The Oyster Derby

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

The Oyster Derby

Strangest "Racing" Event in New Zealand

By UNA AULD

riYSTEUS Tried, oysters raw, oysters in the shell and out of the shell—the juicy shellfish is a delicacy much sought after in most New Zealand households. Yet how many realise that the oyster they prize probably above all others —the Stewart Island variety—is not only a "treat" for their families but the subject of a Derby which, with the approach of February, again brings into the limelight one of the strangest sporting events in our national calendar —surely one of the most curious sporting events in the world! I his is the Oyster Derby, held on February 1 of each year. Mention to most New Zeaiaiideis that you have seen the Oyster Derby in progress, and they smile pityingly or contemptuously upon you, "according to the nature of the haste." But, of whatever character the smile may he, it invariablv indicates that the owner believes a 'little gentle "leg-pulling" is being indulged in. An Oyster Derby? It sounds like a Kiplev "believe it or believe it not" story. Yet, lor all that, it is a very real and lively contest, which for weeks beforehand creates something of a furore in the lar south.

The Derby is the Blue Kibbon of the oyster fields, and it is us zealously eontested and as ardently discussed as a controversial political meeting. I lit* fact that it is comparatively little known outside the South Island serves to emphasise the separation engendered between different parts of New Zealand by the geographical factor of distance. Yet, if there is one element in our national consciousness which i.« stronger than any other, it is the "sporting instinct," and wider know ledge of a sporting contest such as the Oyster Derby should therefore be of material assistance in breaking down geographical barriers! To begin with, it breaks down one commonly-held, error. The "Stewart fsland oysters" which ha\e made Stewart Island's name gastronomically famous, lie in beds between the Uluff and the Island. The succulent oysters are gathered not from Stewart Island rocks as so many people imagine, but hy an oyster fleet which puts out from tiie Bluff The "Finishing Past" Here it may be. interesting to mention that the marine derby was instituted by a newspaper man. Mr. .1. .) \V. Pollard, formerly of the Southland Times, and that the "finishing post" is st'.ll the Southland Times office Fhe race inaugurates the oyster season and opens at dawn, usually finishing übout mid-day. The fleet loaves for the oyster beds before daybreak, and excitement tinfiles

So next time you own a bottle of "Stewart Island's best," remember that the succulent shell-fish have given their name fo an annual Derby.

in the air. There is little lethargy about. Southlanders! Keenest of all are the contestants, and the tension is high as the fleet puts off, pushing out across the cold giv.v waters of Foveaux Strait Little it matters to the fishermen that the Strait has the reputation of being one of the nastiest stretches of water iu the world, to cross—my opinion entirely after a harrowing personal experience some years ago! But the oy-ster-men are not interested in landlubbers' reactions to hostile seas. Their energies and enthusiasms are concentrated on winning the coveted blue ribbon. On they race, while the sky lightens and the blurred outlines of the land take form and thp wind loses u little of its sharpness, and excit**ment mounts higher and higher. The Coveted Blue Ribbon The breathless scurry at the oyster beds can readily be imagined, but the real Inn begins when the special launches sent out by contestants rush from the Bluff to pick up the first of the catch and race back with it to the port. Here motor-cars with impatientlyrunning engines wait to o|>en the second stage by taking the freight over from the launches and tearing madly with it toward lnvcrcargill; for the winnei of the Derby is the first man to deliver his oysters' at the Southland Times office according to conditions. He must produce not only a sack full of oysters, but deliver a bottle of t|>em as well, not 011 or in the shell. No, there * nothing haphazard about the conditions governing this race! So, full speed ahead, the cars accelerate along tin road between the Bluff and Invercargill to cover the hist In it in the leasl time and so win the hono'ir of the season bv'being first in with the piveioii* sack and the bottle ("not on or in tin shell!"). And the reward for all this? A riband trophy inscribed "Oyster Derby." with the year and name of the winner upon it. Not much, perht'us. for nil the fuss and excitement of those strenuous hour*, from daybreak to noon —a relay of oyster boats, launches, and motor-cars, nil engaged in u wild race to win a mere blue ribbon. But surely the nominal nature of the award prove* the real spirit of the whole thing. TinOyster Derbv is not run for gain, but for sport. That, alone should give it o claim to a place in the affections ol all New Zen landers, quite apart from the fact that, as a race with such distinctive features it deserves to be nationally known.