THE OYSTER "DERBY"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22026, 5 February 1935, Page 5

THE OYSTER "DERBY"

AN EXCITING FINISH DEAD-HEAT AND PROTESTS Glorious weather and trolling conditions "prevailed for the opening of the 1935 oyster season in Foveaux Straits last Friday, and with it the deciding of the time-honoured Derby. The entire fleet of iseven trawlers went out as usual early in the morning, and early in the afterroon the Toiler returned with the first catch. Shortly afterwards the Jvekeno and the Despatch, in that order, steamed into port with their catches. As soon as the Toiler reached the oyster wharf at Bluff, there was a rush to secure the first of the season, and, although all oif the competitors got away to a good start on the motor journey to lnvercargill, Mr. J. Matheson's representative outdistanced his rivals, and was the first to enter the Southland Times Office. However, he entered by the wrong door, and in a neck and neck race up the stairs Mr. Pasco drew level, and the pair entered the editorial department together, a few minutes after three o'clock. The official time was 3.9 p.m. Protests were lodged, and some interesting points have yet to be decided. One point is that Mr. Mfttheson's representative delivered oysters in the bottle, while, Mr. Pasco delivered only five oysters unopened and one half-sliell. Neither of the first two competitors to finish brought up commercial quantities, being more interested in the honour of winning the Blue Ribbon. The first commercial load *to reach lnvercargill was whirled over the Bluff road by Mr. J. Coster, who arrived five minutes after the other pair. Mr. J. Thompson 'was close on his wheels, and it is claimed on his behalf that he was the first to have oysters on sale in the city in commercial quantities. In the meantime fche racing scribes have announced tie result as a deadlieat. As in past years, the greatest interest was taken in the event. One comj)etitor was very optimistic about his chances and took the precaution of being very early on the scene. Ho was stationed at Bluff from early morning ivith three motor vehicles, only to finish fourth. He was a winner some yes.ts ago.