southland Land District the only reservation during the year consisted of an area of 141 acres of forest land in the Titiroa district fully representative of the native forest found on_ the better class land in Southland. The area is admirably adapted to scenic purposes, situated as it is in a district in which reserves of this nature are comparatively few. Revocations of scenic reservations over areas totalling 471 acres have been arranged for various purposes. Full investigations were made in each case before the issue of the revoking Proclamations. Approximately 603 acres have been taken in connection with the construction of the Midland Railway line in the Westland Land District, while 3 roods 24 perches of Reserve 1369 in the Waiho Survey District were taken for road purposes. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 897, covering a total area of 653,435 acres. Scenery Preservation Board. Meetings of the Scenery Preservation Board were held in the office of the Surveyor-General, Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington on the Ist April, 1931 (North Auckland, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Southland Districts) ; on the 17th December, 1931 (North Auckland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Southland Districts), and on the Ist March, 1932 (Auckland, Wellington, and Nelson Districts). Thirty-one 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. Supervision of Reserves. During the year special scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : Southland Electric-power Board, to control the Lake Monowai Scenic Reserve ; Hutt County Council, to control the Silverstream Scenic Reserve ; Northcote County Council, to control the Northcote Scenic Reserve ; Dunedin City Council, to control the Evansdale Glen Scenic Reserve ; Nelson City Council, to control the Ururakau and Dun Mountain Scenic Reserves ; Taumarunui Borough Council, to control the Bush Scenic Reserve ; Birkenhead Borough Council, to control the Birkenhead Scenic Reserve ; and the Ruapekapeka Pa and Mount Balloon Hut Scenic Boards to control their respective reserves. Two Warrants were issued placing additional areas under the control of the Hundalee and Hae Hae te Moana Scenic Reserves Boards respectively. During the year fifty-three ladies and gentlemen were appointed honorary inspectors for scenic reserves throughout the Dominion, and a certificate of appointment was issued in each case. The New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and the New Zealand Forestry League, Inc., have been extremely helpful to the Department in the selection of suitable inspectors, and their services in this direction are very gratifying and greatly appreciated. A Warrant was issued revoking the existing control of the Pukaahu Hot Springs Scenic Reserve and vesting the control in the Whakatane County Council. This matter was arranged to meet the wishes of the members of the previous Board and of the local body. The appointment of the local body was made in May, 1931, and, in the following November, the conditions of control were amended so as to allow the County Council to make special by-laws regulating the use of the springs and fixing charges for the use thereof. Such by-laws are not to come into operation until they have been approved by the Minister. The setting-aside of three areas, totalling 18 acres, for camping purposes in the Ranfurly Bay Scenic Reserve on the Whangaroa Harbour was approved during the year. The reserve in question is a popular camping-ground and picnic place for local residents and tourists visiting the district during the summer months. The reservation, covering an area of 706 acres, is situated on the arm forming the North Head of the entrance to Whangaroa Harbour, and is in close proximity to excellent fishing-grounds and tramping-routes. Control of the reserve is vested in the W T hangaroa County Council, which has, in accordance with the powers conferred under its Warrant of appointment, instituted a set of reasonable rules and charges for the use of the camping-sites mentioned herein. General Condition op Reserves, etc. Reports received from field officers of the Department, Scenic Boards, and honorary inspectors show that the bulk of our scenic reserves are in good order and condition. The growth of motor transport has greatly increased the attention paid by the public to scenic areas adjacent to highways, and it is perhaps inevitable that some unauthorized camping should take place, and that a few cases of vandalism should be reported. It is fairly evident, however, that the aims and objects of scenerypreservation are becoming more widely appreciated, and that the great force of public opinion is definitely in favour of preserving intact the beauty spots of the Dominion. The work of cutting out kauri-trees, which were unfortunately destroyed by fire in the Trounson Kauri Park in February, 1931, has been completed, and every care is being taken to prevent the possibility of similar damage. Existing fire-breaks are being improved, and additional ones provided where necessary. Several fires occurred in reserves in the Marlborough Sounds during the abnormally dry summer. Two of these fires were caused through heavy winds carrying flames from adjoining farms during burning-ofl operations, but the others appear to have either been lit deliberately or to have occurred through picnic parties neglecting to take proper precautions. The areas burnt over were fortunately only small, and it is hoped that the natural vegetation will soon heal the scars.

