D.-No. 9.

6

REPORT OF THE FISHERIES COMMISSION.

(2.) Trumpeter begins in October, most plentiful in November, and lasts until the end of January. They weigh from 6 lbs. to 30 lbs. They fetch about 2-jd. per lb. (3.) Tarakihi is the earliest fish at Kaikoura, even before hapuka. It lasts for two months on special grounds of its own. They weigh from 5 lbs. to 6 lbs., and fetch about Is. a fish. (4.) Pakitiki. or Rock Cod, is caught all the year round. They weigh from 1 lb. to 4 lbs., and they sell for about 3s. a dozen. (5.) Moki (a net fish) is caught in the beginning of the season ; after that it is driven off by the dog-fish. They vary in size from 4 lbs. to 5 lbs., and sell for 2-Jd. per lb. (6.) Snapper and Cloudy Bay and Red Cod aro occasionally caught. (7.) Kawai and Barraeouta are very plentiful in the spring, and also in the fall of the year. (8.) Cray-fish, of course, are in abundance. f. The total value of fish sold in the year by the two men above mentioned amounts to £100. g. (1.) In Ingles' Bay there are fish, but in no great quantities. In Goodie's Bay, or South Bay, the fishing is generally conducted. Hapuka are chiefly caught at the Cone Rocks, off Baxter's Reef, also half a mile out from Haul Round Point; the depth of water in both places is from twenty to twenty-four fathoms. The principal ground for trumpeter is three miles off Point Keene, laid down by private marks, which, from my inability to procure a chart, are impossible to explain here. The depth of water is thirty-two fathoms. Trumpeter are also caught off almost every point in the Peninsula, as long as the depth of water is over sixteen fathoms. The tarakihi ground is situated half-way between Baxter's Reef and Haul Round Point, and about a mile off shore ; the depth of water is about twentytwo fathoms. Rock and red cod are caught about the rocks anywhere. Moki are caught in the passages between the rocks at flood and ebb tides. Kawai are usually caught with spoon bait. Barraeouta are caught with what is termed a jig, viz., a piece of wood about two feet long with a line about one foot. (2.) Hapuka and other fish, it is presumed, come here to feed on the crayfish. The hapuka spawns here. Trumpeter and tarakihi come for cockles—they also spawn here. Rock cod is always here —in fact, is the only fish you can be certain of all the year round. Barraeouta and kawai come in the spring after the small herring fry: in the fall they come after grit, or whale feed. The time for fishing is calm weather, or a light northerly breeze; clear water, but not too clear ;no current; early in the morning, and first turn of the flood. The sources of information on the above points are extremely scanty, as the old whalers have entirely left the place, and, as I before observed, the fishing has been entirely confined to two men. The Maoris fish almost entirely for barraeouta. Owing to the excessive cheapness of meat in the district, I very much doubt if fishing will be continued next year for local sale. However there is, I fancy, a very good opening for fishing, with a view to smoke the fish, and export them. I have, &c, To the Chairman of the Commission, Henry A. Ingles. New Zealand Fisheries, Wellington.