THE OYSTER FISHERIES' QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5794, 12 June 1880, Page 6

THE OYSTER FISHERIES' QUESTION.

TO THE TCDIT >R. Sir, —I read with much surprise and regret that the Government are determined to close the Auckland oyster beds for a number of years, also to make a close season for flounders, because, forsooth, one member over-doses himself and puts it down to fish, and another is anxitus to secure his pet scheme—baronial rights ! All I say is if the barons of oldon t : mes were like tho«e wouldbe representatives of our time, they must have been a shabby lot. As an old oysterman, I must protest against such hasty and ill-a'lvistd legislation. Surely the other side of the question is worth hearing. If the Auckland people are content to submit to be dictated to by Mr. Chamberliin, and allow themselves to be deprived of a luxurious dish of oysters, and, further, if the Auckland oystermen are content to sit down quietly and see themselves ruined and the oyster beds closed for a number of years, to the utter destruction of the trade, and, farther, whilst any person can prosecute or persecute any white man, the Maori (I wish I was one) may go free.—Down, I say, with such bad legislation.—l am, &c., An Old Ovstbrman.