31

H. -15

Material has been collected for outside workers and institutions during the past year, among others being : The Auckland War Memorial Museum; H. Webster, Esq., South Kensington, London (Otoliths of Fishes) ; R. M. Laing, Esq., Christchurch (algse) ; Professor Benham, University of Otago (squids) ; Professor Malcolm, University of Otago (octopi); Dr. Hercus, Otago Medical School (kelpfish) ; Dr. Watt, Otago Medical School (Diatomacese and foraminifera); A. W. Powell, Esq., Auckland (mollusca). General Work. Very considerable work has been done throughout the year both in connection with the launch " Karoro," and with the buildings. Mr. Adams reports, — " A new 15 h.p. Kelvin engine was installed in the launch in place of the 7 h.p. Standard engine. With the extra power the launch can now to"v? a much larger trawl at a greater speed, and has also a better turn of speed against adverse winds. A winch for hauling in trawl and dredge wires, and working off the engine, has been placed on the forepart of the deck. The launch is now also equipped with gear for lifting the trawl or dredge, when loaded, into the cock-pit. " The whole of the malthoid roofing of the hatchery and four skylights were renewed. The old net-shed has been converted into a comfortable two-roomed cottage, and is now Mr. Graham's quarters. A new shed for the nets and other gear is almost completed. New roofing-iron was put on both the paint and engine houses. The launch-moorings have been overhauled, and a new length of in. chain attached to the anchor. New iron rails were put down at the slipway. The carriage was also strengthened, and a new wire rope put on the winch. The iron frames of the aquarium-tanks were cleaned of rust and painted. The glass sides of several of the tanks were cracked and leaked badly (apparently due to settlement of the made ground on which the hatchery buildings were erected). These have now been taken out and the whole renewed." The whole of this work about the station has been excellently carried out by Mr. Adams, with Mr. Broadley's assistance, and without employing any outside labour. Mr. Broadley, as Inspector of Fisheries for the Otago District, has visited the outlying fishing ports from Moeraki to the Nuggets twice during the year. He has also paid frequent visits of inspection to the wholesale fish-market in Dunedin. A monthly weather report of the station is sent to the Director of the Meteorological Department. Considerable additions to the library, chiefly in the form of bulletins and scientific papers, have been made during the last year. The Chairman also has placed on loan his presentation copy of the late Professor G. 0. Sars' monumental work on the crustacea of Norway in nine volumes. I have, &c., Geo. M. Thomson, The Hon. the Minister of Marine, Wellington. Chairman of the Board.