FT.—l5

occurrence for whale-feed to occur in patches, sometimes extending for miles. The past year has, however, been an exception. Whale-feed, of small size only, made its appearance on the surface of the harbour for a few days in December, while outside the Heads only scattered specimens were met with during our visits to the off-shore fishing-grounds." During the year a further series of tubes of tow-net material has been forwarded to the United States National Museum. Most of the collection of marine fauna made during winter in Foveaux Strait has been handed over to the Otago University Museum, where it has in part been gone through for further examination, and this was augmented by a quantity of material obtained during the summer months. Specimens of local hydroids and ascidians have also been handed to the Museum. Mollusca. from all sources have been supplied to Mr. H. J. Finlav, and Crustacea to Professor Chilton. Mr. Adams reports that " The supply water for the observation-tanks has, since September, been pumped up to the reservoir by a 2 h.p. motor, which is capable of lifting the same volume of water as the oil-engine. The reduction in cost of maintenance is very considerable. The average cost for power used by the motor was -55., whereas the cost of running the oil-engine, for petrol alone, was never below £1 ss. per month. The station was connected to the electric power from Portobello during the latter part of August. The oil-engine was given a thorough overhaul, and is ready to be put into commission again should occasion demand. All the water-supply pipes from the heater to the observation-tanks were renewed. This line of pipes had been in use since the station was built (1904), and had become in places almost rusted through. The pipes leading from the reservoir to the heater were renewed some three years ago, and on being disconnected for cleaning were found to be in good condition and almost free of rust. Since the pipes were renewed the supply of water to the tanks has increased considerably, as has the pressure." Mr. Broadley's duties as Inspector of Fisheries for the Otago District have necessitated his absence on visits of inspection from Moeraki to the Nuggets, and also regularly to the Dunedin Fishmarket. From the Ist April to the 6th May of last year he was engaged on behalf of the Department in netting quinnat salmon at the mouth of the Clutha River. The station has now been connected by telephone to Port Chalmers, which has proved not only a great convenience but also a great saving of time. The buildings, paths, launch, and dinghy are all in first-class order. I have, &c., Geo. M. Thomson, Chairman. Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister of Marine, Wellington.

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