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1945 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY SCENERY PRESERVATION REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1945, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 17 of the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 28th August, 1945. Sir,— I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1945. I have, &c., R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, Wellington.

REPORT

During the year under review, areas totalling 64,040 acres were set apart as scenic reserves in various parts, of the Dominion. The reservations made included areas totalling approximately 650 acres situated alongside existing reserves in the Mangamuku Gorge, North Auckland. In the Auckland Land District the reservation was completed of an area of 629 acres of steep bush-covered country near Whareorino. An area of approximately 330 acres situated near Puketitiri, Hawke's Bay, and known as the Ball's Clearing Scenic Reserve, was formally set apart during the year. This reserve, on which 89 acres of bush has been kept intact, was handed over by the State Forest Service in order that it might be permanently reserved for scenic purposes. The area of virgin bush included in this reserve is of a particularly fine type. In the Taranaki District an area of approximately 16 acres, situated on the main Ohura Highway, was. placed under reservation. This land is covered in native bush and is an attractive feature along the main highway. An area of some 55 acres, comprising portion of an old stock reserve and certain closed roads situated along the coast near Punakaiki, Nelson Land District, on the Westport-Greymouth main road was reserved during the year. This reserve will be placed under the control of the Punakaiki Scenic Board, which controls various reserves in the locality. In the Otago Land District areas totalling 62,200 acres of Crown land and State forest in the Haast, Young, Wilkin, and McKerrow Survey Districts, along the new Haast Pass Road, were placed under reservation for scenic purposes. Portions of these areas were previously held under pastoral licenses, but arrangements were made for the surrender of the bush areas from the runs. The areas concerned, which for the most part are covered with beautiful beech forest, extend from a few miles above Lake Wanaka to the summit of the range. Scenic reserves throughout the Dominion have, as far as possible under existing conditions, been kept under observation. No serious damage by fire was caused during the year. Honorary Inspectors and Scenic Boards, have continued to co-operate with the Department and have taken a keen interest in assisting in protecting the various reserves. In the Trounson Kauri Park Reserve near Kaihu essential work such as clearing of fire breaks, repairing of fences, &c., has received full attention, while a further area has been planted for shelter purposes. The amenities at the Cape Kidnapper Bird Sanctuary have been improved, and the sanctuary continues to prove an attraction for people from all over the Dominion. On Kapiti Island good progress has been made with the planting of suitable areas, and the thanks of the Department is extended to the people who have rendered assistance in this direction.