THE SHIPMENT OF SALMON OVA.

Southland Times, Issue 1734, 29 April 1873, Page 2

THE SHIPMENT OF SALMON OVA.

«, The following letter has been handed to as for publication by the Secretary of the Southland Acclimatisation Society : — 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W. Feb. 4, 1873. Sir,— Knowing the great interest taken by your Society in the attempt now being made, for the third time, to transport salmon ova to New Zealand, and remembering how liberally you hdTe contributed to this object, I take the earliest opportunity of informing you of the steps that have been taken to ensure the success of the experiment. Considering it of the first importance to secure the services of an agent possessing the requisite experience, I gladly availed myself of the offer made by Mr Youl, so well known for his exertions in transporting salmon ova to Tasmania, to undertake himself the superintendence of the present shipment. I need scarcely say that whether the attempt proves successful or not, the Colony will be under great obligations to Mr Youl for his valuable services. Mr Frank Buckland, with whom your Society has been in correspondence, also tendered me his aid, and although under the circumstances I was unable to entrust to him the taking and packing of the ova, I have gladly availed myself of his offer to draw up a summary of directions ior the guidance of those persons in the Colony who may be entrusted with the difficult task of hatching and rearing the young fish. I have been, moreover, fortunate in securing for this esperim»nt a first-class iron ship of 1200 tons, well known for her fast— sailing qualities ; and as she fortunately escaped detention in the Channel, there appears to be every reasonable prospect of the vojage being made in about 90 days. I am informed, however, by Mr Youl, that even if protracted to 100 days, this is not likely to jeopardize the success of the experiment. A full account of the shipment, with a statement of the quantity of ova, has been forwarded to the General Government, and this will no , doubt be communicated to the various Acclimatisation Societies interested in the undertaking. — I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, Agent-General. The Chairman of the Southland Acclimatisation Society.