C.—lo.

Winter Sports. —An excellent new toboggan run was formed by labour provided by the Railway Department ,on a site quite near the station, so that next winter it is expected that much use will be made of it by visitors. It was completed too late last year to be availed of during the times of snowfall. Alpine Climbing.—The many peaks within our boundaries are becoming increasingly popular with climbers : Mounts Rolleston, Avalanche, and Philistine especially being made easier of approach by reason of the formed tracks made through the subalpine forest and scrub. Additional Track. —An old abandoned but well-graded and benched track formed by the Public Works Department during the tunnel surveys was discovered and opened lip, an extension being made to connect with the main western track leading to the summit of Mount Philistine. The value of this track lies in the fact that the ascent begins immediately on leaving the highway in Otira Gorge, and should consequently prove of great benefit to climbers arriving either from east or west. Suitable sign-posts have been erected. Deer, Chamois, and Goats. —The number of licenses issued by the Grounds Committee for those wishing to shoot in the western part of the park was fourteen. The regular expeditions of these sportsmen all the year round on to the slopes of the mountains are not only resulting in a considerable number of kills, but are driving the herds from within the park. So far the system of issuing these permits has worked smoothly, and the committee recommends its continuance. Breaches of By-laws. —We regret to have to record that there have been serious cases of destruction of living forest by residents seeking firewood. The offences have been the more reprehensible in that some of the offenders were Government employees. It is needless to enlarge upon the consequences that must follow such damage in mountainous districts with unstable surfaces. Grazing and Upland Protection. —The existence of grazing-rights, particularly in the Otira Valley, will always be a source of annoyance through animals browsing within the park. The position is a difficult one unless assurance can be given the Land Board that stock would not continue to have the run of the river-bed. Probably some of the freehold and leases remain more or less unfenced, and it would be almost impossible to exercise adequate control. Also it is doubtful if the Park Board could compel them to fence, at least those not actually adjoining the National Park. However, it appears pertinent to consider the disappearance of plant cover and the gradual destruction of surface sponge, affecting evaporation and moisture run-off, aggravated by chamois, deer, and such predatory animals. The increased presence of land-slides and general hillside erosion are serious factors affecting the silting of stream-flow. The granting of grazing-rights, whilst at the same time encouraging the destruction of deer, chamois, &c., is contradictory and detrimental to upland protection. Mining-rights. —With the increased activity in mining operations, some applications for mining privileges have affected the park, and these have been investigated and reported for appropriate action by the Board. Timber Trespass.—With the co-operation of the Conservator of Forests, an inspection made of adjoining sawmilling operations resulted in the detection of unauthorized timber-cutting within the park boundary. An investigation and appraisal of the trespass was made by the State Forest Service for the Board, and the total value including penalty was paid by the sawmiller in question. Fires. —Too much emphasis cannot be given to the need for care and prevention of fire. Complaints reached us of careless lighting of fires near Aitken's, and these were investigated without securing sufficient evidence to prosecute. The reduction of beautiful verdant growth to a blackened vista of charcoal and stone along the road and railway is indeed depressing. We think the Railway Department through its surfacemen could help in the detection and prevention of such vandalism.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (660 copies), £12.

Authority: Or. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1935.

Price 6d.'\

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