IMPORTATION OF EGGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20254, 14 May 1929, Page 10

IMPORTATION OF EGGS.

POULTRYKEEPERS' PROTEST.

PLEA FOR PROTECTION.

FIRM REPLY BY MINISTER.

Strong comment on the action of an Auckland firm of merchants in importing eggs from Canada and thus preventing the prices for the local product reaching the normal off-season level was voiced by a deputation representing tho Auckland Egg-producers' Association, which waited on tho Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, at Papatoetoe yesterday. Mr. T. H. Evans, the principal*speaker, said it was feared larger shipments would be brought in next year unless some control was enforced. The eggs were not consigned by Canadian producers but were bought in Canada by a New Zealand firm as a speculation. Adequate protection was sought for the local producer, a sliding duty with proper safeguards being suggested. It was alleged that an unfair manipulation of the market had taken place. Tho deputation also pressed for tho compulsory registration of poultry-keepers and for tho setting up of a board to fix the quantity of pulp to be made, the price at which it was to bo sold, and to ensure wherever possible that tho pulping contract be placed locally. On that board it was suggested there should be representatives of the egg producers, the bakers and tho Government.

"The question of preventing speculation and manipulation by traders is one for yourselves to set in order," replied the Minister. "You cannot expect the Government to interfere in the ordinary methods of trade, for every other branch of business, such as. the fruit industry, is open to the same thing. The Government cannot regulate for the internal trade of the country. The Government has already givon a substantial export guarantee in connection with eggs. I recognise, of courso, that with competition on all sides your industry has its difficulties, and it is information to me that Canadian eggs have been coming into New Zealand. "The Department of Agriculture is at present going into the question of the position of the poultry farmer with a viow to seeing what is wrong with the industry. When wo know exactly what tho difficulties are we will better know whether tho remedies advocated by tho various associations are likely to improve matters. • can assure you the Government is very desirous of seeing the industry on a sound footing, and you can ■rely on it that if anything can be done along reasonable lines it will be done." Regarding the suggested establishment of a board to'deal with the pulp question the Minister remarked that there was a considerable number of boards in New Zealand now, and lie wanted to be very careful before sotting up another.