FISH FARMING.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 367, 3 October 1868, Page 3

FISH FARMING.

A valuable state report on the Fisheries of America, which, according to the "Pall Mall Gazette," has recently been presented to the Massaehussett's Council, opens up a wide field for speculation and enterprise la the future of what may be called ' fish farming.' It appears that America, once famed for its aoundance of fish of all kinds, is now, through over-fishing, almost destitute of this valuable necessary, so much so that ordinary sea fish cannot be obtained at a less price than lOd per lb, while such a thing as a fresh water trout, however small, weald cost the purchaser at least a dollar. Attention is consequently being given to various schemes for the promotion ■of artificial cultivation. Something has already been done on some of the fresh waiter fisheries by fixing sundry fish stairs and passes which have proved thoroughly practical, although some wise-acres who inspected them, said that the fish would never learn to ascend such crooked paths. The American Fishery Commissioners intend this year to commence artifical breeding on a large scale, laws have been devised for the protection of the fish, and millowners are compelled to make free passages. The chief secret of successful fish-breeding lies in the feeding of the young animals till they are able to seek their own food, and the sioners report that they see no reason, why their supplies of fish may not be indefinately increased; and speaking of the large scale on which fish culture ought to be conducted, they suggest that a trout breeding " concern " ought to have five additional ponds <of an acre each, which would be sufficient to grow a million fish, and that in other ponds of a large size, inferior fish might be grown, to feed the more valuable

animals. Although in this Colony the natural supplies offish have scarcely yet been touched, it is not too early to consider the best means of increasing the quantity and quality of our stock. Several of the Acclimatisation Soeietie's have, to some extent, taken the matter in hand, and we look forward hopefully to the time, when our New -Zealand rivers, on the "West Coast and on the East, will be supplied with an ample stock of fish.

The West Coast Times of the 26th instant says : — <; The new Odd-fellows' Hall, in llevell street, will be opened to-night. The whole building has now been entirely completed, both internally and externally. It is really a most handsome edifice, and its internal arrangements are as nearly perfect £or the purpose it is intended for as possible. The bar has been leased by Mr M'Guire, of the Grlobe and formerly of the Swan Hotel, who will, we have no doubt, do his best to give satisfaction to those who may patronise him. The same paper states: —The Westland Waste Lands Board have notified that after the auction, sales of town lands to be held in October, no valuation will be allowed for any improvements made on unbought land within the town of Hokitika, Greymouth, and Okarita. Persons desirous of occupying town land must apply at some sitting of the "Waste Lands Board, in order that the land might be put up to auction. Persons occupying unbought Crown Lands will be proceednd against as traspassers. The " Grey Kiver Argus" of the 24th, records the death by drowning, of Mr David Brosnan, the oldest and most respected storekeeper at Nelson Creek. It appears the unfortunate gentleman was riding down to the foot of the creek from one of his upper stores, when, by some means not yet understood, he fell from his horse, and wasfound drowned in the creek. Everything of value was found safe upon him, including a large quantity of gold, excluding all thoughts of foul play. The body was taken down to Greymouth next morning. This sad affair has cast quite a gloom over the creek, I where the decease 1 was known, above all others, for his kind-heartedness and liberal cohduct towards the digging community.