MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1946-47

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, H-15

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1946-47

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

Marine Department, Wellington, 30th June, 1947. Your Excellency,— I do myself the honour to transmit for Your Excellency's information the report of the Marine Department for the financial year ended the 31st March last. I have, &c., J. O'Brien, Minister of Marine. His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand.

REPORT

The Secretary, Marine Department, to the Hon. the Minister op Marine. Marine Department, Wellington, 20th June, 1947. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the annual report on the activities of the Marine Department for the year ended 31st March, 1947. It had been hoped that at this period, after the cessation of hostilities, the work of the Department would be back to normal, but such is not so. My staff have performed splendidly in carrying out the normal duties of the Department, plus the additional work entailed in post-war activities such as the redelivery to previous owners of vessels taken over for war service ; the sale of other units which are not required by the previous owners ; the completion of war vessels which were almost constructed when hostilities ceased ; the disposal of shipbuilding and other stores in Auckland, Wellington, and Port Chalmers through the War Assets Realization Board ; the clearing and handing over of areas taken for shipbuilding purposes ; the supervision of running accounts of the barque " Pamir " ; and many other minor activities consequent on the war. The receipt of the report of the British engineers, Messrs. Buckton and Clarke, on the west coast harbours was of outstanding importance during the year. In the main the report confirmed the opinion of the majority of engineers who had previously reported on the west coast harbours and narrowed the opinions in regard to other points on the coast where deep-sea harbours had been advocated. At the time of going to press, all the reports available are being studied and collated by a committee of engineers which is expected to make a final report and recommena- ;ion in the near future. The repatriation of British seamen from this area has been carried out during the year, and the reciprocal repatriation of our own New Zealand seamen from other parts of the world has steadily proceeded, along with the arranging of passages and provision for the care and comfort of the wives and families of seamen involved.

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Normality has more or less returned to our lighthouses, and those which were extinguished for security reasons are now relighted or in process of being so. One of the most important of these —Fairchild Rock, at the southernmost portion of the South Island —is not yet reinstalled, for the reason that the heavy tackle for this buoy requires lifting from buoys in the Whangaparaoa Passage, at Auckland. The reinstallation is, however, considered an urgent matter. Discussions have been held with members of the Merchant Service Guild and others in the nautical profession, as a result of which a programme of necessary lights and navigational aids has been mapped out for consideration and installation as early as the necessary plant can be imported. There were twenty-one casualties to shipping involving twenty-three vessels during the year. Of these, eighteen were more or less minor, requiring only the usual preliminary inquiry by the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine ; three others were of major importance —viz., the stranding of the motor-ship " Wanganella " on Barret Reef, at the entrance to Port Nicholson, on the 19th January, 1947 ; the stranding of the fishingvessel " Futurist " at Long Point, south of Cape Campbell, on the 19th March ; and the collision of the vessel " Tamahine " with a Fairmile patrol vessel at the Queen's Wharf, Wellington. The Court's decisions in these cases are conveyed later in this report. ADMIRALTY CHARTS The Department acts as agent for the sale of Admiralty charts and maintains a stock at Head Office and the main Mercantile Marine offices in the Dominion. The stock includes all charts of the Dominion and many other parts of the world to which ships trading to or visiting the Dominion may be diverted from the usual run. The stock of charts for areas outside the Dominion is fairly large at present as the result of ships resuming their normal trade. The number of corrections to these charts as navigational aids have been re-established and danger areas removed has been a big undertaking occupying a considerable amount of the nautical staff's time. The main factor underlying the Marine Department's undertaking this agency is that of providing mariners with charts corrected to the date of issue in order to avoid, as far as possible, any accident which might result from the use of the incorrect charts. During the year the existing chart of the north coast of the Dominion, No. 2525, was cancelled and replaced by one showing the amended coast-line and new soundings from Tutukaka Head to Takou Bay, north side of the Bay of Islands, as found by the H.M.S. " Endeavour's " survey. With this corrected chart the coastal charts from Poverty Bay to Takou and the approaches to the Hauraki Gulf are now covered by charts from the data supplied by the H.M.S. " Penguin " and the H.M.S. " Endeavour." The remainder of the coastal charts, excepting No. 2532, which has been corrected, are from surveys by H.M.S. " Pandora " and H.M.S. " Acheron " and differ from the New Zealand Government's survey, and a note drawing attention to these inaccuracies is borne on each of the charts. In the Magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the " Wanganella " a determined attempt was made to show that a difference of longitude of about fifty seconds existing on chart 695 had a bearing on the casualty, and it was necessary to explain to the Court that such difference was actually mentioned on the chart and that it had no navigational significance so far as the casualty was concerned. COASTAL SURVEY It is realized by the Department that the survey of our coasts should be recommenced as early as possible in order to restore confidence in mariners when navigating those parts of the coast covered by charts from surveys made by the H.M.S. " Acheron " and H.M.S. " Pandora " between the years 1848 and 1855. The differences in the positions of the coast-line and hydrographical features of these charts from those of the New Zealand Government survey and the absence of any detailed soundings in some areas is apt to cause a lack of confidence in navigators using these charts.

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In 1901 H.M.S. " Penguin " commenced a survey of the coast at Poverty Bay, and reached Mercury Bay in 1905 when the survey ceased. Subsequent to this no survey was made until 1937, when the H.M.S. " Endeavour " commenced at Mercury Bay and carried oil as far as the northern end of the Bay of Islands. At this point the survey was discontinued shortly after the outbreak of war. Immediately hostilities ceased, Admiralty was approached by the direction of the Government on the question of resuming the survey, but, as the existing Naval survey ships are likely to be fully engaged on work of more importance, no prospect could be seen of undertaking our work in the near future. Admiralty, however, have offered the fullest co-operation, and suggest that the New Zealand Navy should undertake the work. This suggestion is at present being investigated by the New Zealand Naval Board, the Marine Department, and other authorities in regard to the practicability and the initial and yearly costs of the scheme. BLUFF - STEWART ISLAND FERRY SERVICE I am pleased to be able to state that the G.S.S. " Wairua " is performing a service which has been proclaimed as most satisfactory to everybody concerned. In addition to •ensuring that the islanders have a regular service and that the tourist traffic is efficiently dealt with, our vessel also services the lighthouse at Puysegur Point and has successfully carried the mutton-birders to the southern islands in the autumn of the last two years. Arrangements have now been made at the coming overhaul for the vessel to be fitted with twin Diesel engines in place of the present boilers and to improve the accommodation so that in the future a service even more efficient than at present will be forthcoming. G.S.S. " MATAI " This vessel is at present under refit at Auckland, opportunity being taken to complete her conversion from war service. It was not possible to have this attended to at the time she was released from Naval service, for the reason that she was required for trips to Norfolk Island for servicing the aerodrome there, to Australia in connection with the delivery of minesweepers, also to Lyttelton in connection with the de-storing of Ashburton Naval Stores Depot. The vessel's present refit and overhaul, which is taking place at the Devonport Naval Base, will not be completed until near the end of the current year. DISPOSAL OF SHIPPING Departmental officers continue to act as agents of the War Assets Realization Board in the disposal of ships, minesweepers, launches, &c., which had been requisitioned or purchased for war use previously. Requisitioned vessels were sold under an arrangement whereby the former owners were given a prior right of purchase at a price based on the amount originally paid by the Government for these units. Apart from these, all other vessels were sold by public tender after selling-prices had been fixed by valuations made by Marine Department Surveyors and by outside valuers experienced in the particular type of construction. Altogether, to date, 131 vessels have been sold, with 14 units at present under disposal and 7 on hire to various interests. SHIPBUILDING During the year the Department completed on behalf of the Government six 55 ft. steel fishing-vessels for the UNRRA authorities in China. These vessels, together with eight 45 ft. tow-boats, three 75 ft. steel tugs, and the trawler " Sylvia K" were delivered in Auckland recently and loaded in the holds of the British vessel, " Empire Charmian." The loading of these into the holds of the vessel by utilizing the ship's own gear was a feat of no mean importance. Apart from this shipbuilding, the Department's officers have been engaged in realizing the assets comprised of buildings, plant, material, &c., through the War Assets Realization Board.

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AIDS TO NAVIGATION Captain W. Whiteford, Nautical Adviser, represented the Department at the Radio Aids to Navigation Conference in London early last year. Through the courtesy of the High Commissioner in London, this officer presented letters of introduction to the Secretary of Trinity House, London, and the Northern Lights Commissioners in Edinburgh. At these interviews and subsequent talks with the Engineer-in-Chief, Trinity House, our officer found that lighthouse practice and lighthouse work in general in the United Kingdom are much the same as in New Zealand and that most of our present and proposed improvements compare favourably with those in Britain. The lights in the United Kingdom are generally on higher power than those in use here, owing to the lower coefficient of atmospheric transmission. It is felt, however, that we lag behind in some cases where very old lenses of the fixed type have been changed to the flashing type with the result that the efficiency is much below that which would be obtained with a modern lense of the flashing type. Fixed lights such as Centre Island, and long-interval lights such as are installed at Farewell Spit, Cape Saunders, and Cape Campbell that flash every minute, are out of date, and consideration is now being given to the replacement of the fixed lenses at Baring Head, Godley Head, Nugget Point, and Centre Island with modern revolving lenses of the fourth order which would, using the same light power, increase the power of Baring Head from about 83,000 candle-power to over 2,500,000. As a result of conferences with shipping experts, plans are in mind for the establishment of a further twenty-three lights around the coast at a suggested rate of about three each year, and during the present financial year it is proposed to commence with the establishment of lights on Slope Point, between Nugget and Waipapapa Points ; Gibson Point, between Lyttelton and Kaikoura ; and Motuara Island, at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound. During the year the illuminant of Godley Head light was changed from incandescent gas to electricity, power being taken from the main reticulation, and a stand-by generator being installed for emergency use. The erection of radio beacons at lighthouses had perforce to be discontinued at the outbreak of war. Up to that stage beacons had been established at Cape Reinga, Moko Hinau Island, Cuvier Island, Baring Head, Cape Campbell, Stephens Island, and Puysegur Point Lighthouses. These beacons operate continuously in weather of low visibility and at stated intervals during clear weather. At Tiri Tiri, Portland Island, and the coast stations of the Post and Telegraph Department at Auckland, Wellington, and Awarua, arrangements exist whereby ships fitted with direction-finders can obtain direction-finding signals on request. At the close of the war the programme could not be fesumed until it was known whether this type of beacon would be replaced by one of the radio direction-finding systems which have been developed during the war and which were for some time afterwards more or less secret. The British Government, with a view to the examination of pre-war radio aids to navigation and those developed by the Allied Governments during the war, convened the International Conference in London which, as before mentioned, was attended by the Nautical Adviser of this Department, Dr. E. Marsden, Director of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Dr. Bogle, of the same Department, who, at that stage, was attached to an Admiralty signalling establishment in England. The Conference discussed all radio methods of position-finding used by air and surface craft, with particular attention to radar, which is the most valuable aid to navigation discovered up to the present. So far as medium-frequency beacons are concerned, which is the type in general use for shipping all over the world, the Conference decided that it could still be considered a valuable aid to navigation. The limitations attached to the use of the beacons by ships are generally recognized, but until a better medium-range aid to navigation is operationally proved and widely desired by the navigators there should be no change.

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Consequent on the decision of the Conference and in common with other maritime countries, a decision will probably be reached to proceed with our programme and the •establishment of the existing type of beacon with the latest improvements at selected lighthouses, points in view for these being Bast Cape, Godley Head, Portland Island, Taiaroa Head, Dog Island, and replacement of the present temporary beacon at Tiri Tiri. PROSECUTIONS During the year there were 132 prosecutions instituted under the various statutes ■of the Department. Of these, 122 were concerned with breaches of the Fisheries Act, 2 with the Harbours Act, 1 with the Inspection of Machinery Act, and 7 in reference to the Shipping and Seamen Act. The great increase in prosecutions under the Fisheries Act is due to the more rigid patrol now exercised by the Department by reason of the replacement of our fisheries patrol vessels with faster and more suitable units. In this regard, also, the air services have been utilized for fisheries patrol work. ENGAGEMENT OF SEAMEN This service has been maintained. A record of seamen applying for work is kept for the purpose of filling vacancies. SICK AND INJURED SEAMEN The total amount paid by shipowners to sick and injured seamen under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, and amendments was £17,165 lis. lid., as against £16,215 17s. 2d. for the previous year, an increase of £949 14s. 9d. REGISTRATION OF SHIPPING On the 31st December, 1946, there were on the register of vessels in the Dominion 44 sailing-vessels of 3,541 net tons register, 128 steamers of 61,350 net tons register, and 291 motor-vessels of 20,378 net tons register, as compared with 45 sailing-vessels •of 3,553 net tons register, 127 steamers of 61,606 net tons register, and 279 motor-vessels of 18,770 net tons register at the end of the previous year. The number of seamen employed on board was 2,469, as compared with 2,174 for the year 1945. SHIPPING CASUALTIES A Court of Inquiry was held at Wellington from the 25th to 28th February, 1947, in respect of the stranding of the motor-ship " Wanganella " on Barret Reef, at the entrance to Port Nicholson, on the 19th January* 1947, the ship being eventually refloated and towed to the floating dock, Wellington. The ship sustained extensive damage. The Court's decision in this case was as follows : (1) The Court, having carefully inquired into the circumstances attending the casualty, found that the cause of the stranding was due to the master's belief that the Barret Reef flashing buoy light near the entrance to Port Nicholson was the No. 1 or southernmost leading light in the Wellington Harbour (which latter light is approximately two and a half miles north of the Barret Reef light). The master steered the vessel upon a course passing slightly west of Barret Reef light and heading for the aforesaid No. 1 leading light, whereby the ship ran upon the outer rock of Barret Reef and remained stranded. In his belief that the Barret Reef buoy light was the southernmost leading light in the harbour, the master was quite mistaken.

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(2) The Court found that the casualty was caused by default on the part of the master, in that at a distance of not less than seven miles westward of it the Barret Reef buoy flashing light was visible from the ship and remained so visible from that time on to the time of the stranding. When the Barret Reef light first became visible to the ship and for some miles thereafter,, the No. 1 leading light in Wellington Harbour was hidden behind land and invisible to the ship, and an examination of the charts during that time should have satisfied the master that the visible flashing light was the Barret buoy light. (3) The Court found that the casualty was not in any way caused or contributed to or brought about by the actions or default of any officer or member of the crew other than the master, whose certificate was suspended for a period of three months. (4) The Court ordered each party to bear its own costs. A Court of inquiry was also held at Wellington on the 2nd May, 1947, in respect of the stranding of the steam fishing-vessel " Futurist " at Long Point, about ten miles south of Cape Campbell, early on the morning of the 19th March, 1947, as the result of which she was subsequently abandoned as a total loss. The Court's decision in this case was as follows : (1) The Court, having carefully inquired into the circumstances attending the above-mentioned casualty, found that the immediate cause was due tothe faulty lookout kept from 2 a.m. until 3.30 a.m. on the morning of the 19th March, 1947, in that the fireman on duty was incompetent and inexperienced in lookout duties and that he neglected to notify the master of the poor visibility at that time, a change of wind, and a set from the south. (2) A contributory cause of the casualty was the strong set from the south, which could not reasonably have been foreseen when the master retired and which carried the ship some six miles north into the shore. (3) The Court found that the casualty was not caused or contributed to by the wrongful act or default of the master or crew, other than the fireman on lookout duty. No order was made as to costs. A further Court of inquiry was held at Wellington on the sth May, 1947, in respect of a collision between the Picton ferry steamer " Tamahine " with a Fairmile patrol vessel at the Queen's Wharf on the 28th February, 1947. The Court's decision in this case was as follows : (1) The Court, having carefully inquired into the circumstances surrounding the collision, found that the third engineer was solely to blame for the mishap, in that he put the engine full ahead instead of full astern. (2) In finding that the third engineer was solely to blame for the mishap, the Court found that the casualty was caused by the inadvertence or fault of the officer in question and was in no way caused or contributed to by the master or any other engineer or officer of the ship. (3) In coming to its decision the Court thought that it should, in fairness to the third officer, make known its views that he had been continuously on duty for a long period without sleep and that factor alone may have contributed to his mistake. The Court did not interfere in any way with his certificate, nor did it make any order as to costs.

