DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1922, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OP ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND RESERVED DURING THE YEAR UNDER THE SCENERY PRESERVATION ACT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1922 Session I, C-06

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1922. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY. SCENERY-PRESERVATION. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1922, TOGETHER WITH STATEMENT OP ACCOUNTS AND SCHEDULE OF LANDS ACQUIRED AND 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.

Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 19th June, 1922. I have the honour to submit herewith report on scenery-preservation for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1922. I have, &c, J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister in Charge of Scenery-preservation, Wellington.

REPOET. Reservations in Year. Although funds for the acquisition of lands for scenery-preservation have been very limited of late years, yet a certain amount of reservation has taken place, and the scenic areas of the Dominion have been greatly augmented during the past twelve months. The reservations have been as follows :— North Auckland Land District. —The Pukearinga Mountain, Maungaturoto, of 90 acres, was acquired and set apart. The land is also known as Taine's Mountain, and adjoins the Great North Road about two miles south of Maungaturoto. It is covered with puriri, kohekohe, taraire, tarata, tipau, karaka, toro, rimu, rata, wharangi, and other trees. The remains of Maori trenches may also be seen near the summit. In the Whangape Survey District an area of 449 acres of Crown land was proclaimed under the Act. It comprised steep and broken land covered with heavy mixed bush, and was unsuitable for settlement. In the Borough of Birkcnhead, a suburb of Auckland, the Birkdale Scenic Reserve, of 14 acres, was also secured and reserved; and it may be noted that in the borough there are now three areas set aside for domain purposes, comprising 246 acres, in addition to the scenic reserve mentioned. Two sections of Crown land in the Kaeo district, comprising 230 acres, complete the reservations in the North Auckland district. They were found to be too poor for farming purposes, and consist of high rough country in heavy bush. From a scenic point of view, however, they were an acquisition to the reserves in the locality.

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Auckland Land .District. —Only one reserve of 36 acres was set aside. It comprises land •covered with native bush at the mouth of the Awaroa Creek, and will help to preserve the beautiful scenery on the shores of the Kawhia Harbour. Hawke's Bay Land District. —The only reservation effected during the year was an area of 49 acres in the Motu Village. The control of this land has been vested in the Motu Scenic Board, which controls the adjoining domain ; and, as the area reserved is now a compact block entirely bounded by a road and partly surrounded by the Motu River, it should be well preserved from destruction. Taranaki Land District. —An area of 10 acres in the Huatolri Settlement, on the outskirts of New Plymouth, formerly known as Saxton's Bush, was acquired and set apart. Great interest in this reserve is being taken by the residents, and a local Scenic Board is being appointed to control . the administration. It is probable that an adjoining area may be added to the present reserve. Wellington Land District.— Sevan areas of land, formerly in the Wanganui Trust Domain, and bordering the river a little south of Taumarunui, were set apart. They are all covered with fine bush, and their retention in a state of nature will bo beneficial to the river and help to preserve the unique scenery of the locality. Another reserve on the Wanganui River is the Puketarata, comprising 261 acres, not far from Wanganui and situated near Hipango Park, which is a favourite pleasure resort. The reservation of this land will be much appreciated, and every care will be taken to safeguard it from destruction. The taking of Round Bush, Foxton, was formally accomplished during the year, and reserves an area of 47J acres. It was originally part of the Harbour Reserve belonging to the Foxton Harbour Board, which had to be compensated for the change of purpose. It is pleasing to narrate that the Foxton Borough Council provided the sum of £80 to assist the Government to acquire the land. Another reservation in the Wellington district was an area of 16 acres of Crown land adjoining the North Island Main Trunk Railway at Kakahi. It is covered with small kahikatea, but the land was not suitable for farming purposes. Nelson Land District. Several sections in the Bulwer Township (Pelorus Sound), aggregating 14 acres, were permanently reserved, and, being covered with native bush, arc of good scenic value. In addition an area of 222 acres of Crown land in the Waitapu district, near Takaka, was proclaimed for scenic purposes. The land is close to Rawhiti Cave, and is one of the beauty-spots of the district, being frequently visited during the year. It comprises a series of limestone bluffs on the western face, and is covered with native bush —pines of all kinds, pungas, and shrubs. Weslland Land District. —Three adjoining areas on the old Marsden Road, near Greymouth, were purchased from the owners and taken for scenic purposes. The land is covered with beautiful native bush, and the reserve is much appreciated by the residents and visitors to the district. Southland Land District.— -An area of 100 acres on Stewart Island, adjoining Glory Cove, was set apart. It was of little value for farming purposes, but during the tourist season it is a favourite resort for picnickers. Present Position. In addition to the above, 172 reserves aggregating 49,562 acres that had been permanently set apart under the Land Act, 1892, prior to the passing of the Scenery Preservation Act, were brought under the administration of the latter statute, and can now be controlled in a better manner than previously. Deducting 51 acres of reservations that have been revoked during the year, the scenic reserves of the Dominion now amount to 713, aggregating 366,483 acres. Lake Oicataina. In last year's report reference was made to the generous offer by the Ngati Tetakainga and Ngati Tarawhi Tribes to cede to the Crown certain areas around the shores of Lake Okataina. The necessary legislation to give effect to the proposal was embodied in section 20 of the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1921-22, and arrangements have been made for the necessary survey, which will be carried out in accordance with the wishes of the owners. This beautiful lake, with its bush-clad slopes, will form a magnificent addition to the scenic attractions of the Dominion, and as a permanent reserve under the Scenery Preservation Act will bo enjoyed by the people of New Zealand, both Native and European, for all time. Waione Block. The legislation dealing with the offer made by the Ngati Rongomai Tribe to donate a further bush-clad area along the road from Lake Rotoiti to Lake Okataina has been prepared for consideration this session. The area referr.ed to is of great importance from a scenic point of view, as it contains some of the finest bush in the district. The action of the Native owners will bo much appreciated by the public. Trounson Kauki Forest, Kaihu. An area of 907 acres 3 roods was acquired from Mr. James Trounson by purchase. It comprised a block of valuable kauri forest situated in Block XI, Waipoua Survey District, alongside the Wairna River, Kaihu Valley. Section 21 of the Finance Act, 1921-22, authorized the payment of the purchase price out of the scenery-preservation vote. The land adjoins the Kauri Park, Kaihu, of 60 acres, which had previously been reserved under the Scenery Preservation Act.

