17

H.—ls

Bed No. 6. Length, about 2i. miles, by 1 mile wide ; average depth, 17 fathoms. Discovered about 1889. This bed is really a continuation of No. 5 bed. Bed No. 7. Length, about 1\ miles, by 1 mile wide ; average depth, 18 fathoms. Discovered about 1882, and worked for several seasons. It was then abandoned on account of the oysters being small, and the rough nature of the bottom. Bed No. 8, or Half-moon Bay Bed. Length, 1 mile, by \ mile wide ; average depth, about 23 fathoms. Was discovered about 1870, and was one of the earliest worked. Very few oysters were found, the bed appearing to be overgrown with seaweed, &c. In the early days two hundred dozen was considered a fair day's catch off this bed. Bed No. 9, or Fort William Bed. Length, \ mile, by £ mile wide. Was discovered shortly after No. 8. Owing to the rough nature of the bottom, it was impossible to get the exact area, dimensions here given being only approximate. Quantities of dead shells were found, the oysters appearing to have died off considerably. Bed No. 10. Length, about 7 miles, by 2 miles wide. Discovered during the present survey, on the 27th January, 1906. Although oysters were known to exist in that direction, the bed had never been previously located. The oysters found there were in excellent condition, and remarkably free from dead shells, &c. This, no doubt, will be a favourite bed in the near future. Bed No. 11. Length, \\ miles, by \ mile wide ; average depth, about 20 fathoms. Discovered recently. Oysters are of poor quality, with large quantity of dead shells. Owing to its great distance from the Bluff this bed is never likely to become popular. Bed No. 12. Length, 2£ miles, by 1 mile wide ; average depth, about 20 fathoms. Discovered on the last day of this survey." The oysters are of a good quality, though small. It is probably a newly formed bed. We found, generally, quantities of dead cockle-shells on the northern side, and quantities of seaweed on the southern side. The oysters found on the outskirts of all the beds were in clusters, and smaller than those in the middle of the beds. This clearly demonstrated that the beds are extending in all directions. There is no doubt that oysters are to be found by following the trend of the current further to the westward than the beds marked on the chart, but as the s.s. " Despatch " was required for the oystering at the beginning ol February, we were unable to make a more extensive survey. However, beds at a greater distance than those already located are never likely to become popular. Trusting that the foregoing report will meet with your approval, J have, &c, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. R. C. Hunter

3—H. 15