c.—lo

Staff. —The Board has lost the services of the Secretary, Mr. C. B. Robson, and of the Treasurer, Mr. M. S. Nestor, who have resigned from these positions on their transfers to other Departments. Messrs. E. J. Lynskey and E. J. C. Salt have filled the respective offices in acting capacities pending the annual meeting of the Board. Ranger. —During the year the Ranger, Mr. M. Burke, who has given good service to the Board, tendered his resignation, which was accepted as from 21st December, 1938. Mr. E. Wilson has since been appointed working Ranger, and the Board has been extremely fortunate in obtaining the services of a man so well suited to this position. Township. —A number of the lessees have recently painted their cottages, and this has considerably improved the appearance of the township. The Highway Board is at present defining the boundaries of the proposed straightened road which at some future date will traverse the township. The question of ultimately eliminating the dangerous corner near the railway-station is also being considered. These preliminary surveys will enable the Board to extend the plantation work with the knowledge that encroachment will not be made on land likely to be required for highway purposes. Rents are being paid promptly and the arrears are small. Sports. —The Railways Department again organized a number of excursions to the Pass during the winter months, and these were well patronized. The Canterbury Mountaineering Club and. the Christchurch Ski Club each have a clubhouse in the township, and the two clubs continue to do their part in increasing the popularity of the park. Appreciation. —The thanks of the Board are due to Mr. M. J. Barnett, Superintendent of Reserves to the Christchurch City Council, for his supervision and advice in various works in the park; to the Railways Department for the friendly co-operation of its officers ;to the public press for its interest in and for the publicity given to the work of the Board ; to the Engineers and staff of the Public Works Department in Canterbury and Westland for advice and assistance freely given ; to Mr. Burke, the Ranger for the greater part of the year, and to Mr. E. M. Wilson, the new Ranger ; to the honorary Rangers, particularly Mr. R. Scott, Mr. W. Frazer, and Constable Osborne; and to Dr. W. McKay, Chairman of the Grounds Committee, for his zeal and supervision in the various activities in the park. The report of the Grounds Committee, which has been prepared by Dr. McKay and which is submitted hereunder, covers the principal works of the Board in the park for the year. " The Grounds Committee wishes to refer to the unfavourable weather experienced last winter, which rendered out-of-door work most difficult. The illness of the Ranger, Mr. Burke, extending over some five weeks, and his resignation in the early summer, still further militated against carrying out a complete works programme. In spite of these drawbacks, however, maintenance was kept up to date. Fortunately there has been excellent weather during the past two months, while the newly appointed Ranger, Mr. Evan Wilson, has brought to bear on his task such a refreshing enthusiasm that a considerable list of works has been initiated. Your Committee looks forward to a new era in the way of creating further amenities and maintaining existing ones. " Erosion at Township. —Since last meeting, heavy floods in the Bealey River resulted in considerable encroachment at the rear of several cottages, at one time seriously threatening to cut through to the highway. As the danger from subsequent floods threatened not only the township but also Railway and Power Board property, representations were made to the several Departments concerned, which led to a deputation waiting on the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works. After learning the facts and the estimated cost of protection, the Minister promised to have the matter attended to as early as possible. Men have been employed now for some weeks on the erection of groynes, which should avert the threatened danger. " Proposed Ice-skating Rink. —A proposition was placed before the Board by Mr. McLeod, of Grassmere, concerning the establishment of a skating-rink on the Waimakariri Flat, not far from the western approach to the traffic bridge. Inspections were made of the suggested site by members of the Committee, and the proposal was also discussed with Mr. McLeod on the ground. As a result of observations made over many years, Mr. McLeod is in a position to state that, throughout the winter, sunlight never reaches this area, so that he feels confident of the success of his plans. After favourably considering the scheme, the Committee submitted the drawing-up of a lease to Messrs. Archer and Lockwood, who have framed a detailed agreement safeguarding the interests of the Board and at the same time affording every encouragement to the lessee in his speculative enterprise. Work on the pond has commenced, and is to be completed before the winter. It is hoped that Mr. McLeod's efforts will be rewarded with the success he anticipates, as the sport of ice-skating has become very popular of late. The site chosen is quite close to the main highway and only about a mile from the railway. The vast improvements recently effected on the road from Christchurch to Arthur Pass render access so easy that this sport, once established, should result in greatly increased publicity, of the park. " Alpine Rockery Extension. —In order to complete the plan originally conceived, it was decided to extend the rookery southwards. Mr. M. J. Barnett, Superintendent of City Reserves, was again found most helpful and enthusiastic. After visiting the Pass and discussing the layout with members of your Committee, Mr. Barnett selected a competent gardener who, with suitable assistance and favoured with excellent weather throughout, has furnished a most pleasing addition to the rockery. Our honorary Ranger, Mr. R. Scott, has assisted materially in the collection of desirable alpine plants.

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