H.—6.

desired provision for reserves, I do not see that more can be done except to take advantage of any opportunity that may occur of stocking the two islands that have been selected. This can be done most advantageously by enlisting the services of acclimatisation societies, as their members are the persons who have most interest in such work, and they possess the necessary organization. If the Eesolution Island Eeserve were placed under the control of the Otago Society, and the Little Barrier Island Eeserve (when acquired) under the Auckland Society, and in each case with a moderate subsidy contributed by Government, the work of conservation would be placed on a simple and efficient footing. The Government might also, as His Excellency suggests, contribute material aid by lending the lighthouse tender for periodical inspection and transport of specimens. I would recommend that the details of how the scheme is to be practically organized, and the amount of subsidy required, should be suggested by the societies, and that Government should enter into correspondence with them for the purpose of ascertaining how far they would be prepared to co-operate. I would further recommend that His Excellency's memorandum be printed for public circulation. James Hector. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,350 copies), £2 10s.

By Authority: Geobge Didsbuhy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB92. Price, 3d.]

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