NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11505, 18 August 1899, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES.

MR AYSON'S REPORT.

(Fkoii Oint Ovvx (Johbesponbext.)

WELLINGTON, August 17.

Mr F. Ayson, curator of the Masterton fish .ponds, has-furnished an exhaustive report on tho fisheries to the Government, embodying the result of his mission to Europe, Great Britain, and America last year. The report is divided under, three headings—(l) Marine Fisheries, (2) Fresh-water Fisheries, (?| Importation of Animals and Birds.

In discussing the first division, Mr Ayson suggests:—(l) That the work of the Minister for Marine and his. department be extended so as to include marine fisheries. (2) That fishery commissioners should be appointed. (3) That a report bo prepared as to present state of the fisheries in the colony. (4) That arrangements be. made for testing the fishing grounds round the coast by the subsidising of small steam trawlers with a good practical man in charge, and that the trawling industry be encouraged—(a) by inducing local bodies to provide suitable fish markets; (b) by endeavouring to induce shipping companies to provide better means for the Ivansport of fish to Australian markets; (c) by fostering the canning and fish-curing industry, and pointing out how by products such as oil. fish, manure, etc., it can profitably be dealt with; (d) by carrying fish by rail at the lowest possible rates; and (c) by publishing reliable data as to results of tests made on the coast so as to assist local trawlers and induce some of the large English trawling linns to take up the business. Mr Ayson further suggests that one or more marine scientific stations should be established, that the fill1 seal bo stringently protected, and rookeries, if possible, be established.on the coasts. He also proposes that arrangements be made for careful tests anil experiments being made in Knrope and America as to the best and most economical method of introducing such fish'as the herring, haddock,, turbot, etc., into these waters, and that Crustacea such as crabs and lobsters lie imported and planted at (he marine seior.ti/ic -talion for brooding purpose;.

Afler relating his observations on the methods employed in deep-sea, trawling abroad, ,Mr Ay-son • says: —ln encouraging deep-sea, trawling the Government would lie doing' valuable work in building up an-im-portant industry. It means providing a regular and plentiful supply of fish for all classes at a reasonable price. In the past there has been a genera! complaint all over Use colony that the supply of fish has been insiiflica-ut, irregular, and far too high, in price to allow it to be a staple food supply for all classes. Thus the inauguration of deep-sea trawling in New Zealand waters mean;— First, the placing a regular and sufficitv.t supply of fresh fish within the reach of everyone; second, the opening up of an important .trade in fresh fish with Australia; and third, the establishment of more fish-curing and canning factories and Iho manufacture of various fish pioducts, which will provide new sources of employment and materially assist in increasing the population as well as the earning capacity of the workers. In her fisheries New Zealand has a most valuable asset, n.s her natural advantages in this connection are undoubtedly superior to those possessed by any other country in the southern hemisphere. Experimental trawling round the coast by the Government would "greatly assist the industry. If the Government steamers are not too h««vy and could be utilised for this purpose prospecting fit different areas could be carried out as the steamers visited the various lighthouses and store depots around the coast. If they prove to be. unsuitable, arrangements could be made with a practical man .who owns a suitable vessel to test certain areas for the guidance of fishermen, uiici to prove where the most valuable fish exist in sufficient number? to warrant a trawk'r wori.--inc them.

Taking into consideration the abundant supply of fish on the const, Mr Ayson il.ie* not consider tho establishment of a sea fish hatchery with the object of increasing the supply of indigenous fish is a wise project. Tn the old world the utility of marine hatchcriss as a means of increasing the stock of fish in t!-._e ocean is still problematical. A. marine scientific station would, however, be very useful. There are few civilised countries which have not already estrbli'-hcd such institutions.

Attached to the report are dcicrii-.tions of the Dunbar hatchery, also of a. marine hatchery at Wood's Hole, Massachusetts.