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General. The existing demand for white-pine has directed the attention of millers to stands of this class of timber situated on scenic reserves, and a number of inquiries for milling-rights were received, particularly in Westland. All inquirers were notified that the granting of milling-rights could not be considered. A tendency to stress the position of unemployed timber-workers was noted in connection with these applications. The unfortunate condition of many of these workers is to be deplored ; but it must be made clear that the Department, in its position as trustee for the preservation of the Dominion's scenic areas, cannot possibly admit any argument on the lines that the exigencies of the unemployment situation justify in any way the sacrifice of our reserves. A considerable number of applications for mining privileges in scenic reserves were dealt with during the year, and consent was given in several cases subject to special conditions providing for the preservation of the bush. The Department is somewhat concerned at the possibility of more or less serious damage resulting from prospecting and other mining operations, and the whole position with respect to this matter is being carefully watched. Appendices. A schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, accompanied by a statement of expenditure, follows as Appendix A, while Appendix B records the work carried out at Kapiti Island. It is regretted that this year considerations of space again prevent publication of the detailed reports from the various land districts.

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1931-32 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

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āi . ~~~~ i ff§ Local Name. Description. j Area Pro^mStion. I ■ North Auckland Land District. A. R. p. 710 j Trounson Park .. .. Section 36, Block XI, Waipoua S.D. .. i 1 2 22-5 10/7/31 i«: f Allotment 62, Manaia Parish .. .. 40 0 0 19/2/32 | Allotment 71, Manaia Parish .. .. j 51 0 0 19/2/32 670 | Bream Head .. .. <J Allotment 72, Manaia Parish . . .. 70 0 0 19/2/32 | | Allotment 74a, Manaia Parish .. .. j 22 0 0 19/2/32 I I Allotment 79a, Manaia Parish .. .. 114 0 0 19/2/32 Auckland Land District. f Part Okataina No. 3, Block XVI, Rotoiti 299 2 23 i 30/5/31 S.D. ! Part Okataina No. 3, Block XVI, Rotoiti, 82 2 30 30/5/31 and IV, Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 4, Blocks XV and XVI, 416 3 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D. Part Okataina No. 5, Blocks XV and XVI, 740 0 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D., and Block III, Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 6b, Block III, Tarawera 401 2 30 30/5/31 Lake Okataina .. .. S.D. Part Okataina 6 B, Blocks III and IV, Tara- 218 1 10 30/5/31 wera S.D. Part Okataina No. 7, Block IV, Tarawera 328 0 0 30/5/31 S.D. Part Okataina No. 7, Blocks IV and VIII, 203 0 0 30/5/31 Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 8, Block IV, Tarawera 37 3 20 30/5/31 S.D. Part Okataina No. 8, Block IV, Tarawera 243 0 0 30/5/31 (_ S.D. Part Waione C, Blocks XII and XVI, 136 0 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D. Wainrie "Rlnck U Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 8 2 18 30/5/31 I Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 2 2 8 30/5/31 I Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 8 1 16 30/5/31 Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 7 1 17 30/5/31 672 Whakamarama Block .. ' Lot 2, on D.P. 23620, being part Whaka- 85 1 12 7/10/31 marama No. 2 Block, Block XII, Aongatete S.D. Taranalci Land District. 692 j Mount Messenger .. .. Subsection 1 of Section 19, Block VIII, I 73 0 0 I 20/4/31 i Mimi S.D. I. ; ■■ ■ | Wellington Land District. 711 Moranui .. .. .. Subdivision 1, Section 3, Block XIII, 634 2 0 ! .10/7/31 Kaitieke S.D. 712 Whakapapa Island .. .. Section 86, Block VI, Hunua S.D. .. 151 0 5 : 1/8/31 *>95 • • Lots B and D, Block I, Hunua S.D. .. 4 16 * 698 Pohangina Valley .. .. | Section 62, Block VII, Pohangina S.D. .. 96 0 0 j 4/12/31 * Section 4 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1931.

