Marine Scientists to Visit Auckland

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 492, 23 October 1928, Page 1

Marine Scientists to Visit Auckland

DANISH RESEARCH SHIP “DOMINION WILL BENEFIT” It is probable that as the result of the visit to New Zealand of the Danish scientific ship Dana early in December, the Dominion will learn much about the habitat of the swordfish, and about the possibility of encouraging its cultivation. In addition, this country unquestionably will benefit by the exchange of scientific views generally upon marir»« research. The steamer Dana, which is undertaking the first investigation of the marine life of the Pacific, carries six of the most skilled of Danish scientists, and is due to arrive in Auckland on December 1. The voyage is a momentous one from a scientific viewpoint, equalling in importance only the Challenger expeditions sent out by the British Government in the seventies. Ic represents, moreover, a serious attempt on the part of Denmark to grapple with the fishery and general marine problems facing the world. The chief inspector of fisheries for New Zealand, Mr. A. E. Hefford. attaches great importance to the visit to these waters of the Dana. At the present time, he said, no one was certain whence the swordfish of the Northern New Zealand waters came, oor what relation they bore to simi®i>®c^mens in other localities. The greatest factor in the research, owever, is perhaps the interchange scientific knowledge which will be Possible upon arrival of the Danish investigators. Mr. Hefford says that scientists the world over are essentiassociated in a common brotherecause of their common aims, ana he believes that New Zealand will snare—in a measure at least —the eneflts which Denmark will accrue trom this systematic patrol of the Pacific. l ine Investigation in New Zeaanci has not progressed to the extent which Mr. Hefford would like, but he Delieves that the steady work which m being accomplished among the oysters at the moment will be producNye of incalculable benefits when the experiments are finished. Different phases of cultivation are being investigated, and if it is found to be practicable, production will be encouraged.

Mr. Hefford left Auckland to-day on a tour of inspection of the oyster beds in the Hauraki Gulf, and toward the end of the week will visit the Bay of islands grounds.