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HARBOURS The Department has continued to control the harbours of Westport, Picton, and Dargaville. The work at Picton includes the maintenance of lights in the Cook Strait area and the regular servicing of the Brothers Lighthouse by the Harbourmaster's launch. At Dargaville the Harbourmaster maintains the harbour services, including the replenishment of navigation lights in the wide Kaipara Harbour area. WESTPORT HARBOUR As is no doubt well understood, the governing factor in the successful operation •of a river port is the depth available at high water at the entrance or, otherwise, the mouth of the river. It is the inevitable situation that, due to several variable physical -circumstances, what is so generally known as a bar or patch of shoal water occurs at such entrance, and it is the depth of water on this shoal which fixes the working depth at and draught to which vessels may work for their outward loading of cargoes ; in the case of Westport, as with Greymouth, predominately coal for transport to the North Island. A factor which further affects the available depth is the tidal rise—appreciably better at times of " spring " tides as compared to " neap " tides —and intensity of swell or sea running over the bar. The circumstances differ on an average basis from year to year, month to month, and even from day to day. It is interesting to note, then, that in respect to the year now under review—i.e., Ist April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947—the mean of daily available high-water (working) depths, taken month by month, is the best for many years, and, with the exception of one year, the best for the last fifteen years. As immediate comparison, for instance, the yearly means of high-water depths are : 1944-45, 21 feet 4 inches ; 1945-46, 20 feet 8 inches ; 1946-47, 22 feet 2 inches. In my report covering the previous year —i.e., 1945-46—1 stated that, as at the close of that year, the low-water depth (low water spring tide datum) on the bar had improved to 12 feet, as against the very low depth of 9 feet which tad obtained three months or so earlier. Such improvement in low-water depth remarked upon, however, did not continue consistently into the earlier few months of this year, falling to 10 feet 6 inches in July. It was not a long period of recession, the mean of high-water depths throughout being, on the average, consistently better than during the preceding period of several months. The weather conditions during July and August were the very worst consistently ■experienced for many years, with continuous freshets of considerable strength in the river and strong seas on the bar. These conditions more appreciably were to the disadvantage of shipping, with loss of coal shipments to the North Island of probably several thousand tons, but, on the other hand, a decided improvement to the depth on the bar resulted—a most satisfactory condition which maintained until just prior to the close of the year. From the time of the improvement mentioned until late in December, however, rather consistently adverse weather conditions with rough seas and freshets in the river somewhat depreciated the good working depths which were available, though not to an extent which should have mitigated against the maintenance of good coal shipments, which for the year totalled 384,800 tons, slightly less than the total shipments during the previous year. From New Year on the weather vastly improved, extending into the driest period known in the district, with the Buller River falling to its lowest recorded level. Nevertheless — an uncommon circumstance under such conditions, due to absence of the usually prevailing strong south-westerly winds during fine weather which actuate littoral drift in favour of bar shoaling —the good depth of water maintained until March, for which month the mean of high-water working depths fell to 20 feet 8 inches, as against the 22 feet to 24 feet which had obtained for seven months previously, with the least depth at low water (" spring " tide datum) of 11 ft., as against 13 ft. to 14 ft. extending over the same previous months.

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More particular comparisons of high-water depths over some previous years are indicated in the following tabulation :

Number of Days on which Depth obtained on the Bar at High Water

Notes. —In the foregoing tabulation the years quoted are as at 31st March. In the history of the port 1917 was the year of best depth conditions. This was during the year following completion of the last breakwaters extension plus a period of very intensive dredging. The good return of working depths for 1927 was the result of many floods in the river that year, topped by the exceptionally great flood of sth November, 1926. The figures for 1931, except for 1934 (depression circumstances), represent the poorest working depth conditions for over forty years.

During the past year, 254 (316) vessels aggregating 184,943 (198,643) tons net register worked the port, the figures in parentheses being those corresponding for the previous year. In all, the in and out vessels for the year totalled 508 (633), with total net register tonnage of 368,869 (398,565). Bunker-coal trade in respect to overseas and intercolonial cargo-vessels was an appreciable feature in the port's activities in pre-war years, but fell away after Japan's ..-entry into the war and has not yet returned, although two such vessels did work the port, lifting 3,950 tons of bunkers, as against " nil " the previous year. Timber lifted from the port totalled 1,229,000 super feet, compared to 1,500,000super feet in 1945-46.

The following record of annual shipments of coal, together with mean high-water depths on the bar —in respect to several past years—might be of interest: —

The port's three dredges were maintained in commission, more or less, throughout the year. The bar suction dredges " Eileen Ward " and " Rubi Seddon" operated predominantly on the bar, with incidental attention to the lower reach of the river fairway. The " Eileen Ward," which is the Department's most powerful dredge, was out of action for about three months whilst undergoing extensive dock overhaul and replacement of new internals in the gravel pumps.

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Depth. 1917. 1927. 1931. 1939. 1942. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1947. 14' to 16' 1 2 16' to 18' .. 25 2 1 39 *23 35 18' to 20' 132 88 33 96 69 124 35 20' to 22' 26 165 149 181 150 142 117 151 22' to 24' *22 112 43 115 143 75 87 62 126 24' to 26' 143 125 11 7 5 43 24 51 26' to 28' 137 70 1 1 2 Over 28' 63 32 Mean for year 26' 3" 24' 10" 20' 2" 21' 3" 21' 9" * 00 b <N 21' 4" 20' 8" 22' 2"

Year. Mean of High Water Depths on Bar. Total Quantity of Coal shipped. 1931 .. 1939 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 Ft. in. 20 2 21 3 21 9 21 8 20 8 21 4 20 8 22 2 Tons. 513,500 426,400 487,500 446,500 401,300 402,000 385,300 384,800

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In all, the two dredges lifted and disposed at sea 643,500 cubic yards of dredgings, 485,000 cubic yards of which were from the bar area and 158,500 cubic yards from the river fairway and wharf berths. The total dredged by the same two dredges the previous year was 697,350 cubic yards, 520,000 cubic yards of which were from the bar area. The port's bucket dredge, " Maui," was also out of action for a period early in the year on dock survey and overhaul, and in the latter five months of the year, has been •on hire to the Wanganui Harbour, doing excellent work there in restoration of depths .at heavily silted berths at the Castlecliff wharves. At Westport the function of the bucket dredge is the maintenance of adequate •depths in the shipping berthage area, and in order to supplement the restricted availability of the " Maui " during the year the Greymouth Harbour bucket dredge " Mawhera " was secured for a short period. The total amount lifted by the " Maui " and " Mawhera " during the restricted period they were operated was 34,650 cubic yards, And depths at the berths were maintained satisfactorily. Port equipment and property has been maintained in satisfactory condition throughout the year. Endeavours have been made to commence erection of our urgently required new workshops building and for the setting-up in which new tools and machinery have come and are coming to hand, but, due to contemplated harbour-improvement works —not yet decided —the order of which might affect location of the shops, progression is at a standstill. Abreast of the wharves the half-tide stone wall which confines the river along that length had, over the period of years since its construction, wasted in places into gaps which permitted escape of water and consequent scouring medium. By means of a tractor crane traversing the wall these gaps have been closed with replacement of stone. The work extended in parts over some 1,500 ft. of wall. At the lower end of the wall, abreast the main coal-loading berths, over a period of years a large shingle-bank extending over a length of some 700 ft. had accumulated from flood deposition to such an extent as to overflow into the channel and thereby press flood current undesirably against shipping in the berths. With the same tractor as bulldozer removing some 10,000 cubic yards of coarse gravel, this bank was reduced and a relief channel cut. In my last annual report I mentioned fruition of the Hon. Minister's efforts to obtain expert overseas opinion as to steps which should be considered for the purpose of improvement to the port. In July-August, Mr. EJ. Buckton and Mr. A. J. Clark, of Messrs. Rendel, Palmer, and Tritton, of Westminster, spent three weeks at Westport in a close study of the harbour, and shortly after the New Year their very comprehensive report was received. This report is at present under study and analysis by a committee of New Zealand engineers set up by the Hon. Minister for the purpose of final recommendation as to what work should be done. In my last report I also referred to the setting-up during that year by the Hon. Minister of a Local Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of all interests •concerned in the successful functioning of the port. This Committee has continued to meet regularly and consider various matters for the betterment of the port and its operation, though in the latter months little achievement has been realized materially owing to the lag pending the decision upon engineers' recommendations. SCHOOL OF NAVIGATION At the School of Navigation at Auckland classes for all grades of certificates have l)een held continuously throughout the year and a high standard of teaching has been maintained. It is now possible to assess the number of students taking advantage of the school as being in the vicinity of 80 annually : Year. Students. 1944-45 .. .. .. .. ..75 1945-46 .. .. .. .. ..84 1946-47 .. .. .. .. ..81

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During 1946-47 the following grades of candidates attended tlie school: — 11 Master, Foreign-going. 7 First Mate, Foreign-going. 23 Second Mate, Foreign-going. 7 Master, Home Trade. 12 Mate, Home Trade. 1 Second Mate, Home Trade. 2 Master, 25-ton Cargo-vessel. 9 Master, River S.S. 2 Yacht Master (N.Z.) 7 Vol. Exam. Comp. Dev. 81 The Rehabilitation Department is still assisting students financially, and while this assistance may be an inducement for a small number of men to qualify for certificates, in the great majority of cases the students by their keenness have demonstrated their ambition to become officers of ships and leaders of the profession. Inquiries from Army Headquarters regarding correspondence courses for members of J Force have been received, and the school is doing everything possible for members of the Forces who have a desire to study navigation. During the year, in response to representations from shipping interests, a branch of the school was opened at Wellington, and is proving very beneficial to candidates in the Wellington Province and in the South Island. EXAMINATION OF MASTERS AND MATES The examinations have been held in Auckland and Wellington on the statutory days, and on occasions special examinations have been held where candidates from overseas ships are unable to attend on the regular days. The examinations have been conducted in a satisfactory manner, and in the case of Foreign-going Certificates in accordance with the requirements of the Imperial Ministry of Transport. The Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates, Captain Whiteford, took the oportunity whilst in the United Kingdom attending a radar conference to confer with the Principal Examiner of Masters and Mates there, and found that the examinations in the Dominion are conducted on a standard similar to those in Great Britain. The number of examinations, 134, shows a decrease of 27 on the figures for last year, and it is to be expected that there will be a gradual decrease until normal requirements are reached. The passes and failures are as follows : Foreign-going Certificates— Per Cent. Full pass .. .. .. .. .. .. 55 • 6 Partial pass .. .. .. .. ..28-4 Partial failure .. .. .. .. .. 1-2 Failure .. .. .. .. .. ..14*8 Home-trade Certificates — Full pass .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 Partial pass .. .. .. .. 5 Partial failure .. .. .. .. 5 Examinations in sight tests during the year amounted to 105, of whom 101 passed. NOTICES TO MARINERS Information relative to changes in navigational aids, dangers to navigation, and general information to mariners is published in the above form. During the year 46 notices were issued. Notices of an urgent nature are sent out in the form of a radio warning through the Post and Telegraph coast stations to vessels carrying an operator, and to other vessels through the National Broadcasting Stations.

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The service for the distribution of hydrographical information which obtained before the war has been restored, and notices to mariners from the following countries are available for inspection at the Mercantile Marine offices at the main ports: Britain, United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, India, Siam, France, and Australia. SAFETY OF SMALL SHIPS In an effort to prevent further loss of life through boats, yachts, and fishing-vessels proceeding to sea in an unseaworthy condition or inadequately equipped with lifesaving applicances or with incompetent crew, regulations have been drafted for their safety. These have been circulated for comment to the various yachting clubs and fishermen's associations, and up to the end of the year a large number of the replies received showed an appreciation of the need for the regulations along with their desire to co-operate with the Department in their requirements. Some replies have evidenced suggestion for an extension of the requirements or for minor alterations, and these will receive consideration in the final draft. RADIO REGULATIONS The Radio Regulations for ship installations are under revision, but action is delayed until it is clear whether alterations will be required when the result of the recent International Radio Conference in Washington is available. "NEW ZEALAND ALMANAC" AND TIDE TABLES This publication for 1947 (forty-fifth edition) was published in good time for circulation before the beginning of the year. During the war, for paper-conservation purposes, one Part only was published, but this year it was published again in one volume, as in this form it is of maximum value to mariners. In co-operation with the various Harbour Boards, every effort is made to keep the port information and harbour plans up to date and to maintain it during the year by notices to mariners. New plans of the Auckland berthage and Bluff Harbour, provided by the local Boards, and a new plan of Westport Harbour, appear in this year's edition of the " Almanac." COMPASSES The regulations for ships' compasses were under revision at the end of the year and are now brought into force. The existing regulations have been carefully administered and compasses continue to be maintained in a good state of efficiency. The investigation of adjustments show that the work of the various Compass Adjusters and Inspectors throughout New Zealand has been carefully performed. BARQUE "PAMIR" The supervision of the operation of this vessel, through the agency of the Union Steam Ship Co., has been the responsibility of this Department. For various reasons voyages to the east coast of America and Canada have been less profitable, chiefly because the earlier voyages were made with highly remunerative cargoes. Towards the end of last year a decision was made to utilize the vessel for a trip from Lyttelton to Australia with timber and back to New Zealand with cement. Unfortunately, shipping trouble in Sydney necessitated the tie-up of the vessel at the wharf for several weeks, and it is not anticipated that that particular trip will show a profit. At the time of going to press consideration was being given to the future disposition of this vessel, having regard to the many requests from societies interested that the vessel should be utilized for the purposes of a training-ship for New Zealand boys who desire to take up a seafaring profession.

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EXAMINATION OF MARINE ENGINEERS During the year 351 candidates were examined for Marine Engineer Certificates of Competency at the various centres throughout the Dominion. Of these, 119 were examined for First- and Second-class Certificates of Imperial validity, 124 were examined for Third-class Marine Certificates, and 16 were examined for Second-class Coastal Motor Certificates of New Zealand validity. Candidates sitting for First-class Imperial Validity Certificates total 36, of which 15 passed for Certificates, 7 passed Part " A," and 14 failed in the examination. Candidates sitting for Second-class Imperial Validity Certificates total 87, of which 22 passed for Certificates, 29 passed Part "A," and 36 failed in the examination.

X x The passes for First-class Imperial Validity Certificates issued by the Department were subdivided as follows : 1 Combined Steam and Motor, 8 Steam, and 6 Motor Endorsements. The passes for Second-class Imperial Validity Certificates issued by the Department were subdivided as follows : 11 Steam, 10 Motor, and 1 Motor Endorsement j totalling 37 Certificates issued, as shown in the following table :

Candidates for Third Marine Examination total 123, of these 87 passed and 36 failed. Sixty-five passed at the first attempt, 15 at the second attempt, 5 at the third attempt, and 2at the fourth attempt. Candidates for Second-class Coastal Motor Examination total 16, and all passed at the first attempt. The remaining 92 candidates were examined for River Engineer (Steam) and Restricted Limits P.V.O.S. (Oil) Certificates of Competency. Of these, 15 passed and 1 failed for River Engineer, and 70 passed and 6 failed for Retricted Limits P.V.O.S. Examination. During the year there has been a considerable increase in candidates for both Imperial Validity and for the Third-class Marine Examination amounting to 105 per cent, and 112 per cent, respectively. This increase and the number of candidates presenting themselves for examination for these certificates is the greatest ever recorded by the Marine Department. SURVEY OF SHIPS Survey Certificates were issued during the year ended 31st March, 1947, for 7 steam and 9 motor foreign-going, 28 steam and 75 motor home-trade ships, and 43 steam and 246 motor restricted-limits ships and launches. Equipment Certificates were issued for 12 foreign-going, 28 home-trade, and 3 restricted limits ships, all of which carry certificates of class issued by classification societies. Survey and Equipment Certificates issued for the year ended 31st March, 1947, total 451, as compared with a total of 434 for the year ended 31st March, 1946, and 389 for 1945. Surveys were also made in 297 cases for seaworthiness, efficiency of equipment, tonnage, radio-telegraphy, &c., as against 247 such cases surveyed during the year ended 31st March, 1946, and 221 during 1945. Forty-nine of these surveys made in 1946-47 were in respect of overseas ships not registered nor normally surveyed in the Dominion. Two wooden ships, " Avon " and " Melva," built by the New Zealand Government, have been chartered to Holm and Co., Ltd., and are engaged in the coastwise cargo trade. Each vessel has a cargo-carrying capacity of 250 tons. These vessels are sister ships of " Rosalie " and " Aranui," which were also built during the 1939-45 war and have since been employed in the New Zealand coastwise cargo trade.

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Class. Steam and Motor. Steam. Steam Endorsement. Motor. Motor Endorsement. Total. First Second 1 8 11 | 1 10 6 1 15 22

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A notable addition to the New Zealand merchant fleet during the year ended 31st March, 1947, is the turbo electric vessel " Hinemoa," which entered the WellingtonLyttelton express steamer service early in 1947. She is of nearly similar dimensions to the " Rangatira," built in 1931, but incorporated many improvements in detail, both in her amenities for passengers and crew and in her technical design. " Hinemoa "is one of the first important post-war liners built in the United Kingdom. Under a new name, " Hwalein," of Shanghai, the veteran passenger-steamer " Maori " entered during 1946 a further period of usefulness as a passenger-steamer trading in the China Seas. The " Maori" was built by Denny and Co., of Dumbarton, in 1907, and for nearly forty years under that name she had traded in the Wellington-Lyttelton express steamer service without serious mishap. The " Maori" was distinguished as the pioneer fast triple-screw turbine steamer in New Zealand coastal waters. The passenger-steamer " Maunganui " was sold to Greek owners during the year and renamed " Cyrenia." " Maunganui" was built in Scotland in 1911 for the Wellington-San Francisco mail-service. She was employed as a troop transport during the 1914-18 war and was a hospital ship during the 1939-45 war. The New Zealand trans-Pacific cargo service has been augmented by the large American-built vessel " Waitemata." In Auckland Harbour the ferry fleet has been enlarged during the year by two vehicular ferries, " George Peat " and " Frances Peat." Both vessels are propelled by Diesel engines. The hulls were built in Australia, and the vessels were originally used in the Hunter River, New South Wales, ferry service. Both vessels were delivered from Australia to Auckland under their own power and without abnormal incident. Structural alterations have been made at Auckland to fit these vessels to suit local conditions. Each vessel can carry 45 cars and 300 passengers in Auckland river limits with a service speed of 12 knots. There has been much activity in the building of the small class of off-shore trawler propelled by Diesel engines. These vessels average about 50 ft. to 55 ft. in length, are single screw, and of about 30 tons to 35 tons gross and slightly under 10 tons register. They are fitted with a trawl winch and the usual trawling-gear. The design and construction of these vessels have been approved by the Marine Department. They are not required by law to be subsequently surveyed periodically by the Department when of a register tonnage not exceeding 10 tons, nor for the same reason are they subject to the statutory requirements as to certificated officers and the manning scale. Timber, and particularly kauri, has been hitherto the staple material for the construction of these small ships in New Zealand. The present acute shortage of first-class kauri suitable for shipbuilding has presented a hard problem to the local shipbuilders, and there has been of necessity a search for alternative materials for the construction of these vessels. Two Auckland engineering firms have therefore developed satisfactorily designs of trawlers of all-welded steel construction which have been approved by the Department. The general design has undoubtedly produced an efficient trawler embodying a standard of living-conditions conducive to the improved comfort and health of the crews. Six steel trawlers were designed and built privately in Auckland under the Marine Department's supervision to the account of UNRRA, South-west Pacific area. They have recently been shipped to Shanghai for service in Chinese coastal waters. As yet there is insufficient operating experience to forecast any reliable comparison of the overall efficiencies between the all-welded steel trawler and the traditional wood trawler. If, however, the present stringency in the supply of indigenous timbers for shipbuilding continues, both the fishing and coastal shipping interests and the shipbuilders also will be compelled to use either imported timber or imported steel plates and sections. Apart from new wood construction, the maintenance of existing wood ships in a satisfactory state of repair necessitates at present the approval of the Timber Controller to the release of supplies of the necessary timber to effect repairs.

