STATE OYSTER PICKING

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 192, 8 May 1908, Page 9

STATE OYSTER PICKING

' INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY. (BY TStEGBAPU.—SrECIAI, CORRESPONDENT.) Auokland, May 7. 'Notwithstanding tho assertion that'by 1 the middle of this wbek tho .Government oyster industry would bo in full swing, tho'contrary hasy proved tho case, and tTiero is still n shortago in requirements. Tho steamer Clansman arrived at Auckland yefitordjiy ivith a consignment, but it was not as large ns was oxpccted, and consequently orders on hand could only bo partially supplied. Inquiries at tho Government depot yesterday elicited tho information that tho supply ooming forward was equal to about two-thirds of the market requirements, and • various reasons wero assigned to account for the shortago. Tho- present 1 bad weather, it was stated, would probably have somo effect' in diminishing tho output, nnd other problematical cansos wero also put forward.' Another shipment from tho Waiheko Island beds was oxpected last niclit. LOW PRICE, BIG DEMAND. [BY TKIiEdtyiYrH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, May 7. It is considered that tho low prico of oysters at the-commencoment of tho season is accountable for tho big demand at. present existing in Auckland. During the first four :lays of. tho season 552 snoks wero received : at the Government Depot from tho oyatsrbeds, and those went into immediate* consumption.- It has'been found necessary to put on moro pickers, and on Saturday 400 sacks aro oxpected, thus, raising tho total for tho first eight days of tho season to 950 iaclsa, I