C.—6.

General. The existing demand for white-pine has directed the attention of millers to stands of this class of timber situated on scenic reserves, and a number of inquiries for milling-rights were received, particularly in Westland. All inquirers were notified that the granting of milling-rights could not be considered. A tendency to stress the position of unemployed timber-workers was noted in connection with these applications. The unfortunate condition of many of these workers is to be deplored ; but it must be made clear that the Department, in its position as trustee for the preservation of the Dominion's scenic areas, cannot possibly admit any argument on the lines that the exigencies of the unemployment situation justify in any way the sacrifice of our reserves. A considerable number of applications for mining privileges in scenic reserves were dealt with during the year, and consent was given in several cases subject to special conditions providing for the preservation of the bush. The Department is somewhat concerned at the possibility of more or less serious damage resulting from prospecting and other mining operations, and the whole position with respect to this matter is being carefully watched. Appendices. A schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, accompanied by a statement of expenditure, follows as Appendix A, while Appendix B records the work carried out at Kapiti Island. It is regretted that this year considerations of space again prevent publication of the detailed reports from the various land districts.

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1931-32 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and Amendments.

4

āi . ~~~~ i ff§ Local Name. Description. j Area Pro^mStion. I ■ North Auckland Land District. A. R. p. 710 j Trounson Park .. .. Section 36, Block XI, Waipoua S.D. .. i 1 2 22-5 10/7/31 i«: f Allotment 62, Manaia Parish .. .. 40 0 0 19/2/32 | Allotment 71, Manaia Parish .. .. j 51 0 0 19/2/32 670 | Bream Head .. .. <J Allotment 72, Manaia Parish . . .. 70 0 0 19/2/32 | | Allotment 74a, Manaia Parish .. .. j 22 0 0 19/2/32 I I Allotment 79a, Manaia Parish .. .. 114 0 0 19/2/32 Auckland Land District. f Part Okataina No. 3, Block XVI, Rotoiti 299 2 23 i 30/5/31 S.D. ! Part Okataina No. 3, Block XVI, Rotoiti, 82 2 30 30/5/31 and IV, Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 4, Blocks XV and XVI, 416 3 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D. Part Okataina No. 5, Blocks XV and XVI, 740 0 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D., and Block III, Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 6b, Block III, Tarawera 401 2 30 30/5/31 Lake Okataina .. .. S.D. Part Okataina 6 B, Blocks III and IV, Tara- 218 1 10 30/5/31 wera S.D. Part Okataina No. 7, Block IV, Tarawera 328 0 0 30/5/31 S.D. Part Okataina No. 7, Blocks IV and VIII, 203 0 0 30/5/31 Tarawera S.D. Part Okataina No. 8, Block IV, Tarawera 37 3 20 30/5/31 S.D. Part Okataina No. 8, Block IV, Tarawera 243 0 0 30/5/31 (_ S.D. Part Waione C, Blocks XII and XVI, 136 0 0 30/5/31 Rotoiti S.D. Wainrie "Rlnck U Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 8 2 18 30/5/31 I Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 2 2 8 30/5/31 I Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 8 1 16 30/5/31 Part Waione C, Block XVI, Rotoiti S.D... 7 1 17 30/5/31 672 Whakamarama Block .. ' Lot 2, on D.P. 23620, being part Whaka- 85 1 12 7/10/31 marama No. 2 Block, Block XII, Aongatete S.D. Taranalci Land District. 692 j Mount Messenger .. .. Subsection 1 of Section 19, Block VIII, I 73 0 0 I 20/4/31 i Mimi S.D. I. ; ■■ ■ | Wellington Land District. 711 Moranui .. .. .. Subdivision 1, Section 3, Block XIII, 634 2 0 ! .10/7/31 Kaitieke S.D. 712 Whakapapa Island .. .. Section 86, Block VI, Hunua S.D. .. 151 0 5 : 1/8/31 *>95 • • Lots B and D, Block I, Hunua S.D. .. 4 16 * 698 Pohangina Valley .. .. | Section 62, Block VII, Pohangina S.D. .. 96 0 0 j 4/12/31 * Section 4 of Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1931.