SUPPLY OF EGGS

Chronicle (Levin), 7 January 1947, Page 4

SUPPLY OF EGGS

lain Reasons For Sfcorlage market methods criticised t Yaried and uncertain feed for their stock and the h-igh overhead costs with which poultry-keepers were burdened were the mairicauses for the sharp decline in egg production during the past year, said the president of the Levin Registered Poultry-,Keepers' Association, Mr. A. W. Partori, in the course of an interview yesterday. Any interruption in the type of feed resulted in a lower egg return. During the past year the shortage of normal feed had been particularly acute, and the poultry had consequently been fed on a varied and detrimental diet. On bccasions feed of any type was absolutely unobtainable and many • poultry-keepers, partieularly those who depended on the industry for their livelihood, were faced with a major problem, and in many instances were forced to reduce their flocks considerably. In June vthe Government endeavoured to relieve the situation by introdueing a standard mash, but this had not proved very satisfactory and was not popular with the fowis. In addition the cost of the mash was an added burden to poultry-keep-ers as it. represented an increase in feeding costs of £4 to £6 and a further increase was imminent. The industry was . also faced with rising cost in all other commodities. The price of straw alone had risen since 1939 from £36 a tqn to £90 a ton. j These increases had resulted in poultry-keepers being placed in a serious position, said Mr. Parton. Many requests had been made to the stabilisation authorities for an increase in the price of eggs to help offset the high production costs, but these had been met with refusals, the. authorities stating that proof must first be supplied' that the industry was unable to cope with the increase d cost of production. This proof had been obtained, but it was now understood that an investigation of the report eould not be made by the stabiiisa- ' tion authorities till February. He considered this delay unfair in view of the fact that other industries had their claims dealt with more expediently, and quoted the wharf labourers as an example. An increase in the price of eggs was absolutely essential, he said, otherwise the industry would be unable to carry on. He believed the public would be only too willing to pay an extra 2d or 3d a dozen if it could get the eggs. Despite a published report that 165,949 householders were keeping fowls, not all of these were supplying eggs to the distributing floor, he contended. The above figures, which were taken from the 1936 census, also revealed that only two per cent. had flocks of over 200. The oiflk of the eggs produced by the "backyard" poultry-keeper were not reaching the public, continued Mr. Parton, who added that in his opinion most eggs "available to the consumer were being supplied by the larger establishments. When stressing the importance of maintaining egg production in the Dominion, Mr. Partcn said that 30,000,000 dozen were produced annually in New Zealand. If supplies were not available, the public would be forced to seek -an alternative in rationed goods such as meat. Marketing Methods The method by which eggs were marketed was also the subject of strong criticism by Mr. Parton, who stated that he considered it "uneconomical, unwieldly and sl'ow." The public was entitled to fresh - eggs, but it was not getting them. Many were in a shocking condition by th'e time they reached the distribu'tion floor "and a disturbing , ..quantity. .was -lost . to the public. This, he contended, was due to the, numerous channels through which they had to pass, the fact that they were not classifled as perishable goods by tlie Railways Department, nor were they subject to inspectlon or "candling" until they reached the distribution floor. By that time, under the present system, there was no way of checking their origin, as the original suppliers had been paid for their eggs at the various collection points. . For many years he had been urging a change in the system. Four years ago he had submitted an alternative scheme to the then Minister of Internal Marketing, Mr. ; J. G. Barklay, and other interested parties, but to no avail. The position today was unchanged and he saw no reason why his scheme could not be utilised. "Under my scheme the Internal - Marketing Division would control by co-operation and not by coercive regulation," said Mr. Parton. It would declare a Dominion ratior o'n a monthly basis and would direct supplies- wherever required after Tocal nfleds were filled. From North Cape to the Bluff we would^ have depots where the producer1 had an interest. He must deliver to a depot or centre. For all small supplies the depot would pay cash, eliminating costly recording sys- . tems. All eggs would be candled that is examined over strong lighfl for any blemish., and the questior of cracks, fepots and freshness deeided at the source of supply. "The questlon of fowl • feed requirements now becomes the key. ti a supply of fresh eggs to which th customer is surely. entitled. Each depot would issue permits for a, producer to purchase wherever hi desired, Every egg at candlinf would be, marked or stamped, indieating the depot. Stamping ie being carried out in some districts, but in my opinion should be made.

compulsory in regard to all eggs, destiried . f or cqnsunfptibnV ; ■' . "The questioh \ hi 1 collection and distribution ,wo;u!d '"ake some time fco oraanise, but a-fiat carriage rate could be assessed, taking " a lead from the Post and Telegraph Department, where a 2d stamp takes a letter one mile or a thousand miies. It is not exactly the same. but is a basis for an actuarial ealculation. "All depots could be controlled by producers, but not necessarily so. The quantity available would decide and the cost of running met by a small charge. The flush season could be taken advantage of to supply the baking trade and other organi.-iitions, or to increase the ration of those who desire to preserve, or for dehydration purposes. "I'also advocated a flat price all the year to both producer and consumer, for the consumer will pay for quality if he can get it, and the producer is 'entitled to a fair and proper return. The distributor is also necessary and must be paid. "I do not consider grading satisfactory and advocated the selling of eggs by weight. Grading is not equitable. It gis cumbersome and expensive. To grade you must weigh and the producer of heavy reggs is penalised. The uhgraded supply is not fair at times, either the prcducer or to the colisumer. Assume the eggs arrqsnki by the lb. and the. number-ts w/ fr over 16 ounces. The seller charges the extra, or, if under, reduces the amount accordingiv. "If folldwed, this system would eneourage egg production, enable supplies to be controlled and fii'ected wherever necessary, absorb organisations at present concerned and make possible a Dominion rationing. Furthermore it would remove the doubtful egg, cut out enormous costs, guarantee an •rierlv supply at a known price to producer and consumer, and, what is desired by one and all, ensure a truly fresh egg."