C.—6,

1937. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1937, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 17 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908.

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist September, 1937. Sir,— I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1937. I have, &c, W. Robertson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, Wellington.

REPORT.

Areas set apart during the year by Proclamation or special enactment as scenic or historic reserves under the Scenery Preservation Act covered a total area of 36,468 acres, while one private scenic reserve of 1,002 acres was declared under the provisions of the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1933. In the North Auckland Land District an area of approximately 250 acres on the Kaeo-Okaihau Main Highway in the Whangaroa County was set apart during the year. This reserve is very conveniently situated and is of outstanding value, as it is the only area of kauri forest reserve on the main highway on the East Coast route between Devonport and Kaitaia. Part of the land was purchased from a private owner, part was acquired from the Natives, and the remainder comprised a portion of the Puketi State Forest which the State Forest Service agreed to have set apart under the Scenery Preservation Act in order to round off the boundaries of the reserve. Great appreciation has been expressed at the decision to have these lands reserved, and the Department gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance given by the State Forest Service in completing the matter. It is intended to appoint a suitable Board of control in due course. Shortly before the close of the year arrangements were completed for the purchase of 85 acres of scenic bush on the Whangarei-Kiripaka Road. This area comprises aij excellent sample of mixed bush with kauri, puriri, and rimu. Regeneration in the form of kauri rikas is an additional feature. The purchase-price was raised partly by means of local subscriptions, partly by grant from the Bruce Trustees, and partly by Government grant. When the necessary survey has been completed and the title adjustments made the area will be proclaimed under the Act. As a result of exchanges under Native consolidation proceedings the Crown has acquired approximately 980 acres of bush country formerly held under Native ownership, and comprising portions of the Waikare and Tutaematai Blocks in the watershed between the Bay of Islands and Whangaruru Harbour, and adjoining the main Russell-Whangaruru Road. In pursuance of the policy of general conservation a further 500 acres is in course of acquisition from a private owner, and the

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