H.—44a.

Company-promotion. 184. That where a prospectus invites persons to subscribe for shares in, or debentures of a company, such persons should take full cognizance of the value of extracts from any official document or publication which, owing to the lapse of time and to the separation from the full text of such document or publication, do not fairly represent existing conditions. Seals. 185. That a survey be made to ascertain the state of the seal population on the West Coast and at the outlying islands to the south. Such survey to be made by a competent observer working from a fishing-craft and not tied down to a schedule. 186. Future administration of the seal fishery should be based on the results of the above survey. Assistance to the Industry. 187. That, if the Government decides to make money available for fishermen to assist them to build or acquire new vessels, caution should be exercised in the formulation of the policy to be adopted. 188. That in the event of finance being made available no fixed conditions be laid down, each case to be decided on its merits on the advice of a competent authority. Tuna Fishing. 189. The Committee considers that the development of this phase of fishing operations can quite well be left to private enterprise. Marine Biological Station and Public Aquaria. 190. That the grant to the biological station at Portobello be discontinued, provision to be made for the employment of the present caretaker in some other sphere. 191. That the Government support the proposal to establish an aquarium and marine biological station at Wellington and provide the initial finance, subject to the direction of the station being under Government control. Canning. 192. That the Government approach Messrs. Hansen Bros., of Purerua, with a proposal to investigate the possibility of the successful operation of a mullet cannery in Kaipara. In the event of their report being favourable, assistance should be given in the establishment of such a factory. Administration. 193. That a reorganization of the Fisheries Branch of the Marine Department be carried out, with the aim of making it a separate unit responsible to the Marine Department only for accounts and discipline. 194. That the collection and compilation of fishery statistics be treated as a matter of urgency, and that every effort be made to attain the standard of other maritime countries as soon as possible. 195. "That, a movement for the education of the fishermen in matters concerning the administration of the fisheries, the value of conservation, and other matters of importance be undertaken and become a duty of the Fisheries Branch. 196. That the expansion of the Department's research activities be proceeded with as soon as the staff, equipment, and finances become available. 197. That the Inspectorate be strengthened by the appointment of full-time, part-time, and honorary Inspectors in those places where it is inadequate at present. The provision of an Inspector and launch for the Bay of Plenty is the most urgent requirement. 198. that the present co-ordination between the Departments of Marine and Industries and Commerce be fostered and expanded where possible. 199. That the Fisheries Act of 1908 and its amendments be rewritten to bring it up to date and to remove the anomalies and weaknesses which exist in the present legislation. 200. That, as soon as the Government has dealt with our recommendations on production, the Fisheries Regulations of 1932 and the additions and amendments thereto be consolidated. When this work is done, one copy should be issued gratis to the master of every licensed fishing-boat and to each new licensee.

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