C.—lo.

The Ranger has continued to render the Board and the public much appreciated service. He has shown a keen interest in the execution of his various duties, and has personally conducted small entertainments for the benefit of the Hall Furnishing Account. His annual report will be submitted to the Board. Mr. Warden indicates that his services have been fully availed of for information and advice. The season does not appear to have been so favourable as usual for the park's display of flora. He comments favourably on the presence of officers of St. John's Ambulance on excursion days, and remarks on the gift by Mr. Gasson of a very fine stone seat. River Erosion.—Abnormal rains during the recent months have caused what appear to the laymen to be threatening advances on the township by the Bealey River. The matter was reported on by the Ranger and a visit of inspection was made by Dr. McKay, Mr. S. C. A. Darby, and Mr. Johnstone (Public Works Engineer). A report will be submitted to the Board, but the substance of it is that no danger threatens in the meantime, and that protective measures do not call for attention. This view is confirmed by Mr. McNair, the District Railways Engineer. Deer. —Reports are frequently received commenting on the increasing numbers of deer and chamois, and the damage caused particularly by the latter to the native flora. The difficulty is to discover some practicable scheme within the means of the Board to check the menace. Messrs. Wall and McAlpine are appointed a special committee to keep the matter under review and co-operate with any movement to deal with this pest. Whereas the Board used to secure a little revenue from deer licenses, applications have now virtually ceased. Winter Sports continue to increase in popularity and are ably controlled by the Christchurch Ski Club, which seems to be flourishing. The Board has provided a toboggan run for the amusement of excursionists, and has also undertaken to find £50 to assist in the erection of a mountain accommo-dation-hut, now in course of erection by the Ski Club. A lease is to be given the club over the hut-site. Alpine Climbing has proved an increasing attraction. Fortunately, the year has passed without serious accident. It cannot be too much emphasized that accidents very rarely occur to properly equipped and experienced climbers, and the Board hopes that people wishful of making difficult climbs should take full advantage of experienced advice and equipment available in the township. Publicity. —The Board hopes to co-operate with the Railways Department in some propaganda relating to the park. We are also indebted to the public press for its interest in and support of the Board's efforts. We have been afforded every reasonable facility for publicity. The Board subsidized a page in the Christchurch Press which dealt with the advantages of the park. The report of the Grounds Committee, furnished by Dr. McKay, is submitted hereunder :— " Toboggan Runs. —A site for the toboggan run was fixed upon near what is known as the Daisy Patch, and the necessary work was carried out under the supervision of Messrs. Lockwood and Ferrier, to whom the thanks of the Committee are due. " Ski-practice Ground.—At the ski-practice ground work was carried out last month in clearing away all rougher obstacles. Only the more open country was dealt with, but if the space is not sufficient, extensions could be made from time to time if the Board so desires. " Shi Hut. —The Ski Club have made considerable progress towards the erection of the mountain hut, much of the material being on the ground, while the balance is in the shed at the railway-station waiting favourable conditions for transport. The club hope to see the work completed for use this winter. " Road-damage. —Floods, the heaviest for thirty years, have considerably damaged the road in Otira Gorge, at Twin Creek, and in the Beech Avenue. The work of restoration has been commenced by the Highway Board, while a foot-track has already been formed over the damaged area, so that visitors can still make the famous walk over the hills to Otira. " Resting-seats.—The stone seat presented by Mr. Gasson has been completed and placed in position. It is quite an ornament, and reflects credit on the donor. The Ranger has been instructed to build other wooden seats of rustic type to place at various vantage-points. " Mile-stones. —The committee has arranged with Mr. Gasson to place in position the ten milestones he has constructed. They are appropriately lettered, and being of solid concrete should be very durable. " Beautifying Open Area.—The question of beautifying the flat piece of open ground between the hostel and railway-station has been again discussed. Provided that the Railways Department has no objection, we would suggest the planting of New Zealand mountain beech along the embankment to provide subsequent shelter for the planting of shrubs. Some comprehensive scheme for the layingout of this area should be drawn up, to which end we suggest that the services be secured of some one skilled in the laying-out of open public spaces. " Water-rights.—Considerable friction exists among certain of the residents over water-rights, so that it may become necessary for the Board to frame regulations dealing with the matter. " Fire and other Damage.—During the year there have been no further outbreaks of fire, while there is every appearance that the numerous visitors to the park are observing the regulations concerning the conservation of plant-life. " Assistance.—The Grounds Committee wish to express their appreciation of the attention paid by the Ranger, Mr. C. E. Warden, to his duties, the zeal he displays in catering for the needs of visitors. Thanks are due to Mr. Johnstone, District Engineer, for the ready manner in which he is always willing to help, and for the valuable advice he gives when called upon."

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (600 copies), £8 10s,

By Authority : G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington—l 933.

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