DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. PUBLIC DOMAINS AND NATIONAL PARKS OF NEW ZEALAND (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1941 Session I, C-10

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1941. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. PUBLIC DOMAINS AND NATIONAL PARKS OF NEW ZEALAND (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist August, 1941. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the public domains and national parks of the Dominion for the year ended 31st March, 1941. I have, &c., li. G. Macmobean, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister of Lands.

REPORT.

PART I.—PUBLIC DOMAINS. At the 31st March, 1941, the total number of public domains administered under the provisions of Part II of the Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928, was 794, covering a total area of some 77,385 acres. Fifty-four of these domains are controlled by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands, 276 are controlled by local authorities acting as Domain Boards, and the remaining 464 are controlled by local Boards appointed from time to time. During the year eight new domains with a total area of 398 acres were reserved and brought under Part II of the Act and arrangements made for their control. Additions totalling 112 acres were also made to twenty-three existing domains. The new domains comprised the following An area of 5 acres at Ngatea purchased prior to the end of the previous financial year was placed under the control of a Domain Board comprising local residents. There was a pressing need for a recreation-ground in this township, and the constitution of the area as a public domain will meet a long-felt want in this growing district. Since the land was purchased the size of the domain has been increased by 5 acres by the addition of small Crown reserves and the acquisition of a section by way of an exchange. During the previous year some 41 acres at Hot-water Beach, a few miles south of Mercury Bay, had been acquired for recreation purposes under the Public Works Act. This area has now been constituted as the Hot-water Beach Domain, and placed under the control of the Coromandel County Council. The domain contains some native bush, including a number of fine pohutukawas, while the beach at this point is an excellent one. An added attraction is the appearance of hot springs in the sand at low tide.

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An area of 30 acres at Paremata Bridge, on the Porirua Harbour, acquired by the Crown, in conjunction with the Hutt County Council, for recreation purposes in 1938, was constituted as the Ngatiawa Park Domain and placed under the control of a Board consisting of the Chairman and riding member, representing the, County Council, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington, representing the Department. An area of 1 acre 1 rood 30 porches situated at Okahu Bay, Orakei, was constituted as the Okahu Bay Domain and placed under the control of the Auckland Harbour Board, which body has agreed to establish suitable bathing-sheds and other conveniences for the use of the public. An area of 10 acres at Broadlands provided by Mr. Earle Vaile was constituted as a public domain and placed under the control of a Board of local residents. The Department has assisted with the fencing of the area, the setting-apart of which will provide a sportsground for the settlers of the district. An area of 3-| acres transferred to the Crown for the purpose of a recreation reserve in 1920 by Pukemiro Collieries, Ltd., was constituted as the Pukemiro Domain and placed under the control of the Raglan County Council. Part of the area is laid out in tennis-courts, and the balance provides a play area for children attending the nearby school. An area of 1 acre 3 roods 29 perches at Opua was acquired under the Public Works Act for recreation purposes and placed under the control of a Board of local residents. This area commands an excellent view of the whole surrounding country, and it is proposed to arrange for the addition of certain Crown-owned areas to the domain in order to provide a playing-field. An area of 304 acres at Raincliff, South Canterbury, was constituted as the PioneerP ark Domain. The greater portion of this area (242 acres) was generously donated by Major P. H. Johnston, as a memorial to the pioneers of the district. The balance of the area was previously a scenic reserve, the purpose being changed to recreation reserve by section 8 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940, to enable the land to be included in the domain. The domain contains attractive native bush and is a popular picnickingground. Additions to existing domains were made as follows : —

Brief mention may be made of some of the interesting areas added: — The area of 6 acres 1 rood '21-7 perches added to the Greymouth Domain was previously part of an endowment area for the Greymouth Harbour Board. The area has been grassed and laid out as a children's play area, together with tennis-courts. The land added to the Taiori Mouth Domain, comprising 15 acres 3 roods 20 perches, consists of sandhills conveniently situated for use as a seaside resort. The areas added to the Opunake Domain comprise 2 acres 3 roods 13 perches previously harbour endowment vested in the Opunake Borough Council, 26 acres 2 roods 20 perches of closed streets, 3 acres formerly police reserve, and 2 acres 0 roods 19 perches of Crown