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Reserves made in 1931-32 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments— continued.

Revocation of Reservations.

Summary of Reserves.

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al S|l Local Nanle ' Description. Area. Proclamation. pj <X> Zs . -■■■- ■ ■■_. - I . Nelson Land District. a B p 717 | Ngaio Island . . .. Section 8, Block XII, Kaiteriteri S.D. .. ] 2 0 0 10/7/31 713 I Buller Gorge .. .. Part Section 10, Block VI, part Section 5, j 2,023 0 0 1 10/7/31 Block X, and part Block V, Howard S.D. 714 Dun Mountain .. .. In Blocks II, IV, V, and VI, Maungatapu 3,290 0 0 * S.D. 716 Greymouth - Westport Coast / Section 8, Block V, Brighton S.D. .. 25 0 0 10/7/31 Road \ Section 15, Block V, Brighton S.D. .. 75 0 0 10/7/31 f Section 14, Block IV, Waitakere S.D. .. 42 2 0 10/7/31 J Section 15, Block VI, Waitakere S.D. .. 311 0 0 10/7/31 716 Greymouth - Westport Coast { Section 16, Block VI, Waitakere S.D. .. 4 0 8 10/7/31 Road j Section 28, Block VI, Waitakere S.D. .. 23 0 0 10/7/31 I. Section 11, Block IX, Waitakere S.D. .. 23 2 0 10/7/31 716 Greymouth - Westport Coast i Part Section 2, Block IX, Brighton S.D. .. 194 2 14 10/7/31 Road 700 Maruia Valley .. .. Sections 11, Block VIII, Burnett S.D., and 884 0 0 17/7/31 10, 12, and 13, Block V, Matakitaki S.D. Marlborough Land District. 719Hllundalee (addition).. .. | Section 59, Block V, Mount Fyfie S.D. ., 142 0 0 | 11/9/31 Canterbury Land District. 721 | Pudding Hill .. .. Reserve 3825, Block I, Spaxton S.D. .. 82 1 30 10/7/31 722 Pareora Gorge .. .. Reserve 3208, Blocks XI and XV, Opawa 510 0 0 7/7/31 S.D. 720 | Whiterock River .. .. Reserve 3242, Blocks III, IV, and VIII, 268 2 0 7/7/31 Nimrod S.D. 657 Hae Hae te Moana .. .. Reserve 4254, Block XV, Pour Peaks S.D. 100 2 0 21/10/31 . f Reserve 4236, Blocks III and IV, Nimrod 84 0 0 23/2/32 j S.D. 538 ! Rosewill Settlement.. .. - Reserve 4237, Block III, Nimrod S.D. .. 20 0 0 23/2/32 | Reserve 4307, Block XI, Opawa S.D. . . 30 0 0 23/2/32 [_ Reserve 4308, Block XI, Opawa S.D. ... 20 0 0 23/2/32 Southland Land District. 723 j Titiroa .. .. .. j Section 50, Block IV, Toetoes S.D. .. | 141 0 0 j 10/7/31 * Section 8 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1931.

ig ? I Land. ! Area. D D , ate °, f . Proclamation. North Auckland Land District. A. K. p. Allotment 391, Waipu Parish .. .. .. .. .. .. 188 0 0 27/4/31 Part Section 30, Block XII, Mangakahia S.D., and part of Omiru East No. 2 and 278 1 20 21/7/31 part Sections 4 and 8, Block XVI, Mangakahia S.D. Part Section 5a, Block IV, Kaihu S.D., Taiare Reserve .. .. .. 5 0 19 21/10/31 471 1 39

