C.—lo.

The local bodies and Power Boards have again made their annual contributions to the Board's funds, and the Board is grateful to them for their assistance, as without it the work of the Board could not be carried on. The Board is still in hopes that the proposal for the vesting of the main roads in the reserve by the Highways Board may yet be carried out, and a permanent finance arranged to enable the Board to carry on its functions without having to seek assistance from the Minister for Lands from time to time for funds to meet its ordinary expenses of ranging, office, &c. In conclusion, the Board desires to express its thanks to the Hon. Mr. Langstone for his sympathetic and practical interest in the work of the Board, its appreciation of the assistance of honorary Rangers, local bodies, alpine clubs, and members of Committees who have assisted in enabling it to continue its work of the preservation of this wonderful asset to the district and New Zealand. The plantation of pine-trees established on the seaward slopes of the Kaitake Ranges has been inspected by the Board from time to time and is continually ranged. The growth of the trees is very pleasing and the whole plantation should, in a few years' time, be a very valuable asset. ARTHUR PASS NATIONAL PARK BOARD. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch, Chairman.) Financial. The Government has granted the Board financial assistance to the extent of £150 for general administration and for park-improvement purposes. This assistance is greatly appreciated, particularly in view of the present disturbed conditions. The Board is also grateful to the Christchurch City Council for a donation of £50, the Waimakariri River Trust for a donation of £20, the automobile association for a donation of £15 155., and the Selwyn Plantation Board for a donation of £10, and to those other local bodies which have made donations during the period. This year the Board canvassed the various local bodies and associations for donations, and although the result of this appeal has been an improvement on previous years it has not reached expectations and has been somewhat disappointing. The Board appreciates the efforts of the few local bodies which have displayed an interest in and an appreciation of the Board's work by assisting with donations. Personnel. There have been a few changes in the membership of the Board during the past year. Mr. R. M. Macfarlane did not contest the Mayoral election, and his place on the Board has been taken by Mr. E. H. Andrews, who was elected Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. F. J. Perhain has succeeded Mr. C. Biggs as Conservator of Forests at Hokitika and has taken Mr. Biggs's place on the Board. The Board has also lost the services of Mr. A. CI. Flower, who has resigned his seat as he is now attached to the R.N.Z.A.F. at Wigram. There have been a number of defections from the Board during the past few years and it is hoped to have the personnel brought up to full strength shortly. Rook Garden. The alpine rock garden has proved an ever-increasing attraction to botanists from all parts of the Dominion. The recent addition of leaf-mould dressing is being reflected in the vigorous and healthy nature of the growth, which is now manifest in the multitudinous alpine plants that have been assembled and propagated in this attractive corner of the park. Mr. Hodgkinson is proving an able curator of the rockery, and under Dr. McKay's able guidance it is anticipated that he will establish a garden of alpine flora which shoidd prove one of the major attractions of the park. Sports. The Railways Department organized a number of excursions to the Pass during the winter months, and these proved as popular as ever. The Canterbury Mountaineering Club and the Christchurch Ski Club continue to do their part in increasing the popularity of the park. Township. The rentals continue to be paid promptly and the arrears are negligible. There have been a number of transfers of sections in the township. The hall is serving its purpose in providing much-needed shelter during holiday periods. Although no speed restriction has been imposed within the township, and the authorities are not prepared to support the Board's request that the township be declared a closely populated locality, the Main Highway's Board has arranged for the Chief Traffic Inspector for the district to periodically check up on traffic passing through the park. The Highways Council has promised to apply a dustlaying coat through the township, which, on completion, should go a long way towards remedying the dust nuisance during the summer. Appreciation. The thanks of the Board are due to the Railways Department for the friendly co-operation of its officers, the public press for the publicity accorded the Board, to the District Engineers and staff of the Public Works Department in Canterbury and Westland for courteous co-operation and advice freely given, to the Ranger, Mr. C. D. Hodgkinson, and to the honorary Rangers who have continued to display a keen interest in the activities of the Board, and to Dr. Win. McKay, Chairman of the Grounds Committee, for the energy and zeal displayed in supervising the various activities in the park.

7