THE OYSTER QUESTION.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2146, 19 November 1875, Page 2

THE OYSTER QUESTION.

(To the Editor of the Ereaing Star.)

Sib, —I find that the Government, having commenced lasfc session to put a stop to oyster getting three months in the year, have this year tacked on another month to the close season, and that at the commencement, so that at the end ot the present month all those engaged in the oyster fishing will be thrown idletfor four months—and for what reason? Is it to make the oystera last longer ? If so, .the Government have not taken the best , way. The real evil is, that whilst the Sydney and Melbourne people clote their own ground, they import largo quantities of ; oysters from Auckland, and the quantity destroyed on the passage I believe to be as great as the whole consumption in the town of Auckland. We use here on the Thames about twelve bags a week; and the ground, I take them from exceeds, I should say, one hundred miles; so I don't think that ( ground is stripped too much ; as to the lime burning, that evil cured itself, I think, Mr Editor, the people in the trade deserve some consideration at the bands of the-Government, as the law is oppressive and arbitrary. To show you how it oppresses me; as soon as it became known that the, oyster season closed this month, a few people, to whom I owe a little money, have begun to threaten me

with legal proceedings unless they were paid before the end- of the present month. All I say is that the Government have begun the difficulty by depriving me of the means of earning a livelihood; trades-people-have an equal right to make me suffer, so let them come on. Truly this is a queer country to, live in, and is getting too hot. Could not the Government have allowed the holiday season to pass over, and enabled the public to have enjoyed their oysters, and the people m the trade to have provided against the close season?—if there really need be one, which I much doubt. The Sydney people will take care to get their quantity by orderiug larger supplies monthly. Another thing, could not the Government | make revenue of the oysters by charging an export duty ? They appear to want it bad enough. A gentleman said the other day the policy was to sacrifice the few to the interests of the many ; but surely the many ought not to be Australians, to the injury of the people here. Charity beeins-at home.—l am* &c, : ■:> Joseph Lownde3.

Thames, Nov.lßth, 1875. [Our correspondent confirms the views we expressed on this subject. As one speaking with authority Mr Lowndes' communication is entitled to some consideration. The new regulations regarding the Oyster Fisheries are not only wptecfire' but essentially prohibitory.— HE©.] ' : ' '