AQUARIUM FOR DUNEDIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 66

AQUARIUM FOR DUNEDIN.

AN EXHIBITION ATTRACTION. Those responsible for the establishment oi the aquarium at the Exhibition grounds report that .matters are well under way. Offers of assistance are coming to hand from acclimatisation societies. These offer* include the loan of deer heads, complete specimens for mounting, specimens of large trout and salmon, a large specimen of Atlantic salmon, and also big game fish from the North Island. The last-named offer includes mako shark, kingfish, and sword fish. A thresher shark weighing 5001 b has also been secured. It has been arranged to have this monster skinned at the Bay of Islands, where it was caught, and have the mounting done in Dunedin, There is large wall space available, measuring 100 ft by 80ft. and this and the wall spaces surrounding the tanks will be covered with these trophies. The fact that deer heads will be forthcoming from the different deer areas throughout the dominion will give those interested an opportunity of making comparisons, and from the keenness of the competition to display specimens from the north it is already apparent that the south will have to bestir itself. It is only natural, therefore, that those controlling the display should be somewhat anxious on this point, and wish to impress on those persons in the south who have suitable specimens the necessity for having them displayed. This applies not only to the different breeds of deer, but to the different varieties of fish. Mr W. G. Howes would like to have definite promises of these, and as he and those who are acting with him are prepared to pay carriage there should be a liberal response. A Daily Times reporter was given an opportunity of seeing the plans of the aquarium, which provides for 24 tanks for the accommodation of living fish. Each of these tanks will weigh half a ton. and it is intended to display both imported and native fish. It is intended that the display should be worthy of the province and the -dominion, and no effort on the part of the directors of the aquarium will be lacking.