OYSTER GROWING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22489, 5 August 1936, Page 16

OYSTER GROWING

INDUSTRY IN AUCKLAND SPECIAL CULTIVATION POTENTIALITIES DISCUSSED The value of tho industry that could be created in Auckland by the cultivation of oysters on the mud-flats of thn harbour was stressed bv Mr. Hendry Luke at a meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday, when suggesting that the committee set up by the board some time ago should make further investigations into the subject. Mr. Luke referred to the artificial cultivation of oysters in Australia, and said he felt that the committee had not tackled this job as though it was worth while. Something should be done with the mud-flats of the Waitcmata and Manukau Harbours. A wonderful industry could bo created in Auckland by the production of oysters. It would mean tho employment of a considerable number of men. Whether the board would be able to do anything in view of tho Government control of oysters lie did not know, but the question should be considered more fully. The chairman, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, said that the beds in the Hauraki Gulf and outside were so prolific that they wore really starving one another. Administrative costs seemed to bo torrilic as far as the fishing industry was concerned, but it was a great pity that the Marine Department did not give encouragement to landowners on the foreshore to cultivate oysters by growth on stakes as was done in other parts of the world. If there was intense cultivation, oysters would be half the price. He added that the oyster committee set up by the board was still functioning, but it had not been called together. Mr. W. B. Darlow said tho resolution seemed rather premature, as until the sewage system had been dealt with the board would never be allowed to cultivate oysters. Only two years ago the health authorities had issued a warning to people picking oysters from the harbour as they were contaminated. The chairman said it was proper to keep the question alive, as he considered it was something of very great importance to the Auckland Province and the Auckland Harbour Board. It was decided to call the committee together, and that a report should be made to the board in committee.