11

C.—6

Forty-three recommendations were made by the Board and submitted to His Excellency the Governor for consideration. Of these, several have been approved, and the remainder are receiving attention. As in previous years, the greatest care was taken that land suitable for close settlement was not interfered with unduly, and that the land recommended for reservation was not only picturesque and well adapted for permanent reservation from this point of view alone, but also served the waterconservation and climatic needs of the locality. At the last meeting of the Board the followingfresolution wasJpassedfregardingTmyJpredecessor, Mr. James Mackenzie, who after acting as Chairman for the past two years, and having been a member for the preceding six years, vacated his seat through his promotion to the position of Under-Secretary of Crown Lands : " Resolved, That the Board places on record its appreciation of the work done by Mr. James Mackenzie as Chairman of the Board since his appointment to that position, and also testifies to his previous interest in scenery-preservation matters whilst filling the position of Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, Auckland, and Wellington." E. It. Wilmot, Chairman of Board. Kennedy's Bush Scenic Board. During the year the area of this reserve was increased by 69 acres 2 roods 9 perches, a block adjoining on the north-west having been purchased from Mr. A. Loe, and partly paid for. This brings the reserve out to the sharp bend of the road round Nancy's Knoll. An area of 29 acres between the bush and Hoon Hay Reserve having also been purchased, both reserves are now linked together ; and the latter having lately been fenced on the north side, the whole now forms one valuable reserve. A small area on the north side of Cass Peak, 15 acres 3 roods 25 perches, is also being added to the reserve. ea having occurred in the reserve and on Flat Spur adjoining on two occasions, and the reserve having become the resort of many people, it was decided that it would be advisable to have a caretaker resident on the spot, to look after this and other reserves along the road, protecting the flora and fauna, and also such improvements in the way of concrete catchments for water-springs, &c, that were being effected. Messrs. J. and W. Jameson having offered to erect a stone cottage with outbuildings for a sum of about £450, special meetings of the Board were held, and an agreement entered into for the erection of a cottage on the edge of the bush in the reserve, on a plan drawn up by Mr. S. Hurst Seager. The building is to be paid for partly by Government grant of £150, partly from rents accruing from the reserve, and partly from private sources. Applications were called for the position of resident caretaker : nineteen were received, and Mr. and Mrs. D. Potter selected. The cottage was ready and the caretaker took possession in May. An agreement was entered into with Mr. Allan for a lease of the reserve for grazing sheep only, for £50 a year ; and on the addition of the 29 acres the rent was increased to £65 a year, the increased rental dating from November, 1913. Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1914. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from last year .. .. . . 19 8 8 Erection of fencing .. .. .. 28 16 3 Rent received .. .. . . .. 53 15 0 Cartage .. . . .. . . 513 5 Solicitors'expenses .. .. .. 614 6 Balance in hand .. .. 32 0 6 £73 3 8 £73 8~8 C. R. Pollen, Chairman. Summit Road Scenic Board. No work other than fencing has been carried out on these reserves during the year, and as no revenue is yet derived from any of them a contribution towards the cost of fencing was made by a Government subsidy of £50, pound for pound. There have been several additions to the reserves by gift and purchase. An area of 29 acres was purchased from Messrs. Gibson and McDonald at £20 an acre, plus fencing.. Towards this purchase the Government contributed a subsidy of £200, pound for pound, which was paid over on the 24th March, 1914, and the purchase completed. This area links up the Hoon Hay and Kennedy's Bush Reserves, adding largely to their value for grazing purposes. An area of 6 acres is being added to the north-east end of the Hoon Hay Reserve. The Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes presented an area of 6 acres 3 roods 32 perches, part of Rural Section 1403, at Cass Peak, to the King as a scenic reserve ; Mr. Allan presented 1 acre and 28 perches, parts of Rural Sections 1403 and 33748 ; and Mr. R. M. D. Morten presented 26 acres 3 roods 28 perches, parts of Rural Sections 1183, 33950, and 33951, Ahuriri Bush. There were also acquired, by purchase, 11 acres 3 roods 25 perches, the Gravenor Bush Scenic Reserve, at £10 an acre (for this the Government granted £100 subsidy, pound for pound, and Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes gave £50), and 36 acres 2 roods 36 perches, parts Rural Sections 13609, &c, at Cooper's Knobs, obtained from the Hon. R. H. Rhodes in exchange for a closed road intersecting his property.