H.—ls.

Mullet (Agonostomus forsteri) have been numerous as usual, but the main supply have been small fish. The largest specimens were taken from October onwards. When the clear shrimp is available the stomachs of the mullet are always full of them. Warehou (Seriolella brama) have appeared in fair number, but only small specimens occur in the harbour near Portobello, generally running from 6 in. to 8 in. long. Red cod (Physiculus bacchus).—While plentiful until May, 1934, they have been hardly procurable this year, and as they usually form an easily procured food-supply for the fish in the aquaria their absence is greatly felt. A few in very poor condition appeared in March. Kahawai (Arripis trutta). —Shoals appeared in November, and small ones were then taken in the seine net. In February a large shoal appeared near the hatchery and remained there for nearly a fortnight. The use of a spoon-bait procured a number of these, and two fish of about 5 lb. weight have been kept alive in the hatchery until the present time. Those examined proved to be full of young barracouta of about 6 in. in length, and also pilchards, small mullet, and smelt. Moki (Latris ciliaris). —These fine fish are very hardy and stand confinement in the hatchery tanks. Some we have had for more than two years. A very large one was taken on the spoon-bait when spinning for kahawai, but they have not been plentiful this year. Tarakilii (Dactylosparus macropterus).—Small-sized fish of this species are usually plentiful through most months of the year in the harbour. We never get here the large ones that are taken nine to ten miles from the Heads. Wrasse and spotty have been in great abundance, the wrasse secured being of large size. Flat fish have not been so plentiful in the harbour as in normal years. Sea perch (Helicolenus percoides) have been fairly numerous in certain favoured spots. Several have been taken suffering from a warty growth, which appears to be peculiar to these fish. Blue cod (Parapercis colias) has appeared this year in fair numbers, but not of great size, the specimens being from 10 in. to 12 in. m length. It is some years since they were common near the Station. Flathead (Kathetostoma giganteum) have not been as plentiful as usual. It is apparent from specimens examined that we have here two species which have been treated as one. Mr. Griffin, of the Auckland Museum, has kindly identified two species—Pseudolabris pittensis and Bovicth.us variegatus —which appeared here this year and which are unusual in the harbour near the hatchery. Whalefeed (Munida gregaria) appeared in successive shoals, but was never in great abundance. The first appearance was in November, two months later than last year. Large numbers appeared in December, January, and February, and since then have not been seen. Clear shrimps ( Nyctiphanes australis), as usual, appeared in tremendous numbers, but the season was limited. They were here in October and were found on the surface and in fish-stomachs until March. The arrival of the shoals of this shrimp always results in numbers of fish appearing in the harbour and it appears to be even of more importance than the whalefeed. Flights of screaming gulls give the first indication of the approach of the shoals. In addition to the foregoing, notes and records have been kept of other fish and various forms of marine life, and in many cases specimens have been preserved. Material has been collected for specialists and Universities. Visitors have been numerous and they have been shown round and given, interesting information as to the various specimens on view. The work involved in the attempt to rear young lobsters, although passed over with a few words, has been very heavy, both in the outside ponds and inside the hatchery, and has called for continuous attention. The employment of a biologist would probably have made this attempt successful, as it is manifestly impossible for one man to be always on duty. With two workers a closer watch at critical periods would have been possible. The present small grant of £300 per annum is only sufficient to pay for the services of one employee whose time is fully occupied in the care of the jetties, launch, dinghys, nets, the various buildings, ponds, and grounds, as well as the regular daily work of keeping the indoor aquarium and observation tanks in order and in showing visitors around. The members of the Board consider that much valuable work can be done at the Portobello Marine Biological Station and that the time is ripe to place this institution on a sound footing so as to allow of a properly planned scheme of work being carried out. The Station is admirably situated, and with a resident biologist working on definite lines would easily justify the small amount of extra expenditure necessary. I have, &c., WM. B. Benham, F.R.S., Chairman of the Board.

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