e.—6

2

In the Auckland District an area of a little over 11 acres was acquired near the Kiwinui Railwaystation, East Coast Railway, the cost of purchase being shared between the Crown, the Bruce trustees, and the- Whakatane County and Borough Councils. The bush on this area is described as being particularly charming. An area of 333 acres of steep bush-clad country was set aside in the Waiotahi Valley, Gisbornc district. Two small reservations were made in the Wellington District, one of 32 acres on the Wanganui River, and the other of a little over 5| acres on the Kawatau River. The latter was portion of a riverbank road, and special legislation was therefore necessary to authorize its reservation for scenic purposes. This was provided by section 109 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1924. A reservation of 5 acres and 23 perches was effected on the Aniseed Creek, Blenheim-Kaikoura Road, comprising light native bush of karaka, ngaio, kohekolie, &c. Portion of Motuanaura Island, in Queen Charlotte Sound, containing 82 J acres, was set aside for scenic and historic purposes, the remainder of the island having been reserved in 1913. Motuanaura Island is of very considerable historic importance. Captain Cook maintained a small settlement there for his crews, and on its summit in January, 1770, he hoisted the flag and proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island. Long Island (Te Keetu), of 350 acres, in Queen Charlotte Sound, was also reserved during the year. In the Westland District an area of 135 acres of beautiful native bush adjacent to the Moana Railway-station was proclaimed under the Scenery Preservation Act. An addition of a little over 4 acres of closed road was made to the magnificent Summit Road Reserves on the Port Hills, Canterbury. Reservations covering some 1,906 acres were made in the Waipori Survey District, Otago. The land is covered with bush, through which runs the road to the Waipori Power-house. This road is a favourite drive for motorists and holiday-makers from Dunedin and the surrounding localities. The Dunedin City Council consented to undertake the management of these areas, and has been appointed as a special Scenic Board to control the same, together with another small reserve in the vicinity. In three cases it was found necessary to revoke or partially revoke scenic reservations. Two were cases where the bush had been destroyed and replanting was not considered advisable, while the other concerned the very small islands in the Kawarau River at the Kawarau Falls. The islands in question form portion of a dam-site granted to the Kawarau Gold-mining Company, and many of them, have been destroyed in providing a larger outlet from Lake Wakatipu, while others have been utilized in connection with the engineering-works that have been carried out. The total number of scenic reservations in the Dominion now stands at 769, covering an area of over 454,000 acres. Supervision op Reserves. During the year special local Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : The Te Kuiti Borough Council, to control the Mangaokewa Gorge Reserve ; Taumarunui Borough Council, to control Lot A, Block I, Hunua Survey District; Dunedin City Council, to control the Waipori Falls Reserves ; and the Motu, Pongaroa, Parr's Park, Peel Forest, and Nortlicote Scenic Boards, to control their respective reserves. Messrs. R. W. Matthews and D. Richards were appointed honorary Inspectors under the Act for the Wairarapa Lake Shore Reserve and Reserve 3990, Block 11, Akaroa Survey District, respectively. A great deal of inspection work was carried out by officers of the Department. It is fully recognized that our scenic reserves are worthy of every care and attention, and an endeavour is being made to have, as far as possible, each reserve that is not controlled by a special Board, or for which no honorary Inspector has been appointed, visited at least once a year. Damage to Reserves, etc. Most of the reports received during the year indicate that the great majority of the reserves are in fairly good order and condition. A few small fires have occurred (the total prevention of these, unfortunately, seems to be well-nigh impossible), while a considerable amount of damage was caused in the Lake Rotoroa Reserve by a gale of exceptional severity. A case of wanton destruction of penguins nesting on a reserve came to the Department's notice, but, unfortunately, the offenders, who were strangers to the district, could not be identified. It is difficult to imagine what sport these men found in the slaughter of harmless birds, and it is much to be regretted that definite evidence could not be obtained to warrant their prosecution. The Department would be grateful to receive full particulars of any similar case, either of killing birds or destroying bush. It is usually somewhat difficult to sheet such offences home, but in cases where sufficient evidence is available it is intended to institute legal proceedings. Appendices. Attached to this report are the following appendices : —■ A. Schedule of reserves made during the year, accompanied by statement of expenditure. B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. C. North Auckland Scenic Reserves. D. Report of New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. E. Kapiti Island.