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The twelve Fairmiles, anti-submarine patrol vessels built in New Zealand during the war period, have been sold to various purchasers. Most of them are being converted into private motor-yachts ; others are being converted into vessels suitable for the carriage of passengers for hire.. One Fairmile, severely damaged by collision with the " Tamahine," is unlikely to be fit for further useful service. Another wartime-built Naval vessel, the magnetic minesweeper " Tawhai," has been converted into a trawler and sold to UNRRA. She has made the voyage of delivery from Auckland to Shanghai under her own steam and will be employed in the China coast fishing industry. In addition, eight 45 ft. and three 75 ft. motor-propelled tugs originally built in New Zealand for the United States Forces have been completed and transported aboard a British steamer to Shanghai to the account of UNRRA. Another war-built 75 ft. tug has been taken over by the Marine Department for service in Westport Harbour, and the necessary alterations are proceeding to fit her for the special requirements of her future service. Demands by many ships, both New Zealand and overseas, for dry-dock accommodation continue to be sustained, especially for the dry docks of Wellington and Auckland, and the allocations, as in the war years, have been controlled in Wellington by the Central Docking Committee. This system of central allocation proves to be worthy of retention. The outstanding shipping casualty requiring extensive repairs in dry dock is the trans-Tasman liner, " Wanganella." This vessel was docked at Wellington early in the year following her salvage from Barret Reef and a detailed survey of the underwater damage to the hull structure has been made. The vessel will be redocked when the necessary steel plates and sections are delivered to enable permanent repairs to be effected. This work will constitute the largest single ship-repair work ever carried out in a New Zealand dry dock. An unusual repair was carried out during the year under the supervision of the Marine Department at Port Chalmers on behalf of the United States Navy on the Antarctic Expeditionary ship " Merrick " by the construction and fitting of a large jury rudder to replace the original rudder lost in the south polar seas. The new temporary rudder was designed to enable the ship to reach a United States Pacific port for permanent repairs. With the removal of ocean war hazards it has been practicable to withdraw many of the special wartime precautions to protect ships' crews and their ships from the worst results of enemy action at sea. In particular, most of the special wartime life-saving-appliance and fire-extinguishing-appliance requirements, &c., have been relaxed. But certain wartime safety requirements which experience has shown are of value in war and peace alike are being retained permanently. Studies are now proceeding in all maritime countries whereby the lessons of the war at sea may be adapted to promote a higher standard of safety of life at sea for all time. INSPECTION OF MACHINERY Steam Boilers, Air-receivers, and other Unfired Pressure Vessels The following statement sets out the number of inspections made during the year ended 31st March, 1947, of fired boilers, air-receivers, and other unfired pressure vessels (Group "A"), with the corresponding figures for 1945-46 shown also : 1946=47. 1945-46. Fired boilers .. .. .. .. .. 4>593 4,551 Air-receivers .. .. .. .. .. 4,154 4,003 Other unfired pressure vessels .. .. .. 6,905 6,207 Total inspections in Group "A" .. 15,652 14,761

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The inspections include 119 new power boilers, aggregating 1,467 horse-power, manufactured in the Dominion, and 6 new boilers, aggregating 857 horse-power, imported from abroad. The inspections also include 74 new air-receivers made in the Dominion and 23 made abroad, and 572 new unfired pressure vessels, other than air-receivers, made in the Dominion and 118 made abroad. The use of steam to drive machinery continues its downward trend. The number of such steam plants was 1,640 in 1944-45, 1,604 in 1945-46, and 1,500 in 1946-47. Despite the decline in the use of steam for power-generation, there is an overall increase in the number of steam boilers inspected annually (4,499 in 1944-45 (total); 4,551 in 1945-46 ; 4,593 in 1946-47), the increase being attributed to the more extensive use of steam for heating and industrial processes, other than power-generation, where precise control of temperature which steam can give is an essential requirement. There is an unsatisfied demand for most types of steam boiler. Two explosions occurred from pressure vessels during the year ended 31st March, 1947, both with great potential danger to life and limb, yet fortunately causing no personal injury. One explosion, the more serious because it involved ammonia gas, which is lethal, arose from the rupture of the gas-welded seams of an ammonia-receiver. The longitudinal seam of the shell ruptured for its whole length and the shell was projected vertically upwards and fractured a roof truss in its path. A few nearby residents were forced to leave their houses by reason of the presence of escaped ammonia gas, and gardens suffered considerably. The welds of the ammonia-receiver had been made about thirty years before and were extremely defective from the time of the vessel's construction. The second explosion concerned an air-receiver installed in a garage. Here also, the welding failed around the seam which secured the end plate to the cylindrical shell. The explosion projected the shell and top end of the receiver through the roof of the building. The receiver fell into the street without causing any personal injury. It is difficult without the aid of x-ray or gamma-ray equipment to detect internal defects in welded seams. Close control over the competency of welders of new air-receivers over 5-cubic-feet capacity and all ammonia pressure vessels is given by the Department, and welders are now required to weld test specimens in every case. Machinery The following statement shows the number of machines, machinery plants, lifts, cranes, hoists, and tractors (Group " B ") inspected during the year ended 31st March, 1947, with the corresponding figures for 1946 also shown : 1946-47. 1945-46. Machines driven by steam power in 1,500 plants 7,234 8,323 (1,604 plants) Machines driven by power other than steam in 12,159 plants.. .. .. .. 87,074 83,291 (11,618 plants) Electric-power-supply stations .. .. 138 140 Lifts .. .. .. .. .. 3,561 3,563 Cranes .. .. .. .. .. 595 571 Hoists .. .. .. .. .. 1,999 1,950 Tractors .. .. .. 337 363 Total inspections in Group "B " .. 100,938 98,201 Total inspections in Group "A" .. 15,652 14,761 Grand total of inspections (Group "A " plus Group "B ") .. 116,590 112,962

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There has been again an increase in the total number of inspections, the increase during 1946-47 being 3,628 over the previous year, including 45 power cranes and 25 lifts inspected for the first time, and the revenue from the machinery-inspection service again shows an increase over that for the year ended 31st March, 1946. Plans of all new boilers, air-receivers, and other unfired pressure vessels and of new cranes and lifts totalling 982 units have been examined and approved during the year ended 31st March, 1947. The design of power-driven cranes in New Zealand is governed by the Department's Rules for Power-driven Cranes issued in 1937. These rules, covering all parts of the machinery structure and fittings of cranes, have afforded during the past ten years a satisfactory and safe code of design and construction under which new cranes manufactured both in New Zealand and overseas have been built. The Power Crane Rules have proved to be of particular assistance to engineering firms in New Zealand during the war and post-war years who were suddenly faced with the urgent, and to them new, problem of manufacturing cranes vital to industry and defence which in pre-war circumstances would have been imported from overseas. Many lifts recently installed in New Zealand multistory buildings include the most modern safety features. It is impracticable to require all old existing lifts to conform in all respects to the latest safety practices, but it is practicable in many of the oldest lifts to improve them by requiring moderate mechanical and electrical alterations to be carried out. The modernization work, where essential to safety, is proceeding under the Department's direction as fast as the post-war shortages of special materials and skilled man-power permit. Accidents to life and limb during the year ended 31st March, 1947, arising from boilers, cranes, lifts, hoists, and general power-driven machinery inspected by the Inspection of Machinery Branch number 114, of which 7 were fatal. These figures repeat the incidence of accident for the previous year ended 31st March, 1946. Of the 7 fatal accidents, 2 of the victims were crushed by cranes, 4, including a child of two years,, lost their lives from the entanglement of their clothing and their limbs with revolving shafting, gearing, or rollers, and 1 through being heavily struck by a moving belt fastener. In the following table is given an analysis of the fatal and non-fatal machinery accidents which occurred during the year, indicating the principal machines and industries concerned :

1946-47 Machine and Industry Analysis of Accidents

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Description of Machines. Industries. Totals. Woodworking. Textile. Befrigeration. Printing. Metal-working and Engineering. Laundry. Butchery. Confectionery and Bakery. Boxmaking. Other Industries. Total Accidents (Machines). Fatal. Non-fatal. Circular saws Planers Shapers Power press Guillotines Laundry machinery Cranes and hoists Lifts Belting .. .. Shafting Gearing Mincers and other cutting-machines Other Total accidents 23 9 3 1 1 4 1 1 2 6 1 1 3 1 1 8 1 i I 2 2 2 3 i 1 1 2 1 2 4 2 2 2 1 9 25 10 4 16 1 3 3 6 3 5 9 7 22 2 1 1 2 i 25 10 4 16 1 3 1 6 2 4 7 7 21 41 10 2 7 13 3 3 2 10 23 114 7 107

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An analysis of machinery accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, over a period of years establishes and confirms the fact that many accidents arise either from ignorance or want of skill, or recklessness, on the part of the victims. Such accidents will recur again and again for the same reasons, and accidents in these catagories cannot be prevented by any machine guards which it is practicable to design. The losses to New Zealand arising from serious machinery accidents involving human life and limb are — (1) Loss of life, or permanent serious physical disability which may impair the victim's future ability to earn his livelihood and enjoy his accustomed mode of life. (2) Physical pain involved in the accident and the accompanying mental anguish suffered by the victim and his dependants. (3) Damage to the economic life of the nation arising from the total or partial loss of the victim's productive potential. (4) Economic loss to the nation from medical, hospital, and accident-compensation disbursements resulting from the machinery accident. The sum of the social and economic damage arising from machinery accidents -cannot be precisely evaluated, but it is known to be of such extent as to make worthwhile every possible effort to further reduce the accident rate in every country. Any substantial reduction in the present accident rate in New Zealand will be effected by means which succeed in creating in the minds of machine operators an acuter perception of the inherent dangers of power machinery and that it is their personal responsibility to themselves and others to use machinery intelligently and safely at all times. To this end the Department is extending its educational work amongst machine operators, foremen, and works-managers. Arrangements are in hand to permit an extension of the Department's work in statistical analysis of accident causation ; further studies will be made of accidentprevention by (a) engineering means and (6) educational means involving industrial psychology. The enormous growth of the use of farm machinery during the past two decades is shown by the fact that milking plants in 1942 were 2| times as numerous as in 1922, tractors 34 times, and electric motors 84J times as numerous. Farm machinery not exceeding 6 horse-power has been exempt from Government inspections since 1931. Accidents are regularly occurring with farm machinery, in which most of the victims Are children under six years old, most of whom are killed. That tragedy is crowned by the irony that most of the accidents are preventable by simple precautions which can be taken by the handy farmer. The Inspection of Machinery Branch has commenced the publication of a series of articles in farm journals of wide circulation to draw the attention of dairy farmers, sheep-farmers, agriculturalists, and orchardists to the dangers inherent in power-driven machinery and to indicate practical means by which the risk ■of accident may be reduced. GENERAL HARBOUR REGULATIONS For the year ended 31st March, 1947, 348 accidents were reported under Regulation 103 of the General Harbour Regulations. These accidents were suffered by persons engaged in the loading and unloading and repair of ships, and 5 of the accidents were fatal. The number of accidents for the previous year ended 31st March, 1946, was 301, of which 5 were fatal. Of the 5 fatal accidents reported during 1946-47, 1 was due to natural causes. In 2 cases death resulted from the failure of ships' cargo-lifting gear, another death resulted from cargo falling from an improperly secured sling, and the fifth death arose from an «oil-gas explosion in an auxiliary boiler of a passenger-ship. In the 3 cases of fatal .accident arising from cargo-working processes the victims were aged sixty-two, sixty-eight, and seventy-four years respectively. It is a fact well authenticated by experience that human reactions to sudden emergency tend to become slower in persons advancing in years, from which it follows that these elderly men had less chance of avoiding sudden danger than younger men exposed to the same risks.

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The following is an analysis of the accidents and their causes : Handling goods .. .. .. .. .. .. 102 Persons slipping and falling .. .. .. 63 Persons struck by swinging or falling loads .. .. 86 Persons slipping or striking fixed objects .. .. .. 7 Contact with power-driven machinery .. .. .. 7 Failures of gear .. .. .. .. .. 50 Not otherwise classified .. .. .. .. 33 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 348 A large proportion of the accidents reported are attributable either to want of skill or to an imperfect realization by the victims of the need for constant vigilance in avoiding unsafe practices. NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS INSTITUTE The Marine Department has again been actively represented in the New Zealand Standards Institute on the Executive Committee of the Standards Council and the Mechanical Engineering Divisional Committee. Draft specifications of Standards originating in New Zealand were examined, commented upon, and, where desirable, recommended for adoption as New Zealand Standards. There has been a resurgence of activity during the year in the British Standards Institution, and many British Standard Specifications adapted to local conditions have been recommended for adoption as New Zealand Standards. EXAMINATION OF LAND ENGINEERS, ENGINE-DRIVERS, AND ELECTRICTRAM DRIVERS Examinations for certificates issued under this head were conducted at intervals during the year by Inspectors of Machinery throughout the country. For the year ended 31st March, 1947, the candidates who presented themselves for examination totalled 705 ; of these, 611 passed and 94 failed, as compared with 392 successful candidates and 86 failures of the previous year. The total number of the candidates who presented themselves for examination during 1946-47 is 47 per cent, higher than that of the preceding year. Many ex-servicemen were examined during the year. In addition to the 610 certificates issued in 1946-47 to successful candidates, 126 certificates were issued as replacements, &c., under the provision of sections 53, 59, and 62 of the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1928. Provision has been made in the Tram-drivers Regulations 1947 for the issue of certificates to tram-drivers of cable trams as distinct from drivers of ordinary electric trams. An analysis of the certificates issued during the year, with the corresponding figures for 1945-46, is given hereunder : Class. " 1946-47. 1945-46. Service — ■ First-class Engine-driver .. .. .. 3 8 Competency — Extra First-class Stationary Engineer .. .. .. 2 First-class Engine-driver .. .. 43 30 Second-class Engine-driver .. .. .. 259 234 Locomotive and Traction .. .. 89 57 Locomotive-engine Driver .. .. .. 7 7 Traction-engine Driver .. .. .. 7 15 Electric-tram Driver .. .. .. .. 313 116 Electric-tram Driver (One-man Car) .. 10 9 Cable-tram Driver .. .. .. .. 3 Steam-winding-engine Driver .. .. .. 1 2 Electric-winding-engine Driver.. .. .. 1 736 480

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Appended to this report is a statement of the number of candidates examined at «ach examination centre for the year ended 31st March, 1947, showing the number of successful and unsuccessful candidates. s STAFF The entire staff of the Department have carried out their duties and responsibilities in a splendid manner, notwithstanding the added burden of post-war reconstruction and the shortage of staff, particularly typists. At the end of the year the Assistant Secretary, Mr. G. H. Tanner, retired after Approximately forty-three years of faithful service in this Department. His particular knowledge of the Department's work was an asset which will be missed, and the name of Tanner will be for a long time associated with Marine Department affairs. One of our lighthouse-keepers, Mr. T. B. Smith, of Godley Head, also retired on superannuation after long and faithful service in various parts of the Dominion. The best wishes of the staff of the Marine Department and of all navigators go out to these officers in the hope that they will enjoy health and prosperity for the remainder ■of their days. FISHERIES An abridged report on the working of the Fisheries Branch of the follows hereon. I have, &c., W. C. Smith, Secretary of Marine. V

PORTOBELLO MARINE BIOLOGICAL STATION Notwithstanding difficulties and limitation of facilities arising from the long period of financial straits and restricted material resources due to wartime conditions, the Station continues to provide the means for carrying out valuable researches in marine biology. These have been well utilized during the year by the staff and students of Otago University, by whose individual and combined work our knowledge of the marine fauna and flora of the area is being progressively advanced. Among material awaiting publication is a study by Miss B. I. Brewin and Miss E. Batham of plankton taken at fortnightly intervals over a period of eighteen months. This is the first systematic investigation of the kind to be made in New Zealand waters. Plankton phenomena have an important bearing on some fishery problems. Miss Brewin's monograph on " Ascidians in the Vicinity of Portobello Marine Biological Station, Otago Harbour," has been published during the year in Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand (September, 1946). In it nineteen species are described and illustrated, four of them being new to science and two not hitherto known in New Zealand waters. Other published papers by Miss Brewin based on work at Portobello include studies on the breeding habits of a chiton, Cryptoconchus porosus (1943), and on " Some Alcyonaria of the Order Stolonifera from New Zealand Waters " (1946). Miss Elizabeth Batham, who is now in Britain pursuing marine biological research as a post-graduate scholar of the University of New Zealand, has made investigations on barnacles at Portobello, having published in 1945 an account of the biology and anatomy of Pollicipes spinosa, and in 1946 a study of its embryonic and larval development together with a description of larval forms of the small stalked barnacle, Ibla idiotica. Mr. W. H. I. Dawbin, of the Medical School Physiology Department, has worked at Portobello during the year on a study of holothurians, more especially on the process of regeneration of viscera in Stichopus mollis. Professor Eccles and his physiological research staff have used the Station in connection with studies of nerve physiology. It is hoped to provide proper facilities for extending such work in the near future.

