DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1941, 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, 1941 Session I, C-06

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1941. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1941, 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.

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist September, 1941. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1941. I have, &c., R. 6. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, Wellington.

REPORT.

Areas set apart during the year by Proclamation or otherwise as scenic or historic reserves under the Scenery Preservation Act covered a total area of 16,184 acres. In the North Auckland District the reservation was completed over an area of 653 acres on Great Barrier Island. A portion of this land, containing 255 acres, was purchased by the Crown from Mr. T. H. Overton at a cost of £255, the balance being Crown land. The reserve contains a number of fine specimens of kauri-trees and mixed bush. A Proclamation was issued over an area of Crown land comprising 236 acres in Block IX, Mangamuka Survey District. This reserve is within easy distance of Kohukohu and consists of bush of mixed varieties. Apart from its scenic value, the reservation of this area is in the interests of native-bird protection in a district where heavy bush is becoming sparse. Steps were taken to set apart an area of 203 acres of Crown land about three miles from liikurangi on the Hikurangi-Marua Main Highway. This reserve contains nice patches of native bush, a good view of which may be obtained from the road. An area of 30 acres, being Section 245, Motutara Settlement, situated not far distant from the Muriwai Beach, was reserved. Unfortunately, about two years ago a fire occurred causing serious damage to this area, but the remaining bush was considered to be well worth preserving. A certain amount of replanting has been carried out, and it is considered that this action, together with natural regeneration, will, in process of time, assist in a measure in remedying the damage caused. A Proclamation was issued covering an area of 59 acres of Crown land, being Section 14, Block XIV, Punakitere Survey District, situated about eighteen miles from Kaikohe. This reserve comprises a fine area of native bush of scenic value abutting a formed road from which the reserve can be viewed. The reservation was completed over an area of 20 acres situated about eight miles from Kaitaia and adjoining the Mangatete Farm Settlement. This area contains a nice block of native bush on a steep face.