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Land District. Domain. j Area added. A. E. P. North Auckland .. .. .. Orewa .. .. .. .. 2 1 13-6 „ .. .. .. Shelley Beach .. .. .. 0 3 5 Auckland .. .. .. .. Taupo .. .. .. .. 0 3 23 „ .. .. .. .. Ngatea .. .. .. .. 0 3 24-4 ,, .. .. .. .. Taumarunui and Rangaroa .. 0 1 6-4 „ .. .. .. .. Kawhia .. .. .. .. 2 3 22 „ .. .. .. .. Hamilton .. .. .. 5 0 36-1 Gisborne .. . . .. Te Puia .. .. .. .. 3 2 17 IKwke's Bay .. .. .. Clifton No. 2 .. .. .. 3 2 14 Taranaki .. .. .. .. Opunake .. .. .. 34 2 12 Wellington .. .. .. .. Ngatiawa Park .. .. .. 3 0 17-58 .. Taihape .. .. .. .. 8 3 22-3 Nelson .. .. .. .. Wai-iti .. .. .. .. 0 2 0 Westland .. .. .. .. Greymouth .. .. .. 6 1 21-7 Canterbury .. .. .. .. Port Robinson .. .. .. 117 „ .. .. .. .. Okain's Bay .. .. .. 12 16 „ .. .. .. .. Akaroa .. .. .. .. 1 2 22 „ .. .. .. .. Takamatua .. .. .. 1 3 34-1 ,, .. .. .. .. Waitaki North .. .. .. 0 3 24-7 Otago .. .. .. .. Wanaka Islands .. .. .. 4 0 14-4 ,, .. .. .. . . Willsher .. .. .. .. 5 2 11 .. Taieri Mouth .. .. .. 15 3 20 Southland .. .. .. .. Mataura .. .. .. .. 5 3 0 112 2 24-28

