H.—6

1893. NEW ZEALAND.

MINIMUM SIZE AT WHICH FLOUNDERS SHOULD BE TAKEN (REPORT ON QUESTION AS TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

... No. 1. The Assistant Secbetaey, Marine Department, to Mr. W. H. Spaceman. Sib, — Marine Department, Wellington, 23rd February, 1893. Eeferring to my telegram to you of the 15th instant, I have the honour, by direction of the Minister having charge of this department, to request that you will, in conjunction with Mr. F. E. Clarke, of the Lands Office, Hokitika, hold an inquiry into and report upon the question of the minimum size at which flounders should be allowed to be taken. It will probably be desirable for evidence to be taken both at Christchurch and at Lake Ellesmere, and an advertisement should be inserted in the daily papers calling upon persons wishing to give evidence to appear. Notice of the date on which you propose to sit should bo sent to Mr. E. G. Wright, M.H.E. It is understood that it would be desirable, in connection with Mr. Clarke's official duties, that he should be able to return to Hokitika by the 13th March. It is proposed to pay you at the rate of £2 2s. a day whilst employed on this work, it being understood that it is not likely to take more than a week. I have communicated with Mr. Clarke, and have informed him that you will telegraph to him as to date which would suit you to begin the inquiry. I have, &c, Lewis H. B. Wilson, W. H. Spackman, Esq., 213, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Assistant Secretary.

No. 2. The Assistant Secbetaby, Marine Department, to Mr. F. E. Claeke. Bui, — Marine Department, Wellington, 23rd February, 1893. I have the honour, by direction of the Minister having charge of this department, to inform you that you have, with the consent of the Surveyor-General, been appointed, in conjunction with Mr. W. H. Spackman, of Christchurch, to hold an inquiry into and report upon the question of the minimum size at which flounders should be allowed to be taken, and Mr. Spackman has been asked to inform you by telegraph as to the date he will be ready to begin the inquiry. It will probably be desirable to take evidence both at Christchurch and at Lake Ellesmere, and an advertisement should be inserted in the daily papers calling upon persons wishing to give evidence to appear. I have, &c, Lewis H. B. Wilson, F. E. Clarke, Esq., Crown Lands Office, Hokitika. Assistant Secretary.

No. 3. The Assistant Secbetaey, Marine Department, to Mr. W. H. Spaceman. Sib, — Marine Department, Wellington, 25th February, 1893. Adverting to my letter No. 347/74, of the 23rd instant, I have the honour, by direction of the Minister having charge of this department, to ask you to be so good as also to notify the date on which you propose to commence the inquiry into the question of the minimum size at which flounders should be allowed to be taken to Mr. John Joyce, M.H.8., and Sir John Hall, M.H.E. I have, &c, Lewis H. B. Wilson, W. H. Spackman, Esq., 213, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Assistant Secretary. I—H. 6.