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1947 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY PUBLIC DOMAINS AND NATIONAL PARKS OF NEW ZEALAND (ANNUAL REPORT ON)

V Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 30th June, 1947. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the public domains and national parks of the Dominion for the year ended 31st March, 1947. I have, &c., D. M. GrREiG, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister of Lands.

REPORT

PART I.—PUBLIC DOMAINS While no great increase in the area of public domain lands has taken place during the past year, there has been a further commendable improvement in the interest and enthusiasm displayed by the controlling Boards and the public generally. This is reflected in the numerous applications for financial assistance that have been received. Unfortunately, shortage of labour and materials has necessitated some of the larger development projects being held over. In other cases the enthusiasm of Boards has enabled extensive improvements to be effected, labour being furnished by Board members and local residents, while Government assistance has been provided by way of supervision, grants, and subsidies. Another pleasing feature is the greater use which the public are making of camping facilities provided on domain areas. In many instances Domain Boards have greatly improved and modernized camping-grounds to conform with present-day requirements. More time for recreation and leisure, together with improved petrol-supplies, has been reflected in the increased use of existing domains, and in the general desire to acquire suitable areas for domain purposes. The willingness of residents to assist in providing funds for the purchase of suitable areas and in supplying labour for improvements is very commendable.