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A small area near Broadwood was set apart for scenic purposes during the year. This section is situated on the Awaroa Stream and adjoins the Otaneroa Farm Settlement. Although the reserve is only some 6 acres in extent, it contains native bush of considerable scenic value. The reservation was completed over two areas containing in all approximately 18 acres comprising beautiful bush-clad hills sloping from the Waiarohia Stream in the western portion of the Whangarei Borough. This area was acquired for the sum of £355, of which amount £232 was contributed by the Whangarei Borough Council, the balance being paid by the Crown. An area of 73 acres situated on top of Pukekaroro Mountain which had been constituted many years ago as the Pukekaroro Domain was declared to be a scenic reserve. This reserve is covered in light bush with a fair regeneration of young kauri. Reservations in the Auckland Land District totalled some 2,364 acres. Mention was made in the report for the year ended 31st March, 1939, of the gift for scenic purposes by the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, Ltd., of an area in the Oparure district. The survey of this area was subsequently put in hand, and the block, which contains;9B4 acres, has now been formally reserved. This area comprises a high tableland in bush and its reservation was desirable both from a climatic and scenic point of view. The reservation,,was .completed over an area of 279 acres in the Cambridge district. This land was originally portion of the Waikato Sanatorium Reserve and later on was included in the Te Miro Settlement. It is a well-known beauty spot, and in addition to its scenic features has a value from a waterconservation, point of view. A Proclamation, was issued over an area of 123 acres of surrendered Crown leasehold in Awakino Survey District situated along the Mangaoronga Stream. This area is covered in bush and is only a short distance from the Main highway from the west coast districts to Te Kuiti. An area of Crown land comprising 56 acres situated on the main Coromandel -Whitianga Road approximately six miles from Cambridge was set apart during the year. This area contains bush of scenic value and adjoins a large area at present reserved as State forest. A Proclamation was issued over an area of 404 acres of Crown land near Te Puke. An adjacent area of 465 acres of Native land, being Part Otawa No. 2 Block, was also taken for scenic purposes under the Public Works Act. These reservations, together with an adjoining area of 322 acres previously acquired, cover the borough water-supply and will fully protect the watershed at this point. As indicated in last year's report, the acquisition of these areas has been arranged in conjunction with the Borough Council. With the consent of the Education Department two education reserves in Pirongia Parish comprising a total area of 50 acres were declared to be subject to the Scenery Preservation Act. These sections comprise bush areas adjoining existing scenic reserves on the slopes of Pirongia Mountain. In the (xisborne Land District an area of 5 acres of Crown land situated across the Opato Stream which adjoins the Clisborne-Opotiki Main Highway was proclaimed. This is a steep piece of land covered in bush of scenic value. A Proclamation was also issued over a Crown area of 50 acres adjoining the Waimana Valley Road about thirty miles from Opotiki. The bush on this area comprises principally tawa and ngaio with fairly thick undergrowth. In the Weber County, Tlawke's Bay Land District, part of an education reserve comprising 12 acres was surrendered by the lessee and, with the consent of the Education Department, added to the Waihi Palls Scenic Reserve. This area is situated on a bend in the Waihi Stream and contains a fine patch of bush. An unused portion of a road comprising 5 acres was closed and added to the same reserve. The road area had not been formed and is in bush. Pour reservations were made during the year in the Taranaki Land District, increasing the scenic reserves in that district by 1,572 acres. All these areas were formerly held under lease, but on reversion to the Crown the opportunity was taken to reserve the land for scenic purposes. Two of the blocks containing respectively 513 acres and 473 acres are situated on the Tongaporutu-Mangaroa Road, which is being constructed as a secondary highway and when completed will, become the main road between Mew Plymouth and Ohura. Both areas possess considerable scenic value. Of the remaining two blocks, one of 143 acres, situated in the Ohura County, although useless for farming, contains some good-qiiality native bush, while the other block is an area of 443 acres in the Eltham County which a Crown tenant agreed to surrender from his lease. The destruction of the bush on this area would have achieved no useful purpose. During the year the exchange was completed of an area of 36 acres of scenic reserve on the Kawatau North Road, Rangitikei County, Wellington Land District, for a freehold area of 35 acres in the same locality. The bush on the scenic reserve was destroyed by fire many years ago, while the freehold area possesses distinct scenic value, being for the most part covered in heavy bush. Under the authority of section 8 of the Local Legislation Act, 1939, the Hutt County Council joined with the Crown in the acquisition of an area of 265 acres at Lowry Bay. The purchase-price was £2,000, of which the Crown paid £750 and the local body agreed to find the balance. A good deal of the 265 acres is in bush, and since the area was acquired this portion, comprising 163 acres, has been set aside as a scenic reserve. This reserve will be a distinct asset to the City of Wellington and surrounding districts. The balance of the area purchased, which is not suitable for reservation under the Scenery Preservation Act, has been vested in the Council for administration under the Counties Act, 1920. The reservation was completed over an area of 13 acres 3 roods 23-33 perches, being Part Sections 4 and 5, Block XIII, Belmont Survey District. This area is situated, in Petono Borough on the new Western Hutt Highway and has considerable scenic and historic value, with patches of native bush and ornamental shrubs, a running stream, a mill pond, and an interesting old mill building with waterwheel. A half-interest in the property was left to the Crown under the will of the late William Alfred Percy,

