EGGS FOR EXPORT

Evening Star, Issue 19942, 11 August 1928, Page 2

EGGS FOR EXPORT

GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE EXPLAINED [gpscut to mi ‘Stas.’] CHRISTCHURCH, August 10. The implied suggestion contained in an announcement made in Australia by Mr J. B. Merrett, general manager or the Australian and New Zealand Egg Export Federation to the effect that the New Zealand Government has guaranteed egg producers 2s 2d a dozen for shipment was negatived to-day by Mr G. H. Bradford, manager of the Canterbury Co-operative Producers, Ltd., and organiser and hon. secretary of the New Zealand Poultry Association, who explained the position to a •‘Sun’ reporter. “This message gives the impression that the producer is guaranteed 2s 2d a dozen for his eggs, said Mr Bradford, “whereas the position is that the New Zealand Government hae guaranteed up to 2s a dozen on the London market. Out of this the producer himsolf nets only Is 3id a dozen after all charges arc deduced. If the eggs fetch the 2s 2d at Home tho Government will not have to find a penny, and, judging by the past sales of the dominion’s produce, which is acknowledged to bo equal to any that reaches tho London market, there is every likelihood of them obtaining the 2s 2d and perhaps more. The estimated quantity to be shipped this year is 180,000 dozen,- and if they fetch a penny less than the guaranteed price, the Government will be called upon do pay the sum of £3,750. “ This is the first time,” continued Mr Bradford, “ that the Government has given any substantial help to the producers in their effort to build up a small industry, though the producers were looking for the guarantee to be a penny higher. They are still urging tho Government to increase it, on tho grounds that tho present guarantee is not having tho desired effect of stabilising toe industry, and putting it on a paying basis. Eggs throughout New Zealand to-day are selling wholesale at from Is 5d to Is fid a dozen, and the guarantee the Government has given to the farmer is equal to Is 3id on our own parity. “The first shipment of eggs will leavet Wellington by the Connthic, which sails for the United Kingdom on September 26. She will be taking 066,600 eggs supplied from Dunedin, Timaru, Christchurch, and Wellington. Arrangements are now in hand to get a shipment away from Auckland towards the end of September. All the eggs will be sold on consignment in accordance with tho Government regulations.” ____________