H.—22

28

VII. REPORT OF THE CONSERVATOR OF FISH AND GAME. Rotorua, 17th June, 1918. I iiavu the honour to submit my report of the work that has been carried out in connection with the fresh-water fisheries in the Rotorua and Taupo districts during the past season of November. 1917, to May, 1918. On account of the marked improvement in the condition of the fish in Lake Rotorua it was decided not to take any fish from the lake during this season, but to start operations in Lake Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera. From Lake Rotoiti a fair supply was taken, these being sold for local and Auckland consumption; but for some unaccountable reason very few fish were taken from Lake Tarawera, and to save further expense it was decided to cease operations there: For the purpose of making better arrangements for the conveyance of trout during the season two motor-lorries were purchased—one to run between Tokaanu and Waimarino, and the other to run between Rotoiti or Tarawera and Rotorua. At Lake Taupo the total business done shows an increase on last year's efforts, but still better results would have been obtained had not an accident happened to the motor-lorry, causing it to be laid up for several weeks. In the meantime only small quantities could be sent to Wellington by means of the Waiouru coach. At Lake Taupo considerable improvements have been made for the accommodation of the staff and material. Four huts, a cookhouse, and a garage have been erected, and will be ready for occupation next season. The paddock has been ploughed, and will be grassed to keep the horse in. At Lake Tarawera two huts, a garage, and a cookhouse were erected, and perhaps better results will be obtained from the lake next season. The following are the returns of the business of fresh and smoked trout sold during the period Ist November, 1917, to 31st March, 1918 :—

111-conditioned fish rejected from total catches :—

The above rejected are taken at an average of 2 lb. each. During the trout-hatching season, from July to August, 1917, the usual work of collecting the ova and hatching the eggs was carried out; but great difficulty was experienced in obtaining suitable labour to help with the work. 780,000 ova and 350,000 fry were, however, dealt with. The policy of the Department was again carried out by supplying various districts with ova and. fry at cost price. During the past fishing season 606 shags have been accounted for, at a cost of £75 15s. F. Mooehouse, Conservator of Fish and Game. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

Approximate Cost of Pnpec—Preparation, not given ; printing (800 copies), £30.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lB.

Price 9d.]

Number. Weight. Value. Rotoiti and Tarawera Taupo Totals 20.270 17,947 38.217 Tons. cwt. qr. lb. 22 15 2 Of 24 2 0 2 46 17 2 2| £ s. d. 851 10 8.1 876 6 21 I 1,727 16 11

Number. Weight. Rotoiti and Tarawera Taupo Totals 2.622 5,294 7,916 Tons. cwt. qr, lb. 2 6 3 18 4 14 2 4 7 1 1 22