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Four honour students from Otago University are at present making use of the Station for research work in marine biology. Professor Percival, with students from the Zoology Department of Canterbury College, has visited Portobello to make use of its special facilities during University vacations. Eesearch on the embryonic development of the elephant-fish (Callorhynchus milii) is now being done by Professor Percival with the aid of the facilities available only at the Portobello laboratory. The stocks of living fishes in the aquarium have been fewer than usual owing to the difficulty of maintaining a satisfactory water-supply with the ancient and defective pipes and from the absence of the deep-sea trawler from which frequent supplies of fresh specimens had previously been obtained. However, the aquarium continues to be an attraction of appreciable interest and educational value to visitors, though their numbers have fallen off since the war brought about a reduction in the ferry service from Port Chalmers. The problem of obtaining better access to the Station by land from Portobello Township —at present a matter of cross-country hiking—has received the Board's attention, but so far remains unsolved. The principal problems confronting the Board are those arising from the necessity of carrying out urgent repairs and replacements at a time when the requisite materials and labour are abnormally expensive and for the most part virtually unobtainable. There is the pressing need for additional laboratory accommodation. Plans have been made for a small annexe to accommodate workers from the Zoological and Physiological Departments of the University, but various efforts to get our modest plans materialized have so far been unsuccessful. The desired alterations to the Curator's cottage have similarly been delayed, which is a great inconvenience to him and a hindrance to the most efficient utilization of the Station. With the increased grant from the Marine Department and with the support of the University of Otago Council, which has shown its appreciation of the value of the Station for scientific research by making a capital grant of £250 and by providing for an annual grant of £lOO from the Departments of Zoology and Physiology respectively r the state of financial crisis which existed at the beginning of the year has passed. Nevertheless, the financial position is much less favourable than it was in 1932. Without a substantial addition to its revenue the Station cannot be utilized to the degree that is desirable or that would make it comparable with similar institutions in other countries. Sir William Benham resigned in August from his position as Chairman of the Board, which he had held since 1933, but still serves on the Board, on which he is the oldest member. Dr. J. Malcolm, formerly Professor of Physiology in the University of Otago Medical School, who has also given many years of valuable service as a Board member, resigned in May. Dr. J. C. Eccles, F.R.S., Professor of Physiology, and Mr. J. C. H. Somerville, member of the University Council, have been appointed as representatives of the University of Otago on the Board. Mr. J. Stuart Thomson was appointed Secretary to the Board in March, 1946, in succession to the late Mr. W. G. Howes, who for many years had acted as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, identifying himself with much zeal and competence with the practical affairs of the Station. As a son of the late Hon. G. M. Thomson, Chairman of the Board since its establishment till his death in 1933, Mr. Stuart Thomson had been in close touch with the affairs of the Board for many years and had given personal assistance at Portobello at various times. Mr. J. McG. Wilkie was appointed Treasurer in May, 1946. The Curator, Mr. W. Adams, retired in February, 1946. He had carried out his duties, which were always exacting and often heavy, with great conscientiousness and competence for many years. The Board wishes to place on record their appreciation of the value of his long and faithful service. Mr. J. Aitken, who has been engaged as Curator in his stead, is showing zeal and resourcefulness in the performance of his. duties under the present difficult conditions.

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REPORT ON FISHERIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947 Attention is drawn to the fact that all fisheries statistical data in this report is for the calendar year ended 31st December, 1946. The estimated total quantity and value of the principal classes of fishery products marketed in the year 1946 are as follows : Quantity. Value. £ Wet fish .. .. .. .. 380,321 cwt. 660,096 Whitebait .. .. .. .. 6,578 cwt. 73,674 Oysters— Dredged .. .. .. .. 89,356 sacks 67,017 Rock .. .. .. .. 5,103 sacks 8,933 Mussels .. .. .. .. 10,568 sacks 3,687 Crayfish .. .. .. .. 16,766 cwt. 30,801 Toheroa (canned products) .. .. 69,043 Ib. 4,567 Whale-oil .. .. .. .. 700 tons 21,000 Total values .. .. .. .. £869,775 The detailed landings are summarized in Tables I to IX (pp. 36 to 46). The total landings of wet fish show an increase of 48,548 cwt. over the previous year's total of 331,773 cwt., while the total value has increased by £101,692. The quantity of oysters dredged from Foveaux Strait has increased by 13,318 sacks, and a decrease of 373 sacks is shown for rock oysters. The crayfish total is up by 842 cwt., but the mussel figures show a decline of 2,588 sacks. In the most important group, the " wet fish " —i.e., all the ordinary fishes caught by all methods of sea fishing—the annual totals for successive years are as follows : Total Quantity. Total Value. Year. Cwt. £ 1934-35 .. .. .. 331,415 294,267 1935-36 .. .. ..363,448 313,106 1936-37 .. .. .. 363,128 360,406 1937-38 .. .. .. 355,687 413,516 1938-39 .. .. ..356,114 424,643 1939-40 .. .. ..339,231 416,480 1940-41 .. .. ..328,594 440,308 1941-42 .. .. ..326,863 458,393 1942-43 .. .. ..311,971 442,976 1943-44 .. .. ..294,445 489,268 1944 .. .. .. 308,237 522,954 1945 .. .. .. 331,773 558,404 1946 .. .. .. 380,321 660,096 The total weight of wet fish, 380,321 cwt., is the highest for many years —this result is even better than I predicted in last year's report. The good result is attributable to divers causes : (1) the return of several large catching units after war service ; (2) the re-engining and replacement of many vessels after the war ; (3) exceptionally fine weather on many of the fishing-grounds during the period of seasonal congregation of some of the more important types of fish. Fishing-vessels and Personnel The number of licensed fishing-vessels operating in 1946 was 797, an increase of 76 over last year —some of these are first-class modern units and have done much to boost the total production figure. Of the"more important units, steam-trawlers increased by 1 ; motor-trawlers increased by 14 ; Danish-seine boats decreased by 2, which became motor-trawlers ; vessels engaged in both trawling and line fishing increased by 8. A total of 1,550 men were engaged in fishing, either whole time or part time, during the year. The full details of these changes are shown in Table I.

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Fish Landings The total landings of fish and shell-fish landed at the various ports are shown in Table 11.

Snapper retains pride of place as the most abundant species, and the other species remain very nearly in the same proportion to one another, as is shown by the following comparative table :

Methods of Capture Of the total catch, 68,084 cwt._ (17-90 per cent.) was landed from steam-trawlers, 91,347 cwt. (24-01 per cent.) from motor-trawlers, while motor-vessels (line and net fishing) accounted for 115,802 cwt. (30-45 per cent.) and row-boats 1,885 cwt. (0-50 per cent.).

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Kind or Class of Fish. Quantity. Value. Cwt. Percentage of Total. £ Percentage of Total. 1946. 1945. 1946. 1945. 1946. 1945. 1946. 1945. Snapper 116,832 109,009 30-72 32-86 158,973 147,685 24-08 26 • 45 Tarakihi 77,927 63,829 20-49 19-24 127,589 97,007 19-33 17-37 Hapuku 27,522 21,672 7-24 6-53 82,156 62,446 12-45 11-18 Gurnard 24,168 20,354 6-36 6-14 25,003 21,683 3-79 3-89 Sole 22,434 17,990 5-90 5-42 65,558 52,671 9-93 9-43 Blue Cod 21,036 19,160 5-53 5-78 51,366 47,288 7-78 8-47 Flounder 14,442 16,070 3-80 4-85 47,010 51,648 7-12 9-25 Ling 11,584 8,202 3-05 2-47 25,317 16,879 3-84 3-02 Barracouta 11,440 9,726 3-01 2-93 6,999 5,403 1-06 0-97 Red Cod 9,796 8,971 2-58 2-70 8,754 5,956 1-33 1-07 " Mixed rounds " 7,478 5,730 1-97 1-73 8,467 7,226 1-28 1-30 Trevally 6,819 6,725 1-80 2-03 6,075 5,107 0-92 0-92 Elephant-fish 4,639 4,269 1-22 1-29 8,266 8,759 1-25 1-57 Mullet 2,786 3,517 0-73 1-06 4,026 4,015 0-61 0-72 Pioke 2,247 2,060 0-59 0-62 2,851 2,309 0-43 0-41 Kahawai 2,092 2,330 0-55 0-71 1,743 1,805 0-27 0-32 Shark 2,041 1,335 0-54 0-40 2,181 1,328 0-33 0-24 Moki 1,975 946 0-52 0-29 3,536 1,736 0-54 0-31 Butterfish 1,920 1,462 0-50 0-44 5,040 3,972 0-76 0-71 " Mixed flats " 1,873 1,064 0-49 0-32 6,097 3,049 0-92 0-55 Hake 1,737 1,349 0-46 0-41 4,909 3,762 0-74 0-68 Parore 1,574 854 0-41 0-26 1,212 607 0-18 0-11 Herring 1,307 373 0-35 0-11 994 684 0-15 0-12 Sardine 1,197 1,458 0-31 0-44 988 1,025 0-15 0-18 John-dory 730 381 0-19 0-12 1,020 502 0-16 0-09 Swordfish 449 672 0-12 0-20 483 629 .0-07 0-11 Warehou 443 306 0-12 0-09 931 597 0-14 0-11 Kingfish 330 737 0-09 0-22 387 843 0-06 0-15 Whiting 316 287 0-08 0-09 223 201 0-03 0-04 Trumpeter 310 208 0-08 0-06 872 591 0-13 0-11 Whiptail 289 69 0-07 0-02 352 84 0-05 0-01 Mackerel 195 158 0-05 0-05 201 164 0-03 003 Conger-eel • 173 140 0-04 0-04 135 109 0-02 0-02 Skate 70 78 0-02 0-02 56 54 0-01 Perch 50 43 0-01 0-01 42 41 0-01 Garfish 49 148 0-01 0-04 168 297 0-03 0-06 Brill 20 44 0-01 56 151 0-01 0-03 Bonita 17 19 43 53 0-01 Maomao 10 24 13 35 Frost-fish 4 4 4 3 Totals 380,321 331,773 660,096 558,404 .. ! ..

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The total quantity of wet fish caught by each of the common methods of fishing is shown below (the figures in parentheses represent the 1945 quantities and values): —

Landings at Ports Of the total quantity of wet fish, 37*18 per cent, was landed at Auckland, 10*45 per cent, at Wellington, 6*ll per cent, at Port Chalmers, 5*85 per cent, at Napier, and 5*58 per cent, at Timaru.

In the following statement the total weights and values are given for some of the main ports alongside those for the previous two years, 1945 and 1944 :

Auckland. —A total of 141,406 cwt. of wet fish was landed at Auckland, compared with 122,789 cwt. during 1945. This substantial increase was largely due to the full-time fishing of an additional steam-trawler. The steam-trawlers accounted for 36,964 cwt., as against 19,553 cwt. for 1945. This total comprised mainly snapper (20,440 cwt.), tarakihi (10,688 cwt.), and gurnard (1,529 cwt.). Danish-seine boats brought in 96,990 cwt. (97,608 cwt. in 1945), of which 70,964 cwt. was snapper and 17,014 cwt. tarakihi. Motor line-fishing boats landed 3,097 cwt., compared with 2,493 cwt. for the previous year, and the netting boats 4,125 cwt., compared with 3,092 cwt. in 1945.

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Method of Fishing. Quantity. Value. Cwt. Percentage of Total. £ Percentage of Total. Trawl Danish seine Long and hand lines Set and drag-nets 159,431 (115,268) 103,203 (105,093) 84,006 (72,226) 33,681 (39,186) 41-92 (34-74) 27-14 (31-68) 22-09 (21-77) 8-85 (11-81) 286,908 (206,176) 133,191 (139,597) 184,450 (152,483) 55,547 (60,148) 43-46 (36-92) 20-18 (25-00) 27-94 (27-31) 8-42 (10-77) Totals .. 380,321 (331,773) 660,096 (558,404)

Port. Quantity. Value. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. £ £ £ Russell 2,350 4,194 5,032 3,199 5,093 6,027 Whangarei 4,104 1,766 2,325 4,262 2,264 2,886 Auckland 111,078 122,789 141,406 138,872 156,979 179,341 Thames district 19,825 17,245 10,824 29,852 25,746 17,589 Tauranga district 10,485 7,459 6,416 11,242 7,745 7,853 Gisborne 7,703 8,236 10,052 10,475 9,160 13,309 Napier 17,865 19,194 22,249 26,529 29,186 36,979 Wellington 14,019 31,554 39,744 33,548 63,445 87,462 Manukau Harbour 1,118 1,229 1,215 1,825 2,217 2,426 Picton 7,230 4,358 4,913 10,438 8,522 9,616 JLyttelton 16,221 11,430 15,400 42,527 26,764 33,670 Timaru 13,022 11,386 21,223 37,759 33,106 49,870 Moeraki 1,658 2,017 1,964 4,728 5,551 4,870 Nuggets district 2,307 4,250 4,565 4,931 10,969 12,945 Port Chalmers 23,264 25,533 23,250 38,808 36,225 36,853 Waikawa 1,564 2,610 2,964 2,992 6,757 8,371 Bluff, with Stewart Island 12,163 13,649 15,161 27,860 32,802 38,571 Westport ... 814 738 527 2,013 2,103 1,416 Motueka 1,358 1,097 1,653 2,208 1,979 2,691 Nelson 5,541 6,372 7,078 13,635 13,603 14,194 French Pass 2,880 3,278 2,749 6,778 9,188 7,143 Chatham Islands 4,420 2,078 3,586 3,721 1,868 3,278

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The annual totals landed at Auckland over the past five years are given below :

Thames.—Out of the total catch, of 10,824 cwt. landed at Thames during 1946, 9,437 cwt. was caught by nets, of which 3,777 cwt. was snapper and 3,591 cwt. flounder. A considerable drop in the total quantity of fish landed this year is evident. In 1945, 17,245 cwt. was caught, compared with 10,824 cwt. in 1946. A small proportion of this decrease can be accounted for by the fact that no Danish-seine boat operated from this port during 1946. The methods of capture in the annual totals landed at Thames during the past five years are given below :

Tauranga.—A decrease of 1,043 cwt. is shown by the 1946 figures (6,416 cwt.) compared with 1945 (7,459 cwt.). This is mainly accounted for by the fact that although the trawl-caught fish has increased from 1,783 cwt. to 2,579 cwt. (due to the one trawler operating for nine months in 1946 instead of six months as in 1945), the catch landed by the motor line and net vessels has gone down. A Danish-seine-equipped boat commenced fishing in September and landed 364 cwt. of fish during the last four months. The tables below summarize the methods of capture and kinds of fish respectively during the past five years :

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— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Total quantity landed Snapper Tarabihi Flounder Gurnard Cwt. 105,106 73,604 16,470 3,904 1,447 Cwt. 103,882 75,153 12,128 5,489 1,361 Cwt. 111,078 79,844 18,289 1,857 3,206 Cwt. 122,789 81,706 23,965 2,047 5,570 Cwt. 141,406 93,792 27,788 1,457 7,370

Method of Fishing. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Danish seine 1,864 2,229 1,273 582 Set-nets and drag-nets 9,833 15,545 18,361 16,483 9,437 Other methods 944 528 57 180 1,387 Totals 12,641 18,302 19,691 17,245 10,824

Method of Fishing. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Danish seine 3,035 2,518 2,907 418 364 Set-nets and lines 4,664 7,008 7,578 5,228 3,415 Other methods 227 20 1,813 2,637 Totals .. 7,926 9,546 10,485 7,459 6,416 " 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Total quantity landed 7,926 9,546 10,485 7,459 6,416 Snapper 4,154 4,032 4,152 2,513 1,459 Tarabihi 290 29 1,057 1,289 1,917 Trevally 1,113 1,826 2,509 1,219 1,091 Kahawai 294 649 732 1,070 1,029

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Gisborne.—Of the total quantity landed (10,052 cwt.), 8,507 cwt. was caught by motor-trawlers, of which 6,662 cwt. was snapper and 1,319 cwt. gurnard. A notable addition to the Gisborne fishing-fleet was a steam-trawler, previously operating in the South Island, which fished for the concluding seven months of the year and landed 1,212 cwt. of fish, of which over 71 per cent, was tarakihi and 18 per cent, gurnard. There has been a steady rise in the quantity of fish landed at this port over the last few years, as is shown by the figures below :

Napier.—The annual increase in the amount of fish caught by boats operating out of this port during the last three years was continued in 1946, in spite of the fact that the steam-trawler previously working at Napier has ceased to do so. Out of the total of 22,249 ewt. landed, 19,225 cwt. was accounted for by the motortrawlers, while the one Danish-seine boat landed 2,628 cwt., of which 46 per cent, was gurnard. A fairly large decrease from 1,509 cwt. in 1945 to 342 cwt. in 1946 in the quantity of fish landed by motor-vessels line and net fishing should be noted. The fish mainly affected in this latter method of fishing was groper, which fell from 1,241 cwt. to 158 cwt. The annual totals landed at Napier over the last five years are given below :

Wellington.—A new steam-trawler commenced operations in September, which, brings the number of Wellington steam-trawlers up to three. This addition was largely responsible for the increase in the amount of fish caught by this method, and brought the total of 20,241 cwt. in 1945 up to 25,237 cwt. in 1946. Of this total, tarakihi was by far the largest catch, being 21,043 cwt. One motor-trawler worked throughout the year in comparison with seven months during 1945 and brought the total for this type of trawling from 687 cwt. to 1,532 cwt. The Island Bay line-fishing fleet landed 12,277 cwt., an increase of 2,515 cwt. over the previous year. Out of the total of 12,277 cwt. caught by these line boats, 7,034 cwt. was hapuku and 3,958 cwt. ling. Lyttelton.—The total catch landed was 15,400 cwt., an increase of 3,970 cwt. compared with the 1945 total of 11,430 cwt., which, however, was an exceptionally low figure. Of this 15,400 cwt., 11,528 cwt. came from the motor-trawlers and 3,651 cwt. from the one steam-trawler.