Land District. Number. Area. - - . A. K. P. North Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 298 2 22-5 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 3,219 0 24 Taranaki . . . • • . • . .. 1 73 0 0 Wellington . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 885 3 11 Nelson .. .. .. .. •• .. 10 6,897 2 22 Marlborough .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 142 0 0 Canterbury .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 1,115 1 30 Southland . . .. . • . • . . . . 1 141 0 0 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 27 12,772 2 29-5 Reserved up to 31st March, 1931 .. .. .. .. 871 641,738 1 30-86 898 654,511 0 20-36 Less reservations revoked and areas taken for rail- 1 1,075 0 25-90 way and road purposes 897 653,435 3 34-46

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Statement showing Expenditure on Scenery Preservation for the Year ended 31st March, 1932. Capital value — £ s - d - Part Sections 5 and 8, Wairere Settlement —Payment to Land for Settlements Account .. .. . • • • • • • ■ • • 1) 552 0 0 Section 3, Block VII, Tuahu Survey District —Payment to Native Land Settlement Account . . . . . • • ■ •• • ■ • • •• 283 9 4 Sections 9146 and 9147, Rosewill Settlement —Payment to Land for Settlements Account .. .. . • ■ ■ • • • • • • • • 231 0 0 Grant to Hawera Borough Council for planting trees on Turuturumokai Reserve .. 20 0 0 Kirk's Bush —Fencing and draining .. . , . . .. ■ • 152 15 1 Ross Borough Endowment exchange . . . . . . . . . ■ 231 4 4 Subsidy —Scenic Reserve, Bream Head .. .. .. . . ■ . 7600 Summit Road Scenic Reserves—Ranger . . . . . . . 270 0 0 Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses .. . . . . • • • • 38 11 6 Survey costs, Lake Okataina Reserves .. .. . • . . • 1,060 13 3 Trounson Kauri Park —Milling of scorched timber.. .. .. . .. 207 15 10 Trounson Kauri Forest, Charges in connection with protection of .. .. 337 2 4 Administration of reserves (including fencing, &c.) — £ a- d. Eradication of noxious weeds .. . . • • . 64 13 2 Extinguishing scrub fires . . . . . . • • ■ ■ 117 0 Destruction of rabbits .. .. . . • 586 Fencing, &c. .. • ■ • • ■ • 38 7 1 Cost of printing annual reports, &c. .. .. . . 117 2 Ranger, Lake Wakatipu .. .. .. .. • • 816 11 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. . • • • 4 14 8 144 14 6 Gross expenditure for year .. .. .. .. .. • • 4,605 6 2 Recoveries .. .. .. .. .. • • • • • • Nil Net expenditure .. .. .. •• •• £4,605 6 2 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.

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

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Year Compensation Fencing and Surveys Board's Sa i aries . Total, for Land. Maintenance. Valuations, &c. Expenses. I £ £ £ £ £ £ 1904-5 .. .. 216 Nil 52 1,822 * 2,090 1905-6 .. .. 3,336 „ 527 1,221 * 5,084 1906-7 .. .. 7,856 304 801 j 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 1,964| 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 1930-31.. .. 574 1,335 92 2 300} 2,303 1931-32.. .. 2,373 838 1,099 16 279J 4,605 Grand total ■ • • • ■ • 219,661 * Included in Board's expenses. f Includes £1,750 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board. J Ranger for Summit Road Scenic Reserves.

