ASIATIC EGGS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9630, 10 April 1917, Page 3

ASIATIC EGGS

A POULTRY PERIL NEW ZEALAND POULTRY ASSOCIATION TO TAKE ACTION. The combating of Asiatic eggs was tho principal matter discussed at the annual conference of the New Zealand Poultry Association yesterday, when, on behalf of tho Canterbury Egg Circle, Mr H. W r . Childs moved:

“That in the event of no satisfactory assurance being given by the Government that the Pure Foods Act would bo carried out, and a satisfactory explanation given by the Department of Agriculture'for recommending tho use of Asiatic eggs, an injunction be taken against tho Government, to draw public attention to the injustice done to poultrymen.”

The remit was considered in conjunction with the following two proposals from other centres:

“That the Government ho asked to enforce the regulations of fho Pure Foods Act, relative to tho use of liquid yolks and desiccated whites of eggs.” “That tho conference urge tho Government to prevent Asiatic eggs coming into the Dominion.” Mr Childs said that tho remarkable influence of German agents was responsible for the introduction of Asiatic eggs. For tho safety of tho poultry industry it was essential that the regulation referred to in the remit should bo enforced. Steps taken in Christchurch in this direction had proved very effective. Mr J. B. Merrett (Christchurch) gave an instance of the success that had attended a German agent when ho endeavoured to introduce Asiatic eggs some three years before. W r hcn he went for orders he was informed that the eggs in question could not bo used owing to tho regulations in force. The agent thereupon assorted that he could arrange that all right, and a little . later tho Christchurch man received, an assurance from tho Health Department that no prosecution would follow tho 'uso of tho imported article. That letter was now in possession of the associations’ oxecuculty in getting it returned. Several tive, which had had considerable difficulty in getting it returned. Other bakers had the indemnity extended to them, and the regulation was now a dead letter. In Christchurch they had obtained tho opinion of a solicitor —a first-class opinion—to the effect that it would ho possible to obtain an injunction. “This regulation is being flouted,” stated Mr Merrett, in conclusion, “and tho whole of tho industry is in peril. Realise this, and act in such a way that the Government will ho forced to listen to what you say.” Mr H. H. Armstrong (Wairarapn) suggested that Parliament should he approached._ Mr E. Gallichan said ho was very much against tho importation of Asiatic eggs, yet they were told that 26 million eggs were required in the Dominion every year and only 10 million were being produced. Small producers should bo permitted to preserve their eggs in glass bottles, and so prepare them for tho principal markets. These people now sold their eggs at ridiculously small prices to their neighbours or the local shopkeepers. There was a big waste of product under such a scheme. Mr G. Finn remarked that in Wellington it was impossible to supply the demand. The whole industry needed more organisation. Ho was prepared to give £5 towards a fighting fund. Mr J. A. Sim son said that proper organisation would remedy the matter. With organisation eggs need never go below Is 4d per dozen in Wellington.

Following on a suggestion by Mr Merrett £45 was offered towards a fund to fight out the Asiatic egg question.

Eventually Mr Childs stated he would amend his original remit. He remarked that, his motion implied taking action and moreover it required money in view of Mr Armstrong’s suggestions. Ha would amend it as follows: —“That the Now Zealand Poultry Association determines to use every effort to enforce the regulations of the Pure Foods Act in relation to imported liquid yolks and desiccated whites and that copies of this resolution he forwarded to the Ministers for- Agriculture and Public Health.” This amendment was carried in place of tho throe original remits.