THE OYSTER TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2717, 24 January 1910, Page 2

THE OYSTER TRADE.

TROUBLE EXPECTED AT DUNEDIN.

[Per Press Association.l DUNEDIN, Jan. 22

Inquiries made by a “Times” reporter indicate the possibility of trouble in the oyster trade at Dunedin. Yesterday the agent of the combined Bluff oyster companies notified the fishmongers that fie had cancelled orders previously accepted. The position of the fishmongers is as follows: Three years ago retailers could purchase oysters at 13s per sack. In successive years this was raised until last year the price reached 15s. There are at the Bluff three companies, who are known as “the company.” Last year the company had two agents, and this year only one. This coming to the ears of the fishmongers, they took steps to protect themselves by making arrangements at the Bluff for an independent supply. Then their orders were cancelled unless they would sign an undertaking to purchase ail from the agent. This they refused to do. The agent's side of the question is that last year it was found that business was declining. The reason given was that goods could be obtained elsewhere. He met this by securing the whole agency. They simply wanted to make a convenience of him, he said, and if so, must pay for it. The fishmongers re•port that oysters can fie .purchased at the Bluff at 9s per bag, and railage costs 3s; so they are paying 3s too much. A country fishmonger can purchase one hag at the Bluff for 9s, and land it for 12s Gd at his door. The fishmongers are therefore penalised for the .privilege of obtaining supplies from the company’s agent.