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APPENDIX B. KAPITI ISLAND. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington.) It will be readily conceded tliat the most essential requirement in a bird sanctuary is an abundantsupply of food-bearing plants and trees for the birds, and in this connection I have to report that the regeneration of the bush on the bare portions of the island has been remarkable during the year. Nearly all the large areas of grass that were to be seen a few years ago are now a thing of the past, and only one or two open patches are left. The largest open area is in Taepiro, and this is being rapidly reduced by the growth of young trees such as taupata, akeake, &c. Young plants of la-cebark and pohutukawa planted out a few years ago flowered this year for the first time, and the cliffs along the shore will in future be adorned with the crimson blossoms of the latter handsome tree. The regeneration and growth of the bush are a never-ending source of amazement to visitors, as the growth is not confined to any particular area, but is general all over the sanctuary. A large number of young trees have been planted out during the year, many of which were donated by people interested in the sanctuary. In this connection the Caretaker, Mr. A. S. Wilkinson, desires to thank the following donors : Mr. Morris Jones, Karori, plants and seeds; Mr. B. C. Aston, Wellington, seeds ; Mr. A. F. Waters, Nelson, plants ; Mr. K. D. Dalrymple, Bulls, plants. Some of these gentlemen not only gave the plants and seeds, but went over to the island and assisted in planting them out. Constant warfare is waged against vermin, but in spite of continual trapping, poisoning, and shooting, rats seem to be increasing. Ten cats were shot by the opossum-trapper during the year, while Mr. Wilkinson accounted for two at Rangatira. Opossums are very much reduced in numbers and a considerable distance has to be traversed to get two or three in a night. I again desire to place on record my high appreciation of the services of Mr. Wilkinson, whose ability and enthusiasm in his work are a great asset to the Department. I append hereto extracts from Mr. Wilkinson's report for the year ended 31st March, 1932 : —• " I have pleasure in reporting another good year for the bird and plant life of Kapiti. " Nearly all the trees, shrubs, and vines flowered most profusely last season, promising an abundance of fruit for the birds. The clematis, which seems to be most plentiful (or perhaps flowered more) during the past season, was the first to brighten up the bush. That much-abused plant, the bush lawyer, also flowered very well. Its beautiful sprays of flowers were very conspicuous. The very fragrant parsonia, with its trusses of pretty white flowers, added its quota to the fascinating bush scents, whilst the less conspicuous kohia (or native passion-fruit) was covered with its greenish flowers, promising a much prized fruit for the parakeets. Of the smaller trees and shrubs the most conspicuous flowering-plant was the heketara. It started flowering in the bush a little above high-water mark in late September, and as these flowers withered others came out higher up. The last flowers to be seen were at the head of Te Here Valley near the top of the island in November. The typical flower of the heketara is white, but at least three trees bearing flowers of a distinct yellow shade were seen. The Seneoio Kirkii, which Cheeseman fittingly terms " a very remarkable and beautiful species " was also conspicuous in many places. It is pleasing to note that this plant is now coming up in many parts of the bush between Te Rere and Taepiro. " Many useful as well as beautiful native plants have been introduced to Kapiti from other parts of New Zealand. Some species from as far away as Chathams and Kermadecs have been planted, and have flowered for the first time during the past season. The rimu (Dacrydium Cwpressinum), the white-pine (Podocarpus dacrydioides), the totara (Podocarpus totara), several of the beeches (Fagus), and others, which are now well established. Banks' cabbage-tree ( Cordyline Banksii) flowered most profusely last summer. Two olearias, planted within the last three years, flowered this year for the first time —the remarkably beautiful little Olearia semidentata from the Chathams, and the handsome Pachystegia insignia (perhaps better known as Olearia insignis) from Marlborough. Another plant introduced —Dracopliyllum strictum —flowered last, season. Several senecios also displayed their beautiful yellow flowers, and that magnificent plant Myosotidium nobile was a picture. " The promise of a good crop of berries indicated in the spring by the different trees was fulfilled, and the birds naturally responded by increasing their numbers. All the species seem to have had a very successful season. The spring of 1931 was the best here for many years, and the morning chorus of the bell-birds during October was the best that I have heard on Kapiti. The bell-birds were chiming for eight successive mornings. On several occasions during this period they were singing for twenty-five minutes at a time, when the whole hillside by my cottage seemed to be alive with these melodious songsters. Such a concert was produced that is seldom heard nowadays. " In December the rata started flowering, those near sea-level soon becoming red with the beautiful flowers that could be seen from some distance. This was holiday time for the honey-eaters—tuis, bell-birds, and kakas were in their element. The rata flowered a month earlier at sea-level than it did on the summit of the island, so the honey-eating birds were amongst the rata blossoms nearly all this month. The bell-birds and tuis came to our house for a drink of syrup very seldom during December. On one patch of rata I went up to see there were hundreds of tuis and bell-birds, and the noise they made was almost deafening. The ground all round was covered with the red stamens of the rata blossoms.

