OYSTERS OUT OF SEASON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20418, 26 May 1928, Page 10

OYSTERS OUT OF SEASON.

THREE WOMEN FINED. AN UNBELIEVING MAGISTRATE. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, May 25. Three women who were caught by inspectors of the Fisheries’ Department taking oysters during the close season at Owhanake Bay, Waiheke, appeared on summons before Mr F. K. Hunt, SM., at the Police Court. They were Vivienne Anderson, Mrs Jane M'Kinnon. and Mrs Fanny Powley. Mrs Powley pleaded guilty, but the other two denied the charges. Mr V. N. Hubble, who prosecuted, called evidence to show that four women were seen early one morning on the rocks. The inspectors arrived m a launch and when their arrival had been observed the women moved away quickly, two going one way and two another. Qn a search being made 3G dozen oysters, which had been taken from the shell, were found in a billy. An inspection of the rocks showed that a large number of oysters had been broken open. Mr M'Cliver, who* appeared for the three women charged, said that Mrs Powley would admit frankly that she picked oysters with the assistance of another woman, who had not been charged, and who was in Australia, She would say that Mrs M'Kinnon and Miss Anderson never touched an oyster. Miss Anderson, in evidence, said that neither witness nor Mrs M'Kinnon picked an oyster. Witness picked half a dozen mussels. Similar evidence was given by Mrs M'Kinnon and Mrs Powley. Mrs Powley added that she took a benzine tin and a billy with her to get mussels. “Well, I don’t believe you were the only one who picked the oysters. The three of you will each be, fined 15 and costs (£1 11s),” said the Magistrate. " It’s going over the odds taking 36 dozen oysters.”