DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY SCENERY PRESERVATION

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1946 Session I, C-06

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1946 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY SCENERY PRESERVATION

REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH. 1946, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS 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, Sir, — Wellington, 28th June, 1946. I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1946. I have, &c., R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, Wellington.

REPORT

During the year activities in the direction of acquiring or reserving new areas for scenic purposes have been somewhat restricted. The acquisition was completed of a freehold property of 1,623 acres known as the Iwituaroa Block, situated some six miles from Picton in Queen Charlotte Sound. This area, the whole of the southern boundary of which runs along the water, is practically all in native bush and it will be a valuable addition to our scenic reserves. Arrangements were also made for the acquisition of an area of 193 acres at Cockle Bay, in Queen Charlotte Sound. A considerable portion of this property is in native bush, while the remainder is in second growth at a well-advanced stage. The whole area has a definite scenic value and is well worthy of preservation. In the Auckland Land District the exchange was completed of 24 acres and 3 roods of open land, being portion of the Ngongotaha Mountain Scenic Reserve, for a bush-clad area of 65 acres and 25 perches visible from the Rotorua side of the mountain. In conjunction with the Tourist Department, arrangements are being made for the construction of a look-out platform on the summit of Ngongotaha. This action will enable visitors to obtain a comprehensive view of Rotorua Lake and the surrounding country. By section 7 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1945, an area of 105 acres and 3 roods, being Allotment 154, Parish of Maungatawhiri, and formerly portion

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of the Pokeno Domain, was set apart as a scenic reserve. This area is situated about ten miles from Pukekohe. It was not required for domain purposes, but contains native bush which it is desirable to preserve. A small area of 2 acres and 8 perches, being closedjroads described as Allotments 516, 517, 518, and 519, Paremoremo Parish, situated near Coatesville, seventeen miles north of Auckland, was added to the adjoining scenic reserve. Scenic reserves throughout the Dominion have been kept under review by the field staff as opportunities have offered. The extremely dry conditions which prevailed for a period in most districts, and the consequent fire menace, necessitated the utmost vigilance being exercised to prevent serious damage to some of the reserves. In the North Auckland District fires were in constant evidence throughout the summer, but by the organization of fire-fighting parties by the field officers the destruction of valuable areas of bush was prevented. Extensive fires in the Rotorua and Taupo districts caused some damage to the Ngongotaha Mountain, Lake Okataina, Hongi's Track, Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids, and Arahiwi Reserves. In all these cases the fires were confined mainly to the scrub and fern, the bush being only slightly damaged on the edges and in odd pockets. A fire adjacent to the Waitomo Scenic Reserve entered the reserve in places and some small damage resulted. In the Hawke's Bay District serious damage was caused by fire to the Hutchinson Scenic Reserve at Puketitiri. For a period, both this reserve and the Ball's Clearing Scenic Reserve, were directly threatened. The latter reserve was saved, but, despite the most strenuous efforts to arrest the progress of the fire, some four-fifths of the area of Hutchinson Scenic Reserve, about 40 acres, was eventually swept by fire. Several fires occurred in the Marlborough District, but as a result of action taken to combat the menace the damage to reserves was kept down to a minimum. In Southland an area of scrub and flax was burnt on Lake George Reserve, while 50 acres of native flora on the western side of Lake Wakatipu was destroyed. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 1,203, covering a total area of 914,313 acres. Expenditure during the year amounted to £3,860, details being as follows : General administration, maintenance charges, improvements, and £ grants to Scenic Boards .. .. .. .. .. 1,862 Trounson Kauri Park : Charges in connection with improvements, maintenance, and protection .. .. .. .. 777 Waitangi Endowment: Tree-planting, &c. .. .. .. 1,221 £3,860 The total expenditure to date since 1904 is £267,607, including £185,671 spent on the acquisition of land. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (630 copies), £4

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946. Price 3d.]

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