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C.—6.

" There are numerous young birds about of most of the different species, especially parrakeets (both red- and yellow-headed). For some unknown reason fantails are not so plentiful as during former years. I have been told that they are very numerous on the mainland at Paraparaumu, so it may be that the fantails went across the channel. This season we had only one pair nesting near our cottage, and their last nest was within a chain of the house. We are almost certain that that terror of small birds, the long-tailed cuckoo, destroyed two broods of this pair of fantails. The cuckoo was seen about the nest, and the adult fantails were in a great state of excitement. I saw on two different occasions the cuckoo raid a sparrow's nest, and take the young ones. Last year at least four pairs of fantails nested within one hundred yards of our house. Young tomtits and robins are all about the bush areas, and young tuis and bell-birds can be seen everywhere. Pigeons are numerous, and at the present time (March) are waxing fat on the karaka-berries. There were more shining cuckoos about during the past nesting season than formerly. This bird is always scarce on Kapiti. " There seems to be good increase in the number of sea-birds around Kapiti. The weather was good during the nesting of the large gull, the red-billed gull, and the white-fronted tern. A pair of black oyster-catchers (Haematopus unicolor) took up their abode on Tokamapuna, and probably nested there, but I was unable to find the nest. The blue herons that nested on the small islet in 1931 for the first time nested again during the past season, and reared two young from out of three eggs. The different nesting-sites, which are used annually by the herons, were all occupied, and young reared in most of the nests. The strange thing about it is that there does not seem to be any more herons here than there were seven years ago, in spite of the fact that at least ten young are reared every year. The nest found last year on Tokamapuna is the only new nesting-site known to me about the island. The surplus must go to the mainland, as I saw a pair flying across in the direction of Pukerua one day last year when I was out about a mile off the south end. " The banded dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus) and the pied stilt (.Himantopus leucocephalus), which nest annually at the north end of the island, were again very plentiful. I had eight nests of the dotterel and six nests of the stilt under observation. I also saw a pair of shoveller ducks (Spatula rhynchotis) swimming in Okupe Lake. " The mutton-birds nested in their usual places on top of the cliffs on the western side of the island, as well as at three different places on the eastern. While there appeared to be more birds nesting at Paripatea, just north of the boatshed, than formerly, there does not seem to be an appreciable difference in the number of nesting-burrows elsewhere. "During the year a considerable amount of planting was done. Species belonging to the island were planted, and a number of plants which I had pricked out in boxes (some of them grown from seed) were put out as they became large enough to handle. Some 100-odd pohutukawas were planted in different places around the coast—seventy-five of them on the western side just above high-water mark. Besides the pohutukawas, the following species from nursery-boxes were planted : Podocarpus dacrydioides, Dacrydium Cupressinum, Libocedrus Doniana, Cordyline indivisa, Hoheria populnea, Entelea arborescens, Gyathodes acero-sa, Nothofagus fusca, N. Menziesii, Metrosideros tomentosa, Hymenanthera novae-zelandiae, Clianthus puniceus, Cyathodes robusta, Podacarpus nivalis, Melicytus lanceolatus, Pittos porum crassifolium, and Arthropodium cirrhatum. " In November last I found the small orchid Bulbophyllum pygmaeum growing on rocks at Paripatea. At the waterfall I found large patches of Arthropodium cinliatum growing on the cliffs. In January last Mr. Morris Jones and I found Senecio latifolius near the track leading from my cottage to the trig, and in the Kahikatea Valley we found the curious vegetable caterpillar (Cordiceps Craigii). " In August last we had a rare visitor to the Island in the shape of a seal or sea-lion ( Arctocephalus Hooheri). The animal stayed about the vicinity of Rangatira for a week, and then went out to sea." Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (715 copies), £11 10s.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 932.

Price 6d.]

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