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Supervision of Reserves. Every care is taken to see that the reserves are preserved in the best possible manner. This is accomplished by the appointment of local Scenic Boards wherever practicable, or the appointment of honorary Inspectors. During the year local Scenic Boards were appointed, or reappointed as follows : Huatoki Scenic Board, to control Huatoki Reserve, New Plymouth; [nvercargill Borough Council, to control Waihopai River Reserve; Lake Rotoiti Scenic Board, to control the reserves on Lake Rotoiti donated by the Maori owners ; Levin Borough Council, to control the Waiopehu Reserve ; Motu Scenic Board, to control the reserves adjacent to Motu Township ; New Plymouth Scenic Board, to control several local scenic reserves ; Orari Gorge Scenic Board, to control Orari Gorge Reserve ; Pongaroa Scenic Board, to control Pongaroa Reserve ; Summit Road Scenic Reserves Board, to control the numerous scenic reserves along Summit Road, Christchurch ; and the Whangarei Borough Council, to control the Coronation Scenic Reserve. The following gentlemen were appointed honorary Inspectors under the Act: Messrs. A. C. Graham, W. M. Fraser, James Murray, C. Philpotts, James Robertson, J. J. Rodgcrson, Alexander Rowley, and David Wells. Where necessary Crown Land Rangers and departmental surveyors inspect scenic reserves in their districts. Arrangements have been made for forest rangers to be appointed Inspectors.

Comparison of Expenditure.

Appendices. Attached to this report are the following appendices : A. Schedule of reserves made during the year, accompanied by a statement of accounts. B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. C. Kapiti Island.

