THE EGG MARKET

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 61, 15 March 1929, Page 8

THE EGG MARKET

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I have been very interested in the various letters, and reports that have appeared iv "The Post"...of late. On 26th. February the president of the Wellington District Poultry Farmers' Association waited upon the Minister and asked that legislation be brought forward dealing with persons who sell bad eggs. This waa followed by Mr. S. G; Batten, acting-secre-tary W.D.P.F.A.,: who says: "The public and the poultry "farmers nave a Tight to eggs of sound quality, but we, are power* less without the aid of legislation." Mr. C. Gibson Youngthen tells us much the same, but suggests that the^oultry Association should take, up the protests. Now what is the use of beating about the bush? What is the actual position? For the bene--1 fit of the .W.p.P.F.A. and others, I pro* pose to quote the Food and Drugs Act, 1908. ■■■■„■• ■: -•;•■■ : : : ; Sub-section 6, clause 12 says: "Every person commits an offence who sells any food which is unsound or unfit for human consumption." Sale or sell is defined. as "includes barter and also includes, offering or attempting to sell or receiving for sale or having in possession for sale or sending or delivery for sMe," etc. Subsection 7, clause 12 provides for a fine of £50 for a first; offence and for gubse* quent offence a'fine of'£2oo. What further legislation does anybody require? Did the W;D.P.F.A. give any information to the Health Department when the bad eggs arrived for exporting? Did they give any information concerning the bad eggs that arrived from South? In fact, have they informed the Health Department about the many cases of like nature that have occurred from time to time? Tho shopkeeper is not the only one that holda back the eggs; the producer is also guilty* and it is long overdue for the W.D.P.F.A. to say that there is no legislation. It is "up to" them to get busy, put their own house in order, and then go along and ask the Government to further assist themr While the P.A. are on the job let them take action against the shopkeeper who; puts 11 eggs into the bag and charges for 12. When this is all done the public will consume many more eggs; they will get guaranteed eggs, and the poultry farmer will get a good price for a good article.—< I am, etc., ' ■ : .': } -■■■.-. .':':; A. J. WHITE.