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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. PUBLIC DOMAINS AND NATIONAL PARKS OF NEW ZEALAND (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist August, 1939. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the public domains and national parks of the Dominion for the year ended 31st March, 1939. I have, &c., R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister of Lands.

REPORT. PART I.—PUBLIC DOMAINS. At the 31st March, 1939, the total number of public domains administered under the provisions of Part II of the Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928, was 799, covering a total area of some 76,500 acres. Fifty-three of these domains are controlled by the various Commissioners of Crown Lands, 261 are controlled by local authorities acting as Domain Boards, and the remaining 485 are controlled by local Boards appointed from time to time. Daring the year twelve new domains, with a total area of 323 acres, were reserved and brought under Part II of the Act, and arrangements made for their control. Additions totalling 4-70 acres were also made to twenty-seven existing domains. The new domains comprised the following : — (1) Three small reserves at Takanini, containing together an area of 1 acre 3 roods 11-84 perches. These reserves became vested in the Crown on the subdivision of private property for residential purposes. The Great South Road Beautifying Council of Auckland undertook to assist in beautifying the reserves, and arranged for the holding of a public meeting, at which nine gentlemen were nominated for appointment as a Domain Board. The assistance of the Council in this case is much appreciated by the Department. The reserves are suitable for development as small ornamental parks, with possibly some provision for a children's play area.

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