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and the other half-interest was acquired from the estate for the sum of £500. The Pctone Borough Council has undertaken to control the reserve, which when put in order and improved should be a most valuable addition to the public reserves in the Hutt Valley. In the Nelson Land District an area of 785 acres of Crown land on the Maruia River was reserved. Portion of this land had previously been held on lease, but owing to damage by earthquake and flood the lessee surrendered his interest. This reserve comprises bush-clad slopes facing the main road through the Maruia Valley. A section comprising 529 acres at Mokihinui on the main highway between Wcstport and Karamea was set apart during the year. This area had previously been occupied, but the land was unsuitable for farming purposes and the lease was eventually forfeited. The bulk of the section is covered in bush. The reservation was completed over an area of 1,409 acres situated at Deep Bay, Pelorus Sound. The lease over this land was forfeited in 1934. Part of the area was at one time cleared, but is rapidly reverting to fern and scrub. In view of the poor nature of the property from a farming point of view, it was considered that the area should be reserved and the cleared portion allowed to regenerate. Arrangements were completed during the year for the reservation for scenic purposes of an area of 4,612 acres at Maruia Hot Springs. This land forms the greater part of an area reserved for publicutility purposes in 1875 and brought under the provisions of the Tourist and Health Resorts Control Act in 1926. Arrangements were made whereby the Tourist Department was to retain control over the Hot Springs area, while the area of 4,612 acres was constituted a scenic reserve. The reserve lies along the main road, on the Reefton side of the Lewis Pass, and the land possesses considerable scenic value. The reservation was completed over an area of bush-clad Crown land comprising 56 acres in the Buller Valley, Inangahua County. This reserve adjoins other areas previously set apart for scenic purposes. Areas totalling 3,012 acres in the Marlborough Land District were set apart during the year, brief particulars being as follows : — (1) An area of 302| acres of freehold land in Queen Charlotte Sound acquired by the Crown at a cost of £1 ss. per acre. This land adjoins the Kumutoto Scenic Reserve, and the setting-apart of the additional area will provide a valuable addition to and assist greatly in the protection of that popular and picturesque reserve. (2) An area of 80 acres of Crown land in Kaipapa Bay adjacent to the Kumutoto Reserve. This section is practically covered in light bush and second growth and is a decided scenic asset. (3) Areas totalling 370 acres in or near Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, being portion of a forfeited Crown leasehold. About half of this area was felled many years ago but has now reverted to fern. The balance is covered in bush of scenic value. (4) An area of 702 acres in Fairy Bay, being portion of a small grazing-run surrendered from the lease. This area is covered in virgin bush. (5) A forfeited Crown leasehold of 1,557 acres situated in the valley of the Tinline River about six miles from Pelorus Bridge. This land comprises beech-bush country and its reservation makes a valuable addition to the present Pelorus Scenic Reserve. In the Westland Land District the reservation was completed over an area of 17| acres at Lake Brunner, being freehold land acquired at a cost of £83. The area consists of a steep rocky hillside, together with a small bush-clad valley overlooking the lake. An area of 123| acres on the Arnold River, Buller Survey District, was reserved. This area is most suited for a scenic reserve as it is covered in native bush and occupies a bold point projecting into the main valley of the river. > _ . . ' . A Proclamation was issued over an area of 27 acres situated on the Haupiri—Kopara Road. Ihts land formed portion of a renewable lease, the lessee surrendering the area upon payment of £7 10s. for loss of road frontage. The section contains a fine stand of beech forest, The Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve was increased by the addition of Crown land and closed road comprising a total area of 43 acres. The Department is pleased to report the gift by Miss Noeline Baker of an area of 33 acres of bush land at Half-moon Bay, Stewart Island. This area, which has been reserved for scenic purposes, comprises bush typical of the best m the island. As a mark of appreciation of the gift the area has been named the " Baker Park Scenic Reserve." The areas set apart throughout the Dominion during the year may be roughly classified as follows :— Area Class of Land. (Acres). Private land acquired by Department .. .. . • • • ■ • 575 Private land acquired by Department assisted by local bodies .. . 181 Native land acquired under Public Works Act .. .. • • • ■ 465 Freehold gift areas .. •• •• •• 1,031 Crown land and forfeited and surrendered Crown leaseholds .. 9,150 Land obtained in exchange .. .. • • • • • • ■ • 3.) Public-utility reserve taken over from Tourist Department .. 4,612 Education endowment set aside by special legislation .. . • 62 Public domain declared scenic reserve .. .. .. • • •• 73 Total .. .. T-M B4

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The reservation over a scenic reserve of 62 acres at Rainclifl, South Canterbury, was revoked by section 8 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940, and the land added to an area of 242 acres gifted to the Crown for recreation purposes. The inclusion of the scenic reserve in the recreation area improves the boundaries and paves the way for the acquisition of further land in the future. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 1,179, covering a total area of 841,376 acres. Supervision op Reserves. During the year special Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : The Ohakune Lakes Scenic Board, to control the Ohakune Lakes Scenic Reserve ; the Whaugarei Harbour Board, to control the Bream Head Scenic Reserves ; the Lake Kaniere Scenic Board, to control the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve ; the Kaiata Scenic Board, to control the Kaiata Scenic Reserve ; the Pounawea Scenic Board, to control the Pounawea Scenic Reserve ; the Papatowai Scenic Board, to control the Papatowai Scenic Reserve ; the Hae Hae To Moana Scenic Board, to control the Hae Hae Te Moana Scenic Reserves ; the Tapumikau Pa Scenic Board, to control the Tapuinikau Pa Scenic Reserve ; the Hutt County Council, to control the Lowry Bay Scenic Reserve ; the Whangaroa County Council, to control the Ranfurly Bay Scenic Reserve ; and the Waikaka Scenic Board, to control the Waikaka Scenic Reserve. Members were appointed to fill vacancies on the Cape Kidnapper, Orari Gorge, and Kirk's Bush Scenic Boards. Thirty-three gentlemen were appointed as honorary Inspectors of Scenic Reserves. The supervision exercised by the honorary Inspectors is appreciated, and assists in restricting trespasses of various kinds and damage to reserves by thoughtless people. Condition op Reserves. Reports from the various districts indicate that scenic reserves throughout the Dominion are being well maintained and there were no serious outbreaks of fire during the year. A disturbing feature in the Taranaki District is the reported increase of goats in some of the reserves, particularly in the Tangarakau Gorge. The country here is so steep and broken that the extermination of the goats would be both difficult and expensive. The various reserves have been inspected by members of the field staff whenever possible, and it is pleasing to report that increased interest is being taken by the public in the preservation of bush areas. General. At Trounson Kauri Park a considerable amount of fencing repair and general maintenance work has been carried out. To ensure further protection against fire, steps have been taken to increase the area of the fire district to the north of the park. Arrangements have also been made for a belt of trees to be planted on part of the northern boundary for protection purposes. The Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary has continued to prove an exceptional attraction, while the birds and nests become more numerous every year. The matter of providing adequate reserves along the route of the Main South Road leading to Jackson's Bay, Westland, has been given attention, and large areas have been surveyed in the vicinity of the bay with a view to preserving the natural beauty of this locality. The reports show that native bird-life in the reserves on Stewart Island is in a satisfactory condition and that some of the smaller species are evident in particularly large numbers. Appendices. The appendices to this report are listed hereunder : — A. Schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, together with a statement of expenditure. B. An account of the work carried out on Kapiti Island.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1940-41 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

