LXXIII

C—l 2.

Gordon H. M. McClure, Commissioner of Crown Lauds for the Southland Land District, and James Collins, Crown Lands Ranger and Timber Expert for the Lands Department, were also examined. In re Bluff Hill proposed scenic reserve : The Commisioner of Crown Lands was examined as to the state of this matter, and it was resolved that the question was one to be dealt with by the Scenery Preservation Board, and that the Commission proceed no further with the matter. The Commission adjourned at 5.30 p.m., after having resolved that the Press be admitted to public sittings.

Tapanui, Friday, 7th March, 1913. The Commission met at 7 p.m., having on 6th March inspected the Government nursery at Tapanui, under the guidance of Mr. Robinson, the Nurseryman in Charge. All the members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from the Queenstown Borough Council with regard to afforestation in that district. It was resolved to thank the Councillors for their letter, and express regret that owing to shortness of time the Commission should not visit the town. A letter from the Winton Borough Council was read asking the Commission to move in the matter of a reserve on the north-west boundary of the town. Besolved, That the Council be informed that the matter is outside the scope of the Commission, as land referred to is private land. A letter from the Prime Minister, enclosing a letter from Mr. J. W. Ellis, of Hamilton, re white-pine industry and afforestation generally, was read. It was resolved to recommend for reservation and climatic purposes Black Gully and all the forest clumps on steep slopes of the range to the east of Tapanui; details of boundaries to be left till an examination could be made of the maps at Dunedin. In connection with the above resolution, it was further agreed that the country referred to be used as an experimental site for the purpose of planting exotic trees therein, seeing that it lay so near to the State nurseries. The Commission adjourned at 8 p.m.

Dunedin, Monday, 10th March, 1913. The Commission met at the District Lands Office at 10 a.m. All the members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Statham, M.P., attended and asked that the land along the Tahakopa River, in Block XIII, Rimu Survey District, should be reserved for scenery-preservation purposes. It was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That Mr. G. H. Stewart, of Tapanui, and other prominent farmers be asked to furnish their views in writing on the question of the damage done to plantations by the imported deer. The Commission adjourned at 12 noon.

Dunedin, Tuesday, 11th March, 1913. The Commission met at 10 o'clock a.m. All the Commissioners were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. A. S. Malcolm, M.P., wrote asking the Commission to visit Catlin's River district, and inspect certain gum-plautations growing there. It was decided that, owing of time, the Commission could not visit there, but would be glad to receive all particulars, photographs, &c, of the trees from ttie settlers interested. A letter was read from the Prime Minister, enclosing one from Mr. Seddon, M.P., on the! subject of the timber industry, &c, in Westland. The Chief Health Officer wrote intimating his willingness to address the Commission on the question of planting trees as an occupation for outdoor consumptive patients. It was resolved to hear the Chief Health Officer's evidence in Wellington. It was resolved to ask the Mayor of Dunedin to allow the Superintendent of City Reserves to furnish the Commission with data as to the cost of tree-planting in the Corporation reserve. Mr. G. M. Thomson, M.P., intimated that he was forwarding a statement his views on afforestation to the Commission. A telegram was received from Mr. Statham, M.P., suggesting the reservation of the banks of the Waipori Stream. It was decided that the matter was one for the Scenery Preservation Board. The following witnesses gave evidence :— A. Bathgate, Dunedin. William Campbell, assistant Corporation gardener, Dunedin.

x—C. 12.