H.—29.

Imported Fish. —Some specimens of fish caught in the Aparima Biver were examined by experts in the colony, and pronounced to be grilse ; but some sent to London were examined by Dr. Gunther, one of the leading experts of the day in fish, and he stated that "The specimens are most assuredly not salmon (S. solar), neither are they brown trout (S. fario). They are a kind of sea trout (S. trutta) looking extremely like the Irish white trout. But the different kinds of migratory sea-trout are so closely allied to each other that it is almost a matter of impossibility to give an opinion on artificially-reared fish or their offspring." This opinion is interesting, inasmuch as no sea trout have ever, as far as I am aware of, been placed in either the Aparima or any other river within many miles of it. It would appear that the climate of New Zealand is developing a new kind of sahnonida, resembling in many respects the salmon of Europe. In any case I submit that it would be desirable to continue the prohibition to fish in the Aparima, at all events for another season. By the end of the year the question of whether the acclimatisation of salmon has been successful or not should be determined. The Otago and Southland Acclimatisation Societies have made a recommendation that a further supply of salmon ova should be procured from the United Kingdom. This application is still under the consideration of the Government. The acclimatisation societies are still doing good work in distributing trout ova and fry in the various streams in the colony—the greatest number having been sent out by the Otago Society (879,800), and the Wellington Society (425,291). A proposal has been submitted to Mr. W. H. Spaekman to write a small book on trout fishing in New Zealand, and arrangements have been made to have the work printed in the Government Printing Office. A work of this nature should be most interesting, and be most valuable to the colony—showing as it will do the extraordinary number and size of the trout that can be caught here, and so I have no doubt will attract a considerable influx of disciples of the "gentle craft." Several difficulties having arisen as to the boundaries of acclimatisation districts in the South Island, a conference of acclimatisation societies was held at Oamaru on the 17th March last, when the following resolutions were passed : — " 1. That in the interest of acclimatisation the societies remain separate as at present. "2. That the opening of the fishing season throughout the South Island be the Ist of October. " 3. That the close of the fishing season throughout the South Island be the 15th of April. " 4. That the Government be requested to gazette uniform regulations applicable to the whole of the east coast of the South Island and the Fiord and Lake Counties. " 5. That the question of the price of licenses be referred to the Government to draw up a scale to be submitted to the societies prior to gazetting. " 6. That the Government be requested to draft regulations for netting the lakes in the various districts, and submit them to the societies interested. " 7. That with respect to netting at the mouths of rivers no recommendation be made. " 8. That the Government be requested to place a sum of money on the estimates to introduce salmon ova during the ensuing season, and continue the introduction of ova yearly until salmon are acclimatised in New Zealand rivers, or it is proved that salmon cannot be acclimatised in them. " 9. That, seeing the Fiord Country appears to be under the control of no society at the present time, the Government be requested to include that area within the Southland Society's District." I feel sure that such conferences will result in smoothing over any difficulties, and cause the administration of the law relating to acclimatisation societies to be more easily administered. Inspection of Machinery. —No difficulties have arisen in the working of the Act, but the work is now almost too much for the number of Inspectors engaged. The question of the reduction of the fees for inspection on some of the boilers is one that, I submit, might be favourably considered. Beturns. —The usual returns, wreck chart, &c, are appended hereto. I have, &c, Lewis H. B. Wilson, Assistant-Secretary. The Hon. the Minister having charge of the Marine Department, Wellington.

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