Year. Compensation for Land. Fencing and Surveys, Maintenance. Valuations, &c. Board's Expenses. Salaries. Total. 1904-5 .. 1905-6 .. 1906-7 .. 1907-8 .. 1908-9 .. 1909-10 1910-11 1911-12 1912-13 1913-14 1914-15 1915-16 1916-17 1917-18 1918-19 1919-20 1920-21 1921-22 £ 216 3,336 7,856 4,286 3,813 1,688 1,066 2,6.19 12,997 10,467 G,253 1,530 252 428 1,295 510 3,031 57,768 £ 216 3,336 7,856 4,286 3,813 1,688 1,066 2,6.19 12,997 10,467 6,253 1,530 252 428 1,295 510 3,031 57,768 £. £ £ £ ; Nil 52 1,822 * 2,i 527 1,221 * 5,1 304 801 185 * 9, 382 555 86 175 5,.' 1,063 540 24 325 5,' 1,159 2,603 Nil 325 5, ; 685 1,643 11 325 3,' 715 2,237 22 345 5ji 798 2,697 6 345 16, i 627 1,547 3 365 13,< 758 476 12 388 7,i 698 104 6 390 2,' 836 76 1 390 1,1 602 114 3 390 1,1 1,964-f 49 1 280 3,! 188 12 .. 40 471 299 .. 25 2,i 227 224 .. 25 58,! £ * * * 175 325 325 325 345 345 365 388 390 390 390 280 40 25 25 £ 2,090 5,084 9,146 5,484 5,765 5,775 3,730 5,938 J 6,843 13,009 7,887 2,728 1,555 1,537 3,589 750 2,825 58,244 fcj *_j i 4ari *w .1. i ■ -—r *-j j i Grand tc ital .. 151,1 151,979 * Included in Bo; ird's expenses. t Includes £1,760 paid to Summit Road Scenic Reserve Board.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Reserves made in 1921-22 under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908, and its Amendments.

Lands set apart for Scenic Purposes under the Land Act, 1892, declared Scenic Reserves under the Scenery Preservation Act, 1908.

al . O o a si . %%£ Local Name. Description. Hi Local Name. Aro'i Datc of Are,li Proclamation. North Auckland Land District. 404 Pukearinga Mountain, Manngatu- Portion of Lot 14 of Allotment 147, Wairau roto Parish, Block XIII, Waipu S.D. 496 .. Section 60, Block II, Whaugape S.D. •*60 Birkdale Scenic Reserve, Birken- Portion of Allotment 149, Parish of Takaliead puna 500 .. Sections 3a and 7, Block III, Kaeo S.D. .. 404 496 A. K. p. 1922. 89 3 7 3 March 1921. 449 0 8 10 October 14 0 19-5 8 August 230 3 17 8 „ •*60 500 Auckland Land, District. 188 .. Portion Awaroa A No. 3d, Section 2c, and portion Awaroa A No. 3n, Section 2a, Blocks XIV, XV, Kawhia North S.D. 188 36 18 7 October Hawlce's Bay Land District. 326 & Motu Scenic Reserve .. .. Sections 29, 34, 35, 3(i, and 38, Block II, 489 Motu S.D. !26& 489 49 2 17 8 August Taranaki Land District. 487 Huatoki Scenic Resserve .. Section 4s, Huatolri Settlement, Block V, I Paritutu S.D. I 487 9 3 15 I 26 August Wellington Lund District. f Section 3, Block IT, Owatua S.D. Section 2, Block III, Retaruko S.D. Section 8, Block IK, Retaruke S.D. 503 On Wanganui River, between < Section 11, Block III, Retaruke S.D. Kirikau and Retaruko River Section 1, Block VI, Retaruke S.D. Section 25, Block XI, Retaruke S.D. L Section 27, Blook XI, Retaruke S.N. 1922. 375 0 0") 407 0 0 227 0 0 114 o 0 s- 24 February 585 0 o 246 0 0 56 0 0j 503 Section 10, Block IV, Retaruke S.D. 448 ' Round Bush, Foxton .. .. Portion of Section 332, Township of CarnaTvon, Block I, Mount Robinson S.I). 163 i Puketarata Scenic Reserve, Wa- Part H, part E 2, E 1 part 1, Puketarata nganui River No. 4 Block, Block X, Waipakura S.I). 504 ' At Kakahi .. .. .. Section 30, Block VI, Hunua S.D. 1921. 20 15 2 September 47 2 0 18 December 261 I 21 20 October 16 3 29 8 September Nelson Land District. 494 In Pelorus Sound .. .. Sections 93, 94, 95, 00, Township of Bulwcr 492 On the Dry River .. .. Section 12, Block XI, Waitapu S.D. 14 3 0 2 September 222 2 0 19 July WeeUand Land District. 468 Old Marsdon Road .. .. Portion of Section 1507, Bloc* XVI, Greymouth S.D. 468 Old Marsden Road .. .. Section 1584, Block XVI, Greymouth S.D. 468 Old Marsden Road .. . . Section 15.58, Block XVI, Greymouth S.D. 28 2 13 28 June 84 1 21 27 July 52 3 25 27 September Southland Land District. 488 Stewart Island .. .. Section 24, Block XI, Paterson S.D. 100 0 0 I 30 August

Land District. Nura ber of Reserves. ; Total Area. See Gazette. Year. Page. North Auckland Auckland Hawke's Bay Wellington Marlborough Nelson Wcstland Canterbury Southland 9 5 3 49 16 37 14 1 38 A. R. P. 778 2 32 3,670 1 30 1,013 3 2 2.314 2 20 2,844 2 0 2,502 I 0 1,439 2 31 137 0 0 34,861 2 5 1919 1919 1919 1919 1919 1919 1919 1919 1919 2566 2566 2979 2612 2566 2612 2653 2979 2653-54 Totals 172 49,562 2 0

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Revocation of Reservations.

