H.—l2

22

I have thought it right to give the Southland Acclimatization Society, which has contributed so liberally to the funds, an intimation of this by the present mail, in order that there may be no difficulty out there about the further cost of preparing the breeding-ponds for the reception of the ova, or other necessary arrangements of a similar kind. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 62. Mr. G. S. Cooper to Mr. Butts. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 3rd May, 1873. I am directed by Mr. Reynolds to inform you that, as the Agent-General has been able to accomplish the shipment of the salmon ova at a less expense than was anticipated, the Government will only require the Southland Acclimatization Society to pay £200 out of the £300 they so liberally guaranteed; and lam therefore to request that you will take the necessary steps for the payment of that amount. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, E. D. Butts, Esq., Secretary, Under Secretary. Acclimatization Society, Invercargill.

No. 63. Mr. G. S. Cooper to Mr. Blakiston. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 6th May, 1873. As the salmon ova has now arrived at Dunedin, I am directed by Mr. Reynolds to request that you will be so good as to take the necessary steps for the payment to the Government of the £100 guaranteed by the Christchurch Acclimatization Society. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, C. It. Blakiston, Esq., Chairman, Under Secretary. Acclimatization Societv, Christchurch.

No. 64. Mr. Blakiston to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Christchurch, 17th May, 1873. I beg to enclose a bank receipt for £100, amount of contribution due from the Canterbury Acclimatization Society towards expenses incurred by the General Government for the late introduction of salmon ova, per ship " Oberon," to Dunedin. I have, &c, Ciias. Robt. Blakiston, Chairman of the Canterbury Acclimatization Society. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 65. Mr. G. S. Cooper to Mr. Blakiston. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 21st May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, and am directed to thank you for the prompt remittance of the contribution due from the Canterbury Acclimatization Society towards the expenses incurred by the General Government in the introduction of salmon ova by the ship " Oberon." I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, C R. Blakiston, Esq., Chairman, Under Secretary. Canterbury Acclimatization Society, Christchurch.

No. 66. His Honor J. Macandrew to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 28th April, 1873. No sign of " Oberon." Southland aud Canterbury Associations have each a man here waiting, and have, I understand, arranged with steam traders. I have made necessary arrangements for carefully unpacking ova boxes. Have directed tug to fetch vessel in as soon as signalled, so as to lose