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Local Name. Description. J Area. | Pro^atfon. North Auckland Land District. a b p Great Barrier Island .. .. Allotments 27, 28, 29, 30, Parish of Harataonga, 653 1 27 6/3/41 Block I, Tryphena Survey District Otaneroa .. .. .. Section 33, Block XIV, Takahue Survey District 6 I 25 24/3/41 Kohukohu .. .. .. Sections 67 and 68, Block IX, Mangamuka Survey 236 3 0 24/3/41 District Hukerenui .. .. .. Section 4, Block XVI, Hukerenui Survoy District 203 3 16 24/3/41 Motutara .. .. .. Section 24s, Motutara Settlement, Kumeu Survey 30 3 14 24/3/41 District Punakitere .. .. .. Section 14, Block XIV, Punakitere Survey District 59 3 14 24/3/41 Mangatete .. .. .. Allotment 209, Mangatote Parish, Block III, 20 3 28 24/3/41 Takahue Survey District Whangarei .. .. .. Lots 1, 2, 3, D.P. 27927, Auckland Registry, Parts 7 0 13-3 24/3/41 Allotment 1, Whangarei Parish Whangarei .. .. .. Part Allotment 1, Whangarei Parish, D.P. 27619, 11 2 28 24/3/41 Auckland Registry Pukekaroro .. .. .. Section S 79, Kaiwaka Parish, Block XIV, Waipu 73 0 32 * Survey District Total for North Auckland i .. 1,303 3 37-3 Auckland Land District. Oparure .. .. .. Part Section 2, No. 12b, Kinohaku East Block, 497 2 34 18/5/40 Blocks XIII, I, Part Orahiri and Otanake Survey District Oparure .. .. .. Part Section 2, No. 11, Kinohaku East Block, 59 0 5 18/5/40 Blocks XIII, I, Part Orahiri and Otanake Survey District Oparure .. .. .. Part Section 2, No. II, Kinohaku East Block, 0 1 16-9 18/5/40 Block I, Otanake Survey District Oparure .. .. .. Part Section 2, No. 11, Kinohaku East Block, 0 0 4-6 18/5/40 Block I, Otanake Survey District Oparure .. .. .. Part Section 2, No. 9, Kinohaku East Block, 296 1 38 18/5/40 Block XIII, Orahiri Survey District Oparure .. .. .. Section 5, Block XIII, Orahiri Survey District .. 131 1 3 18/5/40 Cambridge .. .. .. Section 3, Block VI, Cambridge Survey District 279 2 0 18/6/40 Part Puketiti No. 2a Block .. Section 8, Block II, Awaki.no East Survey District 123 3 10 24/3/41 Coroinandel .. .. .. Section 14, Block XV, Coromandel Survey District 56 3 0 24/3/41 Otawa .. .. .. Part Section 28, Block V, Maketu Survey District 404 0 0 21/6/40 Otawa .. .. . . Part Otawa No. 2 Block, Block I, Maketu Survey 465 3 15 26/9/40 District Pirongia Mountain .. .. j Allotment 343, Pirongia Parish .. .. 25 0 0 f Pirongia Mountain .. .. I Allotment 342, Pirongia Parish .. .. 25 0 0 -jTotal for Auckland ..; .. 2,364 36-5 G-isborne Land District. Wairnana .. .. .. -Section 2, Block XII, Waimana Survey District.. 56 1 0 24/3/41 Opato Stream .. .. Section 8a, Block XVI, Waioeka Survey District 5 0 16 24/3/41 Total for Gisborne .. .. 61 1 16 Hawka's Bay Land District. Waihi Palish.. .. .. Section 15, Block XVI, Weber Survey District .. 5 0 15 24/3/41 Waihi Palls .. .. .. Part Section 8, Block XVI, Weber Survey District 12 0 0 f Total for Hawke's Bay .. 17 0 15 Taranalci Land District. Ohura .. .. .. Section 42, Block V, Ohura Survey District .. 513 2 0 24/3/41 Omoana .. .. .. Subsection 2 of Section 4, Block XVI, Omoana 443 1 0 24/3/41 Survey District Rangi .. .. .. Subsection 2 of Section 9, Block I, Rangi Survey 143 0 22 24/3/41 District Waro .. .. .. Part Section 3, Block VI, Waro Survey District 473 0 0 24/3/41 Total for Taranaki .. .. 1,572 3 22 Wellington Land District. Pongaroa .. .. .. Section 13, Block IV, Section 13, Block V, Section 2 1 37-4 24/3/41 18, Block VII, Town of Pongaroa, Block IX, Mount Cerebus Survey District Kawatau River .. .. Part Section 10, Block IX, Ruahine Survey District 35 0 20 24/3/41 Lowry Bay .. .. .. Lot 4, D.P. 12030, Parts Sections 20, 21, 22, 23, 163 2 16 21/12/40 Harbour District, Block XVI, Belmont Survey District Percy's Gully .. .. Part Sections 4 and 5, Block XIII, Belmont 13 3 23-33 17/3/41 Survey District Total for Wellington .. .. 215 0 16-73 * Public domain land set apart for scenic purposes by section 19 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940. t Education-endowment land set apart for scenic purposes by section 22 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1939.

