THE OYSTER FISHERIES ACT AMENDMENT ACT, 1874, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE BRINGING INTO FORCE OF).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, H-31

11.—31

1875. NEW ZEALAND.

THE OYSTER FISHERIES ACT AMENDMENT ACT, 1874, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE BRINGING INTO FORCE OF).

No. 1. Dr. Hecxoe to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Auckland, 20th November, 1874. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I have made inquiries, during a recent journey in the northern part of the Province of Auckland, respecting the spawning season of the rock oysters, with a view of determining the best period of closing oyster fisheries in terms of "The Oyster Fisheries Act Amendment Act, 1874." From my own observations, and from information I have received from various sources, I have ascertained that from the middle of December until the end of February, or as the Maoris put it, during the time the Pohutukawa is in flower, is the usual period in which the oysters spawn. The spawning season, however, is liable to variation in different years and in different districts, but on this point I have been unable to obtain any definite information sufficient to allow for the present of different periods being proclaimed for different districts, although ultimately this may be an advisable course to adopt. I would therefore, for the present, recommend that the close season should be fixed from Ist December to the end of February, during which period a very large proportion of the oysters are in spawn. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. James Hectoe.

No. 2. Mr. Dickson to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Auckland Acclimatization Society, Sib, — Auckland, 7th December, 1874. Having reference to our conversation of this afternoon's date, upon the subject of the proposed Proclamation of " The Oyster Fisheries Act Amendment Act, 1874," 1 now do myself the honor to state that I have consulted the President and several of the members of the Council of the Auckland Acclimatization Society, and am instructed by them to request that His Excellency may be advised to proclaim the Act as in force within the whole of the Province of Auckland for the four months in each season, commencing on the Ist December and ending on the 3lst March. The unanimous opinion of all such members of the Council of the Society as I have been able to consult is in favour of the longest period of rest allowed by law being enforced. I have, &c, Edwin B. Dickson, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Secretary. By Authority : Gxobgb Didsbtot, Gorftrnment Printer, Wellington. Price 3d.]