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The previous figures show a marked increase over those for the previous year, and with respect to deer are the greatest since 1939-40. The main contributing factors were — (a) The resumption of operations in Central Westland, where heavy reinfestation had developed following a cessation since before the war necessitated by shortage of hunters. (b) Increased use of air transport. This made more effective operations in the more remote and rugged regions. (c) Increased availability of hunters, enabling extension of operations. (7) Personnel All officers have had a strenuous year and the efficiency of their work under difficult conditions is most commendable. (8) Accidents While employed with a deer party in the Burke Valley, Southern Lakes District, a promising young hunter, Mr. B. F. Grady, was accidentally killed. The Department's sympathy is extended to his bereaved relatives in their loss in this unfortunate accident. E. Rotorua Acclimatization District (1) The 1948-49 Fishing Season Many limit bags of excellently conditioned fish were taken during the season, more especially in the Taupo Fishing District, where fishing was particularly good at the mouths of the main rivers and streams. Good fishing was also to be had in the Rotorua Fishing District. Again large numbers of anglers visited both districts, and as compared with the previous season there will again be a marked increase in the number of licences sold. In all, for the 1947-48 season 6,251 licences were sold for the Rotorua Fishing District and 8,801 for the Taupo Fishing District. An analysis of the sales was made according to the angler's address given on the licences. The extent to which anglers from neighbouring acclimatization districts visit the Rotorua Acclimatization District is shown by the following table : Rotorcta Fishing District . Tatxpo Fishing District Place of Residence, TSTnmhpr of Place of Residence, Number n f by Acclimatiza- I fences Sold Acclimatize Licences Sold tion Districts. Licences bold. tion Districts. Licences Sold. Auckland.. .. .. 2,735 Wellington .. .. 2,948 Rotorua Fishing District .. 1,953 Auckland .. .. .. 2,137 Tauranga .. .. .. 390 Hawkes Bay .. .. 1,225 East Coast .. .. 332 Waimarino .. .. 539 Wellington .. .. 321 | Taupo Fishing District .. 489 Hawkes Bay .. .. 208 | Rotorua Fishmg District .. 282 Numbers of excellent conditioned fish were taken, as will be evident from the following records of fish for both districts : —■ (a) Taupo (b) Rotorua Weight. Numbers of Weight. Numbers of lb. Fish Recorded. lb. Pish Recorded. 9 .. .. .. 37 10 .. .. .. 8 10 .. .. -. 29 12 .. .. .. 10 11 .. .. .. 36 16 .. .. .. 2 12 .. .. -. 17 18| .. 1 13 .. .. .. 4 14 .. .. .. 3 15 • 2

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