40 
Camping Reserve, Section B, Parish of Buchan. 
This reserve comprises 18 acres 2 roods 29 perches, and is situated be¬ 
tween allotments 18, 19^ 22, and 24, section B, Parish of Buchan, about 
6 miles to the north of the township. 
It is covered with large and small “ sinks ” of swallow holes formed 
by the dissolving away of the Middle Devonian limestone. Some of them 
have open exits in the sides and bottoms, showing holes descending to con¬ 
siderable depths. A small creek takes its rise in the locality, but the 
water becomes swallowed up by these sinks, and only forms a channel lower 
down. In allotment 18c (D. O’Rourke), it subsequently runs into a cave 
in the side of the hill, and lower down reappears at the surface before 
flowing into the 'Buchan River. 
The adjoining allotments, especially 22 and 24, possess numerous sinks, 
and Mr. T. Wyatt informed me that he had explored a cave in his allot¬ 
ment, No. 24, for a considerable distance, until compelled to desist through 
bad air. 
Exploration will doubtless reveal numerous caves in this locality. 
Allotment No. 24 is held under a tenure giving right to the freehold 
of the land, but allotment 22 is held under section 32, Land Act 1890, and 
therefore will admit of reservation of portion. 
I therefore recommend that the whole of the Camping Reserve (18 acres 
2 roods 29 perches) be made a Cave Reservation, and also such portion of 
the adjoining allotment 22 a, as would be found by survev to be desirable.* 
[Report sent in 20th July, igoo.~\ 
Dickson’s Caves. 
These caves are situated on allot. 133, section B, Parish of Bucham- 
The land is held by R. Proudlock, under section 32, Land Act 1890. 
It lies opposite to land owned by J. and P. B. Dickson, from whom 
the caves derived their name before the present lessee selected the area. 
There are two entrances, and the caverns are larger and loftier than 
those of Wilson’s Caves. Some of the chambers are really imposing, and, 
though but sparsely decorated with stalactital drapery, are of considerable 
grandeur, especially when strong magnesium light is thrown upon them. 
They are by no means well explored. Numerous small narrow and 
winding passages can be seen branching off in various directions, and also 
descending rapidly. Several of those examined possessed small but pretty 
stalactites, stalagmites, and terraces. 
The caves are about 50 yards from Mr. Proudlock’s house, and the 
entrances are within 100 yards of the main road. 
An area of 10 acres at least should be set apart as a Cave Reserve, and 
access given to it from the road.t 
The entrance should be fitted with doors, and kept locked. Probably 
Mr. Proudlock would be willing to take charge of the key at a nominal 
annual consideration, or for the use of the grass on the a'rea so reserved. 
The expense of fitting doors to the entrances would be very small. 
[Report sent in 20th July, igoo.~\ 
* The Department of Crown Lands and Survey has temporarily reserved the Camping Reserve of 
18a. 3r. 29p., and a Reserve of 10a. Or. 29p., in Allotment 22a, parish of Buchan.—See Government Gazette 
of 23rd September, 1887, p. 2760, and of 31st December, 1901, p. 5096, respectively.—E. J. D., 1.10.06. 
t The Department of Crown Lands and Survev has temporarily reserved 2a. 2r. Op. with access to main 
road.—See Government Gazette of 27th August, 1902, p. 3595.—E. J. D., 1.10.06. 