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— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 194fi. Total quantity landed Cwt. 7,034 Cwt. 5,275 Cwt. 7,703 Cwt. 8,236 Cwt. 10,052

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Total quantity landed 21,694 16,615 17,865 19,194 22,249 Tarakihi 6,005 4,931 8,966 9,744 11,489 Sole 2,165 914 1,710 1,036 2,746 Hapuku 660 861 986 1,443 378 Gurnard 5,825 4,263 4,621 5,362 5,994

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The figures for the main types of fish landed at Lyttelton for the last five years are given below :

Timaru. —As with Lyttelton, the Timaru figures show a considerable increase over the previous year's totals, although the Danish-seiner previously operating from this port has ceased to do so. The annual catches of the main types of fish and the methods by which they were obtained are given below :

Port Chalmers. —This year the amount of fish landed has decreased from 25,533 cwt. in 1945 to 23,250 cwt. This drop is mainly accounted for by the trawling dropping from 16,260 cwt. to 14,326 cwt. and the line boats from 9,091 cwt. to 8,825 cwt. The figures for the main types of fish caught over the last five years are given below :

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— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Total quantity landed 16,504 14,050 16,221 11,430 15,400 Tarakihi 7,010 4,614 6,202 4,840 7,094 Ling 936 864 1,556 1,447 2,133 Elephant-fish 1,954 2,862 2,611 1,632 1,805 Gurnard 1,943 2,383 2,537 1,203 1,269 Red cod 1,128 451 191 46 200

— 1942-43. I 1943-44. j 1 1944. 1945. 1946. Total quantity landed Red cod Ling Gurnard Hapuku Elephant-fish Flounder Sole Cwt. 14,548 2,287 2,700 2,710 1,610 837 1,353 2,268 Cwt. 15,898 1,672 2,887 2,634 1,897 1,149 2,209 2,511 Cwt. 13,022 919 1,568 2,265 1,635 1,795 1,600 2,278 Cwt. 11,386 432 1,047 1,879 1,275 2,155 1,819 1,903 Cwt. 21,223 3,823 3,136 2,946 . 2,796 2,445 2,367 2,571 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Total quantity landed Motor-trawling Danish-seining Line-fishing (motor-vessels) Cwt. 14,548 7,398 2,797 4,353 Cwt. 15,898 8,517 2,508 4,873 Cwt. 13,022 8,142 1,804 3.076 Cwt. 11,386 7,880 1,292 2,214 Cwt. 21,223 15,794 5^429

— 1942-43. 1 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Total quantity landed 33,603 21,523 23,264 25,533 23,250 Tarakihi 2,886 3,361 3,166 173 81 Sole .. 5,410 4,114 4,993 6,282 8,366 Red cod 10,377 4,501 4,033 7,605 3,846 Barracouta 9,878 5,157 6,300 7,502 8,171 Flounder 840 885 1,163 1,366 745

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Nelson. —As can be seen from the table below, there has been a substantial increase in the total amount of fish landed over the last four years. Of the 1946 catch, 3,260 cwt. was trawl-caught and 2,648 cwt. by Danish-seiners :

Exports and Imports Imports of fish for the year amounted to 2,845 cwt. of tinned fish such as herring and 208 cwt. of fish otherwise preserved, with a total value of £25,959. The total value of New Zealand fish and shell-fish exported in 1946 was £231,234, which represents a substantial increase on the previous year's figures of £187,381.

Totals for the principal classes of fishery products exported for the past three years are given below :

The following table shows the incidence of the principal kinds of fish exported during the years 1944, 1945, and 1946 :

A more detailed report than the above figures is given in Table IX.

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— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt, Total quantity landed 4,469 3,833 5,541 6,372 7,078 Danish seine 2,837 ' 3,250 2,714 3,081 2,648 Trawl (motor) 11 93 878 1,888 3,260 Lines (motor) 1,601 475 1,936 1,138 1,043 Other methods 20 15 13 265 127

Quantity. Value. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1944. 1945. I 1946. Oysters, fresh Fish, frozen Crayfish, frozen Fish, smoked, dried, &c. Fish and shell-fish (tinned) Total values .. 21,100 doz. 16,628 cwt. 1,921 cwt. 3,319 cwt. 181,338 lb. 640 doz. 22,663 cwt. 1,346 cwt. 4,276 cwt. 371,776 lb. 85,400 doz. 27,698 cwt. 1,487 cwt. 2,602 cwt. 450,0441b. £ 578 73,500 6,608 20,476 25,814 £ 18 104,046 6,462 26,390 50,465 £ 2,819 139,065 7,455 15,277 66,618 126,976 187,381 231,234

Fish. Quantity. Value. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1944. 1945. 1946. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. £ £ £ Blue cod 3,530 7,644 8,236 18,117 38,682 42,605 Red cod 1,104 3,255 1,407 3,046 3,255 4,518 Barracouta 3,786 2,369 4,825 14,014 8,883 18,164 Sole 1,394 2,207 3,334 7,119 11,452 17,974 Tarakihi 959 1,037 1,886 4,030 4,895 10,740 Flounder 762 947 901 4,142 5,374 5,308 Snapper 1,029 752 844 6,044 4,244 5,584

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Sardines The landings of sardines at Picton again showed a decline over the previous year's figures. The figures for the total sardine catch at Picton for the last five years are as follows :—- Cwt. 1946 .. .. .. .. 1,191 1945 .. .. .. .. 1,458 1944 .. .. .. .. 4,281 1943-44 .. .. .. 5,339 1942-43 .. .. ..5,487 Fish-liver Oil This branch of the industry again showed a steady increase in production. Fish livers treated, 670,664 lb., an increase of 106,267 lb., and fish-liver oil produced,. 29,923 gallons, an increase of 4,900 gallons. A total of 19,221 gallons of fish-liver oil was exported. During the year one boat in Kaipara developed a school shark fishery. The venture showed good results from July to November, when the sharks were caught near the Kaipara Heads. When the sharks moved further inshore, apparently for spawning, the weight of liver per shark dropped to about one-quarter of what it had been previously and the fishery became uneconomic, as at the same time there was a drop in the demand for the flesh. Throughout the season the catch consisted practically entirely of female sharks in the proportion of approximately 1,000 females to 3 males. Whaling Five vessels with a total complement of ten men were engaged in the whale-fishing based on Marlborough Sounds and fourteen men were employed ashore at the whalefactory. The total catch of 110 whales were all hump-backs and yielded 700 tons of oil, approximately 90 tons of bone-dust, and approximately 40 tons of whale meat (canned). Whaling commenced very early, the first one taken on 17th May, and the last one on the 15th August. July was the month in which the most whales were taken, but a record number of 13 were caught during the month of May. Seals Following on representations from fishermen in the South that seal colonies were depleting the fish-supplies, a short open season for taking seals in a restricted area was approved. The area opened was from Jackson's Bay on the west coast to Windsor Point in the south, portion of Stewart Island, certain islands in the vicinity, and a small part of the Otago coast in the vicinity of the Nuggets. The season was open from 29th May to 30th September. Each person engaged had to hold a licence. The number of licences issued was 41, and the skins taken totalled 6,187. Rock Oysters Picking started on the 15th May, the last oysters of the season being picked on 30th July. The yield of oysters in sacks from each of the various areas was as follows : Bay of Islands, 2,396 ; Whangarei Harbour, 212 ; Kaipara Harbour, 669 ; Coromandel, 500; Hauraki Gulf, 1,326. The quantities from Hauraki Gulf were obtained from the following areas: Waiheke, 786 ; Ponui, 358 ; Rotoroa, 121 ; Pakatoa, 15 ; Rangitoto, 46.

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Oyster-cultivation for the Year ended 31st March, 1946 Area. I. Bay of Islands : 394,000 borers and 1,200 pupu destroyed, 1,770 square yards of rock cleared of weeds. Cost, £237 16s. 11. Whangarei Harbour : 231,400 borers and 1,293 pupu destroyed, 201 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell, 50 square yards cleared of grape weed. Cost, £lO2 14s. Bd. 111. Kaipara Harbour : 99,308 square yards of new stone laid down. Cost, £5,025 18s. 2d. IV. Takatu Point to Gull Point: 44,500 borers destroyed, 58 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell. No cost. V. South Shore : 93,000 borers and 51 pupu destroyed. Cost, 12s. 6d. X. Motutapu : 136,000 borers and 56 pupu destroyed, 37 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell. No cost. XIII. Waiheke : 602,000 borers and 335 pupu destroyed, 1,168 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell. Cost, £8 15s. XIV. Ponui: 346,800 borers and 108 pupu destroyed, 371 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell. Cost, £8 7s. 6d. XVI. Great Barrier : 265,000 borers and 96 pupu destroyed, 9 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell. Cost, £22 7s. 4d. Total for all areas : 2,112,700 borers and 3,139 pupu destroyed, 1,844 square yards of rock cleared of dead shell, 1,770 square yards cleared of weeds, and 50 square yards cleared of grape weeds. Cost, £5,406 lis. 2d. Dredge Oysters : Foveaux Strait, 1946 The 1946 season was most successful, a total of 94,459 sacks being taken from the beds, an increase of 18,421 sacks over the previous year. This increase, in the main, was due to the East Bed again being available for steady dredging. For some years now there has been a heavy growth of weed on this bed, but it has now been cleared away. Further, the weather for most of the season was exceptionally good. Paua The table given 'below summarizes the information obtained from the principal ■centres during 1946 :

With the development of this fishing, more information is available, but the statistics are by no means as complete as is desirable. While there is a great discrepancy between the number used as paua meat and the total number collected, it must be borne in mind -that many of the fishermen who collect paua use the flesh as bait.

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District. Total Number collected. Number used as Shell. Value of Shell. Number used as Paua Meat. Value of Paua Meat. Wellington Canterbury Southland Totals 16,994 48,000 14,338 2,515 5,900 13,068 £ 285 245 2,654 14,760 1,320 £ 126 3i 79,332 21,483 3,184 16,080 157

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Toheroas The state of the toheroa-beds on the Ninety-mile Beach is still a matter of concern to this Department. The beds are taking a long time to recover from the heavy mortality of a few years ago. The position is being closely watched, to avoid any over-exploitation. Mussels The catch of mussels in the Thames-Coromandel-Auckland area fell from 13,156 sacks in 1945 to 10,568 sacks in 1946. Whitebait Fishery, 1946 Season The table given below summarizes the information obtained from the principal whitebait-fishing centres for the 1946 season :

Whitebait Fishery, 1946 Season

While the estimated total, 6,578 cwt., compares favourably with that of previous years, 8,698 cwt. in 1945 (the highest recorded) and 5,002 cwt. in 1944, nevertheless the season generally was a poor one. The phenomenal quantities of whitebait taken in the Wellington west coast riverscompared with the quantities usually taken there had a marked effect on the total. On the other hand, the Waikato River and Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay rivers fished very poorly indeed.

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District. Bivers fished. Fishing began. Best Month. Number of Fishermen (Approximately). Total Quantitycaught (Approximately). Whole Time. Part Time. Cwt. Auckland Waikato July.. Sept.-Oct. 210 • 795 Bay of Plenty .. Kaituna, Tarawera, Eangitaiki July.. Sept. 20 '24 42 Hawke's Bay .. Tukituki, Ngaruroro July.. Oct. 15 60 27 Wairarapa Lake Onoke Aug... Nov. 2 18 120 Wellington Waikanae, Waimeha, Mangone, Otaki, WaiJuly.. Oct.-Nov. 56 231 1,000 kawa, Ohau, Hokio, Manawatu, Bangitikei Wanganui Turakina, Wanganui, Kai Iwi Sept. Nov. 12 8 Patea.. Waitotara, Whenuakura, Patea, Tangahoe, Ohawe Sept. Oct. 10 Taranaki Mokau, Waitara, Awakino, Urenui, Waiongona, July.. Oct. 150 52 Mimi, Waiwakaiho, Te Henui Nelson Aorere, Takaka, Motueka Aug... Dec. 17 43 65. Marlborough .. Wairau, Opawa, Omaka Aug... Nov. 10 20 64 North Canterbury Clarence, Kahautara, Conway, Waiau, Hurunui, Aug... Late Nov. 8 80 22 Waipara Christchurch .. Ashley, Waimakariri, Styx, Avon, Heathcote, Aug... Nov. 76 260 197' ' Selwyn, Bllesmere South Canterbury Ashburton, Bangitata, Orari, Opihi.. Aug... Nov. 12 160 32 Otago Waitaki, Wainakaroa, Shag, Pleasant, Kakanui, Aug... Sept.-Oct. 15 30 93 Waikouiti, Taieri, Tokomairiro, Molyneaux, Puerua, Owaka, Waikawa Southland Mataura, Titiroa, Waihopai, Oreti, Waimatuku, Aug... Sept—Oct. 35 50 215 Aparima, Waiau West coast — Wataroa Wanganui, Wataroa, Waiho, Karangarua, Aug... Oct. 270 20 • 1,245 Jacobs, Paringa, Blue, Haast, Okura, Arawhata,. Cascade Boss Totara, Waitaha, Mikonui Aug... Oct.-Nov. 14 23 96 Hokitika Arahura, Hokitika, Mahinapua Aug... Late Nov.157 450 673 Greyroouth .. Grey, New, Teremakau Aug... Nov. 3 221 263 Westport Kowhai, Karamea, Little Wanganui, Mokihinui, Aug... Oct.-Nov. 30 500 1,568 Ngakawhau, Waimangaroa, Orawaiti, Buller, Little and Big Totara, Nile 6,5T8

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There were good runs in these rivers, but the runs were not sustained and the season, with the exception of Wellington, was very disappointing. In the South Island, Westland rivers fished very differently this year. Westport and the northern part of the west coast fished very well, but the rivers farther south were progressively more disappointing. South Island east coast rivers, too, did not come up to expectations. Weather, in all probability, had a marked effect. Early in the season the weather was mild and bid well for a good season, but as the season progressed bad weather and melting snows kept the rivers high and cold. The whitebait showed a marked preference this year for swamp-fed streams, rather than those carrying snow-water. Adverse weather, resulting in many rivers carrying snow-water until late in the season, is probably one of the factors responsible for the abnormal distribution of the catch.

Quinnat Salmon, 1946 The table below shows the fishing results as given by licensee's returns :

Although a poor season, there was considerable improvement on the previous season, 1945 (the lowest on record).

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1 Males. Females, j Sex not given. Total. Returns from Rods Waimakariri River, 25/2/46 to 8/3/46 (1 rod) — Number of fish caught Total weight Average weight .. 2 21 lb. 10-5 lb. 5 51-5 lb. 10-3 lb. 7 72-5 lb. 10-3 lb. Rakaia River, 9/3/46 to 6/4/46 (4 rods) — Number of fish caught Total weight Average weight 28 356 lb. 12-7 lb. 12 176-5 lb. 14-7 lb. 72 1,236 lb. 17-1 lb. 112 1,768-5 lb. 15-7 lb. Ashburton River, 13/3/46 (1 rod) — Number of fish caught Total weight Average weight 1 13 lb. 13 lb. 1 13 lb. 13 lb. Rangitata River, 26/2/46 to 25/3/46 (1 rod) — Number of fish caught .. .. Total weight Average weight 19 254-5 lb. 13-4 lb. 22 307 lb. 13-9 lb. 11 158 lb. 14-3 lb. 52 719-5 lb. 13-8 lb. Opihi River, 28/1/46 to 31/3/46 (1 rod) — Number of fish caught Total weight Average weight 4 52 lb. 13 lb. 6 76 1b. 12-6 lb. 26 314 lb. 12 lb. 36 442 lb. 12-2 lb. Combined rivers, 28/1/46 to 31/3/46 (8 rods) — Number of fish caught Total weight Average weight 52 673-5 lb. 12-9 lb. 46 624 lb. 13-5 lb. 109 1,708 lb. 15-6 lb. 207 3,005-5 lb. 14-5 lb. Returns from Nets Waimakariri River, 21/2/46 to 20/3/46 (2 nets) — Number of fish caught .. .. Total weight Average weight 69 665 lb. 9-6 lb. 48 559-5 lb. 11-6 lb. 117 1,224-5 lb. 10-4 lb.

