C-β.

a satisfactory shelter-belt. The trouble seems to be that the surface soil in portions of the reserve is very shallow, resting on a solid sandstone formation, and the root-growth offers insufficient resistance to excessive wind. In the interests of the reserve, and with a view to conservation, it was decided to dispose of the fallen timber by tender. A satisfactory sale was completed, and the timber is in process of removal under the supervision of the resident caretaker. Several serious firesjoccurred in reserves in the Marlborough District during the course of an abnormally dry season. 111-advised fires, some of which probably commenced on adjoining properties, ran into several reserves in the Sounds District, and caused considerable damage. Early in December a fire broke out on the Wedge Point Reserve damaging about 150 acres, and only strenuous efforts by a large party prevented the total destruction of this reserve. In February fires damaged the picturesque Edgecombe Point Reserve at the entrance to Endeavour Inlet, and. at the same time the Pattens Passage Reserve caught fire and was partially burnt out. Incipient fires in the Kumutoto and other reserves were fortunately dealt with before they had time to spread. Prompt action taken by departmental officers assisted by the local people saved the beautiful Pelorus Bridge Reserve from serious damage when it was threatened by fire in early April. In the Nelson District two outbreaks in rather remote localities occurred during the summer, but were extinguished as a result of prompt action on the part of honorary inspectors. The practice of some settlers in the Marlborough Sounds of lighting fires during times of drought has given the Department grave concern. It is admitted that the firing of fern is necessary on farming properties in the Sounds ; but settlers farming properties which march with valuable scenic reserves should be prepared to take special care to control their burning-off operations. If the position in this respect does not improve it appears evident that consideration will have to be given to taking proceedings under section 3 of the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1933, in all cases where damage to scenic reserves results from fires having their origin on adjoining properties. General. The Trounson Kauri Park continues to attract large numbers of visitors, and the recent completion of a through metalled road will increase the popularity of the reserve still further. It is intended to establish a motor camp in the near future for the convenience of visitors. A considerable increase in the number of gannets nesting in the Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary Reserve was reported during the season. The old nesting-area on the point did not provide sufficient accommodation, and large numbers of the birds nested on the cliff faces outside the sanctuary. Visits to the Cape are increasing in popularity, and during the summer railway-buses ran a number of excursions to Clifton, from which point visitors walk along the coast-line to the sanctuary. Mining on scenic reserves, chiefly confined to prospecting operations, has again received its fair share of attention. Some twenty-four applications for ordinary prospecting licenses and other mining privileges were submitted for consideration, but in the majority of cases consent was declined. Some minor damage from unauthorized prospecting came under notice on the Rapahoe Range Reserve, but the miners responsible for the damage could not be traced. Legislation. The Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1933, which became law on the 15th December last, contains several interesting provisions dealing with the control and administration of scenic reserves. Section 2of the amendment deals with the control of opossums on scenic reserves. Under section 2 of the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1926, the Minister was empowered to authorize the taking and killing of any specified kind of animals or birds within a scenic reserve, but the power so granted did not cover the case of opossums. It was considered to be very desirable to be able to deal with opossums within scenic reserves, and the new legislation gives the necessary power in that respect. Section 3 repeals section 14 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, dealing with penalties for damage to reserves by fire from adjoining land, and re-enacts it in a strengthened form. Section 14 dealt only with the case of fires lit on properties adjoining scenic reserves by the owners or occupiers or by any person acting under their authority. The new section covers the case of damage by all fires lit on land adjoining a scenic reserve, and also covers the case of damage to reserves arising out of the lighting of fires on public highways adjoining such reserves. Section 4 repeals the provisions of the 1908 Act and its amendments dealing with offences, and re-enacts them in a strengthened form. It is provided that, in addition to liability to a fine, any person damaging a reserve may be sued for payment for all damage done and for the full value of any timber unlawfully removed. Provision is also made to cover cases of stock trespass within scenic reserves. Section 5 provides that proceedings may be taken against an offender at any time within four years. Experience has shown that a provision of this nature is very necessary, more particularly in cases of the taking of timber from reserves. The provisions of section 6 represent a new departure in scenery-preservation administration in the Dominion. Under this section any owner of land may make application to have his land declared a private reserve, and on the Government being satisfied that the request is reasonable, the land may be so declared. While any such declaration is in force the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Acts dealing with offences in scenic reserves will apply, subject to any necessary modifications, to such land. It is considered that this legislation should prove helpful in giving private owners extra protection against vandalism without unduly affecting their own rights as property owners, and should assist generally in furthering the cause of scenery-preservation. 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 on Kapiti Island.

3