C.—lo.

particular at Otira, the Board stands in the debt of tie Railway Department for assistance in very many respects, and the Board's officers have been received with every consideration by the Department's officers. Publications. —(a) A handbook on the park is about to be published by Mr. R. S. Odell. The Board has from its inception entertained the hope that a suitable treatise on the features of the park might be compiled. The offer of Mr. Odell to publish such a book was gladly availed of, and the Board has assisted its publication with a grant of £25. The manuscript has been perused on the Board's behalf and approved, and will shortly issue. It contains chapters by the compiler and specialists on particular topics, on the history of the district, tracks and trails, the mountains, the geology, the vegetation, and notes on place names. It is a very useful work and one which the Board very cordially welcomes. (b) A pamphlet conveying sufficient information to guide the excursionist who pays a casual visit is to be printed by the Railway Department on behalf of the Board. The Board expresses its appreciation of this piece of help given by the Department. Thanks are offered to the Railway Department and its officers for many services referred to in this report; to the public press for generous publicity ; to Mr. M. J. Barnett for supervision of the work being carried out by the unemployed ; to Dr. William McKay for his continued services as Chairman of the Grounds Committee, in which office he has ably directed much of the Board's work with his customary energy ; to the honorary rangers for carrying out their duties in the best spirit; to Mr. C. G. S. Ellis, Deputy Chief Surveyor, for help during the interregnum between Mr. Stewart's departure and Mr. Quinn's accession to office. The Ranger continues to serve the Board effectively. He has had a busy year with many visitors and with work in connection with the Unemployment Camp. We are glad to hear many commendations received from the public whom he has served. The Township is yearly showing an improvement in its general appearance. Hut owners are developing a commendable community spirit, which the Board hopes will ultimately bring about a thoroughly tidy township, with every hut and residence a presentable structure. As a contribution toward the attainment of this ideal the Board sold for destruction its large store shed —a most unsightly if somewhat useful edifice —and also bought out for the same purpose the owner of a similar structure. During the year two very fine houses have been built, which in itself is indicative of the increasing popularity of the district. Inquiries point to the fact that a growing demand for buildingsites will go hand in hand with improving conditions. Visitors for holiday purposes have never been in greater numbers, and there was a full township during the various holiday periods. Railway excursions were neither as frequent nor as well patronized as usual. The winter was not suitable for winter sports, indeed several recent seasons have been unusually mild. The cognoscenti, however, predict heavy snows and frosts for the coming winter. The summer display of blossoms and fruits was exceptionally profuse and attracted much attention. It is a matter for gratification that both residents and visitors are exhibiting a progressively greater respect for the flora, so that the vandal and despoiler are becoming a rara avis and we shall hope soon be an extinct specimen. General. —The projected construction of a bridge over the Waimakariri should have a pronounced influence for good. . . . The year was free from serious accident. . . . The traffic bridge over Magrath's Creek is now almost complete and is a great improvement in the Arthurs Pass - Otira Highway. . . . Increasing motor traffic with the dust in its wake has raised the question of the desirability of a tar-sealed road through the township. . . . Sixteen people were on the top of Mount Rolleston together during the season. . . . The Board has offered a grant of £25 to the Railway Department to help construct a combined tennis-court and ice-skating rink. . . . We still have hordes of deer, but getting harder to shoot. . . . Trespassing cattle seem to be on the wane. . . . Nothing further has been heard of the proposed memorial to the late Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson. . . . The plans and site were approved some months since. . . . The Board's application to have the Lake Kaurapataka district brought within its jurisdiction has not yet been acceded to. . . . The Christchurch Ski Club enjoyed a successful year. Its control of the devotees of winter sports has been a great help to the Board. . . . The club's hut was constantly patronized during the winter. Grounds. The report of the Grounds Committee, which follows, is submitted by the Chairman, Dr. William McKay : — The Grounds Committee, in submitting their report for the past year, wish to state that the lowered condition of the Board's finances has dissuaded them from pressing for many works which otherwise they consider desirable. Township Improvements.—The plans suggested by the Board for general beautifying of the township have been given effect to. The unsightly waste material lying about has been disposed of, and the beautifying scheme drawn up by Mr. M. J. Barnett has been well carried out. Prolonged dry weather after completion of planting militated against perfect results, but it is surprising to note what a large percentage of the trees and shrubs has become rooted. Your sub-committee, who have from time to time inspected the work, wish here to express their appreciation of the faithful manner in which Mr. Barnett has carried it out and the enthusiasm he has displayed since its inception. We feel sure that, in a few years when growth has developed in the various plots, this spot will be a monument to his zeal and ability. Improvements at Otira Settlement. —Following on the suggestions made in your sub-committee's last annual report, we are pleased to note that satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Railway Department to co-6'perate with the Board in cleaning up the old iron and other litter which has for so long disfigured the landscape in and around Otira.

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