1

1946 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY SCENERY PRESERVATION

REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH. 1946, 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, Sir, — Wellington, 28th June, 1946. I have the honour to submit herewith a report on scenery preservation for the year ended 31st March, 1946. I have, &c., R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of Scenery Preservation, Wellington.

REPORT

During the year activities in the direction of acquiring or reserving new areas for scenic purposes have been somewhat restricted. The acquisition was completed of a freehold property of 1,623 acres known as the Iwituaroa Block, situated some six miles from Picton in Queen Charlotte Sound. This area, the whole of the southern boundary of which runs along the water, is practically all in native bush and it will be a valuable addition to our scenic reserves. Arrangements were also made for the acquisition of an area of 193 acres at Cockle Bay, in Queen Charlotte Sound. A considerable portion of this property is in native bush, while the remainder is in second growth at a well-advanced stage. The whole area has a definite scenic value and is well worthy of preservation. In the Auckland Land District the exchange was completed of 24 acres and 3 roods of open land, being portion of the Ngongotaha Mountain Scenic Reserve, for a bush-clad area of 65 acres and 25 perches visible from the Rotorua side of the mountain. In conjunction with the Tourist Department, arrangements are being made for the construction of a look-out platform on the summit of Ngongotaha. This action will enable visitors to obtain a comprehensive view of Rotorua Lake and the surrounding country. By section 7 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Act, 1945, an area of 105 acres and 3 roods, being Allotment 154, Parish of Maungatawhiri, and formerly portion