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1948 NEW ZEALAND

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

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

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 30th June, 1948. 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, 1948. I have, &c., D. M. Greig, Under-Secretary for Lands. The Hon. the Minister of Lands.

REPORT PART I.—PUBLIC DOMAINS Public interest and enthusiasm in the development and improvement of existing public domains and in the acquisition of further areas for recreational purposes has been maintained at a high level throughout the past year. A pleasing feature has been the willingness of residents in many localities to assist in raising funds for domain improvements, and organizing labour on a voluntary basis. A perusal of the annual reports furnished by the controlling Boards shows that in the great majority of cases the public domains of the Dominion are fulfilling the purposes for which they were set apart. A splendid public spirit has been shown by members of the various Boards in carrying out the administration of areas placed under their care. The services of Board members are given gratuituously, and in many cases the amount of work and time involved is considerable. The Department fully appreciates the service rendered to the community by Domain Boards, and is willing at all times to co-operate with them in any matter which will make for improved administration of domains in the best interests of the general public.