H.—ls.

to commercial fishing at a time when a depressed demand for fish is already putting a limit to the fishing operations, is a matter for very careful consideration, and would require to be based on a very definite understanding of the position. Except with regard to one branch, which is of first importance however, the fishing from the Canterbury and Otago ports has been up to the average. In good weather supplies have been more than equal to the demand and prices have been very poor. The exception has been with regard to groper (hapuku) fishing. A general scarcity of this fish and of the Southern kingfish has been reported from Cook Strait to South Otago. It is generally alleged that fishing with long lines has been the cause of the decline. This is another problem that calls for closer investigation, and with regard to which a proper comprehension is prevented by the lack of fishery statistics. The Chatham Islands fishermen had a very poor year owing to the lack of demand for their fish, which was primarily due to the infrequency of transport to the mainland. In 1932 fishing was engaged in for only three months, but the appearance early in 1933 of the newly arrived trawler " South Sea " which operates as a fish carrier (with refrigerated storage facilities) has brought new possibilities of employment to the Chatham Island fishermen. The " South Sea " made her first landing of over 900 cases of blue cod at Wellington on the 23rd February, 1933. The bulk of this fish is exported to Australia. In previous years a part of the fisheries report has consisted of a section under the general heading of " Scientific Investigations" dealing with the steps taken and the broad results obtained from such researches as we have been able to pursue into biological and other problems affecting fishes and other aquatic organisms of economic importance. Lacking funds, staff, and the lequisite facilities for conducting fishery research at the present time, our efforts in this direction have suffered a regrettable setback and, therefore, to label a section of the present report " Scientific Investigations " would appear to be misleading if not unduly pretentious. This does not imply that no progress has been made in our understanding of the biological phenomena relating to fisheries or that the task of collecting data has altogether lapsed. It seems more fitting, however, to refer to scientific aspects of the work under the same heads as the administrative or industrial questions with which they are connected and to which they are actually ancillary. Rock-oysters. The retirement of Senior Inspector F. P. Flinn, who had been in general charge of oyster work in the Auckland District for the six preceding years and before that for eleven years local inspector for the Bay of Islands, occurred just before the opening of the 1932 season. The earliest development of oyster cultivation, more especially in the Bay of Islands, was largely inspired and directed by Mr. Flinn, and it is due to him that there should here be placed on record an expression of appreciation for the unflagging interest and extreme energy and devotion with which he served the Department in connection with this work. Mr. Flinn's retirement necessitated changes of venHe for the officers responsible for the supervision of this season's oyster-supplies at Auckland, Russell, and Coromandel. Concentrated hard work was required to enable these Inspectors to get a grip of the conditions with which they had to deal, but they showed themselves most capable, and the supplies came forward without a hitch throughout the season. Under the existing economic conditions some doubts were felt as to how far the usual demand for rock-oysters would be maintained. Prices were accordingly reduced from last year's figure of £1 4s. per sack (3 bushels) to £1 3s. (in the case of Kaipara oysters, 195.) per sack for sales at the Auckland Depot. Paper bags containing not less than four-fifths of a gallon were retailed at the Depot at Is. each. Picking was begun on the 23rd May, and sales at the depot opened on the Ist June. Picking ceased on the 30th August. Thirty-five men were employed as pickers. The number of sacks of oysters taken from the various beds was as follows : Bay of Islands, 1,515 ; Whangarei Harbour, 107 ; Kaipara Harbour, 585 ; Hauraki Gulf, 1,560 (Takatu to Gull point, 87 ; Rakino, 153 ; Motutapu, 98 ; Waiheke, 1,031 ; Ponui, 169 ; Noisies, 22) ; Coromandel, 257 ; Great Barrier Island, 390 : total, 4,414 sacks ; value, £5,047. It had been estimated that 5,000 sacks would be available for picking, due regard being paid to leaving the beds in the most satisfactory condition for the future multiplication and growth of oysters. The quality this season was exceptionally good, the best being those from the Hauraki Gulf beds. The Kaipara oysters, which in the past have been regarded as of inferior class, were supplied this season in very good condition, well picked, and, thanks to the new mechanical washer, they were quite free from mud, which in the past, even more than their smaller size, detracted from their value. The Kaipara oysters suffered a partial set-back in July when the unusual frost affected the condition and colour of the oysters in the " river " beds. Those beds adjacent to the deeper water were not affected. Oyster-cultivation. In accordance with economy measures the expenditure on oyster-cultivation was again reduced. A total of £148 Is. sd. was expended for the year, but a considerable amount of work was done by the Inspectors.

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