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land. The harbour-endowment area was included by section 6of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940. The land added has been used as a golf-links, and the action taken will place the areas upon a proper basis. The area of 1 acre 2 roods 22 perches added to the Akaroa Domain was previously an unused part of the Akaroa Cemetery. This land was unsuitable for burial purposes, being a steep broken gully with a stream running through it. The area is well wooded and of value from a scenic point of view. The land added to the Taihape Domain comprised 4 acres 0 roods 26-3 perches of Crown land and 4 acres 2 roods 36 perches previously set apart for the use of the Department of Agriculture. The inclusion of this area in the domain will enable extra playing-fields to be provided. The area of 5 acres 3 roods added to the Mataura Domain was purchased out of the proceeds of portion of the domain which was unsuitable for recreation purposes and which was disposed of in 1937. The area added adjoins the original domain and is suitable for extending the sports area. The addition to the Willsher Domain comprised 5 acres 2 roods 11 perches of land at Kaka Point which is being developed as a public camping-ground out of funds provided by the Clutha County Council. The area was previously Native land and was acquired for recreation purposes under the Public Works Act. During the year the reservation over the Waipuku Domain was revoked. This domain, which comprised 2 acres, had not been used for recreation purposes and had been leased for many years. With the consent of the local people the reservation was Cancelled with a view to the area being disposed of and the proceeds devoted to domain purposes. The reservation was also revoked over an isolated portion of the Te Awamutu Domain comprising approximately 7 acres. This land, which was covered in blackberry, was not suitable for recreation purposes, and the Te Awamutu Borough Council, which is the Domain Board, suggested that the area be sold. Arrangements were made to divide the Waikakahi Domain into two parts, each of 5 acres, and to dispose of one portion to the Waimate Acclimatization Society. Part of this domain had been leased by the acclimatization society for many years and a number of fishermen's huts and other improvements had been erected thereon. The reservation of this part of the domain comprising 5 acres was revoked, as it was considered that in view of the purpose for which it was being used it should be taken over by the society. Following on negotiations between the Health Department and the Gisborne Borough Council, the purpose of the reservation over 1J acres of the Makaraka Domain at Gisborne was changed to a reserve for a children's health camp. This reserve has now been vested in the King George V Memorial Fund Board. Approximately 1 acre of the Hector Domain was required for school purposes, and, as the area was not being used for general recreation, the purpose of the reservation was changed to reserve for a school-site. By section 19 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940, the reservation over the Pukekaroro Domain was cancelled and this area declared to be a scenic reserve. The Pukekaroro Domain comprised an area of 73 acres situated on the top of a mountain and covered with light bush. The land had never been used for recreation purposes, and it was desirable that it should be declared a scenic reserve. In 1930 an area of 46J acres at Waiho Gorge was set aside and placed under the control of a Domain Board. The domain was provided to meet recreation requirements in the district, but that object was not achieved owing to the greater part of the reserve being used for aerodrome purposes. It was found possible to meet the requirements of both aviation and recreation by the reservation of additional areas of Crown land and closed road. Provision for the reconstitution of the domain was therefore made by section 24 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940. As reconstituted the domain comprises an area of 37 acres 1 rood 33 perches, being three small portions of the original reserve, plus four pieces of Crown land and closed road. During the year Orders in Council were issued appointing forty-eight Domain Boards to control domains for further terms, while fifty-seven vacancies on various Boards were filled by the appointment of suitable persons. In four cases additional members were also appointed to Domain Boards. Permission was granted in ten cases for Domain Boards to increase the charges for admission to their domains during the year. Four sets of by-laws were approved, and permission given in eleven cases for the setting-aside of camping-grounds and parking-places in domains. Warrants were issued authorizing the erection of public halls on the Rapahoe, One Tree Point, and Orewa Domains. The sum of £366 was expended by the Department in the acquisition of land for domain purposes. The principal cases dealt with were — (а) Acquisition under Public Works Act in conjunction with the Whakatane County Council of an area of 25 acres for addition to Pukaahu Hot Springs Domain. (б) Purchase of 5 acres at Conway, Canterbury, to replace the old domain which has been taken over for use as a site for an aerodrome.

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Further particulars in regard to these areas will be given in next year's report. Grants and subsidies totalling £910 for various improvement purposes were granted to twenty-five Domain Boards during the year, while arrangements were also made for the diversion of funds standing at the credit of certain domains for use on other domains with no regular source of revenue. The Pohara Domain Board was authorized to receive financial assistance during the year by the action of the shareholders in the Golden Bay Bacon, Pork, and Poultry Curing and Freezing Co., Ltd. (in Liquidation), agreeing to the sum of £136 lis. lid. held by the Bank of New Zealand to the company's credit being paid to the Board for expenditure on the domain. The payment of the amount to the Board was authorized by section 15 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940. PART lI.—NATIONAL PARKS. No new national-park areas were set aside during the year, nor were any additions made to existing parks. The following grants were made for general administration and improvement purposes : — £ Egmont National Park .. .. .. .. .. '250 Arthur Pass National Park .. .. .. .. .. 150 £400 A patrolman was again appointed for the season to supervise camp-sites in the Sounds National Park and to generally keep a watch for fires: Owing no doubt mainly to petrol restrictions, the number of campers was considerably less than in previous seasons. In anticipation of the early completion of the Homer Tunnel, it was considered advisable to make some provision for a camp-site near Milford Sound.. A suitable area has been decided upon, and it is intended that the area be placed under the control of the Tourist Department. Cats are still noticed in the park at times, but the patrolman is taking all possible steps to eradicate this menace to bird-life. Stoats and weasels are frequently noticed on roads and tracks. The unauthorized keeping of dogs in the area is being effectively kept in check. Extracts from the annual reports of the Tongariro, Egmont, and Arthur Pass National Park Boards are appended hereto.

