C.—lo.

Meetings - -The Board held four meetings during the year, in April, September, and December. At the December meeting it was decided to prepare a programme of future works, to be carried out as finance permits. Staff. —During the year both the Secretary and Treasurer, Messrs. S. T. Barnett and E. McKenzie, tendered their resignations owing to their transfers from Christchurch, and the Board expressed its appreciation of their work. Messrs. C. B. Robson and J. A. Foster were appointed to fill their positions in acting capacities. As a result of the generous grant from the Government and in order to maintain and extend the Board's works in the park, it was decided to appoint a permanent and full time officer at the Pass. The Board therefore appointed Mr. Martin Burke, who has been approved by the Hon. the Minister of Lands as a ranger, and who has been carrying out his duties under the supervision of the Chairman of the Grounds Committee. Mr. C.. E. Warden, who has served the Board for some years'as ranger, was advised of the Board's appreciation of his work. Although Mr. Warden's active connection with the Board ceased in November, his honorarium was continued until the 31st March as an expression of the Board's appreciation of his past services, while his occupation of his section without payment of rent will be continued during the pleasure of the Board. Townshi-p.—Rents have continued to be paid promptly, and the arrears owing are small. All the leases which expire in 1938 have been renewed for a further period of seven years. Sports. —The winter was most unfavourable for winter sports, and railway excursions were few and poorly patronized. The matter of rail access to the Pass was discussed by a deputation of the Board which waited on the Hon. the Minister of Railways. The Minister stated that he hoped as soon as possible to institute a rail-car service between Arthur's Pass and Christchurch. The two clubs which use the park as their base, the Canterbury Mountaineering Club and the Christchurch Ski Club, have continued as actively as ever, and the latter is about to build a club house in the township. General.—The activities in the park of the Main Highways Board have continued and have resulted in greatly improved access from both directions. An important work which is at present under construction is the Rough Creek Bridge. The memorial to Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, the discoverer of the Pass and a foundation member of the Board, was unveiled on the 18th April, 1937, the Board being represented at the ceremony. Appreciations. —The thanks of the Board are due to Mr. M. J. Barnett, Superintendent of Reserves to the Christchurch City Council, for his continued supervision and advice ; to the Railways Department for the courteous attention of its officers ; to the public press for its encouragement of the work of the Board ; to the Ranger Mr. Burke and to the honorary rangers, particularly Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott and Constable Gibb ; and to Dr. William McKay, Chairman of the Grounds Committee, for his energy and supervision in the various works in the Park. Report of the Grounds Committee. The report of the Grounds Committee, which has been prepared by Dr. McKay, is submitted hereunder:—• " On account of the improved financial state of the Board brought about by the sympathetic policy of the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, many works long overdue have been completed ■during the past year. The appointment of a working ranger has enabled your Committee to effect many necessary improvements on old tracks, while commencing the laying down of new ones. Such work had been impossible for some two years owing to the difficulty of procuring casual labour in such a variable climate. " Punch Bowl Bridge. —Since last annua! meeting the bridge over the Bealey River has been completed and has given satisfaction for its general appearance as well as its solidity. This now enables visitors easily to make use of the camping and pleasure grounds on the northern side of the Bealey, as well as to visit the Falls or to climb the slopes of Mount Aitken. " Shelter at the Divide. —This stone structure was put up by the contractors in a most expeditious and workmanlike manner. It fits well into the picture at the Pass and has already proved a great convenience to the public. " Footbridge over Bealey. —The bridge on the way to Margaret's Tarn and Bealey Glacier has been completely renewed, and is now both solid and safe. " Kelly's Hut. —As explained in the Committee's last report, the Grey Alpine Club undertook the task of transporting all the material for this hut to the top of the range at a height of over 4,000 ft. Not only have the members cheerfully honoured their promise, but they have, in addition, taken on the responsibility of erecting the building. The result is that practically all the material is on the site, while the hut, with concrete foundation, is already habitable. Only those in touch with this work will appreciate what a laborious task it has been. Great credit is due to the members of the club for their gratuitous efforts, which were so effectively stimulated and organized by the zeal of their late captain, the lamented Patrick Carrol. " Tracks : — " (1) In the last report the Committee referred to the alternative track to Avalanche Peak, on which such commendable work had been done by the honorary ranger, Mr. R. Scott. The new chief ranger, Mr. M. Burke, has recently devoted much time and attention to further levelling and benching, so that we look forward shortly to this being one of the best constructed tracks within the park. " (2) The original Avalanche Track, commencing near the hostel, has now been cleaned up and some very satisfactory regrading and benching carried out.

10