B.—No. 22,

Wareora Highway District. 1. The area of forest is about 3,000 acres. Kauri and other woods. 2. About 3,500 acres. 4. Very little on Crown land ; principally on freehold, for cultivation of grasses. 5. Only the kauri forest burns spontaneously to any extent. The destruction of forest is by freeholders for the purpose of laying down pasture on the clearings. No appreciable destruction from other causes. 6. None. Second Series of Questions. 1. Bush reserves are advisable to be vested in trustees, with a view to their conservation. 2. No waste of timber by bush licenses. R. Dottglas, Bart., Chairman.

Upper Mahurangi Highway District. The House of Representatives had better come to Mahurangi and ascertain the present condition of the forests. Joseph Barton, Chairman, Upper Mahurangi Highway Board.

THE FORESTS OE NEW ZEALAND.