3

H.—2l

(4.) Study of the Worm Parasite in Trout. Arrangements were made whereby the work in connection with the study of the worm parasite in trout should be continued by Veterinary Officers of the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce. To enable experiments to be carried out in the direction of testing the theory held by Dr. Reakes that an intermediate host existed between the shag and the trout, a fresh pond of fairly suitable size was constructed and trout procured from outside the thermal district. It was also necessary to secure supplies of small native fish affected with the parasite. Arrangements have, in addition, been made for a Veterinary Officer to proceed to the far north and south to dissect shags with a view to ascertain whether shags on the sea-coast are affected with the trout-parasite. (5.) Destruction of Shags. During the season 1,506 shags were destroyed at Taupo and Rotorua. (6.) Clearing Mouths of Streams running into Lake Botorua of Weeds. Representations were made to the Minister by the Rotorua Rod and Gun Club early this year that it would be to the advantage of fly fishers if the mouths of a number of streams running into Lake Rotorua were cleared of weeds. 'This work has been carried out with satisfactory results. Rotohua Hatchery. Good work was also done at the Rotorua hatchery during the last spawning season. The following gives the rainbow ova and fry disposed of to various acclimatization societies :— Rainbow ova ... ... ... ... ... ... 875,000 Trout-fry ... ... ... ... ... ... 354,000 Total production ... ... ... ... 1,229,000 In addition, large quantities of trout-fry were handed over to the officers of the Tourist Department for liberation in the rivers within the Rotorua Acclimatization District.

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