48 
The ‘ Nora Niven,” as the trawler was named, is much larger 
than the ‘ Doto,” better adapted for rough weather and prolonged 
steaming, and is fitted with modern gear, built for powerful haulage. 
The vessel, which is described as being the largest and most up-to-date 
trawler which has been seen in Australasian waters,* attracted con- 
siderable attention at the various ports of call, and is thus described 
in the local press :— 
“The ‘ Nora Niven’ was built in Selby, and is constructed of 
steel. She is 96 ft. long, the net register being 56 tons. In ordinary 
weather she can steam 83 knots an hour. Among the notable features 
of the trawler is a complete ice-making plant, capable of turning out 
about 2 tons of ice every twenty-four hours. There is also an acety- 
lene-gas lighting plant, and the winch for working the trawl is an 
exceedingly powerful one. The vessel has cost to date £10,600, in- 
cluding £1,400 to equip her with refrigerating machinery.” 
As on previous occasions, Mr. Ayson was anxious to secure the 
services of an ichthyologist, and, knowing my interest in the subject, 
and my association with similar undertakings in New South Wales, 
recommended that I should be commissioned to undertake the scien- 
tific work of the expedition. 
Doubtless owing to failure to appreciate the advisability, at least, 
of the course suggested, the recommendation was not adopted by 
the Government. By the courtesy of the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister 
of Marine, I was invited to accompany the expedition in my capacity 
as curator of the Canterbury Museum; and I desire to record my 
thanks for his kindness, also my appreciation of the consideration 
and sympathetic interest shown by the Chairman and Board of Go- 
vernors of Canterbury College in permitting my absence from Museum 
duty for so long a period, especially as it became necessary to appoint 
a locum tenens. 
It was, however, only my keen desire to embrace the opportunity 
afforded for collecting and studying the marine fishes of the Dominion 
which decided me to accept a passage on the unsatisfactory terms 
above indicated—namely, those incidental to my being but a guest 
on board. 
During the period of the investigations, any barrier which might 
have existed in connection with my unofficial association with the 
expedition was largely removed by Mr. Ayson, for he assisted my 
work in every possible way. 
EQUIPMENT. 
Though the expedition was fitted with several scientific appliances, 
such as sets of thermometers, sounding-apparatus, &c., all of which 
were regularly and systematically used, the provision for actual trawl- 
ing was of the ordinary commercial type, designed only to arrest the 
* The new Commonwealth trawler ‘*‘ Endeavour,’’ commissioned since the 
above was written, is probably larger. 
