DEALERS COMPLAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1011, 30 June 1930, Page 16

DEALERS COMPLAIN

IMMATURE OYSTERS DENIAL BY OFFICIALS Many of tho oysters being sold in Auckland are small and immature, according to a number of the dealers and restaurant keepers, who state that the quality of oysters sold so far this season compares very unfavourably with those of past years. This is denied by officials at the Government depot. It was stated that, with the exception of batches from the Great Barrier island, the oysters are of a poor quality, coming apparently from muddy beds and from up-river reaches where the necessary food and clean water could not be obtained. Lots from the East Coast beds did not appear to be properly matured but this might improve later, as the season had begun early r . Officials at the depot point cut that freshly-picked oysters should not be used immediately but should be held for a couple cf weeks. In that period the oysters “top off” by living on the liquid contained in the shell when picked. Experienced dealers know this and never attempt, to hurry' oysters on to the market,# Not only is there a gain in condition by the oyster, with tint consequent pleasing of customers, Put there is a distinct financial gain, as an extra two bottles full of oysters ca l be obtained from each sack of sh* llfish. This represents between 8s anu 10s a sack.