C.—(?

1938. N E W ZEALAN D.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1938, 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, 30th June, 1938. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1938. 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 61,868 acres, while two private scenic reserves totalling 519 acres were declared under the provisions of section 6 of the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1933. In the North Auckland Land District some valuable additions were made to the magnificient Bream Head Reserves, at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour. An area of 199 acres of freehold was purchased during the year for the sum of £400, of which amount £100 was raised by the local bodies and other interested organizations in the district and by public subscriptions, while the Department contributed the balance. Two small education endowments, one of which includes the picturesque and well-known rock pinnacles of Manaia, were also made available for reservation and were set aside, by special enactment as scenic reserves. The Education Department gave its willing co-operation in this matter. With the exception of a small area which is the subject of an unregistered Crown grant and in respect of which suitable arrangements are being made, the whole of the bold and rugged coast-line from Smuggler's Bay to Bream Head is now covered by scenic reservations. The purchase was completed during the year of the area of 85 acres of mixed bush on the Whangarei-Kiripaka Road mentioned in last year's report, and the land proclaimed under the Act. The acquisition of this area is greatly appreciated in the district, and the thanks of the Department are tendered to all organizations and private persons who contributed towards the purchase fund. Arrangements are now in hand for the ring-fencing of the new reserve.

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