1F.—30

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it requires no protective duties to encourage it. Perhaps a moderate outlay in establishing these fish ia some rivers would not be applied in a manner better calculated to be highly reproductive (see note). When it can be shown that some of the rivers in the South are fairly stocked, further importations may be discontinued, for the ova can be easily obtained in such rivers, and, when reared in the ponds, the fry hatched from them can be sent to other rivers. The Government has a direct interest in promoting this desirable result, for, as, through the operation of the rule of the Survey Department to reserve one chain of land along the banks of the larger rivers, it is the greatest riparian owner in the South, it will bave a prospect of deriving considerable rents from the leasing of the fishings —a profit subject to little deductions, for the fish will find their own food, and the lessees will look after their protection. I trust the Government will not decide upon discontinuing its efforts without due consideration. If they are to be continued, it would be advisable to buy the section above referred to. I have, &c, J. A. E. Menzies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Chairman, Southland Salmon Commissioners. Note. —The English Commission reported that in 1863 " The Tay furnished 800,0001b. of salmon, which was equal, in amount of food, to 18,000 sheep, aud thrice their value, in that year." " Seven hundred net-fishermen were employed on the Tay, whose wages amounted to £9,000; and the rents of four rivers—Tay, Spey, Dee, and Don—were about £40,000."

By Authority : Oeobgb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBo. Price 3d.]

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