™ .. . Summary of Reserves. , t Area. District. No. A R p North Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 4 783 3 11 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. ..1 36 1 8 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. . . 1 49 2 17 Taranaki . . .. .. .. .. .. 1 9 315 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 2,356 0 15 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 237 1 0 Wostland .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 165 3 19 Southland .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 100 0 0 Totals .. .. .. ..16 3,738 3 5 Land Act reservations (as per .schedule) .. .. .. 172 49,562 2 0 Reserved up to 31st March, 1921 .. .. ..528 313,233 3 8 716 366,535 0 13 Less reservations revoked .. .. .. .. 3 51 2 8 Grand totals .. .. ..713 366,483 2 5 Scenery Preservation Account. ■ Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ended 31d March, 1922. Receipts. £ s. d, Expenditure. £ B. d. Cash in Public Account, Ist April, 1921 2,900 11 11 Salaries .. .. .. 25 0 (i Rents .. .. .. .. 1,830 13 7 Compensation, &c, in connection with lands Temporary transfer from Ordinary Rβ- taken under the Scenery Preservation Act 650 0 O venue Account in terms of section 4 of Compensation for Native lands taken for the Imprest Supply Act, 1921 (No. 1) 7,500 0 0 scenery-preservation purposes .. 17(i 2 10 New Zealand Loans Act, 1908— Mokau River Scenic Reserve —CompensaScenery Preservation Act, tion for land acquired on South Bend, 1908, and Finance Act, Mokau River .. .. .. 15,741 10 7 1921-22, section 23— £ s. d. Purchase of Trounson's Kauri Forest, Kaihu 40,000 0 0 Debentures issued .. 14,000 0 0 Purchase price of 374 acres of Tapui Estate Scenery Preservation Act, (Lake Waikaremoana) .. .. 7,224 19 3 1908, and Finance Act, Round Bush, Foxton (acquisition of) .. 440 0 0 1921-22, section 21 — Section 77, Parish of Manaia —Purchase Debentures issued .. 40,000 0 0 price .. .. .. .. 30 0 0 Scenery Preservation Act, Section 45, Huatoki Settlement (New Ply--1908 .. .. 0,000 0 0 mouth) —Payment of capital value .. 20(1 0 0 — 60,000 0 0 Tennyson Inlet, Maryborough—Acquisition Recoveries on account of expenditure of of land set apart for South Island landprevious years .. .. .. 500 0 0 less Natives .. .. .. 4,245 9 1 Surveys, valuations, and incidental expenses 223 11 2 Whangaroa Harbour Scenic Reserve—Balance of purchase price .. .. 1,060 0 0 Administration of reserves — Salaries of caretakers and allow- £ s. d. ances .. .. .. 17 15 11 Travelling-expenses .. 13 12 10 Eradication of weeds ..112 2 0 Advertising, &c. .. .. 14 5 0 Erection and upkeep of fences 59 18 5 Law-costs.. .. .. 9 9 0 227 3 2 Recoupments under the Finance Act, 1919, section 4— Interest .. .. ..3,692 10 0 Sinking fund .. .. 182 0 8 3,874 10 8 Repayment to Ordinary Revenue Account of temporary transfer made in terms of section 4 of Imprest Supply Act, 1921 (No. 1) .. .. .. .. 7,500 0 0 Balance at end of year —Cash in Public Account, 31st March, 1922 .. .. 3,112 16 7 £72,731 5 6 £72,731 5 6

Land. Area. Date of Proclamation in Qazette. Section 3, Block IV, Retaruke Survey District, Wellington Land District Seotion 2, Block VI, Hunua Survey District, Wellington Land District Part Scenic Reserve 909, Block III, Mount Bonar Survey District, Westlatid Land District Reserve 1423, Block XVI, Greymoutli Survey District. Westland Land District a. h. r. 20 0 16 4 2 37 18 3 7 12 May, 1921. 26 August, 1921. 3 December, 1921. fi 3 2S 15 January, 1922. Total SI 2 8

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Loan Recount for the Year ended 31st March, 1922. £ 8. (1. £ a. d To Balance, 31st March, 1922 .. 151,000 0 0 By Balance at Ist April, 1921.. .. 94,000 0 0 Debentures issued during the year .. 60,000 0 0 £154,000 0 0 £154,000 0 0 J. H. O'DoNNKLL, Chief Accountant, Lands and Snrvey Department.

