EGGS TO BE GRADED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 272, 16 November 1929, Page 12

EGGS TO BE GRADED.

WELCOME AUCKLAND SCHEME IMPROVING MARKET SUPPLY. ADVANTAGES OF PROPOSAL. "A dozen A grade eggs, please." That may be the usual individual order received by the family grocer in Auckland in the near future as the result of • steps' being taken progressively to improve marketing conditions of the principal product of the poultry industry, which is making rapid strides in this province. The grading of eggs as they come to hand in the city has been pioneered to some extent by a merchant firm and a society, but in a general sense the buying public has been long accustomed to receiving as the average dozen of eggs nothing more than the plain term implies. Except in. rare cases, where the grocer has learnt ithe wisdom and value of carefully picking over egg supplies for the benefit of discriminating customers, size, shape, colour and 'quality made 110 difference. It was just a dozen eggsAgreement Impending. The large quantity of eggs now coming 011 the local market has led to a demand for more eflicient handling and the adoption of a policy conducive to a greater confidence. At a meeting of the Auckland Eg£ Export Committee, including the leading egg merchants and poultry producers' associations, the introduction of a scheme of grading was thoroughly discussed,-and it is anticipated that an agreemnt between the interests concerned will be consummated at an early date. The proposal to separate eggs into A, B and C grades is calculated to have a far-reaching effect 011 the trade, because it means that people will be able to buy eggs of guaranteed quality for domestic requirements. The move is in line with the systems in force in England and Canada, where the consumption of eggs has greatly increased. Public Approval Expected. "There i 3 110 doubt that such a standardisation of eggs will meet with general approval," said an official of one of the organisations involved. "The people are not satisfied to be purchasing eggs found to lie tainted, stale and irregular 111 sizes. This ha£ prevented the proper growth of consumer sales. Grading will comprise attention to fresh condition as well as to general quality, and this will be an advantage to retailers, who, in the past, have borne the brunt of complaints. After all, if the industry is as. important as it is claimed to be, the public has a right to expect tangible proof 011 the breakfast table." Shortly it may be possible to visualise an early riser, in critical morning mood, asserting to a devoted spouse: "I tell you, these are not A grade eggs. They have given you B's by mistake." But he will eat them all the same.