C—6

6

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.