APPENDIX B. Report of the Scenery Preservation Board. During the year the following .meetings were hold in the office of the Surveyor-General: On sth May, 192.1, 2nd November, 1921, and 16th February, 1922, dealing with matters in North Auckland Land District ; 4th May and 2nd November, 1921, Auckland Land District; 4th M!ay, 1921, Taranaki Land District; 4th May, 1921, 18th November, 1921, and 16th February, 1922, Hawke's Bay Land District; 19th April and 27th June, 1921, Wellington Land District ; sth May, 1921, and 16th February, 1922, Marlborough Land District; sth May, 1921, Nelson and Canterbury Land Districts ; and 4th May, 1921, Otago and Southland Land Districts. Thirty-two recommendations were submitted by the Board to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral regarding the acquisition, and reservation of lands for scenic purposes. Some of these recommendations have been carried out, while others are under action. In several cases the Board was unable to recommend any action being taken. W. T. Neill, Chairman. W. R. JouRDAiN, Secretary. Extract from Report of Local Scenic Board. Summit Road Scenic Reserves Board (Ghrisichurch). The general condition of the reserves under the control of the Board is good, and there is no evidence of decay anywhere; indeed, the reverse is the case, as on most of the reserves the bush is spreading. Seedlings are very numerous, which shows that under protection against fire and trespass by cattle the native bush thrives. This fact is particularly noticeable on Kennedy's Bush Scenic Reserve. Since this area came under the control of the Board the Board has been very strict in keeping stock off the reserve, except sheep, and then it has been watchful that the place has not been overstocked. The bird-life in the Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve is increasing, except pigeons, and it is feared that, unless very great care is exercised by preventing shooting, this bird-life may be exterminated. With the easing in the price of fencing-material the Board, as soon as funds permit, should fence in several of the reserves which are now unprotected from trespass by stock. The Board has now three caretakers' houses ; resident caretakers are in charge of two. The caretaker at Kennedy's Bush exercised supervision over two other reserves in the neighbourhood. The Board has been trying to secure.a resident caretaker for Kaituna, and two have had to resign after trying the position for some months. The Board has much pleasure in reporting that through the generous donation of Mr. George Bowron, one of its members, supplemented by financial assistance from Mr. W. F. Parkinson, another of its members, Parkinson's Bush is now free of debt, and only awaits completion of the transfer to His Majesty the King to be proclaimed as a scenic reserve. The Board feels its responsibility to Mr. H. A. Knight, whose public spirit through advancing some £3,700 enables the Board to hold an option over a very beautiful area of bush adjoining Parkinson's Bush. The hill known as Sugarloaf, on Dyer's Pass, opposite the " Sign of the Kiwi," has already become very popular," and deservedly so, as the scenic attractions of this fine hill reserve are very beautiful. It is hoped that the Board will do what it can to see the purchase completed, as it has already received substantial .assistance from the Lands Department by way of survey free of charge, and. public donations towards a deposit and a formation of pathways which are in daily use. The profits of the " Sign of the Kiwi " through the increased patronage of the public make it evident that this house is likely' to prove a valuable source of revenue, which will help the Board the more effectively to carry on, its work. A number of public-spirited, citizens, who have very generously made liberal gifts in cash, have with the assistance of Mr. Ell (who is acting as honorary organizing secretary) secured the option over land which will prove to be a very valuable addition to the Summit Road scenic reserves, and, on account of its proximity to the city and tram terminus, will unquestionably prove a valuable endowment for the Board. On this land the first of the roadside inns on the Summit Road is being built, and although the building is not half-finished it is already attracting a large share of business. Mr. Ell is personally supervising the erection and furnishing of this house, which, will be known as " The Sign of the Takahe." This will be the first of the scenic reserves, and the "Sign of the Takahe " the first of the rest-houses, met with by the traveller on this new and beautiful scenic road over the hills to Akaroa. The work is being carried out without involving the Board in any liability, directly or indirectly. Mr. Ell is assuming full responsibility as a private citizen.