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Reserves made in 1940-41 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments—continued.

Summary of Reserves.

Statement showing Expenditure on Scenery Preservation for the Year ended 31st March 1941. £ Acquisition (including access) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. W; 439 General administration, maintenance charges, improvements, and grants to Scenic Boards ~ 543 Trounson Kauri Park : Charges in connection with improvement, maintenance, and protection 340 Waitangi Endowment: Tree-planting, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 846 Net expenditure for year .. .. .. .. .. .. •.. £4,168 The total expenditure to date since 1904 is £252,436, which includes £181,599 spent on the acquisition of land.

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Local Name. Description. Area. Prodamation. Nelson Land District. a B p Maruia Valley . . .. Section 7, Block VIII, Maruja Survey District .. 460 i 10 24/3/41 Maruia Valley .. .. Section 1, Block XII, Maruia Survey District . . 324 2 20 24/3/41 Mokihinui . . .. .. Section 5, Block XII, Mokihinui Survey District 529 0 0 24/3/41 Inangahua .. .. .. Section 8, Block IX, Inangahua Survey District. . 56 3 16 24/3/41 Deep Bay .. .. .. Section 10, Block IX, Section 3, Block XII, Part 1,409 3 15 24/3/41 Section 14, Block X, French Pass Survey District Maruia Hot Springs .. .. Part Section 2, Square 182, Block IV, Lewis 4,612 0 0 11/7/40 Survey District, and Block I, Travers Survey District Total for Nelson .. .. 7,392 2 21 Marlborough Land District. Kumutoto Reserve .. .. Subdivisions 2a and B, Toreamoua Native Block, 302 2 0 24/3/41 Block I, Arapawa Survey District Kaipapa Bay .. .. Section 12, Block I, Arapawa Survey District .. 80 0 0 24/3/41 Endeavour Inlet .. .. Lot 2, Section 40, Block XI, Gore Survey District 297 2 0 24/3/41 Endeavour Inlet .. .. Lot 2, Section 41, Block XI, Gore Survey District 72 3 36 24/3/41 Fairy Bay .. .. .. Lot 1, Section 2, Block VIII, Orieri Survey 702 0 0 24/3/41 District Pelorus .. .. .. Lot 1, Section 19, Lot 1, Section 18, Section 53, 1,556 2 20 24/3/41 Block VIII, Heringa Survey District Total for Marlborough .. 3,011 2 16 Westland Land District. Lake Briinner .. .. Reserve 1794, Block XII, Hohonu Survey District 17 2 32 24/3/41 Arnold River .. .. Reserve 1205, Block I, Brunner Survey District.. 123 2 0 24/3/41 Kopara .. .. .. Reserve 1785, Block VIII, Kopara Survey,District 27 0 26 24/3/41 Lake Kaniere .. .. Reserve 1774, Block XI, Kaniere Survey District 3 0 0 21/8/40 Lake Kaniere .. .. Reserve 1775, Blocks XI, XII, Kaniere Survey II 2 0 21/8/40 District Lake Kaniere .. .. Reserve 1795, Block XI, Kaniere Survey District 28 1 25 21/8/40 Total for Westland .. .. 211 1 3 Southland Land District. Tuatapere .. .. .. Section 11, Block II, Alton Survey District .. 1 0 0 24/3/41 Baker Park .. .. .. Sections 1, 47, Block I, Paterson Survey District 32 3 2 21/12/40 Total for Southland .. .. 33 3 2

