c.—lo

APPENDIX. %

REPORTS OF NATIONAL PARK BOARDS. TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. (R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands, Chairman.) Two meetings of the Wellington Executive of the Board were held during the year to deal with various matters affecting the park. On his retirement from the Public Service on 30th June, 1939, Mr. W. Robertson, Undcr-Secretary for Lands, relinquished his position as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Robertson was first appointed as Chairman on 11th June, 1931, and his services in this capacity were highly appreciated by the Board. He carries with him the best wishes of members for a happy period of retirement. Mr. R. G. Macmorran, the present Under-Secretary for Lands, was appointed to fill the vacancy in terms of section 7 of the Tongariro National Park Act, 1922. Further leave of absence from Board meetings has been extended to Mr. Ormond Wilson, who is at present absent from the Dominion. It is with regret that the Board records the death during the year of two members—namely, Mr. John Cullen, 1.5.0., of Auckland, and Mr. T. A. Blyth, of Ohakune. Mr. John Cullen was Warden of the park, and a member of the Board following on its reconstitution in 1923 by the passing of the Tongariro National Park Act, 1922. Mr. Blyth was also a foundation member, having been appointed in January, 1923. Both gentlemen have left behind a very fine record of voluntary work in regard to the administration of the park. _ The Manager at the Chateau reports that the use of the park as a holiday resort has been fully maintained during the year despite war conditions and other necessary restrictions. Elevation of Mountain Club Huts. This question was again discussed at a meeting of the Wellington Executive, when it was resolved that the previous determination of the Board not to grant permits to erect huts below the 5,000 ft. level be rescinded. This leaves the Board free to deal with each application on its merits. Ruapehu Ski Club's Hut. The application of the Ruapehu Ski Club (Inc.) for authority to extend the club hut on Ruapehu to provide further shelter and sleeping-accommodation was approved by the Board, and the details in regard to approval of plans and specifications of the extension have been referred to a sub-committee. It is the intention of the club to provide for an additional twenty-four bunks for the use of members. Mountain Hut fob Alpine Sports Club (Incorporated). The application of the Alpine Sports Club (Inc.) for authority to erect a hut in the valley of the Wangaehu Stream on the eastern slopes of Ruapehu has been approved. The altitude of site selected is approximately 5,500 ft., and the access will be from the Waiouru-Tokaanu Road. Plans and specifications of the hut will be submitted in due course for approval of a sub-committee of the Board, but it is unlikely that the club will proceed with the construction work at present. Establishment of Alpine Garden. A further report on this matter by Dr. Marshall has been submitted, and the question of carrying out further plant-labelling and the construction of pathways through the selected areas will receive attention. It is also proposed to prepare a detailed scheme of rock gardens for the establishment of suitable specimens of mountain plants. Road Improvements. The mountain road from the Chateau to the skiing grounds on Ruapehu has been completed. The road runs past the Salt Hut to the Punch Bowl and will be a great convenience particularly during the skiing season. Work on the Bruce Road immediately below the Chateau has also been commenced. The level of the road in this locality is being raised, and this should prevent the snow-drifts blocking the approach to the Chateau in blizzard conditions. In raising the road-level it has been found necessary to remove spoil from the strip of land between the road and the bush. The borrow pits and spoil-banks will be levelled off and the area sown in grass next spring. Entrance to Park at Bruce Road Junction. For some time past the Board has recognized the necessity of improving the entrance to the park where the Bruce Road junctions with the main highway. At the meeting held in November last the question was fully discussed, and a sub-committee was set up to go into the details of the matter and arrange for a suitable scheme. An elaborate archway was not considered feasible at the present time, and it was suggested that a suitable layout with rock edges and containing trees a,nd shrubs of the park would bo appropriate.

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