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As showing the variety of plants in the reserves, Professor Arnold Wall, of Canterbury College, and Mr. E. M. Laing have, made a botanical survey of the proposed reserve at Sugarloaf Hill, and found 120 varieties of plants and trees thereon. Legislation has been passed to enable the Board to devote any revenue derived from rest-houses and reserves towards reducing liabilities guaranteed by certain public-spirited citizens and members of the Summit Eoad and Eeserves Association, to whom the thanks of the public are due. Gγ. H. Buliakd. Chairman.

APPENDIX C. Kapiti Island. This island, the greater part of which was set apart under the Kapiti Island Public Reserve Act, 1897, is held as a sanctuary for native fauna and flora, and the resident caretaker (Mr. J. L. Bennett) reports as follows for the twelve months ended 31st March last: — Goats : 279 were destroyed during the year, making the total destroyed during the last ten years 3,443. Opossums : 1,176 were caught during the year, bringing the number destroyed during the last six years to 6,723. Cats : Only one cat was seen during the year, and was destroyed. Flax (Phormium tenax) : In Maraetakaroro Valley, where is the best piece of swamp on the island, flax that was sown a few years ago came away splendidly, and is now 5 ft. or 6 ft. high for a distance of about 43 chains and an average width of 1-| chains. Bats : Both the short- and the long-tailed bats can be seen at dusk on any part of the east side of Kapiti near the beach. As far as can be observed, their numbers do not decrease as the years pass. Bird-feed :Itis a fair average season for bird-feed. In the sheltered parts the berries are very plentiful, but on trees exposed to the strong winds there is practically none. Birds : The following notes taken from a report written by Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, dated the 18th January, 1922, may be of interest: " The bird-food cannot be very scarce, for never during any of my visits to the island have I seen or heard so many parakeets and pigeons. Whiteheads I have always found plentiful, and they were as plentiful and lively as ever, nor did the number of bellbirds seem less than, usual. I heard tomtits and fantails oftener than ever before, and of blue herons I noticed two broods, one towards the north and the other towards the south. On going up the valley and into the ' basin ' tuis were in plenty, and a good many of the smaller birds besides. It was a long time before I saw a robin at all, but one day I mounted a spur I had not been up before and saw them in large numbers, and so tame that the young were fed at my side. lam confident that the birds are as plentiful as ever. I have gone for days and heard hardly a song or a note, though I knew the birds were plentiful, and on other days the singing would be full and continuous." Saplings : Owing to the policy of keeping the goats out of the bush and out on the open country, where there is a better chance of destroying them and also of giving seedlings a chance of growing into saplings, the bush is now showing a strong growth of saplings in various places, such as kohekohe, lancewood, tawa. fern-tree, nikau-palm, pepper-tree, ngaio, mahoe, fuchsia, and in lesser numbers matai and miro. Bush : Owing to the strong west and south-west gales from the Ist to the sth of last August the bush near the seashore on the east side was badly browned, but has now recovered. General remarks : The birds on Kapiti were splendid this year, and it cannot be said truthfully that the birds are any less than they were years ago. The btish looks perfect, and is healthy. Exposed bush where the high winds and, in the past, goats and sheep have kept it clear of undergrowth will in time regenerate itself—for there is not one single piece of dying bush on Kapiti. The opossums are now doing no damage to the bush, and the lessened number of goats little or any. A meeting of the Advisory Committee in connection with Kapiti Island was held in the office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington, on the 6th February last, when there were present Messrs. G. H. M. McChire (in the chair), W. H. Field, M.P., E. Phillips Turner (State Forest Service), Arthur Seed, Professor Kirk, and T)r. L. Cockayne : while Mr. J. L. Bennett (caretaker) was also present. It was considered that the Crown land on the island should bo completely freed from stock, with the object of encouraging the regeneration of natural vegetation, and that certain exchanges of Crown, lands with Native lands should be made so as to consolidate the respective interests. It was also thought that the granting of permits to visit the island should be restricted as far as possible. With a view to seeing the present condition of the fauna and flora it was decided to make an inspection at an early date. This took place on Saturday, 18th March, and a special meeting of members was held on the 24th idem ; when detailed recommendations were submitted as to the erection of fencing between Crown and Native areas and the exchange of Crown and Native land. The erection of a suitable fence has been authorized and the work put in hand, whilst steps will be taken to eradicate the remaining wild goats and opossums and to remove the stock.

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