H.—]se

1914. NEW ZEALAND.

FISHERIES OF NEW ZEALAND (PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE) BY PROFESSOR PRINCE, COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES FOR CANADA.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives h<i Leave.

CONTENTS. I. Introduction— Public expressions of opinion as to benefits of fishery survey. Methods of work. Acknowledgments of assistance, official and non-official, during survey. 11. Estimated oxtent of Dominion fishing-grounds. 111. Fishories a national asset for the benefit of all. IV. Present conditions and future possibilities of fishing industries. V. High cost of living, and possibility of cheap fish. VI. Characteristic features of the fishes of New Zealand. VII. Importations of European and other fish. VJil. Desirability of larger territorial coastal limits. IX. Impediments to distribution of cheap fish owing to transportation difficulties. X. Acclimatization societies— Splendid achievements in the past. Anomalous position and work at present. Issue of licenses and collection of revenue. Kxpenditure of Government grants. I'atrol and fish-culture work of local societies. Smpe of work inadequate to prosent needs and involves waste of funds. Universal protection and development of fisheries and fish-culture desirable. Present neglect of important districts owing to paucity of local societies' funds. XI. General recommendations — (</.) Systematic survey of fishing-grounds. (b.) A fisheries protection and patrol system similar to that in Canada. (c.) Staff of officers desirable, including Chief Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and temporary Wardens. (<l.) Fishery publications urged—Fishery handbooks, cookery-books, and other information important. (c) Herring-acclimatization—lntroduction of northern herring favoured. (/.) Methods of fishing—Larger fishing-vessels desirable. ((/.) Bounties —Encouragement of fishing industry by grants or bounties, loans, &c. (//.) Customs duties—Duty on fishermen's imported gear objectionable. (».) Prohibitions — Illegal undersized fish. Minimum limits for fish desirable. Stalling or blocking tidal inlets with nets objectionable, (j.) Penalties —Confiscation of boats and gear illegally used very effective and necessary. (k.) Technical instruction —Scheme of instruction to fishing population suggested.

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