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PEEL FOREST BOARD. (J. M. H. Tripp, Chairman.) Improvements. —During the year the following work has been carried out : A new fence has been erected along the south-east boundary of Eeserve 1554. The remains of the plantation oil Reserve 1803 has been cleaned up, the firewood being stacked in cords ready for sale. The track from Deer Spur to Acland Falls has been completed. At Te Wanahu Flat the springs which have been very troublesome have been tapped by pipe drains, and an open drain has been formed along the northeast boundary to carry the water to the side channel on the roadway, along which the fence has been repaired, and. gate erected. This flat requires reploughing and working, and next season when laid down will form an ideal parking-place for cars, and later a sports-ground. Opossums. —One hundred and twenty-eight opossums were trapped by the ranger, and the skins were sold ; although in better condition than usual, the price obtained was poor. All noxious weeds have been cut and grubbed, and the tracks are in good order. Wekas. —Those birds that were turned out last year have been heard at various times, and we hope they will increase. Visitors. —The summer proved fine and warm, so a great many people visited the forest, especially on Sundays and holidays. Twenty-seven parties made use of the camping-grounds, and large numbers of picnickers used the fireplaces and shelters. We were very glad to welcome so many members of the Canterbury and South Canterbury Automobile Associations to the forest on the Ist March, when the weather was perfect. They were met by members of the Board, and spoke in very appreciative terms of the developments being carried out.

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