EXPORT TRADE IN EGGS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1933, Page 6

EXPORT TRADE IN EGGS

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In. a sub-leader in Monday's issue dealing with the production and export of eggs, you raised the question whether the export of eggs from New Zealand should be restricted, on the grounds that the British market is suffering from an over-supply of eggs. The infinitesimal proportion of New Zealand eggs in comparison with the total value of the imports of eggs into Britain during the, last year for which statistics are available (1931) will be readily realised from the following figures:-*-Total imports of eggs, £16,661,503. From' foreign countries, £13,334,627 (China £3,483,237, Denmark £4,406,132, Netherlands £2.270,342, Belgium and Poland over £1,000,000 each). From the Irish Free State, £2,269.568. From all other British countries, .£1.057,308 (Australia1 £601,877, South Africa £418,674: other British countries £36,757). New Zealand exported eggs to Britain in 1931 to the value of £8000.. In the face of these figures any contention that the restriction .or even total cessation of .export from New Zealand would have any appreciable effect on the British egg market is simply absurd. The suggestion was made that New Zealand poultry keepers should voluntarily sacrifice their prospects of building up a substantial export trade in eggs which is now largely in the hands of foreigners. Has all the talk about "trade within the Empire" any practical significance, or is the trade in eggs to be made an exception?

Seeing that Australia last year exported eggs to the value of about £1,000,000 (over 15,000,000 dozen as compared with 1,000,000 dozen in 1927), are there any reasons why New Zealand should not endeavour to emulatff' such a worthy example? Are our condiions, the industry anil skill o£ our poultrymen, our breeds of poultry, so inferior to those across the Tasman, that all hope o£ the development of this industry in New Zealand should be abandoned, as indicated by your article? The Ottawa' Conference mentioned by you has a bearing which you evidently overlooked. The fact that, New Zealand eggs will not be subjected to a quota for three1 years, is a cogent reason why the volume of export should be increased as much, as possible during that interval, in order that any subsequent restriction or quota would be based on such higher 'figures. ■■:■■-.'' ■ ■ . . ■ . The New Zealand poultry industry, in common with all other primary industries, is passing through a trying time owing to the depression. Nevertheless, poultry-keepers have faith in the future development of their industry, and, I venture to say, disagree entirely with the gloomy outlook envisaged by you. Your concluding reference to "organisation" is significant in view of the efforts now being made to bring about better organisation of the industry, It must be; obvious that an ; organised- industry stands a much better'chance of overcoming its difficulties than a disorganised industry, all things being otherwise equal. It appears to be equally, obvious > that if there is a Rap between prices and costs, as mentioned by you, that gap must ml qvitably be widened if surplus eggs are not removed from the local market during the .flush season by means of export. Whilst local supplies of eggs are sufficient to meet local requirements throughout the year; there' must be a surplus during the flush season. The alternative to export of that surplus is decreased production, which means fewer people in the industry and consequently more unemployed.

With an advantage of 25 per Cent, in the exchange rate, 15 per cent, duty on foreign eggs, decreased cost of production Owing, to cheaper poultry foods, together with the accepted fact that comparatively low prices will prevail on the local mar« kct, and despite somewhat lower prices in Britain than in late years, the organised export of eggs in the flush season is not only practicable but is an asbolute necessity if the industry in New Zealand is to become a substantial factor in tho economic lite of this country, as is the case in many other countries.—l am, etc., J. N. McLEAN, Organising Secretary, N.Z. Poultry. . Association.