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Fresh-water Fisheries Staffing.—A reallocation of duties, deferred during the war years, was carried out following the retirement of the former Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Director of Fisheries Research and the release from war service of the senior members of the Fisheries staff. The administrative and research directional services, which formerly were discharged personally by one officer having similar responsibilities in relation to marine fisheries, have been substantially delegated to the Senior Fisheries Officer (fresh water) and the Senior Research Officer (fresh water). The respective positions have been filled by the appointment of Messrs. D. F. Hobbs and K. R. Allen, the two former fresh-water biologists. Their work will be co-ordinated under the new Chief Inspector of Fisheries. The Senior Fisheries Officer is now responsible for central administration, such supervision of local administration as may be necessary, and for advising and helping local administrations to frame and carry out programmes of practical management in harmony with the results of research conducted in New Zealand and elsewhere. The Senior Research Officer is responsible for the planning and organization of research programmes, for directing the work of the research staff, and for the publication of the results of research carried out in New Zealand. Co-ordination of Fresh-water Fisheries Policy.—Two important steps have been taken to ensure the better co-ordination of the activities of the different Departments and local bodies among which the responsibility for fisheries administration has been divided. The advisory and research services of this Department, hitherto employed exclusively in districts administered by acclimatization societies, have now been extended to the important Rotorua, Taupo, and Southern Lakes fisheries, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs. There has also been established a Fresh-water Fisheries Advisory Council, comprising representatives of the Departments of Marine, Internal Affairs, and Scientific and Industrial Research, together with nominees of the acclimatization societies. This Council provides a much more adequate liaison between the different interests represented, and is already functioning as a useful consultative body on questions of fisheries administration and research. Legislation. —By section 29 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1946, all appointments of honorary officers, for the purposes of Part II of the Fisheries Act, 1908, will lapse on 31st March, 1947, and further appointments will be for a maximum term of three years. Modifications of Natural Streams. —There is need to assure that the present and potential values of fresh-water fisheries are taken into account when modifications of natural waterways are being planned so that, where necessary and feasible, concessions may be made to the needs of fisheries. To this end representation of the Fisheries Branch has been obtained on the central standing committee of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. Pollution. —It has been decided to make available for the coming year the services of a science-trained officer to carry out a general fact-finding survey of the extent and incidence of pollution. This work has been planned and will be executed with theassistance of an inter-departmental committee.

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Salmon Fisheries. —It is not proposed to operate the Hakataramea Salmon Hatchery in future years. The property is being disposed of, and equipment is being taken over by the Department of Internal Affairs for trout-hatchery work in the Southern Lakes district. The Hakataramea Hatchery was instrumental in establishing the quinnat salmon in the Waitaki River, whence it has spread, long since, by natural dispersal to most major rivers on the east coast of the South Island, and in which stocks have for long been maintained by natural reproduction. The Department's attempts over years to broaden the dispersal of salmon by transfers of stock from the hatchery to waters of other provinces have proved substantially abortive. As regards the maintenance of the run in the Waitaki, it is not considered that the hatchery could handle a significant proportion of the total eggs produced, or hatch them at an appreciably lower rate, of mortality than occurs in natural spawning. It is therefore considered that, the acclimatization phase of salmon work having concluded, funds, instead of being spent for a problematical benefit at the Waitaki River, could be better spent on fisheries work of more national character. Eel Fisheries. —Following a recommendation of the former Chief Inspector of Fisheries in 1945, utilization of eels for UNRRA was embarked on this year. UNRRA requires a canned product, and this limits the exploitation to areas where firms have suitable plant available at the right season of the year. Up to 31st March, 1947, approximately 110,000 eels, weighing 288,000 lb., had been taken by one firm in Southland ; and operations involving the utilization of migrant eels in the coming autumn at Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury, and also in Westland, are planned by two other firms. The three areas are ones in which survey work had been carried out by, or with the assistance of, this Department in earlier years. Advisory and Technical Services. —With staff again available, and the body of factual matter arising from research growing, it has been possible to resume the technical and advisory services formerly available to acclimatization societies. A progressive increase and improvement of this service will become possible as the staff overtakes wartime arrears. A major report, dealing particularly with the practical aspects of fisheries management, will be ready for publication in the coming year. This is designed as a " popular " summarization of knowledge arising from research here and abroad and as a critical review of past policies in the light of such knowledge. Fresh-water Research During the past year the fresh-water research organization has undergone a complete overhaul, involving increased and reorganized staff and much improved technical facilities. The appointment of a Senior Research Officer has placed the technical control of research in the hands of an officer who is not burdened with general administrative responsibilities. As a consequence, more attention can be given to the general planning and supervision of the work than was previously possible. The loss of a former biologist on appointment as Senior Fishery Officer (fresh water) was offset by the appointment of two assistant biologists, Messrs A. M. R. Burnet and B. T. Cunningham, who have joined the staff with excellent biological qualifications and are rapidly gaining experience in the special problems and methods of fresh-water fisheries research. In order to increase the output of research results, it is also proposed to free the scientific staff from the purely mechanical work on equipment by the appointment of technical assistants.

2—Hl5

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The accommodation previously occupied by the laboratory was barely adequate for the staff as it then existed and rendered any expansion completely impossible. After a search, new premises were found which required almost complete reconstruction internally, but were otherwise ideally suited for use as a fisheries laboratory, and these were occupied in February, 1947. The new premises provide adequate laboratory, office, and storage accommodation for both marine and fresh-water research staffs. They include an enclosed yard and open sheds suitable for the handling of nets, as well as a garage to house the mobile laboratory. The use of cars and trucks from "the Government pool has often been unsatisfactory on account of the bulk of much fisheries gear, and lack of facilities for delicate work in the field. A special vehicle was therefore designed to be equipped as a miniature laboratory and fitted to carry all types of research equipment. This has been built on a chassis specially suited for work in rough country. This mobile laboratory will enable most types of work to be carried out at the water's edge under almost all conditions. In order to make good use of the improved facilities, a programme has been drawn up covering most major fisheries problems, and work has been begun on most points in this. This programme was laid before the Fresh-water Fisheries Advisory Council at its second meeting, and the Council expressed its approval of the proposals. Among the research subjects on which work is being undertaken are the following : Eels. —Previous investigations carried out by officers of this Department have shown that the long-finned eel has important relationships with trout, both as a competitor when small and a predator when large. Thus, it appears that the destruction of eels is probably beneficial to trout fisheries. The actual amount of damage done by eels must determine what expenditure upon eel-destruction is economically justifiable. To investigate this it is planned to measure the amount of food eaten by individuals and the density of the eel population of various types of trout waters. The examination now being made of the results of the large-scale trapping of eels for UNRRA in Southland last season will yield useful information on the latter point. Erosion. —The influence of erosion upon fish stocks is a matter much debated at present, and it is therefore desirable that accurate information should be obtained as to the nature and importance of its effects. It is known that severe flooding may have harmful effects, as may instability of river-beds, and the influence of these factors have already been considered in previous investigations by the Department. A distinction must, however, be made between harmful effects which may occur due to natural conditions and those arising from man-made accelerated erosion, which may be It is therefore planned to carry out long-term observations on rivers in areas where erosion is being checked and the land restored. A preliminary survey in this connection has already been made of the rivers on the Molesworth Station. Horokiwi Investigation. —Progress has been made with the final analysis of the data accumulated during the intensive study of this stream. The collection and analysis of information regarding anglers' catches has been continued during the present season. Development of Improved Research Methods.—Work is being undertaken on the development of improved methods of sampling both fish populations and food-supply. The object of this work is to enable estimates of these very important factors jto be made more speedily and with greater accuracy.

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Marine Research The various projects in hand were carried forward by the Marine Biologist, and arrangements have now been finalized to commence certain classes of work with the research vessel " Ikatere." Legislation The licensing system was changed at the commencement of the licensing year by decentralization. The officer in charge at each port of registry now issues all boat and crew licences where there has been no change. All new or amended licences have first to be approved by the licensing authority and are then issued by the local officer. Staff The provision of adequate trained staff continues to be a problem and hinders many fresh developments. This position will no doubt rectify itself in due course. The Marine Biologist, Mr. Rapson, accepted a position in Australia during the year, and Miss White, who has been in charge of the statistical work for some years, left for England. The loss of these highly trained officers has been keenly felt. M. W. Young, Chief Inspector of Fisheries.

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Table I.—Showing the Number of Fishing-vessels and the Number of Fishermen and other Persons engaged in the Industry at each Port for the Year ended 31st December, 1946

36

Vessels engaged in Fishing for Wet Pish. Vessels e ngaged in Shell-fishery Vess els licensed. 1st January, 1946, Number of Name of Port or District. to 31st December, 1946. Motor-vessels Danishseining. Steamtrawlers. Motortrawlers. Motor-vessels Set-net and Line-fishing. Boats engaged in Part-time Trawling and Part-time Rowingboats. Oysterdredging Vessels. Musseldredging Vessels. Crayfishingvessels. Fishermen. 81 M 5P Line-fishing not If ® .S ■2-g-S 0} • r— < 0) 3§ £ (D s la <V « % 05 2 a © sa included in Previous £ ® ■ a m §a £ ® MM li 0 <B la 13 a ci p <D . ii 11 PHH .9 Columns. 1 North Island Awanui and district 16 14 2 4 9 1 7 19 Mangonui 10 7 3 1 6 - '2 2 8 Whangaroa 18 12 6 1 7 '4 3 1 16 Russell 36 23 13 9 11 2 1 19 17 Whangarei 25 12 13 3 -8 1 7 10 Auckland 129 92 37 36 4 2 1 11 24 7 "2 "3 ' '6 176 52 Thames district 32 25 7 13 9 3 "1 40 28 Coromandel 4 4 3 1 5 Mercury Bay 10 8 "2 "l 6 ' '6 4 7 Whangamata 9 4 5 1 3 2 1 3 Waihi Beach 7 5 2 5 1 6 Tauranga and district 38 22 16 "l 1* "4 15 i 15 40 Whakatane 8 7 1 1 1 4 1 "2 3 8 Ohiwa Harbour, Opo- - tiki, and Cape Runaway 9 4 5 1 1 2 3 6 Gisborne 17 13 4 1 3 1 3 i 5 14 14 Napier 33 25 8 "l 9 6 5 1 '2 "1 5 35 26 Castlepoint 10 5 5 4 1 2 9 Wellington 55 36 19 2 1 1 'io 13 7 "4t 8 70 36 Makara 4 4 4 3 4 3 Paremata 18 15 "3 "4 9 '2 1 13 14 Paraparaumu Beach 11 7 4 7 12 Manawatu Heads .. 13 10 3 2 '8 14 Tangimoana 6 5 1 3 1 6 Wanganui New Plymouth 18 15 12 8 6 7 "1 2 10 6 1 "2 2 5 17 8 Kawhia 10 7 3 3 3 i £ 6 Raglan 4 4 4 4 Manukau Harbour .. 17 11 ' 6 "5 6 5 6 Kaipara 36 27 9 10 17 "l 14 22 Hokianga .. 20 146 1 9 '4 1 16

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3—H 15

37

South Island Havelock 28 24 4 1 7 4 11 1 1 10 24 Picton .. 19 13 6 1 5 7 "l ' 6 23 5 Blenheim (Wairau) .. 7 4 3 1 3 1 6 Kaikoura 25 20 5 1 "e ' '8 'i i 2 ' 8 16 14 Lyttelton 25 15 10 8 3 2 1 30 8 Akaroa 18 13 5 1 2 "1 7 3 ' 'l *6 5 15 Lake Ellesmere 26 15 11 1 5 8 6 15 Timaru 29 29 11 7 5 2 4 40 17 Oamaru 13 9 ' '4 5 4 10 5 Moeraki 13 13 4 9 ' 3 7 9 Karitane 14 11 ' 3 9 i ' 3 8 7 10 Port Chalmers 44 31 13 13 6 ' '5 9 33 ! 20 Taieri Mouth 4 4 2 1 'i 2 5 Nuggets district 15 13 ' '2 4 5 ' '1 2 1 14 10 Waikawa 8 5 3 4 1 9 Invercargill 1 1 "l "l Bluff 23 21 2 3 ' '4 6 "9 59 14 Stewart Island 45 39 6 13 28 32 54 Riverton district 8 7 ' 1 1 5 i 2 11 Hokitika 3 1 2 1 1 Greymouth 5 3 2 1 '2 ' 5 1 Westport 13 *9 4 1 "5 2 3 9 Golden Bay 6 5 1 i ' 1 3 2 6 Motueka 7 5 2 1 1 3 i 4 4 Nelson 21 15 6 ' 4 2 1 3 5 1 ' 2 19 8 French Pass 34 25 9 10 15 20 19 Chatham Islands 5 5 3 2 10 6 Totals 1,097 797 300 41 6 7 4 60 50 159 365 19 3 67 9 2 1 15 83 815 735 * Also licensed for purse-seining. t Excludes three trawlers bringing in la rge catches of crayfish.

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38

Table II.—Showing approximately the Total Quantities of Fish and Shell-fish landed at the Fishing Ports for the Year ended 31st December, 1946

Shell-fishery (excluding Toheroa). Quantity landed (Fish). Total Grand Name of Port or District. Value Total Total (Fish). Oysters. Value. Mussels. Value. Crayfish. Value. Value (Shellfish). Value. North Island Cwt. £ Sacks. Sacks. Cwt. £ £ £ , Awanui and district 2,638 3,31-2 3,312 Mangonui 662 999 *40 '90 *90 1,089 Whangaroa 573 882 249 493 493 1,375 Russell 5,032 6,027 159 274 274 6,301 "VVhangarei 2,325 2,886 2,886 Auckland 141,406 179,341 5,io3 8,933 8,300 3,006 l,3i9 2,958 14,897 194,238 Thames district 10,824 17,589 2,268 681 681 18,270 Coromandel 156 249 249 Mercury Bay 1,109 1,838 872 2,079 2,079 3,917 Whangamata 208 326 326 Waihi Beach.. 159 286 'i6 '29 '29 315 Tauranga and district 6,416 7,853 66 152 152 8,005 Whakatane 1,283 1,820 26 77 77 1,897 Ohiwa Harbour, Opotiki, and 275 527 2 2 2 529 Cape Runaway Gisborne 10,052 13,309 763 1,414 1,414 14,723 Napier 22,249 36,979 749 1,439 1,439 38,418 Castlepoint 40 153 37 76 76 229 Wellington 39,744 87,462 3,322 7,685 7,685 95,147 Makara 396 889 196 524 524 1,413 Paremata 3,816 10,195 132 315 315 10,510 Paraparaumu Beach 706 1,642 1,642 Manawatu Heads • 147 559 559 Tangimoana 32 87 87 Wanganui 631 1,416 1,416 New Plymouth 2,1543 6,315 i§o 436 436 6,751 Kawhia 445 1,200 1,200 Raglan 124 326 326 Manukau Harbour 1,215 2,426 2,426 Kaipara 3,608 7,914 1,275 1,981 1,981 9,895 Hokianga 575 985 985 South Island Havelock 1,968 5,928 5,928 Picton 4,913 9,616 1,560 3,276 3,276 12,892 Blenheim (Wairau) 1,215 2,437 12 22 22 2,459 Kaikoura 2,703 7,341 1,020 1,962 1,962 9,303 Lyttelton 15,400 33,670 291 482 482 34,152 Akaroa 2,394 6,114 1,061 1,764 1,764 7,878 Lake Ellesmere 480 1,769 1,769 Timaru 21,223 49,870 49,870 Oamaru 2,020 5,913 5,913 Moeraki 1,964 4,870 589 562 562 5,432 Karitane 1,153 2,272 2,745 2,507 2,507 4,779 Port Chalmers 23,250 36,853 24 22 22 36,875 Taieri Mouth 989 2,933 1 1 1 2,934 Nuggets district 4,565 12,945 21 21 21 12,966 Waikawa 2,964 8,371 8,371 Invercargill 1 2 2 Bluff 3,035 8,511 89,356 67,6i7 'l "2 67,6i9 75,530 Stewart Island 12,126 30,060 30,060 Riverton district 687 1,541 1,541 Hokitika 12 23 23 Greymouth 909 2,623 2,623 Westport 527 1,416 '28 '44 '44 1,460 Golden Bay 1,268 1,920 2 5 5 1,925 Motueka 1,653 2,691 28 51 51 2,742 Nelson 7,078 14,194 30 56 56 14,250 French Pass 2,749 7,143 7,143 Chatham Islands 3,586 3,278 3,278 Totals ... 380,321 660,096 94,459 75,950 10,568 3,687 16,766 30,801 110,438 770,534

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Table III.—Showing the Quantities of Different Kinds of Fish caught by the Different Methods of Fishing for the Year ended 31st December, 1946

