BLUFF OYSTER TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 96

BLUFF OYSTER TRADE.

Our Bluff correspondent says: “Preparations on an elaborate scale are being made for the ensuing oyster season. The company’s steamer Loyalty is undergoing a most extensive overhaul. The Vulcan Foundry Company, Invercargill (Johnston and Sons, Ltd.), has completed a new up-to-date boiler service and had it deposited safe on board at the Bluff. On that alone something like £750 expenditure is being incurred. On the s.s. Rita and their oyster craft Messrs Urwin and Rodrique have spent not less than £SOO on overhaul, and it is satisfactory to add that all parties are satisfied that the expenditure has been well incurred. In deference to a stronglyexpressed opinion that the oyster deposit bads should be removed away from possible contamination at the wharf, these beds have been re-erected some distance up the harbour. With anything like moderate weather they will be complete and ready for occupation in good time for the opening of the season. The contract price, together with extras, will, it is thought, amount to not less than £ISOO. Having given this tangible proof of their bona fides, the oyster merchants consider they arc entitled to ask for reasonable concessions at the hands of the authorities. A railway siding at the beach giving access to the deposit bods would be a great boon. The y.iilway authorities have been communicated with, and the trade is awaiting a favourable response. Should it be otherwise, the loss and inconvenience will be serious. The oysters will have to bo rehandled and taken back to the wharf. Short as the journey is, in certain directions of the wind progress in that way is completely barred. That means that the export trade, precarious as it is, will become completely crippled.”