MORTALITY AMONG THE FISH: ITS SUPPOSED CAUSE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1225, 6 May 1880, Page 3

MORTALITY AMONG THE FISH: ITS SUPPOSED CAUSE.

We noticed a few clays since that a party of gentleman had visited various parts of the coast with a view to make observations on the spot of the appearance of the fish that are now being cast up in such numbers along the beaches. The rapidity with which decomposition sets in has hitherto prevented accurate observation being made by competeitt witnesses. believe that very important, although* not definite, results have been obtained. The fish can be observed with greater minuteness a short distance from the shore, where they are' yet living ; but apparently in a state of exhaustion, floating belly upwards. The great majority of fish thus affected are schnapper, but there are many other kinds of fish similarly affected, such as John Dory and a few instances of barracouta. "Yesterday a fine specimen of John Dory — a full-grown fish — was received in town. It was found alive in the surf at Whangarei Heads the day previously, and forwarded by one of the party to Auckland. It would be premature to hazard any opinion as to the real cause of this most extraordinary phenomenon ; but enough has been ascertained to suggest that the appearances presented by these fish are the consequence of disease. Upon the mouth being closely examined, the tongue cind the interior of the fauces were found to be covered with white slightly elevated discs, l-esembling- that of the oystev -pearl and ■of a similar color. It was suggested that these discs developed themselves into yellow patches, of which two or three were found in this particular instance. These observations go a great way to establish the conclusion that these white corpuscles are the result of a diseased condition of the fish, and that they exhibit growth and development. They are intimately connected with the solution of the question which the aspect of the whole phenomenon presents. What are they? Are they fungus, or are they a form of excrescence generated by the physical condition of the creature affected by 'them?;' tDo they proceed from the impurity or abnormal condition of the element in which the fish lire, or are they generated by degeneracy of the organism? These are questions yet to be determined.; The disease in many respects resembles diphtheria. It is a step in advance to know that disease, and not volcanic disturbance of the bed of the ocean, is the probable cause of this gieat piscine mortality along the eastern coast of the province of Auckland. — Herald.

Aju English paper -writes: — "Of the £5000 entrusted by fihe Baroness Burde Coutts to Mr W. Ashraead Bartlett, for personal distribution in Ireland, £200 has already been given to help struggling fisherman in Gal way, s who have had a bad fishing season, to pay their little debts to tradesmen without incurring the ruinous system of borrowing, which so much prevails. I hear one of the special objects of charity to which the Baroness wishes the money devoted isthe organisation of small loans to tradesmen and little farmers, to be repaid at some future time without inteipst charged on them. Helping people to help themselves is far better charity t and- capable of far wider extension,' than the simple doling out of bread or money." lfc is stated by another journal that the Baroness intends to supplement her already munificent gift with further donations.

A Scotch clergyman, whose habit it was to preach hel}-nre to his congregation in large doses, had occasion to visit a poor sick parishioner. After enlarging with cons'derable unction on his favourite topis he said to her : " Now my dear woman, did you ever appreciate the tortures of the damned before ?" ."Nac, nae, never till you came here, " was the rather equivocal answer.

Thl new Pine Cash System now being- initiated by G. and C. will certainly pioxe a. benefit to the public. It h<i£ been «i gicat success in Sjdney and and when strictly c.inied out the customer who bins at an establishment vherethe goods .ire marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, rmillinary, and clothing «lt such prices tor cash .is ijhes the buyer the advantages of a .shaieholder in a co-opciatHe society,^ithout the risk ot being called upon to bear >i portion of the loss should the year's business pio\c unsatisfactory. Garliik and Cranwell will aim tf> letain the confidence which the public ha\e,hitherto shown them, and are detirmined to ghu the pure cash s) stem .1 fair trial; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country bmers on remitting' rash with order will be supplied with goods at co-opeiati\e prices ; iust the same as though the} made a peison.il selection. Furnishing goods, sin h as c.irpets, floor cloths, ' bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerate c pne es, and a discount of fi\e per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time ot puuhase. G. &. C basing realised the entire -value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock, is m.w AM) cm \i'i Y bought. An inspection is irhitcd. — Garfkk and Cranwi u , City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.

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