39

Trawl. Danish Seine. Other Nets. Steam. Motor. Total. Motor. Motor. Row-boat. Total. Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Barracouta 1,638 1,211 86 66 1,724 1,277 37 103 2 5 2 5 Blue cod .. 1 2 39 109 40 111 ' 'l4 ' '43 14 43 " Bonita " (Brama) Brill "20 ' *56 "20 "56 Butterfish (greenbone) 1 j 871 4,883 ' '49 " 3.57 1^920 5^040 Conger-eel.. 9 " 7 9 7 14 12 3 2 17 14 Elephant-fish 316 '628 4,218 7,454 4,534 8,082 69 108 69 108 Flounder 24 61 5,074 18,433 5,098 18,494 1^917 6,616 6,648 19,129 '779 771 7,427 21,900 Frost-fish Garfish "49 'i68 "49 168 Gurnard 2^216 1 12 j 652 15^628 14 j868 17^512 8^73 6 502 691 549 1 1 692 550 Hake 544 1,370 1,297 414 1,159 958 2,529 3,570 1 1 1 1 1 1 Hapuku (groper) 512 719 2,273 1,231 350 848 21 65 1 2 22 .67 Herring 1,287 956 20 38 1,307 994 John-dory 533 695 'i73 '276 '706 '971 ' "l8 ' '40 Kahawai 188 132 188 132 1 303 1 j 017 ' '37 ' '27 1^340 1 j 044 Kingfish .. ' '23 ' '22 1 2 24 24 9 7 53 57 2 4 55 61 Ling 817 1,693 2,580 5,069 3,397 6,762 4 6 7 19 1 1 8 20 Mackerel 69 63 1 1 1 1 70 64 125 137 125 137 Maomao 2 3 8 10 8 10 Mold '571 1 i 050 1 j 081 1 i 834 1 j 652 2^884 276 555 ' '32 ' 71 308 626 Mullet 2,753 3,964 33 62 2,786 4,026 Parore ' '97 i37 "97 " 137 1,321 964 85 54 1,406 1,018 Perch 8 6 8 6 5 5 5 5 Pioke i32 'in 355 375 487 486 '719 '986 423 555 ' "l7 ' 16 440 571 Red cod 596 650 8,721 7,594 9,317 8,244 15 16 1 2 9 13 10 15 Sardine 1,191 977 6 11 1,197 107 988 Shark .. .. 493 *686 '242 'i87 '735 '873 ' 34 ' '50 101 129 6 5 134 Skate 40 29 40 29 Snapper .. .. • 20^749 27 j298 4,812 8,442 25,561 35,740 71 j565 90 j 766 7 j 927 11 j177 ' 63 io3 7 j 990 ll| 280 Sole 338 976 21,113 61,661 21,451 62,637 976 2,904 7 .17 7 17 Swordfish (marlin) Tarakihi .. 34 j 696 62 |331 24 |757 4M44 59 j 453 103 j475 17 j 954 23^62 ' '74 "il6 1 2 ' '75 "il8 Trevally 1,737 1,404 7 6 1,744 1,410 478 341 4,393 4,099 .84 106 4,477 4,205 Trumpeter 2 5 271 757 273 762 '427 Warehou 16 72 16 72 409 '815 ' 'l8 ' '44 '859 Whiptail 287 349 "l 1 288 350 Whiting 313 219 313 219 3 4 3 4 Mixed flat fish 177 593 1 j 506 5^035 1,683 5,628 ' 39 ' '89 136 330 ' 15 ' 50 151 380 Mixed round fish and all fish 1,284 1,107 2,162 3,258 3,446 4,365 912 751 1,170 1,057 66 82 1,236 1,139 not specified 55,547 Totals 68,084 105,777 91,347 181,131 159,431 286,908 103,203 133,191 32,351 51,920 1,330 3,627 33,681

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Table III.—Showing the Quantities of Different Kinds of Fish caught by the Different Methods of Fishing for the Year ended 31st December, 1946— continued

40

Lines. rilrxi. n 1 (jrrana lot&i. Steam. Motor. Row-boat. Total. Barracouta Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Cwt. £ 9,674 5,610 3 4 9,677 5,614 11,440 6,999 Blue cod 20,968 51,175 14 37 20,982 51,212 21,036 51,366 " Bonita " (Brama i) 17 43 17 43 17 43 Brill 20 56 Butterfish (greenbone) 1,920 5,040 Conger-eel .. U7 ' ii4 'i47 il4 173 135 Elephant-fish 36 76 36 76 4,639 8,266 Flounder 14,442 47,010 Frost-flsh .. .. .. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Garfish 49 168 Gurnard '435 '439 435 '439 24,168 25,003 Hake 776 2,376 "l 2 777 2,378 1,737 4,909 Hapuku (groper) 25,873 77,503 46 168 25,919 77,671 27,522 82,156 Herring 1,307 994 John-dory 6 9 6 9 730 1,020 Kahawai 553 558 ' 11 9 564 567 2,092 1,743 Kingflsh 239 292 3 3 242 295 330 387 Ling 8,175 18,529 8,175 18,529 11,584 25,317 Mackerel 195 201 Maomao 10 13 Moki ' "l5 ' '26 "l5 "26 1,975 3,536 Mullet 2,786 4,026 Parore ' '71 ' 57 ' 71 ' '57 1,574 1,212 Perch 37 31 37 31 50 42 Pioke 601 808 601 808 2,247 2,851 Red cod 437 454 ' 17 ' 25 454 479 9,796 8,754 988 Sardine 1,197 Shark .. .. .. .. 1 j 143 1 jio4 ' 22 ' '20 lji65 M24 2,041 2,181 Skate 30 27 30 27 70 56 Snapper 11,391 20,625 '325 562 11,716 21,187 116,832 158,973 Sole .. .. ,. .. ., 22,434 65,558 Swordfish (marlin) .. .. .. 449 '483 '449 '483 449 483 Tarakihi .. ., 434 813 ' 11 ' 21 445 834 77,927 127,589 Trevally .. .. .. 119 118 1 1 120 119 6,819 6,075 Trumpeter .. .. .. .. 37 110 37 110 310 872 Warehou 443 931 Whiptail 1 2 1 2 289 352 Whiting 316 223 Mixed flat fish 1,873 6,097 Mixed round fish and all fish not specified 1 j783 2i 035 ioi *i77 1^884 2 j 212 7,478 8,467 Totals 83,451 183,421 555 1,029 84,006 184,450 380,321 660,096

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Table IV.—Showing approximately the Quantities of Different Kinds of Fish landed at certain Ports during the Year ended 31st December, 1946

41

*32 os *33 cs* • + " 3 o -a <D -4S «3 "1 I 1 ■§ • 1 S i 1 II 1 1 ! '3 So g> a SP 5 1 s b & 2 - 2 8 3 S h » « g §1 §> § 1 3 ? 1 Is i § 1° « '-§ 5 1 s i 1 £ s S 0 ,s s ® jq H 'S a. 2 «s $ t? ,3 «i |^oc!!zis^a Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Owt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Barracouta .. .. .. .. 4 .. 1,246 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 394 ,. Blue cod .. 6 1 7 18 1 96 2 87 2 5 ..SI.. 4 165 11 " Bonita " (Brama) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Butterflsh 76 744 8 .. 12 .. .. 21 275 129 Brill .. Conger-eel .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65 2 Elephant-fish .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. 1 .. 1 18 Flounder .. 2 1 17 95 15 1,457 3,706 9 3 53 12 42 267 3 Frost-fish .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Garfish .. 29 4 Gurnard.. 17 .. 7,370 657 1 1 .. 71 106 1,549 5,994 .. 317 Hake .. 96 1 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 973 1 Hapuku (groper) .. 130 132 56 171 205 1,814 1 .. 147 11 .. 126 20 20 358 378 26 7,132 24 Herring.. .. .. .. .. 1,013 .. 11 .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 John-dory .. .. .. .. 507 . . . . .. .. .. .. 3 .. 87 .. .. 29 Kahawai .. 174 2 77 53 69 297 107 .. '2 33 .. 1,029 1 5 Kingflsh .. 17 1 68 91 19 76 4 1 5 .. 27 5 Ling .. 2 1 66 .. 4,046 Mackerel 67 2 Maomao.. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 8 Moki .. 8 1 7 94 374 3 1,143 21 Mullet .. ..188 18 28 184 60 593 2 2 1 12 .. 1 Parore .. .. 74 .. .. 516 127 207 503 .. 1 .. .. 49 Perch .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Piolte .. .. 2 .. 14 .. .. 1,031 252 .. 24 3 .. 7 4 8 18 3 .. 226 Red cod ' 18 1 .. 578 Sardine .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Shark .. .. 5 .. .. 210 262 622 4 .. 23 .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 35 Skate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 48 Snapper .. 637 505 264 1,844 586 93,792 4,754 142 766 79 75 1,459 809 218 206 869 3 431 9 Sole .. 6 92 2,746 .. 17 Swordfish .. .. .. .. 30 .18 .. .. .. .. .. 401 Tarakihi .. 52 .. 10 8 8 27,788 .. .. 12 52 73 1,917 56 .. 7,547 11,489 1 21,204 10 Trevally .. 1,262 .. 6 538 876 2,015 530 .. .. 27 .. 1,091 82 325 9 Trumpeter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 1 Warehou .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 124 158 Whiptail .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 289 Whiting ... ■ 313 Mixed fiat fish .. .. .. 15 1 .. 32 130 .. .. .. .. .. 7 .. .. .. .. 11 Mixed round fish and 89 2 11 237 21 1,473 160 1 24 11 198 143 .6 36 55 1 1,544 21 kinds not specified Totals .. 2,638 662 573 5,032 2,325 141,406 10,824 156 1,109 208 159 6,416 1,283 275 10,052 22,249 40 39,744 396

S—ls

Table IV.—Showing approximately the Quantities of Different Kinds of Fish landed at certain Ports during the Year ended 31st December, 1946— continued

42

2 £ ,£3 . O <L> 2 2 rj <3 '5 "§ BO • S g c3 c3 d © « §~ § s S £ ~ S£ g a o" • -S-S 3 -2 « S ~ 1 II 1 I' ! *% t I p I ! | J M | 1 1 si | £ 1 S SSiSgs 4 S 3 3 H 1 Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwfc. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwb. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Bairacouta .. 1 1 .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. 45 435 82 9 22 .. 4 Blue cod .. 23 3 . . .. 2 2 .. .. .. .. .. 628 170 .. 33 .. 1 " Bonita" (Brama) .. \ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ., 4 Butterfish .. 105 77 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 40 49 2 72 .. 3 Brill Conger-eel .. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 34 .. 1 4 1 Elephant-fish .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 34 .. 2 1,805 74 .. 2,445 Flounder .. 24.. 77 4 1 164 71 442 1,430 36 388 78 140 .. 677 125 477 2,367 Frost-fish Garfish .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Gurnard .. 69 7 8 3 7 4 .. 2 11 24 10 37 1,269 531 .. 2,946 Hake . . .. 23 1 31 .. 9 510 61 .. 3 Hapuku (groper) .. 2,696 72 1 .. 28 341 29 .. .. .. .. 105 2,153 8 1,078 370 500 .. 2,796 Herring .. .. • • 9 .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. I .. .. 2 .. 3 John-dory .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Kahawai .. 6 2 2 137 1 2 9 2 29 9 2 .. .: Kingfish .. .. 1 13 1 1 Bng • ... .. 143 .. .. .. .. ,. .. .. .. .. 1 13 14 1,170 2,133 312 .. 3,136 ! Mackerel .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 125 Maomao Mold .. .. 35 10 . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 76 1 8 " 4 81 15 Mullet .. 1 3 .. 472 767 454 .. Parore .. .. .... .. Perch . . 7 4 PiOke . . .. 144 4 .. .. .. 4 30 .. 34 2 .. 39 .. .. .. 3 .. .. 7 lied cod.. .. 1 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 152 84 321 14 200 46 .. 3,823 Sardine .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,191 Shark .... .. . . . . .. 8 3 .. .. 11 292 2 51 290 .. 5 Skate .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. 4 Snapper .. 38 445 53 24 441 2,270 208 53 185 1,020 66 155 10 16 6 1 2 Sole .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 139 30 417 141 .. 2,571 Swordfish Tarakihi.. .. 15 8 .. .. 1 .. .. .. 7 20 16 30 41 7,094 206 .! iis TrevaHy.. .. 18 .. .. .. .. .. 7 .. 12 18 3 Trumpeter .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31 1 208 Warehovt .. 108 45 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Whiptail Whiting .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. ! .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Mixed flat fish .. 34 2 | . . . . .. .. .. .. .. 1 109 18 371 36 243 19 .. 463 Mixed round fish and 327 18 1 4 1 7 4 2 .. 55 59 3 67 118 166 45 563 6S .. 538 kinds not specified — : 1 Totals .. 3,816 706 j 147 32 631 j 2,643 445 124 1,215 3,608 575 1,968 4,913 1,215 2,703 15,400 2,394 480 21,223

H—ls

Table IV.—Showing approximately the Quantities of Different Kinds of Fish landed at certain Ports during the Year ended 31st December, 1946— continued

43

a X3 43 1 . 1 d eg a. m § 3 Q eg v> 0 cs t a "8 CS +3 -g ffl cS 4 s lii S 5 . — I 3 2 S3 a h s c *f-I a ~cj> 3 X 8 sg 1—1 CO OS °'S 0j .2 Hokitik O a a In a 2 ! 1 A 0 a IJ O 0 S3 M e l '3 EH 'A '5 £ 2 a> GO £>' M G5 ® 0 0 a %, % PR OS S O Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Barracouta 12 429 8,171 1 1 48 309 186 Blue cod i38 383 279 58 42 111 55 2,452 10,770 597 ' 1 26 79 21 1,353 3,442 " Bonita " (Brama) Butterflsh "3 "7 •44 ' 1 'io 209 Brill 'ie ' '4 Conger-eel Elephant-flsh 2ii ' 1 4 49 Flounder 745 427 '22 ' 1 '77 ' 5 ' '2 23 62 893 ' 1 Frost-fish Garfish Gurnard "l 291 . '47 io "i3 85 ii2 361 221 2,6i2 ' '4 Hake 5 1 1 19 Hapuku (groper) .. 1,840 1,352 i58 562 83 290 '24 i.57 612 '83 376 '76 "i2 72 246 507 i44 Herring ii 2 27 221 15 John-dory 5 "l 72 5 Kahawai 5 1 "2 29 5 Kingfish Ling i.5 'i'4 io2 363 25 "2 2 i6 ' '8 Mackerel 1 Maomao *37 Moki ' '9 ' 1 "8 i6 "l "l 2f Mullet Parore Perch ' '4' *24 ' 4 ' 6 "l Pioke 108 '73 25 268 'ii Bed cod 7 153 i.23 3,846 lio 83 '29 22 21 ii 189 1 33 28 Sardine '33 Shark 6 f.69 "7 "l Skate 12 1 Snapper 2 ' '4 "8 471 806 2,974 126 Sole 8,366 849 3,528 2,8i8 135 327 52 4 4 192 Swordflsh '51 Tarakihi.. 5 ' "l '81 5 ' 'l Trevally Trumpeter f . "l ' 'l ' 2 1 Warehou Whiptail Whiting Mixed flat fish *50 iio ' ~5 ' *3 5 i77 i29 Mixed round fish and ' 1 ' '7 81 33 1 ic9 700 '' 2 ' '1 68 76 ' '6 75 *52 kinds not specified Totals .. 2,020 s f,98t 1,153 23,250 989 ; 4,565 2,964 1 3,035 12,126 687 12 909 527 1,268 1,653 7,078 2,749 3,586

H—ls

Table V.—Showing Total Quantities of Wet Fish landed at each of the Chief Fishing Ports each Month of the Year 1946

