OYSTER CULTURE OR OYSTER MONOPOLY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 40, 25 June 1895, Page 2

OYSTER CULTURE OR OYSTER MONOPOLY.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir, —I am accused by Mr McNab of acting the part of " The dog in the manger," meaning thereby that I won't eat oysters myself or let anyone else eat them. My object in directing attention to this subject was just the opposite. It was to prevent a monopoly by two settlers of the natural heritage of the whole of the people. I would ask any person with common sense —excepting a paid advocate—whether three miles, or even two—but I positively assert it is three miles—of coast line in the Sounds, covering a natural oyster bed, is not more than is necessary for the purpose of oyster culture by one or two persons—whether it is not trespassing on the birthright of the people? " Two blacks won't make a white, or two wrongs make a right," and if the people of Porima are so apathetic as to allow a monopoly, it is no reason why the settlers in this district should do so. There are dozens of things which are lawful, but which are anything but just and right. The qnes-

tion is, are two persons to be allowed to claim an exclusive right over what is the natural inheritance of the whole community ? If the law allows such an injustice all I can say is that the law needs altering. The pioneer settlers came to New Zealand, and many others followed, to avoid the restrictions placed upon their freedom in the Old Countries and to share to the fullest extent in their rightful inheritance of the sea and land granted to them by an All-wise Creator. To allow the monopoly in question would be a wrong to ourselves and to future generations. It would be the thin end of the wedge to deprive us and our children of the rights of Nature which has caused so much bitterness and illfeeling in the older countries of Europe. What cattle hunting has to do with oyster culture I cannot conceive, unless it may be that even a Mac may be iVa&bed while indulging in that occupation, and a tailor called into requisition to mend the rent in that part of his pants which would indicate that he was not facing the honest beast when the mishap occurred,

I am, &c, Settler.