-H.—ls

10

(4.) Encourage fishermen to go in for purse-seining by a practical demonstration of the use of this net on the various fishing-grounds around the coast. By this method fish can be taken in very large quantities and at small cost in comparison to trawling. (5.) Giving a bonus on fish canned and cured for export, and also on the production of fertilizer manufactured from fish-offal and unmarketable fish, and for the manufacture of potash and other products from kelp and seaweed. (6.) That the Government take immediate steps to provide the necessary supplies of benzene, lubricating-oil, nets, netting-twine, hooks, lines, &c., which are required by those engaged in the fishing industry. I have, &C, L. F. Ayson, Chief Inspector of Fisheries.

Table showing the Number of Steam Trawlers, Oil-engine Trawlers, and other Vessels employed in Line and Net Fishing, with the Number of Fishermen employed, and approximately the Total Number of Persons engaged in the Fishing Industry at each Port for the Year ending 31st March, 1918.

Compi led from t. he returns given in t lie Kstrict nspectors reports. Name of Port. Steam Trawlers. Oil-engine Trawlers. Line- and Net-fishing Vess jls. Number of Fishermen employed. Persons Employed in various ways in connection with the Industry. Total Number of Persons employed. Russell Hokianga Whangarei Kaipara Auckland Thames 35 15 5 22 130 70 20 L0 40 247 50 12 5 12032 15 40 6 530 777 Tauranga Gisborne Napier Wanganui Foxton Wellington Pieton Blenheim Nelson Westport Greymouth Hokitika Kaikoura .. ... Lyttelton, Sumner, Akaroa, Southbridge, Kaiapoi, Styx, Rangiora, and New Brighton Timaru Oamaru and Moeraki Dunedin and Port Chalmers .. Inveroargill Bluff Stewart Island ' Chatham Islands 2 9 9 3 20 21 35 5 9 75 19 6 59 20 56 92 9 10 152 50 9 20 20 15 88* 15 184 6 18 9 20 62 110 18 10 287 50 12 40 20 15 100 1.5 184 2 1 135 6 3 20 1 2 1 8 2 8 9 1 6 118 12* 4 19 1 8 13 29 69 23 53 29 14 32 42 129 50 115 60 32 8 40 42 210 50 115 68 55 2 2 18] 4 8 23 Totals 35 57 828 1,587 920 2,507 Whitebait fis) ling.