receptacle for the kina which may be found in the course of their underwater travels. My introduction to snorkel, flippers, etc., was not as successful as looking back, I could wish for. The ease with which adepts dive and swim instils one with a contempt apt to breed fool-hardiness and it was with this mistaken attitude that I donned equipment borrowed from my mates and made my first venture. For a beginner the snorkel is the most difficult to become accustomed to, for when the diver submerges the tube fills with water which requires to be blown out on surfacing before inhaling again. Not knowing this I gave myself a most uncomfortable few seconds when, submerged at twice my own depth. I took what I had considered a normal breath. From experience I can now suggest that it is advisable to practice with all the gear in standing depth before tackling any further depth. It is surprising the variety of fish to be found off the shore when one invades their domain. There is the Kehe, a numerous and inquisitive fish. It is not greatly esteemed as its very inquisitiveness makes it too easy to shoot; furthermore it is fat only during March and April; otherwise it is dry and boney. The Greenbone, though plentiful, is elusive, very good eating and as its name implies its bones are tinted green. There is the red Moki, a prized fish because it is tasty and gives good hunting. The Leather Jacket has a skin rough like sandpaper. It too is good eating, though its capture is so easy as to give little sport. There if John Dory to be caught and Kingfish, if one car, creep up unawares. This also goes for Schnapper, the most elusive of all. Stingrays also are seen on occasion and treated with respect, while the occasional octopus has been caught on the spear. The harvesting of Mussels from water fifteen to twenty feet deep presents no problems. The main Mussel beds here in Tauranga are in the harbour channel. Prior to the advent of these underwater swimming aids the beds were more readily worked from boats only. Now the swim required into the middle of the channel with the inflated tube is all that is required. Kina also are readily obtainable just off the Mount shore where they abound in all depths. Here in Tauranga a group of Maoris, realizing the advantages to be gained through an organisation, have formed a club. Mr Charles Merriman, a past President of the New Zealand Underwater Research and Spearfishing Association explained the organisation and from that meeting emerged the appropriately named Tangaroa Underwater Club. Tangaroa being the Maori God of the (concluded on page 49)