THE EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 92, 20 April 1939, Page 14

THE EXHIBITION

FISHERIES DISPLAY

DEPARTMENT'S REQUEST

A request from the Fisheries Branch of the Marine Department for assistance in regard to a collection of freshwater fishes being prepared for the Centennial Exhibition was received by the Wellington Acclimatisation Society fast night. The collaboration of the society is being specially asked in the case of good specimens of fish, such as trout, that may be secured by angling. The main exhibit will consist of models or mounted specimens. Native fresh-water species for the most part too small to be effectively mounted, will be shown alive, where possible, in a fresh-water aquarium, as will be small specimens of acclimatised species. Other fishes will be displayed in a refrigerated case.

The society was assured that the Department would be grateful for any specimens of fish of unusual size or form that might be got by the end of the fishing season. Outstanding specimens, say trout of 101b weight, would be mounted or modelled. The contents of the refrigerated display case would be changed periodically. Any good fish should be put in the freeze.1 as soon as caught. Specimens wanted for mounting were:—Atlantic salmon, quinnat salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, Mackinaw trout, American brook trout, perch, tench, carp, and catfish. For the fresh-water aquarium living specimens of American brook trout, tench, carp, and catfish would be welcome, and should be kept in captivity pending arrangements for transport. This applied also to rare species of native fish, such as grayling, torrent fish, and mudfish.

It was decided to collaborate with the Department, and to circulate the requirements amongst rangers and others interested.