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APPENDIX.

REPORTS OF NATIONAL PARK BOARDS. TONGARIHO NATIONAL PARK. (R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands, Chairman.) _ Three meetings of the Wellington Executive of the Board were held during the year to deal with various matters affecting the park. The Manager at the Chateau reports that the popularity of the park as a holiday resort has been fully maintained. The completion of the mountain road in the summer of 1939-40 proved a boon to visitors last winter in that it was a very poor snow year. The road was kept open right through and guests were able to drive to the skiing-grounds. Scoria Flat Road. Advice was received during the year of the issue of an Order in Council declaring the extension of this road to be a main highway under the Main Highways Act, 1922. The whole length of this road, which extends tb a point 50 chains beyond the Salt Hut, has now been declared subject to the Main Highways Act. Entrance to the Park at Bruce Road Junction. Details of a scheme for improving the entrance to the park where the Bruce Road Main Highway junctions with the National Park - Taupo Main Highway were submitted to the Main Highways Board for consideration. The proposed scheme of improvement purposely placed emphasis on rocks rather than on gardens, as it was considered that the'latter would be difficult to maintain. In reporting on the Park Board's proposals, the Main Highways Board drew attention to the fact that traffic proceeding from the Chateau in the direction of Tokaanu had to proceed very carefully when crossing the line taken by State highway traffic from Tokaanu towards National Park. As an alternative to the Park Board's scheme, the Main Highways Board submitted proposals for improving the junction so as to provide a greater measure of safety for traffic. The estimated cost of the scheme proposed by the Main Highways Board was £400, and, if given effect to, would result in a considerable modification of the Park Board's proposals. In the circumstances it has been decided that no further action be taken in connection with this matter at the present time. Ohakune Track. The sum of £40 was authorized during the year for the purpose of carrying out necessary repair, work on this track. The work has been completed in a very satisfactory manner, and the track is now in good order. Erection oe a Memorial to the Late Mr. T. A. Blyth. At the last meeting of the Board consideration was given to proposals by the Ruapehu Ski Club (Inc.) for the erection in the park of a memorial to the late Mr. Blyth, a former member of the Board. It was suggested by the club that the memorial should take one of the following forms : (1) The erection of a small refuge hut on the summit plateau of Mount Ruapehu, say, below Pare-te-tai-tonga ; or (2) The erection of a stone shelter-seat with direction-indicator at a point between the end of the road and the club's hut near Olaf's Jump. After careful consideration it was decided to advise the club that the Park Board favoured" the erection of a shelter, provided that it was made of natural materials and erected on a site approved by the Board. Fees for Camping in the Park. As the Board has no permanent Ranger and has experienced considerable difficulty in collecting fees for camping in the park, it has been decided to revoke the scale of fees for camping until such time as the Board is in a position to apppoint a permanent Ranger. Destruction op Wild Cats. An officer of the Department of Internal Affairs visited the park during the year, and as a result of his efforts twenty-eight wild cats, four rats, and two stoats were destroyed. The thanks of the Board for the valuable help and assistance afforded by the Department in this connection are recorded. Honorary Ranger. In addition to Mr. L. J. Bayfield, Manager at the Chateau, Mr. W. F. Hussey, of Ohakune, has been appointed ail honorary Ranger of the park. Mr. Hussey is occupying land adjacent to the Ohakune Track, and his services as an honorary Ranger are much appreciated.

