FISH HATCHERIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1915, Page 7

FISH HATCHERIES.

AN INTERESTING SPOT. Few local residents, and fewer visitors, are aware of the interesting time that can be spent it the trout hatcheries of the Taranaki Acclimatisation Society. These hatcheries are situated quite close to town, at the old tannery works on the Frankley road. The spot is an ideal one for the rearing of trout, there being an abundance of excellent water and good shelter. The premises are in the hands of Mr. Seal, one of the most cap' able and painstaking caretakers in the Dominion. Mr. Seal has spent practically the whole of his life amongst freshwater fish and game in this country and England, and, being a keen angler and sportsman, naturally takes a keen interest in his work.

For several years past Mr. Seal has successfully raised large numbers of trout for the Taranaki Acclimatisation Society, and each year the angling in our streams is improving. This year the Society has decided to make a bigger effort than ever, and there are at the present time in the hatcheries no fewer than 175,000 brown trout fry and 100,000 rainbow. In addition, there are k),000 rainbow yearlings and 10,000 brown trout yearlings. The fry has been just hatched, and it is exceedingly interesting to watch the development of the little "spotties." The plant is in tip-top order, and there are dozens of troughs and tanks seething with trout life to be seen.

Alongside the hatcheries a pretty little stream ripples down, and it is in this water that, a surprise is in store for the visitor. In several parts screens span the stream, and in the pools may be seen splendid specimens of rainbow and brown trout, ranging from the yearling stage up to five or six-pound beauties, Interesting it is to see tlu; earetake" feed these fish. A 'handful of minced liver is thrown into the water, and in an instant there is a swirl and a commotion as the beautifully-burnished rainbows or silver-sided browns rise to snatch the food and dart back into the depths. ' At the top end of the property is a miniature lake, also containing trout of all sizes. To see these fish rushing through the water whej> r fed. with the sun shining on their brilliant sides, is a study in coloring that would cilia ran any person of artistic temperament.

In addition to the fish hatcheries there are the pheasant pens. At present there are seven brace of birds in the enclosures, and the Society hope to rear a good stock of ducks this spring. The birds are good, healthy sorts, and new lilood has been just introduced. This is a branch of the Society's work that lias not 'been very successful in past seasons, as though a fair number of chicks 'have been hatched they have not lived to maturity. The Society would be pleased at any time to see visitors. Much information may certainly be gleaned there.