OYSTER CULTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 127, 31 May 1935, Page 11

OYSTER CULTURE.

SMALLER SUPPLIES.

AN IMPROVEMENT DESIRED

PLEA FOR PRIVATE INTERESTS

Tho opinion that oyster culture should be open to private interests in Auckland was expressed by members of the council of the Auckland Chamber of 'Commerce at a meeting yesterday.

The matter was raised by Mr. W. A. Boucher, who said in a letter that it was evident that under Government control tho supplies of oysters available this year would show a decrease. Under private enterprise in New South Wales supplies were made available for nearly 12 months of the year. Mr. Boucher included a Press cutting stating that the local season would bo curtailed this year to 21 months, while a total of only 3000 sacks was likely to be picked, compared with 5207 sacks last year. Addressing the council, ill". Boucher stressed the effect on unemployment which would follow the opening of oyster development to private enterprise. Mr. D. Carter recalled that when beds were controlled by private enterprise previously oysters formed a quite substantial export, up to 1100 sacks a month being shipped to Sydney at one time. "There was some justification for tho Department taking over the beds, but those days are now passed," said Mr. A. A. Ross.

After further discussion tho council decided to urge opening the industry to private individuate.