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Volcanic Activity. The Manager at the Chateau advises that in April last the Crater Lake on Mount Ruapehu erupted and large quantities of volcanic mud and small stones were thrown up and deposited on the Whakapapa, Mangaturuturu, and Whangaehu Glaciers and also northward towards Le Heu Heu Peak. It is considered that the eruption reached a height of at least 1,000 ft. Mount Ngauruhoe has at times shown activity and large columns of steam were seen, but no actual eruption has taken place during the year. Winter Sports and Excursions to the Park. The following clubs have kindly submitted short accounts of visits of their members to the park during the year under review, and extracts from these accounts are quoted : — Ruapehu Ski Club (Inc.)" Although war conditions restricted activities to a considerable extent, a large number of members managed to visit the park during the year. " The snow was somewhat late in starting, but built up to a fair depth and lasted well. " A feature of the season was the number of relatively long, fine, and comparatively windless spells. These, although enabling the fullest use to be made of all time available on the mountain, produced somewhat icy conditions. " Skiing was possible on the 6,000 ft. level from June to December, and ontlie glacier right through the year. Although small fissures formed, there was no break up of the glacier surfaces as in some years. " The extension of the access road to the Salt Hut is much appreciated by those fortunate enough to make the trip. " Although the club's activities were mainly confined to the Whakapapa Glacier area, small parties visited most points of the mountain, and further attempts to explore the outlet stream from the Crater Lake were made." Tarawa Tramping Club (fnc.).—" Thirty-nine members of the Tararua Tramping Club took part in the annual winter sports trip organized by the club. In spite oi the fact that there was less snow than usual on the skiing-fields, all members of the party enjoyed themselves Successful ascents were made by a number of the members to the summit of Mount Ruapehu, Te Heu Heu, and the Crater Lake, and also a small party made a successful ascent of Ngauruhoe. In addition to the official club trip, the National Park area was visited on many occasions during the year by small privately organized parties, and also a number of members took advantage of the facilities ofiered by the ' Snow Trains.' " Resignation of Secretary. It is with regret that the Board records the resignation of Mr. S. Gambrill as Secretary to the Board. Mr. Gambrill was appointed Secretary in 1924, and relinquished his active official duties on the 31st December, last from which date he commenced three months' leave prior to his retirement from the Public Service. He carries with him the best wishes of members for a happy period of retirement. EGMONT NATIONAL PARK BOARD. (W. C. Weston, Chairman.) In presenting its report for the year ended 31st March, 1941, the Board desires to state that in spite of war conditions and restriction on all travelling for pleasure the resorts on the mountain have managed to carry on successfully and the respective committees in charge of them have been enabled to maintain the house and other amenities for the use of visitors. Throughout last winter the various climbing clubs were enabled to hold successful skiing meetings in the snow season at all the resorts. The ranging of the reserve has been continually prosecuted and a regular toll of goats destroyed has been reported each quarter, a total of 1,527 for the year, which, whilst undoubtedly reducing the total number of goats in the reserve, does not yet put the Board m the position of clearing them out, as, whilst many farmers on adjacent lands permit the Board's Ranger and honorary Rangers to clear their farms, there are still some farmers who cling to the idea that goats help to clear their farms and many escape into the reserve and start breeding again. The other menace to the bush, opossums, was also attacked systematically, the Board appointing its own trappers on all sections of the reserve. With the legislation now put through enabling the Board to trap all the year round without restriction, a more extensive programme for the 1941 i season has been entered upon with the same men, and improved tallies from all of them point to a satisfactory destruction of these pests during the season, as the Board will continue systematic trapping as long as the value of the skins will remunerate the trappers. The main roads in the reserve have been maintained in good order, except that the road from Stratford Gate has required expenditure beyond the funds of its Committee, and the lower section has become very rough, whilst the condition of the Plateau Road-w., the road from the Stratford House to the 4 000 ft level —is giving the Board serious concern. The Stratford Committee has not the revenue to keep this in order, and unless considerable repair work is done irreparable damage by scouring will be caused not only to the road itself, but to the mountain-side.

