NO. I (1920) ADMINISTRATION REPORT, 1918-19 41 



Order— No. 1755, Revenue (Special), dated 15th 

 September 1919. 



Recorded. 



2. The Department has been reorganized in the course of the 

 year under review. Sir Frederick Nicholson, whose foresight and 

 enthusiasm were mainly responsible for the initiation of the 

 Department and its rapid progress through the early stage of 

 development, handed over the office of Director to Mr. Hornell but 

 continues in charge of the West Coast section. The post of 

 Marine Biologist sanctioned in the reorganization remained vacant 

 as it has hitherto been impossible to secure the services of a man 

 of suitable qualifications and the requisite practical experience. 

 Mr. J. H. Allan has been appointed to succeed Mr. Hornell in the 

 immediate control of the marine operations at Tuticorin. 



3. Among the important features in the year's work, the prin- 

 cipal new developments were the transfer to the department of a 

 number of fish-curing yards on the West Coast from the Salt and 

 Abkari Department to be run on model lines, the reorganization of 

 the Aquarium the control over which was recently transferred to 

 the Department of Fisheries and the initiation of a special scheme 

 for the education of the fisher children and the training of their 

 teachers. 



4. Marine Fisheries. — In spite of unfavourable weather and 

 difficulties in enlisting labour especially in Tinnevelly, receipts 

 under this head show a substantial increase which was mainly due 

 to the increased prices of the shells and especially to the high 

 prices paid under the current contract for the Tinnevelly chanks. 

 The net profit in the year amounted to Rs. 67,580, which is the 

 highest yet on the record. The Government will be prepared to 

 move the Government of India for the amendment of the Indian 

 Fisheries Act in order to prevent the destruction of immature 

 marine animals of economic value if the Director can convince the 

 Government that legislative action would be effective and that the 

 importance of the beche-de-mer industry justifies such a course. 

 The Government note with satisfaction the very useful work done 

 in the matter of the supply of zoological specimens required by 

 Indian colleges and universities and they are watching with interest 

 Mr. Hornell's scheme for the reorganization of school museums in 

 respect of collections illustrative of the fauna of the sea. 