44

Port or District. January. February. March, April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December. Totals. North Island Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Awanui and district .. 29 190 189 227 149 79 172 137 125 623 417 301 2,638 Mangonui 145 64 58 38 63 76 37 48 49 20 35 29 662 Whangaroa 56 39 47 78 81 68 34 12 27 26 51 54 573 Russell 386 389 520 297 335 273 398 289 432 711 492 510 5,032 Whangarei 194 212 166 142 197 93 172 207 237 212 273 220 2,325 Auckland 9,466 12,363 10,315 10,177 9,498 10,072 13,093 11,607 13,874 15,508 12,447 12,986 141,406 Thames district 1,533 1,178 939 717 783 558 1,061 811 1,188 1,002 491 563 10,824 Coromandel 7 10 10 21 5 9 2 19 38 19 I61 156 Mercury Bay 141 232 248 66 ' '86 69 36 32 8 6 2 183 1,109 Whangamata 36 4 25 30 19 10 3 3 1 2 23 52 208 Waihi Beach 41 22 9 9 17 13 10 5 3 8 2 20 159 Tauranga and district 377 392 610 496 226 250 668 397 506 920 720 854 6,416 Whakatane 26 97 160 54 53 71 54 49 188 252 120 159 1,283 Ohiwa Harbour, Opotiki, 41 15 3 24 9 36 24 25 16 26 32 24 275 and Cape Runaway Gisborne 696 772 209 137 416 601 1,248 736 1,180 1,983 918 1,156 10,052 Napier 2,019 8 1,306 601 716 1,265 1,694 2,236 1,800 2,845 3,199 2,091 2,477 22,249 Castlepoint 2 5 2 2 1 1 3 6 10 40 Wellington 2,848 3,787 3,690 98 3,477 3,279 3^382 4^58 1,681 2,110 3,910 4,612 2,810 39,744 Makara 17 54 28 29 29 97 16 18 3 7 396 Paremata 341 394 301 266 265 282 597 77 186 367 436 304 3,816 Paraparaumu Beach .. 63 72 77 117 117 108 54 17 8 15 24 34 706 Manawatu Heads 26 27 36 22 2 3 7 1 3 8 12 147 Tangimoana 5 9 8 5 2 1 1 1 32 Wanganui .. 94 95 55 39 118 88 "32 1 1 ' '20 "41 47 631 New Plymouth 474 265 154 147 241 237 213 54 77 62 233 486 2,643 Kawhia 23 82 59 24 37 27 17 6 24 26 45 75 445 Raglan 13 17 8 1 3 6 13 6 8 15 8 26 124 Manukau Harbour 103 90 146 84 133 98 79 41 90 153 103 95 1,215 Kaipara 199 246 402 260 336 331 323 171 371 343 293 333 3,608 Hokianga 7 23 28 24 34 54 42 55 63 71 84 90 575 South Island Havelock 71 126 149 211 368 401 215 93 65 108 103 58 1,968 Picton 346 421 398 365 473 492 483 68 103 356 856 552 4,913 Blenheim (Wairau) .. 50 82 141 158 251 118 60 51 73 79 24 128 1,215 Kaikoura 111 206 270 151 235 238 111 55 203 359 312 452 2,703 Lyttelton 501 902 1,518 1,128 1,640 1,126 1,595 1,515 1,366 1,761 1,452 896 15,400 Akaroa 148 135 308 32 259 260 192 88 172 171 277 352 2,394 Lake Ellesmere 13 13 46 57 70 35 43 10 26 64 55 48 480 Timaru 1,366 1,618 1,622 2,242 2,862 2,315 1,172 877 1,195 1,793 2,349 1,812 21,223 Oamaru 236 376 448 213 147 56 55 40 41 105 145 158 2,020 Moeraki 194 204 174 211 348 168 79 44 90 114 153 185 1,964 Karitane 78 80 93 102 147 . 58 9 13 46 64 122 341 1,153 Port Chalmers 1,810 3,111 2,715 2,229 3,597 1,340 1,503 565 351 1,542 1,661 2,826 23,250 Taieri Mouth 103 156 182 68 128 12 6 89 78 167 989 Nuggets district 757 839 693 107 285 73 201 3 'ioo 534 335 638 4,565 Waikawa 284 394 211 65 179 196 476 7 165 360 304 323 2,964 Invercargill 1 1 Bluff "i67 '463 506 176 '366 '275 '332 "66 '205 ' '76 'i34 269 3,035 Stewart Island 857 2,170 1,727 939 2,543 1,390 1,458 387 342 138 161 14 12,126 Riverton district 15 80 91 281 91 82 118 18 77 20 30 37 687 Hokitika 6 5 1 12 Greymouth 74 81 206 79 236 ' 66 "86 ' *39 "30 3 8 1 909 Westport 53 57 88 27 43 18 36 31 47 23 50 54 527 Golden Bay 27 16 23 20 205 185 298 296 5 5 11 177 1,268 Motueka 158 122 118 86 173 137 38 65 185 106 333 132 1,653 Nelson 373 287 426 513! 658 562 950 555 473 822 955 504 7,078 French Pass 138 370 415 167 283 346 340 213 110 162 138 67 2,749 Chatham Islands 488, 1,049 569 530 120 443 27 360 3,586 Totals .. S 1 27,350 35,250 32,794 27,669 33,912 28,683 35,186 23,413 29,486 38,381 34,079 34,118 380,321

H—ls

Table VI.—Showing Quantities of the Main Species of Fish landed at the Chief Fishing Ports in each Month of the Year ended 31st December, 1946

45

— January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December. Totals. Auckland Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Flounder 210 436 246 182 54 32 2 27 16 80 81 91 1,457 Gurnard 446 851 533 618 525 589 686 528 625 879 568 522 7,370 Snapper 6,399 7,015 6,614 6,458 7,616 6,918 9,164 7,203 8,231 11,461 8,527 8,186 93,792 Tarakihi 1,411 2,642 2,301 2,050 417 1,804 2,319 2,977 4,140 2,129 2,498 3,100 27,788 Trevally 315 383 145 119 155 116 169 144 94 142 • 71 162 2,015 Thames Flounder .1,340 783 625 220 341 70 37 1 40 99 92 58 3,706 Gurnard 11 16 26 30 84 81 129 82 90 59 22 27 657 Snapper 171 356 260 443 208 340 667 548 603 606 195 357 4,754 Trevally 1 20 27 21 50 11 41 25 156 61 53 64 530 Tawranga Kahawai 30 7 12 24 15 14 41 93 228 180 385 1,029 Snapper 110 108 119 143 '97 151 139 135 94 101 131 131 1,459 Tarakihi 204 38 263 276 54 39 247 94 158 292 252 1,917 Trevally 1 5 32 5 9 15 236 2io 145 373 45 15 1,091 Oisborne Gurnard 102 199 115 66 35 49 106 49 144 283 150 251 1,549 Tarakihi 555 472 50 9 346 525 1,119 674 930 1,500 660 707 7,547 Napier Gurnard 501 337 113 264 615 412 522 421 738 860 670 541 5,994 Hapuku 82 21 23 36 3 18 35 9 30 59 28 34 378 Sole 270 129 23 123 122 48 109 205 220 479 553 465 2,746 Tarakihi 991 659 250 37 349 1,149 1,566 1,152 1,821 1,595 819 1,101 11,489 Wellington Hake 60 154 120 128 136 40 30 12 24 222 28 19 973 Hapuku 542 459 340 137 288 541 1,252 288 259 1,086 904 1,036 7,132 Ling 47 178 528 462 754 1,055 601 74 110 58 111 68 4,046 Tarakihi 1,687 2,124 2,089 2,024 1,520 1,129 1,908 1,150 1,325 2,118 2,843 1,287 21,204 Picton Barracouta 21 93 93 10 16 82 17 7 65 28 2 1 435 Blue cod 26 28 10 31 5 1 4 1 11 6 7 40 170 Hapuku 231 232 208 133 215 255 371 25 8 113 240 122 2,153 Sardine 31 40 53 200 553 314 1,191 Lyttelton Elephant-fish 164 211 79 69 49 30 40 98 114 490 368 93 1,805 Gurnard 78 121 185 67 28 5 29 87 118 324 141 86 1,269 Ling 15 258 384 162 179 189 148 120 94 85 179 320 2,133 Tarakihi 24 4 63 611 1,135 765 1,259 1,135 807 594 564 133 7,094 Timaru Elephant-fish 267 213 50 65 51 196 167 14 201 414 543 264 2,445 Flounder 224 226 138 174 370 153 129 188 155 108 181 321 2,367 Gurnard 105 185 216 506 182 381 221 158 287 333 256 116 2,946 Hapuku 218 256 245 236 421 285 4 299 436 396 2,796 Ling 158 187 268 338 720 670 92 '30 '28 154 249 242 3,130 Sole 118 134 318 236 148 209 227 169 351 244 290 127 2,571 Port Chalmers Barracouta 710 1,146 1,444 1,154 1,789 3 1 605 215 1,104 8,171 Flounder 113 108 31 50 72 92 '62 24 *30 13 54 96 745 Hapuku 24 83 58 48 50 88 57 19 4 34 60 37 562 Bed cod 374 866 213 369 808 385 252 46 35 60 288 150 3,846 Sole 508 663 750 509 718 667 1,091 407 216 737 856 1,244 8,366 Stewart Island Blue cod 762 1,897 1,455 823 2,247 1,276 1,382 367 316 105 138 2 10,770 Hapuku 27 112 129 61 189 59 27 3 3 2 <512 Nelson Flounder 33 22 27 75 109 99 149 84 54 90 101 50 893 Gurnard 43 46 94 82 163 167 446 299 201 281 141 49 2,012 Snapper 175 139 225 317 311 149 261 100 135 322 507 333 2,974 Sole 13 13 35 18 39 47 1 21 5 192

H—ls

Table VII. —Showing the Number of Sacks and Value of the Oysters obtained in the Dominion during the Year ended 31st December, 1946

Table VIII.—Showing the Number and Species of Whales taken off the New Zealand Coast, with Quantity of Products, for the Year ended 31st December, 1946

Table IX.—Showing the Total Quantity and Value op Fish and Shell-fish IMPORTED INTO AND EXPORTED FROM NEW ZEALAND DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st December, 1946

Fish and Shell-fish imported

46

Locality. Quantity. Value. Dkedge Oysters | Sacks. I £(N.Z.) Foveaux Strait .. 1 89,356 1 67,017 • * Rock Oysters Bay of Islands 2,396 Whangarei Harbour 212 Kaipara Harbour 669 > 8,933 Hauraki Gulf* 1,326 Coromandel 500 Total .. Gtand total 5,103 94,459 75,950 * Rangitoto, 46; Bakatoa, 15; Rotoroa, 121; Waiheke, 786-; Ponui, 358.

Whaling-station. Number of Whales Taken. Species. Keld of Oil. Quantity of Other Products. Tons. Tons. Marlborough Sounds 110 Humpbacks 700 / 90 (bonedust) (Picton) \40 (earthed meat).

Kind of Fish. Quantity. Value. £(N.Z.) Herrings (tinned) 317,581 lb. 21,525 Other kinds (tinned) 1,023 lb. 478 Other fish, smoked, dried, or salted 208 cwt. 3,956 25,959

H—ls

Fish and Shell-fish exported

47

Kind of Fish. Exporting Forts. Quantity. Value. Oysters, fresh Auckland Other ports 400 doz. 85,000 doz. £(N.Z.) 14 2,805 Total 85,400 doz. 2,819 Blue cod, frozen Auckland Wellington Dunedin Other ports 7 cwt. 57 cwt. 2,500 cwt. 5,672 "cwt. 39 373 12,533 29,660 • Total 8,236 cwt. 42,605 Flounder, frozen Auckland Wellington Dunedin Other ports 35 cwt. 254 cwt. 494 cwt. 118 cwt. 230 1,541 2,845 692 Total 901 cwt. 5,308 Snapper, frozen Auckland Wellington 105 cwt. 739 cwt. 507 5,507 Total 844 cwt. 5,584 Tarakihi, frozen Auckland Wellington Dunedin 22 cwt. 1,842 cwt. 22 cwt. 67 10,567 106 Total 1,886 cwt. 10,740 Red cod, frozen Auckland Wellington .. Dunedin Other ports* 6 cwt. 166 cwt. 1,011 cwt. 224 cwt. 31 850 2,960 677 Total 1,407 cwt. 4,518 Hapuku, frozen Wellington Dunedin Other ports 15 cwt. 464 cwt. 218 cwt. 96 2,487 1,169 Total 697 cwt. 3,752 Barracouta, frozen Wellington Dunedin Other ports 796 cwt. 2,227 cwt. 1,802 cwt. 4,05S 7,794 6,312 Total 4,825 cwt. 18,164

H—ls

Fish and Shell-fish exported—continued

48

Kind of Fish. Exporting Ports. Quantity. Value. Sole, frozen Dunedin Other ports 2,455 cwt. 879 cwt. £(N.Z.) 13,188 4,786 Total 3,334 cwt. 17,974 Crayfish, frozen Auckland Wellington Dunedin 50 cwt. 816 cwt. 621 cwt. 267 4,183 3,005 Total 1,487 cwt. 7,455 Other kinds*, frozen Auckland Wellington Dunedin Other ports 37 cwt. 3,484 cwt. 1,245 cwt. 802 cwt. 230 18,055 5,885 3,431 Total 5,568 cwt. 27,601 Total export of frozen fish (including crayfish) from New Zealand 29,185 cwt. 146,520 Smoked, dried, pickled, or salted .. Auckland Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin Other ports 247 cwt. 300 cwt. 1 cwt. 1,310 cwt. 744 cwt. 1,347 2,018 20 7,926 3,966 Total 2,602 cwt. 15,277 Preserved in tins— Oysters .. .. Auckland Wellington Other ports 11,6151b. 105 lb. 165 lb. 930 9 10 Total 11,8851b. 949 Whitebait Auckland Wellington Lyttelton .. Dunedin 96,5831b. 116,9451b. 21,431 lb. 52,0681b. 17,114 23,445 4,576 9,615 Total 287,027 lb. 54,750 Toheroa Auckland Wellington 5,0141b. 941b. 390 9 Total 5,1081b. 399 Mussels Auckland 37,379 lb. 2,178 Crayfish Auckland Wellington Dunedin 8,5681b. 9,2161b. 15,688 lb. 1,185 755 2,309 Total 33,472 lb. 4,249 * Includes mussels, 50 cwt., value, £326; whitebait, 30 cwt, value, £567.

H—ls

Fish and Shell-fish exported—continued

Table X.—Return of Land Engineers', Engine-drivers', and Electric-tram Drivers' Examinations held throughout New Zealand during the Year ended 31st March, 1947, showing the Number of Successful and Unsuccessful Candidates

49

Kind of Fish. Exporting Ports. Quantity. Value. Clam chowder Auckland 70,241 lb. £(N.Z.) 3,759 Other kinds Auckland Dunedin 132 lb. 4,8001b. 14 320 Total 4,932 lb. 334 Value of total exports of New Zealand fish and shell-fish 231,234 Re-exports: Smoked, dried, or salted Lyttelton 5 cwt. 125

Place. Extra First-class stationary Engineer. First-class Enginedriver. Second-class Enginedriver. Locomotive and Traction Engine Driver. Locomotiveengine Driver. Tractionengine Driver. P. F. P. F. P. F. P. F. P. F. P. F. Auckland Christchurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Palmerston North Timaru Wanganui Wellington Whangarei Other places 9 4 4 "2 4 2 "l 3 "8 1 10 "2 "2 3 1 "l 1 ' 4 41 29 15 6 8 20 16 8 3 39 9 5 7 23 1 . 5 11 2 4 1 1 7 4 1 8 5 ' 2 12 "3 1 "5 "2 2 2 "l "l ' 1 "l 2 "2 "l "l 1 2 "l "l "l Totals 38 24 235 61 14 2 6 6 Place. windingengine Driver. windingengine Driver. Electrictram Driver. Electric-tram Driver (oneman Car) Cable-tram Drivers. TotaL *3 O H T3 P. F. P. F. P. F. P. F. P. F. P. ' F " e 2 0 Auckland Christchurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Palmerston North Timaru Wanganui Wellington Whangarei Other places "l ' '2 103 83 21 'ii '79 5 "l "4 "5 "l "3 157 118 45 6 17 27 24 8 3 52 12 6 12 115 3 6 26 2 6 1 1 9 3 5 1 8 6 1 4 17 1 3 183 120 51 7 18 36 27 13 4 60 18 7 16 132 4 9 Totals 1 2297 6 9 1 3 611 94 705

H—ls

Table XI.—Summary of Examinations for Certificates as Masters and Mates for the Year ended 31st March, 1947

Table XII.—Summary of Examinations of Marine Engineers for the Year ended 31st March, 1947

50

Class of Certificate. Auckland. Wellington. Totals. Total P. P.P. F. P.F. P. P.P. F. P.F. P. P.P. F. P.F. Examinations. Foreign - going Masters and Mates Home-trade Masters and Mates Kiver Masters Examinations in Compass Deviation Square-rigged Endorsements Fore and Aft Endorsements . New Zealand Pilots 32 19 1 7 13 4 5 45 23 1 12 81 12 10 C 1 1 3 5 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 i 1 18 12 7 2 1 1 1 4 6 1 20 16 13 1 Totals 61 19 11 7 24 5 2 5 85 24 13 12 134

Class of Auckland. Wellington. Christchurch. Dunedin. t Other Places. Totals. Grand Certificate. P. P.P. p. P.P. P. P.P. F. P.P. P. P.P. F. 1 P.P. ] p . P.P. P. P.P. 1 P. F. P. | P.F.! 1 P. | P.F. Total. Imperial Validity 1st and 2nd Class Steam 1st and 2nd Class Motor 1st and 2nd Class Steam Endorsement 1st and 2nd Class Motor Endorsement 4 1 10 1 8 1 15 10 6 25 1 26 1 -1 3 4 2 19 11 1 6 38 1 1 40 1 1 98 13 2 6 5 " 10 1 9 31 26 27 1 3 4 2 37 39 1 42 119 Valid in New Zealand only 3rd Class Steam River Steam.. 1st and 2nd Coastal Motor River Oil 26 14 10 31 14 1 3 45 5 8 13 1 4 1 2 2 12 2 4 1 27 2 87 15 16 70 33 1 6 120 16 16 76 81 18 58 14 7 2 14 4 28 2 188 40 228 Totals 86 10 19 9 89 26 14 27 8 3 2 4 14 4 2 28 2 225 39 41 42 347

H—ls

Table XIII.—Summary of Casualties to Shipping reported to the Marine Department during the Year ended 31st March, 1947

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (668 copies), £l5O.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 947. Price 1». 3d.]

51

On or near Coasts of Dominion. Outside Dominion. Total Number of Casualties reported. Nature of Casualty. Number of Vessels. Tonnage. Number of Lives lost. Number of Vessels. Tonnage. Number of lives lost. Number of Vessels. Tonnage. Number of Lives lost. Strandings— Total loss Damaged Undamaged 1 5 3 88 5,807 7,178 1 5 3 88 5,807 7,178 9 13,073 9 13,073 Fires — Total loss Damaged Undamaged "l "50 "l '50 1 50 1 50 Collisions — Total loss Damaged Undamaged "5 2 1.99 987 5 2 i.99 987 7 1,186 7 1,186 Miscellaneous, including damage by heavy seas, breakdown of machinery, <fec. Totals 6 13,540 1 3,117 7 16,657 23 27,849 1 3,117 24 30,966