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The local bodies and Power Boards have again made their annual contributions to the Board's funds, and the Board is grateful to them for their assistance, as without it the work of the Board could not be carried on. The Board is still in hopes that the proposal for the vesting of the main roads in the reserve by the Highways Board may yet be carried out, and a permanent finance arranged to enable the Board to carry on its functions without having to seek assistance from the Minister for Lands from time to time for funds to meet its ordinary expenses of ranging, office, &c. In conclusion, the Board desires to express its thanks to the Hon. Mr. Langstone for his sympathetic and practical interest in the work of the Board, its appreciation of the assistance of honorary Rangers, local bodies, alpine clubs, and members of Committees who have assisted in enabling it to continue its work of the preservation of this wonderful asset to the district and New Zealand. The plantation of pine-trees established on the seaward slopes of the Kaitake Ranges has been inspected by the Board from time to time and is continually ranged. The growth of the trees is very pleasing and the whole plantation should, in a few years' time, be a very valuable asset. ARTHUR PASS NATIONAL PARK BOARD. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch, Chairman.) Financial. The Government has granted the Board financial assistance to the extent of £150 for general administration and for park-improvement purposes. This assistance is greatly appreciated, particularly in view of the present disturbed conditions. The Board is also grateful to the Christchurch City Council for a donation of £50, the Waimakariri River Trust for a donation of £20, the automobile association for a donation of £15 155., and the Selwyn Plantation Board for a donation of £10, and to those other local bodies which have made donations during the period. This year the Board canvassed the various local bodies and associations for donations, and although the result of this appeal has been an improvement on previous years it has not reached expectations and has been somewhat disappointing. The Board appreciates the efforts of the few local bodies which have displayed an interest in and an appreciation of the Board's work by assisting with donations. Personnel. There have been a few changes in the membership of the Board during the past year. Mr. R. M. Macfarlane did not contest the Mayoral election, and his place on the Board has been taken by Mr. E. H. Andrews, who was elected Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. F. J. Perhain has succeeded Mr. C. Biggs as Conservator of Forests at Hokitika and has taken Mr. Biggs's place on the Board. The Board has also lost the services of Mr. A. CI. Flower, who has resigned his seat as he is now attached to the R.N.Z.A.F. at Wigram. There have been a number of defections from the Board during the past few years and it is hoped to have the personnel brought up to full strength shortly. Rook Garden. The alpine rock garden has proved an ever-increasing attraction to botanists from all parts of the Dominion. The recent addition of leaf-mould dressing is being reflected in the vigorous and healthy nature of the growth, which is now manifest in the multitudinous alpine plants that have been assembled and propagated in this attractive corner of the park. Mr. Hodgkinson is proving an able curator of the rockery, and under Dr. McKay's able guidance it is anticipated that he will establish a garden of alpine flora which shoidd prove one of the major attractions of the park. Sports. The Railways Department organized a number of excursions to the Pass during the winter months, and these proved as popular as ever. The Canterbury Mountaineering Club and the Christchurch Ski Club continue to do their part in increasing the popularity of the park. Township. The rentals continue to be paid promptly and the arrears are negligible. There have been a number of transfers of sections in the township. The hall is serving its purpose in providing much-needed shelter during holiday periods. Although no speed restriction has been imposed within the township, and the authorities are not prepared to support the Board's request that the township be declared a closely populated locality, the Main Highway's Board has arranged for the Chief Traffic Inspector for the district to periodically check up on traffic passing through the park. The Highways Council has promised to apply a dustlaying coat through the township, which, on completion, should go a long way towards remedying the dust nuisance during the summer. Appreciation. The thanks of the Board are due to the Railways Department for the friendly co-operation of its officers, the public press for the publicity accorded the Board, to the District Engineers and staff of the Public Works Department in Canterbury and Westland for courteous co-operation and advice freely given, to the Ranger, Mr. C. D. Hodgkinson, and to the honorary Rangers who have continued to display a keen interest in the activities of the Board, and to Dr. Win. McKay, Chairman of the Grounds Committee, for the energy and zeal displayed in supervising the various activities in the park.

