EGGS AND WHEAT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 57, 4 September 1926, Page 10

EGGS AND WHEAT

BAKER-PASTRYCOOK VIEW

WATCHFUL WAITING.

"Under the heading of "An Egg Monopoly," the New Zealand "Bakers' and Grocers' Beview" indicates that it has a sharp eye on the: movements of the poultry people: ... •. ' "

"In this issue we draw attention to the stocks of egg pulp held in the Dominion. From information received we find that the poultry men of the Dominion are much concerned as to the large.amount of, egg pulp that is to be carried over, and at least one meeting had been held with a view to considering the exporting of surplus eggs so that a payable price be maintained during the 'spring flush.' We suggest that it is a debatable; point as to what may constitute a payable price. During last season we know that the pastrycooks were called upon to pay a price in advance .of that previously paid, and many were the complaints, made. We have no reason to object to the Government giving consideration to the .poultry men of the Dominion, but there is a tendency that they may receive consideration' to the detriment of other interests concerned. From one point of view the poultry men are to be congratulated in that they have been successful in getting the Government to prohibit the importation of eggs in any form, but they must not lose sight of the fact that the bakers, and pastrycooks of the Dominion. only withdrew their opposition to the prohibition of imports on the distinct and definite understanding given that the poultry men were not going to take advantage of the position and'unduly increase the price of eggs., Can the poultry men be said to have kept faith f We have already very strongly protested against the Government's action,-not so much in regard to the prohibition of imports, but their allowing wheat to be imported duty free for. the poultry men of the. Dominion, whilst millers haVe had to pay duty, and at the same time no restrictions other than the payment, of duty placed on the importation of Australian flour. There would appear to be no justification for the action thus taken by the Government, and if they are to refuse assistance to one class they should equally refuse assistance in all cases where the same principle is involved. We think the bakers and pastrycooks will bo well advised to carefully watch tho ■action* of '. the respective co-operative egg circles and companies throughout the Dominion, and if eggs cannot be procured at what is considered afair and reasonable'price then strong representation should be made to the . Government for, the removal of the embargo on tho importation of eggs." .