OYSTER INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1938, Page 7

OYSTER INDUSTRY

METHODS OF CONTROL COMPARED. (Per Press Association —Copyright). AUCKLAND, August S. Commendation lor trie Australian method of controlling trie oyster industry was expressed by Mr Hendry Luke on his return. from .Sydney by trie Niagara after, a . month’s. tom through the eastern States of the Commonwealth. Mr Luke said that leasing of marine areas to private enterprise for oyster culture resulted in better [quality food aii'd a'cheaper'product.. The system, he suggested, rnigtit profitably be adopted in New Zealand.

In : a cursory investigation .of the Australian industry, Mr Luke found that .large areas leased by the marine authorities 'were cultivated to the maximum extent. It was a lucrative business, employing a large number of men, and the service provided was one apparently greatly appreciated by the community. Generally speaking, the oysters wore of superior quality fjo those obtained in. Auckland, altbougli the price to the public was lowe».

“With a climate that is very similar to that of Australia, Auckland should adopt the Commonwealth’s scheme to develop the oyster . industry,” Mr Luke added. “It could very well be done with the suitable areas on Maunkau Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Private cultivation and competition would result in a more convenient service to the public, while there should also be good revenue in the-industry for the State,” T! S*’ 1 ,

Mr Luke, said that the people of New South Wales were worried at the prospect of a coal strike, which would cause very serious disruption of essential services if it occurred. He added that this feature was the one black soeclc on a period of great prosperity in the state, where building continued to boom and there was plenty of money for sound investment. There was an acute. shortage of. water, and the people were even advised to cpn T serve the supply by washing with the contents of .hot-water bottles. .