C—ls

7

Besides the original main bush yet remaining on many of the upper slopes, there are in quite numerous places (even where the'land is partly utilised by the Natives, ami also at old clearings) clumps and fringes near the river-margins of light mixed bush, including fern-trees and the yellow kowhai-trees, adding greatly to the attraction of the river, and which should, if possible, be preserved; and that these still remain shows that (heir complete destruction is not an absolutely necessary consequence of the land being utilised by occupation, if necessary precaution be taken as afterwards referred to. 11l general, over the whole course of the river-navigation, from Raorikia right up to the upper reaches and Taumarunui, it may be suggested that, besides the sett ing-apart the bush existing upon Crown lands and the public domains along the river banks, means might be taken to acquire, from the Native owners, especially tine [nut ions of the river-slopes; and in other parts, where the Natives are leasing, provisoes, if found practicable, might be introduced safeguarding as far as possible the natural light bush still remaining on the immediate river-margins. Above Pipiriki, 55 miles, up to Tarepokiore Rapid, No. 128, about 98 miles, the river-banks are still to a great extent in their natural condition, except in the limited cases where the Natives are occupying, or at the more numerous old abandoned clearings. This portion of the river, about 43 miles in length along its winding course from Pipiriki to Tarepokiore, comprises perhaps the finest and most characteristic length of river and bush scenery, and should be preserved in its entirety on both banks as far as possible, conserving both the "forest primeval" and the beautiful light bush which has sprung up at the river-side- at the old clearings. This upper part of the river also requires attention while it is still time, and the preservation of all the old original bush for a mile wide from the river should be a matter for consideration as opportunity occurs. There are many old clearings which might" perhaps be leased, providing for the preservation, as afterwards referred to at the end of this report, of the light bush remaining near the river, for at these old clearings this is generally of much beauty. All the original main bush on the mile-wide public domain on left bank of river from a little below opposite the junction on right bank of the Whangamomona River, at 87 miles, as far up as Kowhaiturua Rapid, No. 111, about two miles below the junction of the Retaruke River, 108 miles, should be left intact; not only the part on the slopes visible to the eye from the river up to the sky-line, but the whole mile wide, as a security for the river-slopes, and also, what is very important, as safeguarding the numerous small streams and waterfalls which reach the river through this bush: and these remarks apply equally to the original bush remaining on either bank of the river wherever the public domain exists. Retween the point mentioned above (rapid No. 111, about 106 miles) and rapid No. 61, Paparoa, about 123 miles, the original bush remaining on the domain on the left bank should all be preserved for the mile wide; but many of the old clearings might probably be leased, with restrictions as to light bush near the river, referred to already and afterwards. From near rapid No. 61, Paparoa, 123 miles, up to rapid No. 47, Te Maire, about 133 miles, the land on left bank of the river is a Native reserve, but the general suggestions already made as to bush-preservation will apply to this part also as circumstances may admit. It would lie a pity if the circumstance of being Native land should prevent the preservation of the bush scenery. From rapid No. 47, Te Maire, about 133 miles, up to Tunakotikoti Rapid, No. 8, about 142 miles above Wanganui, and about two miles below Taumarunui by the river, the country inland and in parts close to the river has more the character of open fern country, and the public domain here along the left bank of river, ami also the public domain where it occurs on the right bank of river, might be leased in suitable sections; but here also, as will be seen by the detailed notes previously given, there are frequent clumps and fringes of light mixed bush, with fern-trees and kowhai-trees of great beauty, at the river-margins which it is essential should be safeguarded. It may be a question whether the occupation, under proper conditions, id' these open lands and old clearings generally would endanger this feature of the light native bush near the river-sides more than the present condition of these open lands and old clearings, with their inflammable overgrowth, endangers it. I Would again, at the risk of repetition, remark that this feature of light bush at the riversides, even where the original heavy bush has disappeared, is most important along the whole course of the river described. In leasing open lands and old clearings provision might be made for fencing off and protecting a certain limited distance from the river-margins—generally a fewchains wide would suffice; while also leaving sufficient access to the river at suitable places. John T. Stewart.

Fuhther Report by Mr. J. T. Stewart. 23rd July, 1908. T. D. Cummins, Esq., Chairman of the Wanganui River Trust. I accompanied the Chairman along the river-works in the early part of February, 1908. The river was low, and favourable for this proceeding. The work has since been continued up to the end of April, under the Trust's foreman of works, Mr. A. Marshall. A great deal of useful work has been done in the upper part of the river between rapid No. 105, Whakatara, just below the junction of the Retaruke River, and Taumarunui, a distance of thirty-six miles by river, and the numerous difficulties in the navigation of the upper river have been materially lessened. There still remains much to be done in this direction here, and the principal works for next season are: At Turangahoru Rapid, No. 5, a training-wall from right bank. At Paehou Rapid, No. 10, a training-wall from right bank. At Pataaua Rapid, No. 19, training-walls from both banks. At Raparua Rapid, No. 20, a training-wall from left bank, and