OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1941, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

EGG PRICES I w.' ; D£l (To the Editor). Sir—On Tuesday last, April 1, the Wellington Egg Marketing Committee, in conjunction with the Internal Marketing Division (whatever both these signify) announced the following reduction in the wholesale price of eggs: Heavy grade, 2s 7d.; standard, 2s. 5d.; Medium, Is. 10d.; pullet, Is. 2d.; and summarised the situation by saying medium grade were down by 3d. a dozen, and pullet grade by 4d. Of either grade (medium and pullet) my purchase since has mulcted the family exchequer to the extent of 2s. 9d. at one store, and 2s. 6d. at another. What price similar quality “lightweights” will reach in Easter week, goodness only knows. In fact, those responsible for the “orderly marketing” of eggs in Masterton, should run a bookie office, and lay odds instead of eggs.—l am, etc., PUZZLED CITIZEN. Masterton, April 5. Inquiries macle of local grocers indicate that the Internal Marketing Division controls the prices of eggs in the four main centres only. Jn other places, such as Masterton, each grocer is left to purchase his own requirements, as far as eggs are concerned, and to sell them at a price which gives a sufficient margin. At present eggs are in short supply locally and are purchased in mixed lots. Pullets' eggs, however, are sold at a cheaper rate. The majority of grocers, it is stated, would welcome some system of grading which would give at least two grades other than pullets. It is pointed out that the prices quoted by our correspondent in the above letter are wholesale and about another 4d a dozen would have to be added to arrive at the Wellington retail prices.