H.— 22.

(d) Eastern Wairarapa. —These operations were conducted during the winter, as a separate campaign, on the Ilaurangi Range and certain deer-infested, sheep-grazing country just north of Cape Palliser. These areas are not now seriously infested. (e) North Nelson (North Buller River). —This area comprises the lofty ranges lying between the portion of the West Coast north of Westport, and Tasman Bay. Operations have not previously been conducted there, and its inclusion in this year's operations can be regarded as marking an epoch in the general campaign as it is the last of the deer-infested areas to be included. This area was found to be seriously infested with deer, and the general principle of biennial operations will henceforth be applied to it. Much valuable experience lias been gained from this season's work. (/) South Nelson-North Westland (Buller River to Wataroa River). —This embraces the whole of the infested country to the west of the main divide (between the rivers named), and includes the watersheds of Lake Rotorua and the Matakitaki, Maruia, Inangahua, Grey, Ahaura, Teremakau, Arahura, Hokitika, Waitaha, Poerua, and Wanganui Rivers. At the southern extremity of this area deer infestation ceases for some miles, the beginning of the next infested area to the south being at the Karangaura River. Worked in conjunction with those immediately opposite on the eastern side of the divide, these operations were very successful, and contributed largely to the degree of success achieved on the eastern side. (g) Marlborough-North Canterbury (Wairau River to Rangitata River). In this region parties operated in the watersheds of Lake Rotoiti and of the Wairau, Clarence, Waiau, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Rakaia Rivers, and Marlborough, and in the Lewis Pass region. A special party was engaged in a campaign against chamois along the glacier-country belt above the sources of the Rangitata, Rakaia, and Waimakariri Rivers in the main divide, and brought the campaign against these animals appreciably nearer to ultimate success. While the country on the western side presents serious obstacles in the form of heavy rainfall and a preponderance of forest-clad area, the excellent results consistently achieved on the eastern side is not only producing a marked improvement in the situation there but is resulting in materially reducing the degree of infestation on the western side by inducing the deer to migrate eastwards. (h) South Westland -Otago- South Canterbury.—These results refer only to the closing stages of lastseason's operations in that region, being that portion conducted after 31st March, 1939. The whole season's campaign was fully reported on last year. (i) Stewart Island. —This undertaking can now be regarded as one of the brightest spots in the whole campaign. Some success had previously been achieved in dealing with the red deer there, but the Virginian deer presented a problem almost incapable of solution. As the result of the introduction of new methods it is possible to visualize complete success in the not far distant future. It is significant that of the 399 deer killed during the year 189 were of the Virginian species. The work of the officer on Stewart Island in destroying cats and rats is already having a marked effect on the incidence of native bird-life in some parts. Several permanent huts and camps have been erected, and many miles of tracks, to permit of regular visits to operating points, have been cut, and the permanent organization is operating most satisfactorily. (4) Skins. During the year 27,300 deer skins were sold to buyers for export overseas. Commercial hunters and others have continued to save deer-skins, and of the total mentioned 12,792 were received from these sources. (5) Personnel. It is pleasing to be again able to report the absence of any fatal accident or serious injury, The usual difficulty of obtaining skilled men in the numbers required has become even greater with the larger number of men necessary to keep parties up to strength, but this has been largely overcome by the establishment of a " training-camp " which has operated very satisfactorily and can be regarded in future as a permanently necessary adjunct to the organization. The Department desires to pay a tribute to the zeal, energy, and devotion to duty under exceedingly arduous conditions of every member of the staff of this organization. XIII. ROTORUA ACCLIMATIZATION DISTRICT. A. The Fishing Season. High westerly winds seriously affected fishing in many of the favourite waters at the opening of the season. Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti were generally the most popular lakes in the- Rotorua district. More fish were taken from Lake Okataina than in previous years, and specimens of up to 13$ lb. were secured. During January, February, and March many limit bags were taken on the fly in the vicinity of the delta, Tongariro River. The following are weights of some of the large fish taken during the season and coming under the notice of departmental officers, the fish unless otherwise indicated being rainbow trout: — Lake Okataina : \l\, 12, 11$, 10J, 11, 11$, 105-, 10, 11, 10f, 10, 10, 10, 10$, 13$, 10$, 10 lb. Lake Rotoiti: 10, 13, 12 lb. Lake Taupo : 10, 10$, 10$, 10, 101b. Lake Rotorua : lOf, 111 lb. (brown trout). Lake Tarawera: 16$, 11, 12$, 12, 11$, 10$, 11, 10, 10, 10, 10$, 11, 10$, llf, 13$, 1.3, 10 lb.

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