LOSS ON EXPORT EGGS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1930, Page 14

LOSS ON EXPORT EGGS

TO BE MET BY GOVERNMENT

GUARANTEE

Mr. E. J. Ross, chairman Canterbury Co-operativo Poultry Producers, Ltd., speaking at the half-yearly meeting of the company on Saturday, 24th May, remarked that "the past six months were not good for the producers, as the summer or liush season price of-eggs was very low, despite the fact that the company exported to the fullest extent: all eg£s that were suitable for export: The total number of eggs exported in shell was 2441 cases, equalling 73,230 dozen. Our eggs arrived Home in excellent condition, and despite the fact that all eggs this year had to be stamped 'New Zealand eggs,' they realised good prices, selling from 15s 6d for the 141b pack to 19s for the 171b pack. Although these prices could not clear the margin without the Government guarantee, it is pleasing to know our eggs compare more than favourably with most other countries.

"The shareholders . and suppliers are greatly indebted to Mr. C. Cussen, the Government grader, for the excellent manner in which lie carried out his work dur-ing.the-export season.-.- -^ .-.-■ .-.-. ■-_■■ _ r -... ••'One' of" 'the reasons'why""lKo"price 6feggs was so low in the flush season was that the company had a surplus of pulp equal to 30,000 dozen .eggs. This is now all clear, and.will not have to be contended with <in the coming season. "A trial Shipment of frozen egg pulp totalling 0000 dozen eggs was sent to two different firms in London:-'' One firm sold the pulp at 9%d per lb- and the other at 7d per lb, London. On,these prices pulp cannot be: shipped to England as'profitably as eggs in shell, even under the most favourable sales." .. A letter from Mr. R, W. Hawke, M.P., was read in reply to a question relative to a deputation;,of poultry men to the Government asking for a grant orrsubsidy towards: the export of eggs in the forthcoming season. He said that there was every possibility of the deputation's being heard within the hext fortnight. The pending changes in the Cabinet necessitated a' delay of some days. The deputation could then wait on the Minister of Agriculture and put to him the need for a grant. We recognise the :necessity for',assistance, this year," said Mr. Hawke, "as the new grading scheme will not be in full,swing. The spring will see: a glut, of: eggs..' If the ofiieers of the Agricultural Department are found sympathetic, you may be sure that that is a long way towards getting assistance. Poultrymen in the North Island are now organising to &; greater extent, and it is to be hoped that there is sufficient done to bring them, into line with us in the South so far- as export is concerned. •A discussion om the proposed new grading scheme was .taken, in committee.