17

a—l3b

northern one extends a mile from the top of the range. The southern extends half a mile on each side of the leading range. Wakamarina Survey District. —This district includes the larger portion of the Eai Valley State Forest, on which I have reported in my memorandum of the 23rd July last. The proposed scenic reserve (part of Sections 65 and 66a) is a very picturesque spot at the junction of the Eai and Pelorus Eivers. Section 18, Block VIII., was proposed as a scenic reserve before I took charge of this district. There is not much timber on it now, as it has suffered from fires. The proposed scenic reserve at the head of the Wakamarina has already been referred to in my former report. Linkwater Survey District. —There are two small areas proposed to be reserved for scenic purposes, and one of these has been recommended by the Chief Forester (see report of 22nd November, 1901). The one to the east, forming a peninsula, is private property. The former holder tried to clear a portion of it, but it has all gone back to its original condition nearly ; and, as its present owner makes hardly any use of it, it should not cost much to acquire. The other proposed scenic reserve on the opposite side of Kenepuru Sound (part of Section 2, Block IV.) contains a most picturesque bit of scenery not to be surpassed anywhere in the sound. It is at present under lease in perpetuity to Mr. C. Y. Fell, of Nelson. There is also a little peninsula of a few acres only in extent, forming the eastern head of Ngakuta Bay, and being a part of Section 5, Block XI., Linkwater, which is a Native reserve. This pretty bit of scenery is much admired by passengers in the little steamers that ply between Picton and the Grove, and should certainly be reserved. The proposed climatic reserve shown in the south-east corner of the Linkwater Survey District forms part of a large proposed reserve lying chiefly in the Arapawa District, but which also extends into the Cloudy Bay District. Arapaiva Survey District. —The large proposed climatic reserve in this district (referred to in last paragraph) consists chiefly of very broken country, mostly exceeding 1,500 ft. in height. The timber is not commercially valuable, and most of the area is almost inaccessible. Patriarch Survey District. —The proposed climatic reserve shown on this map forms part of the " national park " referred to in my former report, this being the portion frequented by the red deer. The next map shows portions of Pine Valley, Mount Olympus, and Patriarch Districts, and shows a continuation of the same " national park." Onamalutu Survey District. —This map shows the major part of the proposed scenic reserves at the head of the Wakamarina Eiver, which I have previously referred to. It shows also the extreme east part of the proposed climatic reserve extending behind Mount Patriarch. Cloudy Bay Survey District. —Section 8, Block V., proposed climatic reserve, 823 acres, known as " Storey's Creek " : This is a broken piece of ground, of no use for settlement, but is a favourite picnic resort. It is twelve miles from Blenheim. Proposed scenic reserve, chiefly in Blocks 111. and VII. : This reserve contains several hundred acres, but the plan is not yet finished. It contains two very pretty waterfalls and a good deal of mixed bush. The waterfalls are in what is known as " Boyes's Gully," and are distant about two miles from Tuamarina and about nine miles from Blenheim. It is a very favourite spot for picnics, as in the hottest weather the ravines are always cool and shady. The reserves described above are all situated north of the Wairau Eiver, where the climate is more moist than further south. The middle portion of the Marlborough district is rough and mountainous, and consists chiefly of open country held in large areas, where it is not necessary to reserve areas for scenic purposes. There now only remains the country within the Kaikoura County to be considered, and I requested Mr. W. B. Buckhurst, Eanger, who had lately been over the district, to report on the most suitable areas for scenic reserves. I attach copies of his reports. He recommends three reserves, which I think very suitable —namely, 2,370 acres of a Native reserve along the coast lying between the Clarence and Hapuku Eivers ; and two reserves of 200 acres and 300 acres respectively, the first being on Messrs. Garratt Bros.' Small Grazing-run No. 91, and the second on Miss E. V. M. Goulter's Small Grazing-run No. 95. Ido not think it would be difficult to resume the portion of the Native reserves, as the country is almost too rocky and precipitous to be made any use of; and the land on the two small grazing-runs is somewhat similar in character. C. W. Adams, The Surveyor-General, Wellington. Chief Surveyor. Blenheim, 18th July, 1902.

Scenic Beserves. Be your request for suggestions for suitable places to secure for scenic reserves, I respectfully draw your attention to a very fitting piece of ground for the purpose. It comprises about 300 acres. It is situated on the coast on the north bank of the Oaro Biver, and partly at the back of Native reserves in Block XV., Hundalee Survey District. The land is stony, consisting of forest-clad spurs facing the sea and road. The bush contains mahoe, karaka, puka, kohutuhutu, tawa, ngaio, akeake, kawakawa, hinau, horopito, makomako, manuka, matipo, and other native trees, forming a beautiful cluster, rich in scenic beauty. It is hardly fit for grassing. It belongs to Small Grazingrun No. 95, and is in the occupation of Miss E. V. M. Goulter. Ido not think that the severance of; this land from the said run would deteriorate its value as such anymore than the loss of acreage. W. B. Buckhurst, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Blenheim. Crown Lands Eanger.

Blenheim, 19th July, 1902. Climatic and Scenic Beserves. In continuation of my memorandum of the 18th instant, I beg to add the following suggestions for the making of reserves for the above purpose : — The first reserve which I would recommend is a part of Small Grazing-run No. 91, now in the occupation of Messrs. Garratt Bros. The land is similar in every respect to the suggested 3—C. 13b.