17

H.—145

averaging about 161b. in weight; and about the same number are reported as having been taken in the Rangitata, averaging about 17 lb. The run of salmon in the Waitaki this spawning season is far ahead of last year's run. From the number of fish which are now running in the Hakataramea, and judging the other three large tributaries by the number of salmon wliich myself and assistants have seen in the Ohau River, it is no exaggeration to say that the salmon in the Waitaki and its tributaries this season must number tens of thousands. As it has been proved that salmon-eggs can now be collected in large quantities, the Department lias decided on a vigorous policy with regard to stocking other suitable: rivers throughout the Dominion. During the past summer a hatchery capable of dealing with half a million eggs was erected on a tributary ol' the Wairau Uiver (Marlborough), and 'a site for a hatchety has been secured at Wanaka Lake, where temporary arrangements will be made this season for the purpose of hatching out half a million eggs for the purpose of stocking the Molyneux River. It is intended litis season to allot hall' a million eggs to each 'of the three rivers which the Department has now in hand —viz., the Hokitika, Wairau, and Molyneux. The result of the inquiries imule goes to show that the salmon have spread along the coast north as far as the Waiau (North Canterbury), and south to the Taieri River. The Taieri is at; times rather badly polluted by gold-mining, but from an examination of the tideway at its mouth, and its condition in the gorge above Outram, I think it, is quite possible for salmon lo make their way *Up to the clear tributaries beyond where the races from the sluicing claims join the main river. The very rapid increase of the quinnat salmon must be considered as most satisfactory, and the time is very near indeed when they will be placed on the market, and the people of the Dominion will have New-Zealand-grown salmon on their tables. New Zealand has the distinction of being the only country in the Southern Hemisphere which has successfully acclimatized salmon, and on the authority of experts it is said to be the only country in the world which has been successful in acclimatizing this salmon away from its native habitat. The success attained in acclimatizing this fish is undoubtedly due to the systematic and vigorous effort made by the Marine Department, commencing in 1900. Had any of these very prolific fish survived from the spasmodic efforts made to acclimatize them previous to 1900 they would have declared themselves long before the Department commenced its importations in 1900. Atlantic, Salmon. So far there is no actual proof that the Department's effort to acclimatize these fish in the Waiau River in Southland has been successful. Fish were caught by anglers near the mouth of the Waiau last angling season, which were said to differ considerably from the Waiau trout both in shape and appearance. None of these fish, however, were submitted to the Department, for identification, so the question as to whether these fish were Atlantic salmon is a matter of doubt. Collection of Brown-trout Eggs. Owing to the very unfavourable weather and river conditions throughout the whole of the spawning season in South Canterbury and North Otago we were unable to collect, all the eggs required to supply orders from acclimatization societies, and to keep faith with these societies the Department, had to purchase a large quantity of eyed ova from the Christchurch and Southland Acclimatization. Societies. Development of the Fisheries. In this time of stress the Government is required to give every possible assistance in increasing the supply, and also cheapening the necessaries of life for the people of the Dominion. The fisheries are capable of producing a very large supply of a necessary food, and special attention and assistance should be given to the industry at, the present time. As with the development of all other industries, a certain amount of money must, be provided by the Government, and every encouragement should be given the fishermen and others already employed in connection with the industry. I think the Government, should encourage and assist the Municipal Councils of the principal cities in the erection of suitable fish-markets, and in the adoption of a system of distribution of fish from these markets, and in supplying inland towns and country districts with a regular supply of fresh and cured fish. For the purpose of assisting the present fishermen, and encouraging more fishermen to engage- in fishing, f would respectfully make the following recommendations: — (1.) That the Government advance money to fishermen for the purchase of suitable boats and fishing outfit. (2.) The insurance of fishermen's boats by the State Fire Insurance Office. (3.) The erection of fish-chilling and ice-making plants in outlying parts of the coast, so as to ensure all fish reaching market in a perfectly fresh condition. (4.) Encourage fishermen to go in for purse-seining by a practical demonstration of the use of this net on tho various fishing-grounds around the coast. By this method fish can be taken in very large quantities and at small cost in comparison to trawling. (."i.) Giving a bonus on fish canned and cured for export, and also on ilie production of fertilizer manufactured from fish-offal and unmarketable fish, •

,3—H. 15.