EGG EXPORT TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21277, 2 September 1932, Page 17

EGG EXPORT TRADE

BY 'CTILITY

IMPROVED PROSPECTS THE PRODUCERS' OPPORTUNITY

The British decision to impose a preferential duty on foreign eggs has been made just in time for the New Zealand producers to take advantage of the improved prospects in London, for there is still ample time to breed, a larger number of chicks this season, to cater for the export trade next year. In the meantime it is fortunate that arrangements were made in time for the first shipment to leave Auckland this week, about three weeks earlier than last year, for this will enable a thorough test to be made regarding the respective advantages of arrival in London during the last three months of the year. Even the relatively small quantity going each month from Auckland will keep the name of New Zealand eggs before the chief buyers in London, thereby preparing the way for the much larger quantities which will doubtless be exported during subsequent seasons.

It has been frequently stated by Mr. J. B. Merrett, formerly secretary of tho New Zealand Poultry Association, who has sold immense quantities of Australian eggs in London during the past few years, that there is virtually unlimited outlet for eggs in that market, at a price, and now there seems to be New Zealand's opportunity to exploit that market to the full. Good Reputation Established

The increased trads will start with all the advantage of 1 a good reputation already established, owing to the scrupulous care always observed in assuring that no eggs leave New Zealand without being thoroughly tested for quality and condition, and there is also probably some further advantage in the knowledge that this country has never catered for the trade in small eggs. As it happens, the latter are to receive a preferential advantage of only Is per "long hundred" (10 dozen eggs), whereas there is a tariff of Is 6d to help the size that constitutes the principal New Zealand exports, known in the trade as the 151b. pack, which means 10 dozen eggs, weighing 2oz. each For any that run over■l7lb. to the 10 dozen there is at tariff of Is 9d per long hundred, just over twopence per dozen, - but not many of this sizo will be shipped. The whole process of grading and packing, under the personal supervision of the Government Poultry Instructor, Mr. E. C. Jarrett, was fully explained in this column last year, ana the critical inspection is evidently effective, for Mr. Merrett states that the New Zealand eggs actually prove of better quality, on their arrival in London, than eggs that have been subjected to only the short journey from the Continent. This good reputation must be jealously guarded, and it remains for the producers to do their part, by breeding and feeding to get the right quality, and by collecting and packing to preserve the right condition. The graders cannot be expected to improve either quality or condition; all that they can do is to select the eggs that measure up to the required standard, and reject the rest. The matter of furnishing the right material upon which the graders can work is the carts of the producer himself. Increasing the Supply . The prospect of getting a better price in London than appeared likely a month ago is sure to increase interest in the present breeding season, for it is now. in the flush of activity, with every opportunity to raise more chicks than most breeders had originally intended. Probably most people will agree that it is rather late in the day to begin thinking about raising any chicks in the heavy breeds, but there are several breeders with all their arrangements in running order, particularly in Black Orpingtons, and they would have no difficulty in raising a few thousand more, with no delay. Chicks or eggs of the other heavy breeds are also obtainable, although naturally in smaller number*.

As for the White Leghorns and other light breeds, the news of the improved prospects in London could hardly have come at a more opportune time, for their eggs may be set for another couple of months with every expectation that they will thrive well and give a good return. The well-known preference for brown eggs in England has always seemed peculiar, for in America there is a decided preference for white eggs. Nobody need be disconcerted by fear lest white eggs may not sell in London, for they will always find a market, and both colours sell all the better by being packed separately. Reduction of Cost Now that there is a better opening for eggs in London, it seems all the more urgent that strong representations should be continued in favour of obtaining cheaper wheat. It would be a national calamity if the improved prices that are likely to obtained through the Ottawa Conference were to be cancelled by foreign countries purchasing their wheat at the world's price, while New Zealand producers continued to pay a price inflated by a sectional preference given to one class of producer only. i It is ail Very well to purchase a few thousand bushels of fowl wheat at a slightly lower price than heretofore, but what the poultry farmers require, if their industry is to reach the dimensions that could lie attained in a country with such a suitable climate as New Zealand, is that the wheat growers should not be singled out for a tariff preference any higher than is given to other primary producer. With cheaper wheat to lower to cost of production, and an improved market in London, there would bo room for an immense expansion in poultry farming, to the benefit of (he whole communtiy.