Land District. ; Number. Area. A. B. P. North Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 1,303 3 37-3 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 2,364 3 6-5 Gisborne .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 61 1 16 Hawke's Bay .. . . .. .. .. .. 1 17 0 15 Taranaki .. .. 4 1,572 3 22 Wellington .. .. .. .. 4 215 0 16-73 Nelson .. . . . 5 7,392 2 21 Marlborough .. . . .. .. .. 5 3,011 2 16 Westland .. . . .. .. 4 211 1 3 Southland .. . . . . . .. .. 2 33 3 2 Total reservations for year ended 31st March, 1941 .. 42 16,184 1 35*53 Reservations up to 31st March, 1940 .. .. 1,138 825,254 2 27-94 1,180 841,439 0 23-47 Less reservations revoked .. .. .. 1 62 0 35 1,179 841,376 3 28-47

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APPENDIX B. KAPITI ISLAND RESERVE. (H. W. C. Mackintosh, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) It is pleasing to report that the year under review has been an excellent one for Kapiti Reserve. The weather was ideal not only from the point of view of a plenteous rainfall, but also on account of the fact that there were very few gales to interfere with the growth of the vegetation. Even in the driest parts of the reserve there was no evidence of wilting, and plant-life has made remarkable headway. During the year a number of large dead rata-trees, a prominent feature of the Kapiti forest, have fallen and have done a certain amount of damage to the bush, but this will soon be repaired as other trees take their places. Many years ago, when the island was used for grazing, a strip, 2or 3 chains wide, of the protecting fringe was destroyed to allow the passing of sheep along the eastern side of the island, and this had a disastrous effect on the bush thus exposed. During his seventeen years as Caretaker, Mr. Wilkinson has devoted a great deal of his time to repairing this damage, and with the help of friends and valuable assistance given by the Wellington Acclimatization Society he has achieved considerable success. At the south end, where the largest area of grass existed, regeneration of the native bush is highly satisfactory, and in this a,rea many thousands of trees have been planted in the last few years. As an indication of the regeneration in this area two birds, the kiwi and the robin, which are seldom to be found except in dense bush, are known to be there. There is a nice flat of about 8 acres at Wharekohu where the trees grow exceptionally well. This area was drained by one Andrew Brown, who farmed 617 acres here about one hundred years ago. There is also exceptional growth in Taepiro Valley, perhaps the richest ground on Kapiti, and it was here where the Maori was supposed to have grown most of his potatoes which were supplied to the whalers of Kapiti and Cloudy Bay. The steep western side of the reserve still presents a barren appearance, but a closer inspection reveals that even here considerable regeneration is taking place. The destruction of vermin has been carried on with the same persistence as in former years, and many rats have been destroyed by the trapper, Mr. Hughes. Fewer opossums have been taken, and it is seldom now that any damage done by these animals is met with. The Caretaker desires to thank the following donors :— Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp and Mr. H. L. Hull, Wellington .. Wheat for the birds. Plant Preservation Society, Lower Hutt . . . . . . Plants. Mr. .1. Bendely, Auckland .. .. . . . . Plants. Forestry Department, Auckland .. .. . , . . Seeds. Mr. Donaldson, Caretaker, Trounson Kauri Reserve .. Plants. Mr. W. Knight, Paraparaumu Beach .. .. .. Seedlings. Mr. S. A. Wilkinson, Paraparaumu Beach .. Plants. Mr. Max Roberts, Kilbirnie, Wellington .. ~ Plant. Mr. A. Ainsworth, Kilbirnie, Wellington . . . . Plants. Mr. Morris Jones, Kelburn, Wellington . . . . . . Plants. 1 have to again express my entire satisfaction with the able and painstaking manner in which the Caretaker, Mr. A. S. Wilkinson, and his assistant, Mr. Geo. Hughes, carry out their duties. Appended hereto are extracts from the Caretaker's annual report: — " Taken all round, it has been a poor year for berries, especially for those species which are the mainstay of the pigeon. This failure probably accounts for the non-breeding of this bird during the late season, for we knew of only one nest. We did not notice any young pigeons, and such a thing is new in our experience. In previous years we, have always had a few nests to watch. It is during the nesting period of the pigeon that the karaka produces its fruit, which this bird is very fond of. They not only gorge themselves on karaka berries, but they also feed them to their young, even when the chicks are only a fortnight old.. 'This year the karaka failed badly. It is true that one would come across a heavily-laden tree here and there, but the majority of them had very little to show, while some had none at all. Neither did the matai have as many berries as in former years, but as there are very few adult trees of this species on the island it would make very little difference to the birds. The miro seems to have done better and some of them are still carrying a little fruit. Another tree that has done better than most is the tawa, and pigeons are now feeding on its fruit. Although a few titoki berries can be found under some of the trees, there are not many of these about. It is the same with the motipo and torn. Neither of these produced anything like a normal crop. The same may be said of the ngaio, whose fruit always attracts large crowds of starlings. These unwelcome visitors soon strip all the berries off a tree. At the present time we have two species of trees that are covered with berries. These are the porokaiwhiria and houhou ; but the birds do not seem to like them, for they are generally left until the last. We have often noticed pigeons feeding on leaves of the convolvulus and other plants, which cannot be very sustaining, and yet not many chains away stood porokaiwhiria loaded with fruit. The kaikomako, the horopito, the hangehange, and all the members of the coprosma family had good crops of fruit. All the coprosmas are good on a bird sanctuary, as there always seems to be some specics that ripen their fruit at-different periods of the year.

