H.—llA

1878. NEW ZEALAND.

INTRODUCTION OF SALMON OVA FROM ENGLAND (PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram). Wellington, 16th November, 1877. Send small shipment salmon ova steam Melbourne direct. Cost not exceed four hundred pounds. Wire date departure. Tho Agent-General, London. Grey.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 12th December, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the telegram, copy of which I append, in which you instruct me to send out a small shipment of salmon ova by steamer to Melbourne direct. It reached me on the 2Sth November. I found there were only two steamers by which it would he possible forme to carry out your instructions —viz., the " Somersetshire," which is to sail on the 27th December, and the " Chimborazo," which is to sail on the 21st January. After much consideration, and with the advise of Mr. Youl and Mr. Buckland, I decided in favour of the latter vessel, chiefly for tho three following reasons : The "Somersetshire" is to leave two days after Christmas. The time to make arrangements would therefore have been very short. The period, also, being one of holidays, it would be difficult to count on the assistance required. Lastly, the " Chimborazo " will probably save at least fifteen days on the passage. The agents for the " Chimborazo," Messrs. Anderson and Anderson, have undertaken to let me have the room required, charging for the same at so much per ton. As soon as the vessel arrives in dock, the ice-house will be built. Mr. Youl has agreed to superintend tho shipping arrangements, and Mr. Buckland has undertaken to get the ova. I contemplate shipping about 50,000 ova. I fear there will be difficulty in keeping within the limit of price you name, but of course I will strive to the utmost to do so. For example, it is impossible to tell what tho ova may cost, as they may be easily obtained or the reverse. I will telegraph you when the steamer leaves. Mr. Youl particularly asked me to impress on the Government the necessity of being prepared to receive the ova on its arrival. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 3. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram). London, 3rd January, 187 S. Despatch kd to Melbourne, by '-Chimborazo," 45,000 ova in ship's ice-house. Important ice ready immediately on arrival. Arrive about fifth March. Expense about £250. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Vooel.