EGG MARKETING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 11

EGG MARKETING

NEW REGULATIONS

EXPLANATION OF SCHEME ADDRESS BY MR. PICOT Broad details of the lines along which the new egg-marketing regulations, which will come into force on August 1, will operate, were given by the director of the Internal Marketing Division, Mr. F. R. Picot. at a meeting of over 100 poultry-keepers in the Chamber of Commerce last night. Mr. Picot emphasised that the regulations in their present form would be subject to review by the Government on the advice of a committee which it was intended to set up to maintain a liaison with the industry. No levy would he payable by the industry until the scheme had finally assumed shape. Under the scheme areas chosen on a basis of population would be delineated around the four main centres, Mr. Picot said. In these areas there would be appointed from three to nine licensed distributors to handle producers' eggs, while no licence would be necessary outside the area. Producers outside the area could either send their eggs to their distributing agent or sell them themselves. In the latter case they would require a licence and would have to grade their eggs. Retail sales could be made if delivery was taken on the farm. Safeguarding Markets The producer was also required to send his eggs to the nearest marketing area, Mr. Picot continued. The purpose of this regulation was to safeguard the market in other centres. _ The permission of the Marketing Division would be necessary before eggs could be sold in another area. Prices in the four centres would not be the same, because of the different cost factors operating. In answer to a question, Mr. Picot said the regulations would prevent anyone bringing in cheap eggs from the country and under-cutting area producers' prices. Distributing agents would be required to keep a pool account which would be subject to Government audit. No arrangements had yet been made for the supervision of the scheme, but the cost would come under the division's expenses for the present at least. Prices of Feed and Eggs

Mr. G. Ellev asked whether in view of the increase in the prices of poultry foods, most of which were under Govern ment control, in the last few years, Mr. Picot did not think a subsidy might he paid. The Price Tribunal had refused to allow the industry to take advantage of the flush season by raising prices. Mr. Picot said the poultry board had been given a 2d rise last year before the anticipated rise in grain prices. On the motion of the convener, Mr. A. E. Knowles, Mr. Picot was accorded a vote of thanks.