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1949 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, 27th July, .1949. 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, 1949. I have, &c., D. M. Greig, Director-General of Lands. The Hon. the Minister of Lands.

REPORT PART I—PUBLIC DOMAINS As at 31st March, 1949, the total number of public domains administered under the provisions of Part II of the Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928, was 841, covering a total area of 80,316 acres. Fifty-two of these domains are controlled by various Commissioners of Crown Lands, 293 are administered by local authorities acting as Domain Boards, and the remaining 496 are under the control of local Boards. During the year 15 new domains, comprising a total area of 122 acres, were reserved .and brought under the provisions of Part II of the Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928. Additions totalling 207 acres were also made to 20 existing domains. The conclusion of the war saw a quickening of public interest in the development and administration of our domain areas, and it is pleasing to note that this interest has been maintained and increased during the intervening years. Another encouraging factor is the ability and willingness of the public to assist themselves by raising money and carrying out improvements to domain lands by voluntary effort. Several areas were donated for domain purposes by public-spirited citizens during the year, and these generous gifts are gratefully acknowledged.