H.—l7.

-and far easier, than those I had secured last season, and they would be glad to do all in their power to assist me. Mr. E. C. Donaldson is deserving of a double meed for his unremitting attention and indefatigable labours throughout, and further promise to aid in procuring a larger quantity next season—" a cartload if we want it." The special thanks are also due to the directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company for their noble liberality, and the manner in which all arrangements connected with shipping were made for the conveyance of the ova from the docks to the colony quite free of charge, and myself to and fro for half a fare. The value of such services, lam sure, cannot be measured by the space occupied in the ship. My special obligations are also due to Captain Underwood, the company^ manager in London; also to Captain Crutchley and his officers on board the E.M.S.S. " Kaikoura," who were ever kind and attentive throughout the voyage. In conclusion, I would add, notwithstanding the success that has been achieved, I am of opinion that another importation of ova should be undertaken without loss of time ; for the young fish now in our hatcheries will not produce spawn, by which their numbers may be multiplied, for . wo or three years : thus, much loss of time will be lost in stocking our rivers unless a further supply be obtained. Such an undertaking can no longer be regarded as an experiment, for the additional experience which has been gained must insure more favourable results in future importations. The whole expense of another shipment (say a million) would not exceed one thousand pounds (£1,000), as the apparatus used for the last importation can be made available. I therefore earnestly hope that the Government will place on the estimates, and recommend to the Parliament now sitting the appropriating of, such a sum as will enable such steps to be taken as are necessary for a further supply of ova this next season. In this way, and this alone, can the long-cherished hopes of the colony be realized; and, as a sequence, ample returns will be made in a few years for all expenses and labour incurred. *..oD3.a.u I have, &c, S. C. Fare, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. P.S. —The young salmon in the vessel throve, and became quite tame, taking their food as soon as it was dropped on the water; but one morning, between Teneriffe and the Cape, I found them all dead, although the night previously they ate their food as usual. Their death, doubtless, was caused by wanton mischief, as urine was detected in the water; otherwise I feel confident I could have brought them out alive. The lobsters and crabs died in the tropics. Still, I believe they can be brought alive.—S. C. P.

By Authority: Gbobgb Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBs.

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