7

H.—ll

in good condition and hatch out. I enclose Professor Baird's letters and telegrams to me on this subiect ; also telegrams from and to Mr. Clark, Deputy Fish Commissioner at Northville, Michigan. In further explanation, however, I may state that I wrote to Professor Baird on this subject several months ago, and expressed a desire of obtaining, if possible, another supply of whitefish eggs for the colony, in consequence of the failure of previous shipments. I explained to him the geographical position of the leading settlements, and the risk of failure in distributing the ova on arrival about midsummer, along such an extended sea-board, and he promised that the next consignment would be left to my discretion in that regard. Accordingly I have written to J. C. Firth, Esq., President of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, requesting him to take charge of at least 250,000 eggs, and hatch out the same in the breeding ponds at Auckland, from which stock the North Island lakes should be supplied. It is necessary that there should be running water. I should be gratified if, in addition to Lake Taupo and other lakes on the line of the Waikato, the Wairarapa could be speedily stocked with this valuable fish. The lesser lakes could be attended to subsequently. I have likewise telegraphed to the Christchurch and Dunedin Acclimatisation Societies, requesting them to put themselves in communication with you ; but I am of the opinion that only these leading Societies, and perhaps Nelson, should be supplied with eggs, and these only if, upon examination in Auckland, the eggs could fairly stand the journey. In any contingency, or if there should be a doubt of the eggs spoiling, I should recommend that the entire consignment should be hatched at Auckland, and the young fish thence distributed over the colony. But as there is always a reasonable feeling of pride in such matters, the Societies named are entitled to the utmost consideration, consistent with the preservation of this valuable contribution to the food fish of the colony. 100,000 eggs might be shipped to Canterbury, 100,000 to Dunedin, and 50,000 to Nelson. This would dispose of the entire shipment, which is in ten (50,000) boxes. In this connection I have consulted several gentlemen experienced in the American fisheries, and they unhesitatingly place whitefish as the most valuable of all fresh-water fish, ranking as a food fish above all other varieties. They are prolific, grow to a large size, and are equally good for food fresh or salted. Should they be successfully acclimatized in New Zealand, the colony will derive an immense return for the small outlay incident to introducing them. I have taken advantage of the refrigerator box of the Auckland Society, in which the late consignment of salmon ova were shipped, and filled it with ice in lieu of the ship's ice-house, which Captain Dearbour has placed at my disposal for the whitefish. This will economise ice, and give a more reasonable certainty of the consignment arriving safely. I may here state that Captain Dearbour, of the City of Sydney, takes a very deep interest in this work of acclimatization, and, I think, deserves some recognition by the Government. I have also consulted Mr. Redding, Fish Commissioner for California, from whom, and his Deputy Mr. Woodbury, I have received every possible aid. I need not, however, encumber this communication by enclosing my correspondence with these gentlemen. The fact that I received intimation of this shipment by telegram on the sth instant, compelled me to wire a message through by cable to prevent the possibility of the consignment failing for want of preparedness on ai'rival. It was addressed to the Premier. As I was not in funds to meet this and other disbursements on account of the colony, I have drawn for the amount, as per vouchers and statement of account annexed, which please honor. I also enclose statement of account from Mr. Clark, to whom you will be good enough to remit the amount by return mail, apprising me of the fact. You will observe what Professor Baird states upon this subject—and I would respectfully suggest that the Government convey to him an expression of their appreciation of the interest he has taken in the acclimatizing of food fish in New Zealand. I have acted in this matter without instructions, but in the belief that my conduct will meet with your approval. I would suggest, in conclusion, that the Government in future would prevent risk of loss by apprising me when they order fish eggs from the United States Commission. I had no knowledge of the last order for salmon, until after the ship sailed, and it was by a mere accident that the entire consignment was not left behind. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Robt. J. Creighton. Wellington.

Enclosure 1 to 23. Professor Baird to Robert J. Creighton, Esq. Sir,— Washington, sth January, 1878. Mindful of the desire of New Zealand to obtain an additional supply of whitefish eggs, I arranged with Mr. F. N. Clark, of Northville, Michigan, for half-a-million, and to bring them forward to a proper stage for shipment. lam informed that the eggs are now ready, and he has been instructed to forward them to you at once. They are to be put up in ten packets of 50,000 each, so as to be more conveniently divided. It may be well for you to confer with Mr. B. B. Redding, Commissioner for California, in regard to the proper treatment of these eggs. They are not quite so far advanced as those of last year. Mr. Clark's charge for these eggs is idol, per thousand, or 500dols. for the lot, exclusive, I presume, of packing and expressage. If you have not this amount on hand you can collect it at your earliest convenience from the colony and send it direct to Mr. Clark. My own appropriation did not permit me to incur so large an expense during the present season. It is possible that, for greater security, the eggs may be shipped in two lots at intervals, of two or three days, so that if one is lost the other may not be.