EGG SHORTAGE

Evening Star, Issue 23882, 12 May 1941, Page 6

EGG SHORTAGE

MORE ACUTE THAN EVER WEATHER PRINCIPALLY TO BLAME The shortage of eggs which existed about Easter and which was alleviated somewhat soon afterwards because an increase in price resulted in an improvement in consignments to the city, is to-day more pronounced than ever. Indeed, one merchant who has been in the trade for years declared that he does not remember a time when the shortage was as acute as at present. The number of crates which reached the city to-day could be counted on the fingers of one hand; in the flush season hundreds of crates ‘a day come to hand. Undoubtedly the main reason for the shortage has 'been tbe long spell of cold and wet weather which followed so suddenly on a period of warm, dry conditions.' The hens were considerably upset by tbe change, and they have not yet fully recovered. There arc, however, signs that the position will begin to show some improvement shortly, and it is believed that by the end of another fortnight eggs will be somewhat moro plentiful, but a further spell of cold and stormy weather would delay this improvement. Although prices, have risen considerably locally, tbe Dunedin rates are still well under those ruling in Wellington. The maximum wholesale price here is 4d a dozen under that operating in the northern centre, and it is still considered that the higher price up north is inducing southern producers to send away any available eggs with a naturally adverse effect on tbe local market. The public is rather disposed to blame the military camps for the general shortage, maintaining that tho bulk of the production is being diverted there. A certain percentage does go to the camps daily, and the camps, not uprightly, have first claim on the available production, but the quantity that is taken is nevertheless • surprisingly small in the circumstances, and it is not held in wholesale quarters that tins has any material bearing on the situation.