PIPER

(Reporhamphus ihi).

This is common in the harbours and estuaries of both islands, grows to about a foot in length, is narrow, and is at once distinguishable by the curious mouth, with the beaked lower jaw protruding far beyond the upper. The piper is excellent eating. It can be obtained in quantity by dragging a net off beaches in quiet waters, but it also provides sport for young and old alike when fished with rod and line.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.