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" None of the vines had much fruit to show. Perhaps the kohia was the best of the three, but neither the kareao nor tataramoa had any to speak of. " For some reason —but probably on account of so much rain, for we have noticed that the rata family does better in a dry season—the myrtles flowered very poorly. In some years the manuka, when in bloom, makes a lovely picture. Nor did the ratas help to brighten up the sombrely-clad hills ; none of them bloomed, not even Metrosideros jlorida, which seldom lets us down. We consider this species to be the best of the ratas, because it seems to flower for such a long time. Three months or more after it has bloomed near sea-level its beautiful flowers can be found near the top of the island. The only Metrosideros that flowered well was the pohutukawa, and this made some very brilliant splashes of colour on the cliffs. The honey-eaters simply mobbed the flowers of the pohutukawa, as there were very few other plants out at this time. " As if to make up for the shortage of nectar-supplying flowers, the flax (Phormium) outdid itself. These plants had more flowers this time than for many a year. At the same time, there appeared to be an erratic flow of honey, because the birds visited the flowers spasmodically and in fewer numbers than is generally the case. Never at any time were there more than fifty tui feeding at once, whereas in some years two hundred or more can be counted from our verandah. " With one or two exceptions the birds have had a wonderful season. Young of both land and sea species were in evidence. The weather during the breeding season was warm and moist, and there were no strong winds to interfere with their domestic affairs. It is the only season in which we have no records of nests being damaged, or destroyed by wind or seas. Our note-books contain far too many references of this kind, so that we derive great satisfaction in being able to present a clean slate for 1940-41. The sea-birds were able to go about their breeding without interruption. Gulls and terns made full use of their opportunity. Nests were everywhere. Besides isolated nests in all available places around the island, several large colonies were seen. The largest was on the boulder-bank at the north end. Here there were hundreds of both black-backed and red-billed gulls, as well as a large flock of white-fronted terns, all busy with their breeding operations. Many of the nests were only a few feet above high-water mark. A southerly gale would, have wrecked most of them. Blue herons nested as usual in their old breeding cave at Paripatea and reared two young. As we have mentioned in previous reports, these birds never seem to increase in spite of the fact that they generally succeed in rearing at least a few young ones. This increase is apparently chased away to seek partners along the shores of the mainland coast. After all, Kapiti is not an ideal place for this species, as there are not a great number of reefs ; in most places the cliffs go down sheer under the water. It is on exposed reefs that the heron gathers much of its food. Another thing that may have something to do with the scarcity of the blue heron is the pugnacity of the black-backed gull, who never seems to lose a chance of chasing these birds. " There are still about the same number of shags. At least, these numbers never seem to vary_ " The little blue penguins, which met with such disaster some years ago, have just about made up for their loss. Crowds of them come ashore every few months, when their weird cries can be heard every night and often in the daytime as well. " Mutton-birds bred all along the tops of cliffs of the western side and on certain ridges in the bush on the eastern side. Several dozen pied stilts were seen about the lake on the Native land. There seemed to be a fair number of young birds with them. Banded dotterell were there, too, in their usual numbers. At least half a dozen paradise ducks reared young. Flocks of twenty or so often fly along the coast over Rangatira. The greys about the island also did well; those that nest near our swamp especially. One pair reared two broods. At present there are several dozen of them here, where we hope tliey will stay until the shooting season is over. Wheat is fed to them every day, so they have no need to go away after food. Kiwi, have increased during the last few years and are now well distributed over the sanctuary. Their feathers, caught up by the hooked grass, Uncinnia, have been seen in most parts of the island. The most pleasing example of this was the discovery of kiwi feathers on the flat at Wharekohu, which was all grass when we came here. Here a considerable amount of planting has been done, and this, together with the natural spread of the forest trees, has provided these bush dwellers with sufficient cover. " The insect-eating birds have had a splendid season. One pair of robins which live quite close to our house reared two broods, a thing that we have never known them to do. For years now this pair, has struggled along building nest after nest without rearing a single youngster. Time after time the nest would be robbed by a brute of a rat or a long-tailed cuckoo. " Tomtits are coming round again after being somewhat scarce for the last few years. These charming little birds were plentiful when we came to Kapiti; one could find them in any part of the bush, and often in the open amongst tauhinu. Then for no apparent reason they became hard to find ; so hard that it was quite an event to come across one. "It was the same with the fantails : they became scarce. But this is often the ease with these little flv-catchers in every part of tlie country ; their numbers are liable to fluctuate. Even if they are only tiny birds, they are powerful flyers and could easily get to the mainland. Anyhow, these little chaps are plentiful enough now. At least a dozen pair are around Rangatira. Iwo pair bred within easy reach of our home. " Both tui and korimako did well. One pair of tui reared a family in a manuka which grows within half a chain of our front door. Another was in a tree just behind the house, and another was in a mahoe not far away. Two pair of korimako, or bell-birds, reared families also quite close.

