H—3o

With the exception of the Auckland district, the quantity of eggs passing through official egg floors continues to increase. In spite of this increase, however, the public demand for eggs has not been fully met. The consumer demand, of course, has been accentuated by the general increase in population. The view has been expressed in some quarters that a solution to the difficulties of meeting demand can be overcome by a free price system. Such a system would undoubtedly provide certain classes with all the eggs they require, but if it is desirable to maintain an equitable distribution for all at a price within the reach of the lower-income groups, then the present egg-floor system is unavoidable. The lack of regular and suitable supplies of poultry feed has undoubtedly had a very serious effect upon production, but present indications point to an improvement in the supplies of wheat and if this comes about the difference between supply and demand can quickly be overtaken. The following figures compare the intake of eggs through approved egg floors during this period with the total for the previous year : * Dozens Ist October, 1947, to 30th September, 1948 .. .. 11,186,815 Ist October, 1946, to 30th September, 1947 .. .. 11,119,683 Increase .. .. 67.132 Distribution Retail distribution in all marketing areas has been continued on the basis of either butter registrations or past deliveries. All priorities for children under five, nursing and expectant mothers, invalids, and hospitals have been fully met. Eggs transferred to Wellington from other floors for the period ended 30th September, 1948, and comparing with 1947, are as follows :

Eggs Transferred to Wellington

4

Twelve Months Ended 30th September, From 1947-48. 1946-47. Dozens Dozens Auckland 5,820 66,030 Hamilton 16,254 20,160 Tauranga 46,360 52,710 Gisborne 111,058 71,087 Hawkes Bay 118,334 144,385 New Plymouth 155,850 135,120 Wanganui 66,595 101,198 Manawatu 62,409 73,241 Masterton 119,243 159,707 Blenheim 107,582 82,114 Nelson 18,930 7,650 Christchurch .. 165,188 193,640 Ashburton .. 30,240 13,200 Timaru 127,226 62,363 Dunedin 57,370 40,230 Invercargill 8,760 1,217,219 1,222,835