Evening star., 1925-11-12
PRICE Of OYSTERS
SCHEDULED TO RISE
Edict Banning Opening BIZ
valves on Wharves Cuts
Source of Cheap Seafood.

An edict issued recently by Health
Office Fowler that for sanitary
reasons" oyster shucking would not
he permitted any longer iii the
shed of the Municipal Wharves, has
given rise to rumors of monopolistic
tendencies in that section OF the
city; a possible increase in price
of the oysters and the question Of
authority by the superintendent OF
weights and measures and markets,
to bring about conditions In the shed
that will meet with the approval OF
DR.. Fowler.
DR.. Fowler's order was aimed d1-
\ rectly at the private shuckers, VINO
carried on their trade in the shed,
and they must seek space in the
market building where required
sanitation facilities are available or
abandon their business. These men
have formed the only direct compe-
tition the dealers in the market have
and their elimination from the field
viii leave oyster matters in the hands
OF the businesses which pay Tor
space in the market.
In the past, two sources of oyster
purchasing We're open to the puplic
at the wharves-to buy direct from
vessels and employ a shucker to pre-
pare the sea food, or to buy them
from dealers in the market. 1t is
claimed by some that the former
method is more economical While
others acquainted with the tricks or
the trade declare the consumer Will
profit in the long run by buying
from the dealers. Obviously, 1t ap-
pears a slight increase in price must
he charged by the dealers because OF
their overhead expenses.
Must Increase Price.
Some of the affected shuckers>saVe
obtained the necessary quarters to
carry on their business, and they feel
a higher price must be charged for
their work because of the additional
expense. Although admitting they
will have the oyster situation well in
hand as a result of DR.. Fowler'S order,
the dealers declare this will not mean
an advance in price. They claim oys-
ters are bought in such large lots that
they can afford to sell to the indi-
vidual for the same price as that
charged by the man selling from the
vessel direct They pay as low as
SIPS per bushel in large lots, which
permits them to sell to customers for
S1.50, the average price when bought
from a sailing vessel, it is said.
II the private shuckers are diSband-
ed altogether, the sailing vessels
which retail direct TO the public also
will feel the force of DR.. Fowler's or
der, for it is claimed the ordinary con-
sumer, when purchasing a bushel or
Two of oysters. does not care to lug
them home and do the shucking him
self. If no private shuckers are al
lowed at the shed, or they are unable
70 continue operating because of the
limitations placed upon them, the fish
ermen will have to give up their pub
lie retail trade and return to the
wholesale basis with the dealers.
Declares Shed Insanitary.
DR.. Fowler said he believed ex-
listing health regulations are broad
enough to cover the case in Ques-
ton at the Wharyes. Conditions
there are not satisfactory. he declared.
and he thought his action was justi-
fable. Under the regulations he is
enforcing, DR.. Fowler said, oysters |
must be shucked where there is |
hydrant, wash basin, soap and towels |
and proper receptacles for the oysters. |
None of these exist i'll the shed at |
present.
George NJ Roberts, superintendent
OF weights and measures and markets,
doubted his authority to place the
necessary equipment in the shed as
required by DIR. Fowler for the Erivate
shuckerS. He has appropria tionS
available for the upkeep and repair
Of markets in the District of COlum-
bia, but before he equipped the shed
with hydrants. etc. he would seek
confirmation of his authority. he said
Mr.. Roberts also doubted if a ten
ant at the market had the right 70
Sublet part Of his room to u private
shucker- lie made il clear. however.
that if such a course were possible
no exorbitant prices would be charged.