H.- 17,

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

THE IMPORTATION OF SALMON OVA (REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Mr. S. C. Fabb to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Beport on the Importation of Salmon Ova into New Zealand in the Year 1885. Sir, — Christchurch, 12th June, 1885. I beg leave to report that, in pursuance of the wishes of several acclimatisation societies in New Zealand that I should go to England for the purpose of procuring and bringing out a shipment of salmon ova, I sailed in the New Zealand Shipping Company's vessel the steamship "Doric," commanded by Captain Jennings, leaving Lyttelton on the Ist November, 1884. The voyage was an uneventful one. Landed at Plymouth on the morning of 13th December. Travelled same day by train to London. On the 16th December reported myself at the office of the Agent-General for New Zealand. Sir Francis told me at once that I was too late for that season, especially so as nothing could be done to assist me just then, owing to the midwinter holidays. However, through an introduction which I had taken from the colony to a gentleman in London, succeeded in finding out that if I went at once toScotland I could get ova from the Tay. With this good news I went off quite elated; but after the trouble and expense, found it was only obtainable by a system of tipping and poaching. This I respectfully declined, preferring to risk my chance rather than incur a stain upon the honour of th& colony I represented. I then wrote to the several Superintendents of Fisheries in England, Scotland, and Wales, inquiring as to the probability of my getting ova from the rivers under their care. With one exception the reply was " Too late." The exceptional proved eventually to be the successful. I then applied to the Scottish Fisheries Board for assistance ; but was informed that a formal, official introduction by the Agent-General was necessary ere anything could be done for me. This I wrote for at once, upon receipt of which I waited again upon the Board, from whom I received several introductions, and went off to Perth to try my luck on the Tay. The Superintendent said he thought it was useless to try, being so very late; but he would take his men to the Eiver Earn, one of the principal tributaries of the Tay, and see if anything could be done for me. We met at the Forteviot Eailway Station, and walked to the river near Dupplin Castle. Here wo met Earl Kinnoul's bailiff, who also said it was too late for that river. The men, however, made six shots with the net and took ten fine fish, but the whole of them were clean. Result nil, except expenses. Beturned to Edinburgh, where I found a pile of letters in which was shown a great deal of interest in my mission, conveying expressions of willingness to render every assistance if it had not been " too late." Disappointed, I returned to London, not knowing what to do. I had just resolved to go over to Ireland, having been told there was a chance for me there, when I received a letter from a Mr. Anderson, of Trinity, near Edinburgh, enclosing a note he had received from the Superintendent of the Tweed, in which he stated that should a heavy rain come there was a chance of a late run of fish. Eeturned to Scotland, clinging to this only hope held out. Went down to Melrose ; called upon the Superintendent of the Tweed Fisheries, Mr. E. C. Donaldson, who informed me that he had received instructions from Mr. Tait, clerk to the Tweed Commissioners, to make all necessary arrangements, and superintend the fishing if opportunity offered. This, he said, would require a heavy rain to bring the fish up, of which he was doubtful. I told him I intended remaining at Melrose for the rain. I did not think it was far off, as the glass was falling. On the 27th January the rain began, and for the three following days fell something like our soiithwesters, and without cessation. On the morning of the 28th we were astir before . daylight, and went by first train to Walkerburn. Here we met his men, who at once took a shot with the net, but took no fish. We then went on to Innerleithen, where we made two shots with like result. Walked on to Quairfoot and tried four shots ; result, nil. Thus ended our first day, drenchecLwith rain and footsore from walking. The next morning, January 29th, we went by first train to Peebles, where the nets were soon in the water at the Cowford. Four shots were made here without effect. Moved down stream. I—H. 17.