THE PURAMANUI MARINE HATCHERY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 39

THE PURAMAN UI MARINE HATCHERY.

A conference was held in the Otago Acclimatisation Society's rooms on Friday morning between representatives from tho Otago Acclimatisation Society, tlio Otago Institute, and the Government. There were present — Messrs J. P. Maitland (chairman), T. Brown, A. C. Eegg, and T). Kussell, representing tho Acclimatisation Society ; Dr Benham, A. Hamilton, and G. M. Thomson, "representing the Olag(> Institute ; and Measr3 J. F. Ayaon (inspector of fisheries), and D. H. Hastings (local .inspector), representing the Government.

Mr Thomson explained shortly ;the object ot the conference, and stated the course the two local bodies interested were willing to adopt in the event of the Government helping them. Ho submitted to the meeting .tho following memorandum, which he had drawn up on the subject : —

The scheme originated in a paper read before the Otago Institute on October 8, 1895, by Mr M. Thomson, published in'the Otago Daily Times and "Witness of a few days later, and reprinted in Sir James 'Hector's report, (H. XI, Sess. 11, 1837,. entitled " Protection of Mullet," p. 21). Thß institute appointed a committee, to, investigate the question, and report. Thi3 committee has been continued up to the present time, and consists of 'Professor Benharn, Mr A. 'Hamilton, and Mr G. M. Thomson. In May, 1897.. the Otago Institute and tho Otago Acclimatisation Society each voted the sum of £260 "towards the construction of such a station, conditional on 'the Government agreeing to contribute pound for pound, and undertaking to grant a aum annually for maintenance for a term of years. These votes are still available. The Government hare sinco voted various sums towards the movement, and have set asiHe six acres of "the oastarn half of tho waterway of the Purakanui Inlet a3 a site for tho establishment.

Objects of theSEsfcablislxinent.— (l) To institute scientific investigations on the niftrine fish fauna: (a) Physical— viz., temperature and density of the sea at various Bersons, depths, etc., — currents, 6tc. ; (b) biological — viz., study of the development and life history of the loco-1 fishes, their food supply, etc., of the marino invertebrate fauna. (2) To collect and hatch out eggs of various loc^l marine fishes and to distribute them. (3) To introduce anS rear Seairable species of foreign fishes (including lobsters and crabs).

Building Site Required.— (a) One or more tidal ponds, in which to place any fish — native or introduced — while under investigation ; (b) spawning pond for -ripe fish; (c) a building to perve as a -fattening and spawn-collecting chamber; (d) a hatching house, containing boxes, etc., in which the ova are hatched out; (c) tank-house, fitted with boiler and pump; (f) laboratory. Probablj -the last four could be erected under one roof, but this is a detail. In 1895 Mr G. M. Barr, C.15., estimated that these buildings, erected on the same scale as those of the Scotch Fishery Boaid, at their Uunbar eatablishment,'wou'd cost £550.

A. curator's hou3e, with rooms ndded, hi which students and experts who were •erif'aged in research work could be acconrniodntc'd, would also be required. Control. — It is suggested that the professor of biology for the time heinf; in the University of Olago be appointed by the Government as the honorary scientific chrectoi of tho establishment, and that lie be aided by v. board of, say, six members — two nominated by the Government, two by -the Otago Institute, and two by the Acclimatisation Society — such board to bo elected annually, or for such periods as the Government may rieoide, and to report annually to the Minister at 4,'ne head of the Marine department.

Mr Thomson, continuing, said they Jcnew that both theso societies were prepared to contribute £250 each to the first co«t, and that the Government 'had given a subsidy of .0500.

Mr Ayson said he wanted it to 'bo mads quite clear to tho Government 'iiow the hatchery, once started, -.was -to be worked. Did they wish that -the 'Government should take control of It, and in that ,cas« were they prepared -to give financial aid ; or wer« they prepared to/take control ,if the 'Government donated pound J or -pound ? Air Bcgg -was of opinion that a p und for pound subsidy would 'be quite Sufficient ; and, in answer to a question.

Mr Thomson said that tho only expenses would be salary of caretaker and t'lie necpssary repairs. Ho went on lo show -that in past years the Government had already wasted more money on variouf- futile experiments than would have established a. hatchery suoh as that proposed. After considerable discussion, lilr Thomson's memorandum was UDcimmouHly agreetl to, and Mr Ayaon ' expressed ihe opinion that the Govornn ont would do overything in their j)owcr Lo heY tho two contributing bodies m the movement towards the establishment of the hatchery and n'sl- observatory.

Through tho drought the cattle of South Wales deereaaed in 1893 by 80,339, there being left 1,886,390 at gross.