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anglers of experience have stated that they consider the condition of fish in Taupo was better than they had experienced since 1927. Specimens of fine-conditioned fish ranging between 81b. and II lb. were taken. Similar conditions applied to Lake Rotoiti, and one 14 lb. and one 13-J lb. fish were caught on the fly at Lake Okataina. Rotorua fish were up to the standard of last year, and a great improvement was shown in Lakes Tarawera and Okareka, the former fishing exceptionally well. Several large catches of young fish, averaging 31b., were reported from Waikaremoana. Brown trout up to 7 Ib. in weight were caught in the Waipunga River, a river which the Department has been stocking in recent years. The Bay of Plenty rivers were subject to floods during the year and comparatively little fishing was possible. Fry and Ova.—An exchange of 250,000 rainbow ova for 250,000 brown trout ova with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society was again arranged with satisfactory results. An attempt was made to collect ova in the Whitikau Stream, but again resulted in failure. Large runs of rainbow took place in the Waihukahuka Stream, a tributary of the Tongariro River, and from these fish sufficient ova was taken to fill all requirements, The total number of eggs collected was 7,719,000. Fry totalling 1,517,000 were liberated in Taupo waters ; 2,762,000 in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty waters, and 405,000 in Waikaremoana and Wairoa waters. A number of overseas orders for ova were supplied, but it has been decided to discontinue the sending of .ova outside New Zealand. Food-supplies for Trout.—This matter has been and is still the subject of investigation. Smelts are now well established in Lakes Okareka and Tarawera. In spite of difficulties of transport, fifty-one cans, each containing about five hundred smelts, were taken to Lake Taupo in March, and further lots will be taken there. Investigations as to koura in Lake Taupo are in progress. Culling of Fish. —The usual work of this nature was carried out during stripping operations, and 590 fish (306 males and 284 females) were destroyed. It has been decided to carry out netting operations in another tributary of the Tongariro River during the winter, with a view to culling out degenerate fish. All possible data will be collected from which no doubt an idea can be formed as to the proportion of degenerate fish and the policy which should be adopted in the future. Scientific Operations.—The annual mortality amongst toi toi in both Rotorua and Taupo waters, was very light, and mollusca was not affected. It is noted that when lower temperatures prevail the mortality is considerably less. The nematode worm was very seldom observed in trout taken from Taupo, and other lakes appear to be very free from the parasite except Lake Rotoehu and parts of Waikaremoana. Facilities for Anglers. —Much work was done on the motor-track down the Tongariro River, but floods continue to give trouble. Tracks were cleared to various fishing spots. The Department's huts at the camping-ground on the Tongariro River, were again available for renting by anglers. The Department is indebted to Wairakei Limited for allowing anglers access to the"Waikato River through its property. Camping-sites.—The Taupo district is very popular with campers, who also patronize other parts of the Rotorua Acclimatization District. Many of the sites used are outside the Department's jurisdiction, but the condition in which some sites are left is to be deplored. The litter gradually accumulates and is a veritable eye-sore. All the blame cannot be attributed to anglers, as there are many campers who do not fish. The Department makes an earnest appeal to anglers and campers generally to observe strict rules of tidiness and to dispose of all refuse before leaving. Quite apart from the litter being objectionable and distasteful to orderly campers, it detracts from the natural beauty of the spots. It behoves all campers to set a high standard and endeavour to create a very keen sense of appreciation in the minds of all as to the necessity for preserving the camping-sites in their natural state. Shags. —Ammunition was supplied to the Department's Rangers for the destruction of these birds in various parts of the district. The stomach contents were examined, and there was no evidence found that many trout were being taken. The shag is, however, the host of the nematode worm in trout, and this aspect weighs heavily with the Department in a policy of destroying the shags. Bonus was paid on 673 shags' heads. Bird Life. —Black teal have increased in numbers on Lake Rotoiti, but are not so plentiful at Hamurana, Rotorua. Korimako and tui appear to be on the increase, and can be seen in good numbers in the State forest plantations near Rotorua. The bush in the vicinity of Okataina and Rotoiti is well populated with tui, popokatea, tiwakawaka, tou-hou, and korimako, and the ruru has increased. There are large numbers of kereru in the Urewera Country, and kiwi are holding their own. Black swans have been seen in larger numbers than usual at Hamurana and are plentiful on the Whakaki Lagoon near Wairoa. Grey ducks are holding their own throughout the district, but any drainage of favoured swamps would result in a diminution of numbers of ducks. Pheasants.—Difficulty was experienced in securing pheasants, with the result that only 279 had been liberated, but inquiries were in progress regarding further supplies. Opossums. —An open trapping-season was declared, but only twelve licenses and three trappingpermits were taken out. Royalty was paid on 2,879 skins stamped at Rotorua and Wairoa. Deer. —Under the system of granting permits to enter the sanctuary at Waikaremoana to shoot deer, wild cattle, and wild pigs, 120 permits were issued. The returns received show that 277 deer, 13 wild pigs, and one wild beast were killed. The supply of ammunition at a cheap rate was continued, and 3,700 rounds were sold. Ranging and Prosecutions. —As the result of the activities of the departmental Rangers, prosecutions were taken against twenty-six persons. The fines amounted to £56 10s., in addition to the proceedsfrom sale of forfeited articles.

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