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Although traps have been set regularly on different parts of the sanctuary and 356 rats have been caught, these animals seem to be as numerous as ever. The increase is no doubt due to the fact that so many dead sheep were lying about for the brutes to feed on. The extermination of these animals will prove to be a very difficult proposition, as the traps have to be baited for them, and baiting is also an attraction for certain birds. The only places where trapping can be done with safety is inside the netted enclosure round my house and in the whare at the waterfall. No cats have been seen since the last one was shot about eighteen months ago, so they have evidently been killed out.

APPENDIX D. New Plymouth Scenic Reserves Board. Six meetings of the Board were held during the year, and in addition several inspections of the various reserves were made. The appointment of the members expired by effluxion of time in October last, and all the members have accepted reappointment for a further term of five years from February, 1928. The following is a short summary of the, operations of the Board during the year. Puherangiora Pa. —The trees on this reserve have made splendid growth, and. have required very little attention. Unfortunately, however, a fire spread from an adjoining property in October last, and necessitated the replacement of about 2,300 trees. A special grant was obtained for this purpose, and further expenditure will also be necessary for clearing until trees make sufficient headway to get above the fern. The area in question was subject to very heavy growth, and required more clearing than any other part of the reserve. Meeting of the Waters Reserve. —Action has been taken during the year for the acquisition of a small area of 11 perches to give access to the suspension bridge at the western end. of this reserve, The matter is now being completed, A foot-bridge has been erected over the Araheke Stream near its junction with the Waiwakaiho River. This will prove a great convenience to persons visiting the reserve. A certain amount of repair work was necessary to the suspension bridge, and, in spite of notices requesting public to use every care and to avoid causing unnecessary damage to this structure, a good deal of unnecessary strain is often placed upon the bridge. The destruction and removal of ferns and young trees is still reported, but owing to the difficulty of detection it has not been possible to institute proceedings against any particular individuals. The long spell of dry weather has caused anxiety for the safety of this and other reserves in the district, and one or two fires were started within this reserve, but were suppressed, before much damage was done. Unfortunately, in one case the name of the parties who lit the fire could not be ascertained or a prosecution would have eventuated. Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves. —The work of fencing the western and southern boundaries of the Onaero Reserves was carried out during the year. A number of trees were also planted, mostly Pinus insignis and. Cupressus macrocarpa. Koru Pa. —This reserve has been visited by large numbers of people during the year, and its proximity to the Taranaki forests lends an additional interest to this trip. The bush on this reserve was threatened with destruction last summer while bush fires were raging in the locality, and was only saved by the exertions of Mr. R. W. Davies and the staff of the Taranaki Forests, Ltd., assisted by the nursery' staff from Messrs. Duncan and Davies. OkoJce Pa. —Arrangements for fencing this reserve were made during the year, and the work has now been completed. Ratapihipihi Reserve.- —The lease of the open portion of this reserve expired during the year, and it was decided to grant a renewal to Mr. A. R. Gudopp for a period, of ten years. Mr. Gudopp has done excellent work in cleaning up this area, and has also rendered valuable service as caretaker of this reserve. It was threatened, with destruction by fire during this last summer, and but for the exertions of Mr. Gudopp and others a considerable area might have been burned. Provision will have to be made during the coming year for repairs to the boundary-fences on this reserve. The thanks of the Board are due to the honorary inspectors who have been appointed to look after the scenic reserves in their various districts. These include, in addition to Mr. A. R. Gudopp, Mr. S. Topless, who has control of the Pukemiro and Onaero Reserves ; Mr. P. H, E. Surrey, of Pukerangiora Pa ; Mr. Henry Cole, of Awa-te-Take Pa ; Mr. Henry King, of the Meeting of the Waters Reserve ; and Mr. R. W. J. Davies, of the reserves in the Taranaki District generally. W. D. Armit, Chairman.

APPENDIX E. Marlborough Scenic Reserves. Owing to pressure of other work it has been found impossible to visit all the scenic reserves during the past year, but advantage was taken of the Christmas holidays to pay a visit to most of those in Queen Charlotte Sound and Kaikoura district, and the appointment of honorary inspectors has enabled a close supervision to be kept over most of the other reserves within this district.

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