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Grounds Committee's Retort. The report of the Grounds Committee, which has been prepared by Dr. Win. McKay, is as follows : — " The park has been visited throughout the year by increasing numbers, especially during holidays and school vacations. Accommodation at these times has been taxed to the utmost, and the services of the Ranger have been much in request by those seeking advice or assistance. " As the Board has been from year to year continually adding to the number and length of tracks laid down, a considerable part of the Ranger's time has necessarily been devoted to their maintenance, but the Grounds Committee is pleased to report that opportunity has been found to continue the policy of cutting new tracks and in other ways adding to the amenities of the park. The following are some of the more important improvements carried out " Mingha River Track has been blazed and partly formed towards the headwaters of this stream. " Mount Bealey Track begins on the south side of Rough Creek within the township and gives easy access to the summit of Mount Bealey. The more seasoned trampers can traverse the ridges to Avalanche Peak so as to descend by Scott's Track. The views offered from these heights are both extensive and arresting. " Rome Ridge Track leaves the highway to the north of McGrath's Creek, ascending over the ridge, and finally leading down to the upper reaches of the Bealey River. " Upper Bealey Track is a new means of reaching the Bealey Glacier, the-original route having been damaged and partly washed away by floods. The present line lies well above water-level and has already been much used by visitors. " 'Waimakariri Track. —Commencing at the southern end of the highway bridge over the Waimakariri River, this track is cut or blazed as far as the Anti-Crow and Carrington huts. Formerly the usual approach to the upper waters of this river was on its north bank, so that a crossing was necessary. The new track will consequently be of service in flood-time, while it will provide the readiest means of access for those approaching by road from the east. " Seats and Fireplaces have been erected at Daisy Flat, Margaret's Tarn, and opposite Jack's Hut —localities much in favour with the public —so that these new conveniences are much appreciated. " The Committee wishes to take this opportunity of complimenting the Canterbury Mountaineering Club on the practical enthusiasm its members continue to display in adding to the tramping facilities within the park. During the year they have taken in hand the following works : — " Anti-Crow Hut. —This has been completed according to the plans submitted to the Board, and is in every way creditable to the club responsible for its erection. " Edwards River Bivouac is near the bush-line at the headwaters of this river, and distant some two miles from the Taruahuna Pass. The building, which has accommodation for six persons, has already given good service to many climbing parties. " Carrington Hut, being in danger of destruction by floods, was dismantled. The intention of the club is to rebuild on a safe terrace about 100 yards further upstream. " River Erosion at Township. —Since the last annual report the Public Works Department has excavated a new channel for the Bealey River waters, and lias constructed several substantial groynes. This work has proved very effective in removing the fears of flood damage which were so strongly entertained by the residents of the township. " Animal Pests.- In addition to deer and chamois referred to in previous reports, a new pest has been discovered by the Ranger, who has observed many evidences of damage done by opossums to forest vegetation in the western areas of the park. Steps were taken to have licensed trappers operating in these parts,, but with what results it is too early to record. " Unauthorized carrying of Firearms. —The number of unlicensed carriers of firearms within the park boundaries has greatly increased during the past year. The Ranger has been active in the pursuit of such offenders, and it is hoped that a few prosecutions will have the desired effect of enforcing the by-law dealing with this matter. It is needless to stress the fact that unrestricted use of firearms within the park by unauthorized persons constitutes a real danger to the public. Advertisements were inserted in Canterbury and West Coast newspapers warning the public that shooting and the carrying of firearms within the park is strictly prohibited except with the permission of the Board. " Fire Risks. —Two spells of very dry weather during the summer dried up the scrub in many localities, thereby increasing the danger threatened by bush fires. During these periods extra vigilance was maintained, and no outbreaks have occurred. A fire district has been established taking in the whole of the pa-rk area on the Canterbury side of the main, divide along with adjacent lands, thus prohibiting and controlling the lighting of fires during the closed season, unless the approval of the State Forest Service is obtained. This should assist in minimising the fire danger in and adjacent to the park."

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