H.— 19

1878. NEW Z E A L A N D.

NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN BOARD, 1877-78.

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

Since the last Report, meetings of this Board have been held for the transaction of business, on 29th of August, and Bth of September, 1877 ; and 2nd of January, 29th of May, and 28th of June, 1878. The principal work during the past year has been, making a new approach from the Tinakori road, and a new gate erected at the main entrance to the gardens in that direction. From this gate a broad road has been formed for 12 chains, as the first part of a carriage drive, which it is proposed to extend through the Domain and Town Belt to Wellington Terrace, so as to provide easy access from the Te Aro end of the City. This entrance road has required the cutting and filling in of several inequalities in the ground, and the building of two bridges. About 60 chains of new paths have been formed, and five smaller bridges erected in other parts of the garden, in continuation of the roads. Nearly the whole of the paths have been cleaned, and new drains laid to carry off the surface-water. Owing to the extensive alterations in the roads, a large amount was necessarily expended in labour, in shifting shrubs and re-planting them in other parts, and also in planting trees in bare spots. There has also been much labour employed in removing and burning the under scrub which was cut down the previous year. The plot of level ground near the entrance about an acre in extent, has been thoroughly drained and trenched for the purpose of being laid out in beds in which specimen plants will be arranged in their natural orders for the use of Students in Botany. There were 4,253 young trees distributed to various public gardens and reserves, on application to the Board, and 4,915 plants were disposed of by sale to private individuals. Donations of plants were received from Mr. Justice Gillies, Trustees of the late Mr. Ludlam, Mr. Drake, Mr. T. Mason, and the Hon. Mr. Mantell. In compliance with a request made by the Board, the Government have given the necessary authority for a further supply of seeds from California, an order for which will be forwarded by the outgoing mail. The usual statement of accounts, showing the receipts and expenditure for the past year, are appended herewith, which gives a balance in hand to date of r6s. 7d. James Hector, Approved by the Board, Director. Walter Mantell, Chairman. 4th September, 1878.

ACCOUNTS OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN BOARD, 1877-78.

Arthur Stock, 4th September, 1878. Hon. Treasurer.

Receipts. Expenditure. Balance in hand 23rd July, 1877 Vote for 1877-8 ... ■iale of Plants, Hay, &c. ... £ s. tl. . 406 13 2 . 300 0 0 . 175 10 0 Garden work (including Keeper's salary, cutting roads, nursery work, making bridges, &c. ... Materials—timber, drain pipes, iron work, &c. Gates and fencing Hay cutting and making ... Purchase of plants Miscellaneous Balance £ s. d. 479 8 5 32 10 0 69 0 0 58 7 0 27 11 3 54 9 11 160 16 7 £882 3 2 £882 3 2