Prohibition of the Export of Oysters.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 148, 3 April 1886, Page 6

Prohibition of the Export of Oysters.

Auckland, March 26' Iis r consequence of vhe wholesale and reck, less destruction of the oyster-beds on the coast of Auckland, the Government have resolved to make an extended close season and to prohibit the export of rock oysters altogether. The following telegram on the subject from Mr Seed, Secretary of Customs, has been received by Mr Hill, Collector for the port of Auckland : — Orders in Council have been made to-day prohibiting from this date the export of rock oysters from the colony, and extending the close season for rock oysters until the 31st March, ISS9, in respect of the foreshore of the coast and of all islands in Hauraki Gulf and Firth of Thames within a line drawn from Point Rodney to within a line drawn from the Waikarau River, and also between Ngatoka, Raranganui Point on the north, Bream Head on the south. This leaves open the Great Barrier and the coast north of Ngatoka Baranganui. It was intended at first to leave open the Bay of Islands, but the Harbour-master reported that the beds had been so ravaged that immediate action mnst be taken to prevent their total destruction. The Customs Department then ordered a further survey by the master of the revenue cutter Hawk, who reported still more strongly upon the recklessness with which the oysters had been shovelled from the rocks without respect to size or value. The export of oysters last season was reckoned at about 7,000 sacks, and the moat culpable wantonness has been shown by many of the persons engaged in obtaining this large supply. Unless prompt action were taken, this valuable article of food would,, within the next few years, become extinct on extensive stretches of the coast wherethe oyster formerly flourished. Whangarei and Coromandei were closed by a former proclamation, but it is probable that thelatter place will be re-opened about the let of April next year. Although there 13 sure to be an outcry among a few who have made large profits at the public cost by stripping these oyster-beds, the Government, have, we think, acted in the public interests by protecting to New Zealandera the luxury of our palatable bivalve. Nowhere in the world ia there a finer-flavoured oyster than the variety on the Auckland coast, and it would be scandalous if, to put money in the pockets of a few men who have abused their privileges, the abundance which has made the North famous were turned into a famine. The first effect of past destruction will very likely be felt in an increased cost of oysters in the local market, but that is more endurable than the certain extinction which would follow the unrestricted stripping of the coastal beds. Copies of the fishery regulations may be obtained from the Collector of Customs.