AUCKLAND OYSTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 64, 15 March 1916, Page 2

AUCKLAND OYSTERS.

TRANSPLANTED TO THE SOUTH. PROFIT OF £1,250 FOR YEAR. Questioned about the Auckland oyster beds this morning, the Minister of Marine (the Hon. Dr. McNab) said that the Department had completed the reports for the past year, and these showed a very satisfactory result. After taking into account all charges that could be made against the Auckland oyster beds, the return for this year showed a net profit of £1,250.

" We are extending the beds," said the Minister, " and (I hope Auckland people won't complain) we are planting Auckland oysters on the rocks in Queen Charlotte Sound in order to see if they can be transplanted from one part of New Zealand to another. At the same time we are extending the areas in the North. I am looking forward to the oyster trade supplying us with funds to do a lot of development in the Fisheries Department."

Asked if the Department was giving attention to the recommendations contained in the report of the Canadian expert, Professor Prince, the Minister said that they had not gone into things comprehensively. "I am following the lines of his report," he added, "without adoptin the whole of his recommendations. The question of finance has to be considered. In regard to arrangements for the cheap transit of fish, and for other kinds of work that involve no great expense we are adopting Professor Prince's suggestions. The others will receive attention after the war.