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Domain Boards generally have displayed energy and enthusiasm in the administration of areas under their control. The Department is fully conscious and appreciative of the services given gratuitously by members of these Boards, and of the time and labour which they expend on the care and improvement of lands set apart for the recreation and enjoyment of the general public. Many excellent development projects have been completed on domain lands during the past twelve months, and a number of others are approaching completion. In many instances Domain Boards have drawn up comprehensive programmes of improvements, but owing to shortages of certain essential materials and labour it has not always been possible to implement improvement schemes in full. This has resulted in a number of Boards being unable to take full advantage of grants and subsidies made available to them during the past financial year. As mentioned in previous reports, increasing use is being made of domain lands for camping purposes, particularly in seaside localities. Many excellent sites have been laid out, and Domain Boards generally have been most co-operative in making provision for this form of public recreation where required. Valuable assistance and advice in regard to the layout and control of camping areas have been received from various automobile associations. These bodies have also made generous cash donations for the purpose of assisting in the improvement of camping facilities on domain areas. An important phase of domain administration has been the leasing of areas for grazing and other purposes. In granting approval to these leases, care has been taken to ensure that public rights of recreation will not be interfered with or affected. New domains constituted during the year ~ East Takaka Domain, area li acres, is situated 64 miles north-west from Nelson. A swimming-bath., conveniences, dressing-sheds, and croquet-lawn have been constructed on the area. Gimmerburn Domain, area, 5 acres, is situated in the Otago Land District about 92 miles north-west of Dunedin. The public hall for the district is situated on this area. Tennis-courts have also been laid out and development of the area as a sports-ground is proceeding. Karamea Me?norial Domain, area 7-J acres, is situated on the west coast 62 miles north of Westport. This area was formerly a school-site, but is now being developed for general recreation. McKee Memorial Domain, area, 28| acres, is situated at Ruby Bay, 22 miles from Nelson. The McKee Estate donated 21-| acres of this Domain, and an additional area of 6f acres has been leased from the Nelson Automobile Association. The estate land and that of the automobile association has been used for very many years by the public as a picnic and camping ground. It is a well-sheltered resort and contains some 10 acres of native bush of unique value from a botanical point of view. It was largely to preserve this bush and at the same time to perpetuate the name of the late Arthur McKee that the beneficiaries decided to offer the land for domain purposes. * Motueka Beach Domain, area 17-| acres. This domain comprises land along the foreshore of Motueka Harbour, and an area adjacent thereto. It was taken over from the Motueka Harbour Board and is being developed for picnic and general recreation purposes. Swimming-baths have also been constructed. Part of the land is laid down in lawn, and a band-rotunda, bathing-sheds, and children's playing equipment have been erected. OmiJii Domain, area 9J acres, is located on the South Island Main Trunk line about 47 miles north of Christchurch. The area was donated for a sportsground for the district and is being developed as such.

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