C.—6.

The reservation over a scenic reserve of 62 acres at Rainclifl, South Canterbury, was revoked by section 8 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1940, and the land added to an area of 242 acres gifted to the Crown for recreation purposes. The inclusion of the scenic reserve in the recreation area improves the boundaries and paves the way for the acquisition of further land in the future. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 1,179, covering a total area of 841,376 acres. Supervision op Reserves. During the year special Scenic Boards were appointed or reappointed as follows : The Ohakune Lakes Scenic Board, to control the Ohakune Lakes Scenic Reserve ; the Whaugarei Harbour Board, to control the Bream Head Scenic Reserves ; the Lake Kaniere Scenic Board, to control the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve ; the Kaiata Scenic Board, to control the Kaiata Scenic Reserve ; the Pounawea Scenic Board, to control the Pounawea Scenic Reserve ; the Papatowai Scenic Board, to control the Papatowai Scenic Reserve ; the Hae Hae To Moana Scenic Board, to control the Hae Hae Te Moana Scenic Reserves ; the Tapumikau Pa Scenic Board, to control the Tapuinikau Pa Scenic Reserve ; the Hutt County Council, to control the Lowry Bay Scenic Reserve ; the Whangaroa County Council, to control the Ranfurly Bay Scenic Reserve ; and the Waikaka Scenic Board, to control the Waikaka Scenic Reserve. Members were appointed to fill vacancies on the Cape Kidnapper, Orari Gorge, and Kirk's Bush Scenic Boards. Thirty-three gentlemen were appointed as honorary Inspectors of Scenic Reserves. The supervision exercised by the honorary Inspectors is appreciated, and assists in restricting trespasses of various kinds and damage to reserves by thoughtless people. Condition op Reserves. Reports from the various districts indicate that scenic reserves throughout the Dominion are being well maintained and there were no serious outbreaks of fire during the year. A disturbing feature in the Taranaki District is the reported increase of goats in some of the reserves, particularly in the Tangarakau Gorge. The country here is so steep and broken that the extermination of the goats would be both difficult and expensive. The various reserves have been inspected by members of the field staff whenever possible, and it is pleasing to report that increased interest is being taken by the public in the preservation of bush areas. General. At Trounson Kauri Park a considerable amount of fencing repair and general maintenance work has been carried out. To ensure further protection against fire, steps have been taken to increase the area of the fire district to the north of the park. Arrangements have also been made for a belt of trees to be planted on part of the northern boundary for protection purposes. The Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary has continued to prove an exceptional attraction, while the birds and nests become more numerous every year. The matter of providing adequate reserves along the route of the Main South Road leading to Jackson's Bay, Westland, has been given attention, and large areas have been surveyed in the vicinity of the bay with a view to preserving the natural beauty of this locality. The reports show that native bird-life in the reserves on Stewart Island is in a satisfactory condition and that some of the smaller species are evident in particularly large numbers. Appendices. The appendices to this report are listed hereunder : — A. Schedule of reserves made and reservations revoked during the year, together with a statement of expenditure. B. An account of the work carried out on Kapiti Island.

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