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" A pair of whiteheads, or popokotea, built their nest in a kaikomako that almost touches the corner of our house and laid three eggs. But they had bad luck. Some animal interfered with it, and one egg disappeared, so the birds left that nest. However, the whiteheads seem to have been successful in other parts of the island, because young birds could be seen everywhere. It looks as though pigeons were not very enthusiastic about propagating their kind last season. One pair did build a nest in a low scrub nearby, but the egg was taken after the bird had been sitting for about ten days, and as far as we know that was about the only attempt at breeding by this species. We never saw a nest anywhere else. " The kaka that comes every day to the house for syrup has two young ones, but so far these have not been seen at the dish, although they generally fly down into the manuka with the parents. Often in the evenings we are entertained by young moreporks learning to call. These funny little fellows were reared in a hollow kohekohe a few chains up the hill from the hut. This species has increased during the last few years. Every time one goes into the bush at least one of these nocturnal birds is seen. " None of the pipits around Rangatira reared any young, nor did they attempt to breed. Wc know that our tame ones never even made a nest, which is very unusual for them. One pair of red-headed parrakeets reared a batch of six or seven young. These came out of a hollow mahoe not far from our house. This is also one of the species that has increased since we came here. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same thing about the yellow-fronted, for that is a bird we seldom see nowadays. Years ago wo knew of nesting-places of these beautiful little parrots, but that pest, the starling, drove them out and then appropriated that nesting-site. " A considerable amount of planting was done during the year, both of species belonging to the island as well as others from distant parts. Little kauri and taraire trees were set out amongst manuka in the Waiorua Valley. Seed of both of these'was also put there and some was sown in other parts. During the year a building to house blacksmithing equipment was erected. Until this shed was put up all the tools had to be stored in the boat-shed, where they were always in the way. Before a boat could be launched some had to be moved. Now it is much more convenient. "In May last we were able to add another bird to the Kapiti list. This was the brown bittern (Botanrus poiciloptilus). The stranger flew straight in towards the swamp and seemed inclined to settle there, but a pair of paradise ducks chased it out. The bittern then landed on the beach by the boat-shed, but here again it was not allowed any peace. A pair of big gulls attacked it in a most vicious manner and drove it away towards the mainland. " In November, 1940, we received from Mr. T. Andrews, Ranger for the Wellington Acclimatization Society, one North Island kiwi for liberation on Kapiti. This bird was let go near our cottage."

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