H.—22.

(3) Tagging of Trout. No trout were tagged, owing to the fact that tags wore not available and during the fishing season anglers did not return any tags. (4) Facilities for Anglers. The new road to Rangatira Point was continued for some distance, but has not yet been completed. It has, however, opened up a considerable area of fishing-water. Anglers availed themselves of this access, and the various bays and points were greatly patronized, particularly during westerly weather. The fishing was generally good. (<5) Food-supplies for Trout. The transport of smelts to Taupo was discontinued on account of this fish being established. They have multiplied to such an extent that it was considered there was no necessity for further consignments. It was intended to endeavour to introduce the smelt into Waikaremoana, but owing to the necessity for economy and the shortage of staff the venture was abandoned for the time being. (6) Shags, Hawks, <&c. Bonuses on 1,083 shags, 1,215 hawks, 97 stoats, 11 weasels, 64 hedgehogs, and 54 ferrets and polecats were paid. The Department's officers accounted for 54 shags and 50 hawks. (7) Scientific Operations. A certain amount of valuable scientific work was done by the officers attached to the Rotorua office. The mortality amongst the toitoi during the summer was greater than the previous season on account of higher temperatures prevailing for longer periods. Post-mortems on trout showed that the nematode worm is not very prevalent. Reports from Waikaremoana state that the trout have improved in condition and the parasite is not nearly as prevalent as during the past few seasons. (8) Game Farm and Game Liberation. The grounds were kept in good order, but at times this work had to be reduced owing to the shortage of labour and the increased activities in connection with breeding. A record number of pheasants and duck were reared. The total number of pheasants liberated was 1,302, and 471 mallard ducks were released in the district. The totals included culled stock birds and others released after the end of last financial year and the shooting season. All young liens are being held till after the coming shooting season. The majority of pheasants liberated were cock birds and culled stock hens. The number of pheasants reared during the season was 1,813 ; mallard ducks reared, 577. (9) Bird-life generally. The spring was noted for dry and warm conditions. This was conducive to natural production, and throughout the district there were good hatches of pheasants and ducks. The mallards increased in the Rotorua area, this being very marked at Hamurana. Large numbers of grey duck and swans made an early appearance at Hamurana, and the latter arc in greater number than last year. Spoonbill are not so plentiful, and black teal do not appear to increase. This also applies to the paradise duck. About two hundred godwits wintered in the Ohope Harbour, but very few were shot during the open season. Grey teal do not appear to be on the increase, but a few have been reported on the small lakes at Reporoa. Most of the native birds are fairly numerous in the Urawera country. Amongst those most plentiful are pigeon, tui, kaka, warbler, korimako (bell-bird), popokatea (white head), riroriro (grey warbler), miromiro (tomtit) are at times to be seen in fair numbers. Again the kiwi was heard in the vicinity of the Government Hostel and also near the Aniwaniwa Falls. (10) Opossums. During the open season there were twelve licenses and three permits issued, the total number of skins stamped being 4,050. (11) Ranging. Owing to sickness and officers being called up for military duties, the ranging was somewhat curtailed. Nevertheless, numerous breaches of the regulations were reported by the available staff. The following is a list of cases taken and fines inflicted : —

13

Rotorua. ! Taupo. Totals | j Breaches. Fines. > Breaches. Fines. Breaches. Fines. _ _ L ! £ s. d. £ s. cl. £ s. d. Animals Protection and Game Act .. 5 17 0' 0 3 10 0 0 8 27 0 0 Fisheries Act .. .. • • 9 34 0 0 5 17 10 0 14 51 10 0 Total .. .. • • 14 51 0 0 8 27 10' 0 22 78 10 0