DEATH OF MR. L. F. AYSON

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 74, 18 June 1927, Page 12

DEATH OF MR. L. F. AYSON

NOTED FISH-CULTURIST GREAT WORK FOR N.Z. Mr. Lake Falconer Aj'son, formerly Chief Inspector of Fisheries, died at Wellington last night. His noteworthy work in introducing the quinnat and the Atlantic salmon to New Zealand waters won him recognition the world over, for even the expert fish-culturists of American had failed in the task of acclimatising . salmon, the Atlantic fish, on the Pacific coast of North America, or the quinnat or sockeye on the Atlantic Coast. American experts have marvelled, therefore, at Mr. Ayson’s extraordinary success in introducing the fish to New Zealand. Born in Otago in 1855, he was educated at the public schools, and in early manhood was engaged in farming. When the Government took over the development and protection of the sea fisheries, Mr. Ayson joined the Marine Department as chief inspector. In that capacity he had charge of many prospecting expeditions made in trawling vessels in various parts of the Pacific off the coast of New Zealand. It was he, also, who carried out the measures taken from time to time for the conservation of the oyster beds of the Auckland provincial district. Mr. Ayson was with the Marine Department until last month. His son, Mr. H. F. Ayson, has been chief judge of the High Court of the Cook Islands, and judge of the Native Land Court of New Zealand. Another son, Mr. C. L. Ayson, has assisted his father in important fisheries work. He is in charge of the Government’s hatchery in Hakataramea, South Canterbury.