H.—ls

15

john-dory (Zetu faber), bringing the tutal number so far secured up to thirty-four species. Thousands of notes on stomach-contents have been placed on record, and some interesting facts :ire being brought to light. An interesting experiment has been conducted during the year with a view to ascertaining the life-history of the whale-feed (Grimothea gregaria). The identity of this valuable fish-food with that of the bottom-living form known as Munida mibrugosa has long been suspected. The larvae have now been secured and the identity has been established. Much of its life-history has now been learned, and when the few links have been fitted in the subject will be treated in a special paper, with drawings. I was privileged to accompany Professor Prince in the steamer " Hinemoa " during a trip around the coasts of both Islands in April and May for the purpose of reviewing the trawling resources of the Dominion. A collection of fishes was made for Professor Prince, and I was also enabled to collect specimens of crustacea, annelids, mollusca. small fishes, &c. A large shed, 20 ft. by 16 ft., has been erected on the eastern side of the pond embankment for the purpose of the storage of spare tanks, coolers, coke, <fee, and as a workshop. The old workshop is now used as a store-room for paints, &0., and a portion lias been partitioned off as a dark room. The lean-to shed at the rear of the Curator's residence lias been converted into a small bedroom. All the paths and steps have been top-dressed with sand and tar. The launch and dinghy have been regularly slipped for painting. Both are in good order. The cottages and station buildings will require to be painted before long. The interiors of the cottages also require attention as soon as can be conveniently arranged. I have, eve, T. Anderton.

Return showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine and Inspection of Machinery Department during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1914.

Nature of Expenditure. Detaile. Totals. Grand Totals. £ s. d. £ s. d. 2,986 IS 6 £ s. d. Marine Head Office salaries Harbours : — Manukau. — Salaries House allowance of Harbourmaster Stores and contingencies Ngunguru,— Salary Hauraki Gulf,— Inspection of beaches Russell, — Re-erection of flagstaff Painting buildings, &c. Tauranga,— Salary Hokianga,— Salaries Stores and contingencies Kaipara, — Salaries ... House allowance of*Harbourmaster Stores and contingencies Tongaporutu,— Salary Stores and contingencies Opunake,— Salary Whangaparapara,— Salary Stores and contingencies Mokau, — Salary Awakino, — Salary Stores Marakopa, — Salary Picton, — Salary .. .. Launch-hire Stores and contingencies 244 2 1 7 5 10 77 19 3 521 5 0 148 8 4 715 0 0 26 0 0 229 10 0 53 10 0 9 14 0 329 7 2 2 18 0 25 0 0 63 4 0 4 3 4 669 13 4 970 10 0 25 0 0 8 8 3 33 8 3 4 3 4 36 0 0 5 5 11 41 5 11 50 0 0 20 0 0 15 10 9 12 10 0 285 0 0 18 17 6 42 5 5 346 2 11 19 5 6 Velson, — Salaries of signalmen Carried forward 5,593 16 0