974 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Hector, consists of two crates, containing 84,000 eggs. Fifty thousand 

 €ggs are on board for Napier, a very large supply for the Auckland 

 Acclimatization Society, and a parcel for Christchurch. The total sup- 

 ply is greatly in excess of the quantity supposed to be available by 

 Professor Baird. This is a fortunate circumstance, inasmuch as it in- 

 creases the chances of success of the experiment. 



6. Mr. Cheeseman, a postal agent, and the commander of the Zea 

 landia have charge of the shipment. Everything depends upon the 

 transhipment and subsequent voyage to New Zealand, but as there is 

 abundance of ice on board the risk is slight. 



7. On receiving no further instructions by the last mail, I opened the 

 letter of instructions to Dr. Hector, but I have not gone in any way to 

 pledge the government to pay money, other than as Dr. Hector had 

 agreed to do. Professor Baird's letter, attached, will show the unset- 

 tled character of the arrangement, which does not appear to be under- 

 stood by the professor. The following extract from my letter to Mr. 

 Stone on this subject, which is the only portion of this letter I need 

 forward to you, will show the exact length to which I have gone in pledg- 

 ing the government to pay money: "Messrs. Cross & Co. and Mr. Duffy 

 are in funds for the Auckland and Napier shipments, and the New 

 Zealand Government will give effect to Dr. Hector's arrangement with 

 yourself and the United States Commission at Washington." 



8. The understanding here is that the cost of freight, ice, &c., shall bo 

 borne pro rata by the consignees. Messrs. Cross & Co. conducted the 

 shipping business, and the government will doubtless hear from them 

 through the Auckland Acclimatization Society. The expense in this 

 way will not be large. 



9. I have to request attention also to that part of Professor Baird's 

 letter in which he intimates that applications for further supplies should 

 be made early in spring. There was something like a scramble in the 

 present business, and this is to be avoided in future. The colony is now 

 in perfect accord with fhe United States Fish Commission, and if atten- 

 tion be paid to its requirements as to oificial recognition and- informa- 

 tion regarding the fish-breeding experiment, great and lasting good must 

 result to the country. 



10. I have not promised any gratuity to the commander of the Zea- 

 landia, nor to Mr. Cheeseman, but 1 presume, if the ova are landed in 

 good condition, their services will not be overlooked. As I take a deep 

 interest in this matter personally, I should like to be informed of the 

 result of the experiment, about which many of the leading citizens of 

 San Francisco are anxious. 



I have, &c., 



E. J. CKEIGHTON, 

 Resident Postal Agent. 

 E. Fox, Esq., 



Private Secretary^ Wellington. 



