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Alpine Clubs. A most pleasing feature of the present year is the great interest and activity displayed by members of the three alpine clubs surrounding the mountain. The Mount Egmont Alpine Club in the south, the Stratford Alpine Club in the east, and the more recently formed Taranaki Alpine Club in the north have all assisted the younger enthusiast to appreciate the many attractions of the park. This evidence of a keen interest in tramping and mountaineering is gratifying to the Board and committees administering the park. The thanks of the Board are due to the honorary rangers, also to the Chairman, members, and officers of the various local committees, and to its own officers in carrying out the work of the Board. The Mount Egmont Alpine Club has assisted the Board in popularizing the mountain by building a hut (Syme) on Fantham's Peak on the southern slope of the mountain at about 6,400 ft. above sealevel. The hut reflects the greatest credit on the Alpine Club members, as they supplied all the labour necessary to carry the material to the site, also carrying up the equipment. The Syme Hut is fully equipped and makes an excellent base for early ascents to the summit, or for search parties in case of accident on the mountain. The Taranaki Alpine Club is at present preparing plans and considering costs with the object of erecting a similar hut at Humphries' Castle on the northern slope of the mountain at a height of 5,000 ft., and it is felt that the report received from the alpine club is of great assistance to the Board. APPENDIX B. REPORT OF THE ARTHUR PASS NATIONAL PARK BOARD. (W. Stewart, Chairman.) This report covers the period from the inception of the Board, 19th September, 1929, to 31st March, 1930. The Board has been engaged on little else than preliminary work, in particular towards securing finance wherewith to develop the resources of the park. The Board acknowledges with gratitude the grant of £200 from the Government, which will cover initial expenses and allow certain minor urgent works to be undertaken. The most important contribution is that of the Christchurch City Council, which has undertaken to give £500, provided other local bodies between them contribute a like sum. At present the canvass of the other local bodies is being organized, and it is hoped to raise the necessary amount, although probably not without difficulty. With a subsidy from the Government, which it is hoped will be forthcoming, a sufficient sum for definite progressive works will be available. The public of Canterbury and Westland have a proper appreciation of the action that the Government has taken to provide for the development of what is regarded as one of the greatest scenic and natural playground assets that both provinces possess. The park is rapidly increasing in popularity as a holiday resort, both for overseas tourists and for our own people, and is patronized during summer vacations and for winter sports. The Railway Department has done much to popularize this resort by providing for excursions, which invariably produce capacity trains. It is safe to predict that the park, being so easily accessible, and within the means of almost every person in both provinces to utilize and enjoy, will become the most used of any similar resort in New Zealand. One of the chief features of the park is the abundance and variety of its flora, which is declared by scientists within the Dominion and beyond to be quite unique, but in need of expert protection. This phase of the Board's work is receiving full attention, as it was one of the prime motives for asking that the area be placed under a local Board of control. A ranger has been appointed, and several local enthusiasts are being approached to see if they will assist by accepting appointment as honorary rangers. This part of the Board's responsibility is possible even with our present limited finance, and developmental work will require to wait until more money is available. The chief bodies connected with the park for the promotion of sports are the Canterbury Mountaineering and Tramping Club and the Christchurch Ski Club. The former club has been operating for some years, and has already built a hut suitable to the needs of its members, known as the Carrington Memorial Hut. The Board proposes that a lease for a term of twenty-one years be granted to the club at a nominal rent, and with the right to charge small fees to non-members. The club is doing valuable exploration work, and many of its discoveries have been incorporated in a map of the park now being prepared. The Ski Club is of more recent formation, and is chiefly interested in the utilization of the opportunities the park provides for winter sport. It is becoming strong numerically, and anticipates a very good season. Both clubs are co-operating enthusiastically with the Board, and can probably be relied on for assistance, particularly in the matter of providing manual labour for the formation of tracks and the erection of huts. It should be stated, however, that the Board has defined a policy that its first regard must be for the general public rather than any particular section of it. The Grounds Committee recently carried out a fairly thorough inspection, and in consequence the formation and improvement of existing tracks to places of interest and beauty, and accessible to the average walker, have been determined upon.