H.—ls.

18

North Canterbury Acclimatization Society, Dear Sir, — Acclimatization Gardens, Christchurch, 7th April, 1923. I am in receipt of yours of the 6th instant re report on quinnat salmon for this season in North Canterbury, and will endeavour to answer your questions in numerical order as asked. No. 1. The run was somewhat later this season than usual. Although an odd fish was taken in the Rakaia early in February, the main run did not take place until the last week of that month, being about a fortnight later than last season. The same remarks a])ply to the Waimakariri, and, from what I can gather, the Hurunui and Waiau as well. No. 2. Speaking from personal observation of the Rakaia and Waimakariri, the run of quinnat; this season in all our large show-rivers is easily a record, both in the quantity of fish ascending and the number taken by anglers. As from information supplied, large runs have also occurred in the Hurunui and the Waiau. No. 3. The number taken at the Rakaia this season by rod and line would probably be between one thousand and twelve hundred fish. From the Waimakariri. about two hundred. As the Hurunui, and Waiau are very little fished, and by local anglers only, 1 am unable to give a reliable estimate of the number of fish taken from, these rivers. No. 4. Comparing the condition of the fish with previous runs, I should say they were equally as good, as I have not hoard of any poor-conditioned fish being caught. Regarding size, they appear to be more uniform this season than usual. Although 1 have not hoard of any exceptionally large fish being caught, there were not many small ones either, and the whole season's catch would probably average 16 lb. No. 5. From inquiries made from the fishmongers in Christchurch, and also from tho fishauction rooms, I do not think many anglers availed themselves of the regulations to market their fish, and probably sixty fish would cover the number sold to the public, at 2s. a pound. The price at auction ranging from lOd. to Is. 4|-d. a pound, probably averaging Is. 2d. a pound, for the whole. No. 6. Regarding the sporting-qualities of the quinnat, then; are, of course, conflicting opinions. But I notice the adverse comments are generally from anglers who have not fished for quinnat. Personally, I do not wish for better or more exciting sport, and I am quite willing to neglect the trout during the salmon-run, and I think that the majority of anglers are of the same opinion as myself, judging by the number who line the banks, both on the Rakaia and the Waimakariri, day after day when the salmon are in. There has been quite an epidemic of salmon-fishing this season. Many who never fished before have taken out a license on purpose to fish, for salmon, and, curiously enough, have been successful in their first attempt in hooking a twenty-pounder, and after careering up and down the bank with their heart in their mouth, as they saw their line reduced to a few turns on several occasions, and have ultimately landed it. on the bank, a glistening bar of silver, their first quinnat, to the envy and admiration of their friends, who have straightway resolved to go and do likewise, and I predict a horde of anglers will be waiting next season the appearance of the silver horde. Regarding the edible qualities of the quinnat, all those I have caught myself I have cut up and distributed amongst my friends, some of them declaring them, equal to the Atlantic salmon as a food fish. Personally, I think their introduction was a triumph in acclimatization work, and if they go on increasing in numbers, as they have done of late years, they will prove a very valuable asset to the Dominion, both as a food-supply and sporting fish, attracting sportsmen from all parts, thus contributing to the revenue. I have, &c, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Wellington. D. Hope.