OTAGO EGG CIRCLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19529, 11 July 1925, Page 17

OTAGO EGG CIRCLE.

GENERAL MEETING HELD. REVIEW OF THE MARKET. (Fbom Ogb Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, July 10. The general meeting of the Otago Egg Circle was held in the Couquet Street Hall this afternoon, when Mr J. T. Harris (Dunedin) presided over a good attendance of members. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the loss sustained by the death of Mr David Stewart. He proceeded to state that their expectations in regard to an increase in membership had only been .realised in a minor degree. It was regretted that, principally owing to the low price obtaining for eggs and the high price of feed, a number had given up die business and retired from membership. This also accounted for a reduction in the number of eggs marketed during the season. Ho impressed upon members the importance of remaining loyal to those who were making sacrifices. The successful expansion of the industry depended largely upon export, and the success of the export trade at this end depended largely upon organisation. Arrangements were being made by the Now Zealand Poultry Association for space for 600 cases of eggs for the coming season. The Chairman referred to the difficulties experienced in exporting from Dunedin last season, which had resulted in the last shipment missing the market. They must not overlook the fact that had there been no exports the price of eggs in the local market would have been from 3d to 5d per dozen less than it was. The cost of exporting eggs under the present rate of charges and by present methods was about Hd per dozen. The Chairman next dealt with the subject of fowl wheat. This, he said, was still far from satisfactory. It seemed to him an injustice that poultry farmers should have to pay more for fowl wheat than the miller paid for first grade milling wheat. It was only fair and reasonable that they should ask that the price of inferior wheat suitable for fowl feed, should be, say, 6d per bushel less than milling wheat. . After referring to the splendid condition in which the exported eggs had arrived in London, th© oh airman paid a. tribute to F. C. Browns, the Government Instructor, and his staff for having insisted upon tiie beet eggs being selected for export. The good name established by the first shipment had been maintained, and this was the industry’s beet asset. TTiey were also indebted to Mx Cussen for the greatly improved method of grading, testing, packing, ©to.' The closest attention and constant supervision had also been given by their agent (Mr Fraser) in the matter of of export. si. The Oh airman stated that at the last annual conference of delegatee at Christchurch, it was unanimously decided that the Poultry Association “was indispensable for the well-being of the industry. A levy was required to meet the general expenses of the Standing Committee, and these had been materially increased by the work in , connection with export. In conclusion, the Chairman referred to an interview with the secretary of the Otago Farmers’ Union, when the importance of having a representative of the poultry industry on the executive was stressed. In seconding the report, Mr J. Hutton said that he would like to point out that though the membership* was about the same, there had been a large decrease in the number of eggs produced this season. This had been largely brought about by dearer foods and no proportionate increase in the price of eggs. Members would have to receive a higher price for their produce this summer, or the industry would be crippled. While export had met with misfortune, it could not be said it was successful, as the eggs went Home in spiendid condition, and by exporting all the pulp held from the preceding year was disposed of. It will be necessary to export again this year, as it was only by utilising all other means of disposing of the summer surplus, such as pulping, preserving, and exporting, that they could hope to get a payable price for their produce. It would be’the bakers’ own fault if they did not lay in a stock in the beginning of the season, as they would be asked to state their requirements for the year on Setemher 1. He asked egg circles mOtago to co-operate with the Agricultural Department in supplying eggs and poultry for the exhibition at the Dunedin Exhibition. In regard to the Farmers’ Union, it was pleasing to note that after they had been affiliated to the Fanners’ Union for two years they had decided to have poultry representatives at their meetings. It was a pity there was not a better understanding between the two classes of producers, especially as next to the millers, the poultry man was the farmers best friend. He would also like to point out. that the New Zealand Poultry Association policy fpr the last six years had been to buy local wheat instead of Australian; while the New Zealand Poultry Association had arranged for space for Otago for 2000 dozen eggs. All precautions were being taken to ensure that they would arrive in time to be sold when eggs wore at their highest. No doubt it more eggs were available they would be sent, hut they must provide for local requirements and guard against the entry of foreign pulp. ‘Mr F. Ellis (Waitahuna) moved that the payment for eggs be made by the selling agents fortnightly, instead of monthly as at Pr After a deal of discussion, the motion Hutton (Waianakarua) moved that, as in accordance with remits passed at the last annual conference of the New Zealand. Poultry Association, all affiliated bodies become co-operative, the name of the “Otago Egg Circle” bo changed to thee “Otago Co-operative Egg Circle.” This motion, being put to the meeting, was lost. Mr A. M. Love (Green Island) moved that a sub-committee consisting of two members of the executive be appointed to confer with the selling agents from time to time relative to prices.—The motion was lost. Mr Love also moved that with a view to securing a good payable price and at the same tune a price which would not cause the consuming public to stop buying and thus cause a heavy drop, the maximum wholesale winter price be fixed by the above-mentioned members and agents.—The motion was lost. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —President, Mr James Hutton (Waianakarua); vice-president, Mr J. T. Harris (Dunedin); secretary, Mr A. M. Love 1 (Green Island); committee— Messrs F. Ellis (Waitahuna), H. Hay (Herbert), M. S. Hill (Waikaxi), S. Jackson (Hampden), D. Gibson (Glenavy), F. Mountfort (Waitaki); auditor, P. F. Bennett; selling agents, Fraser and Co. The levy for next year is to bo the same as last year, namely, £d. At the close of the combined meeting, a combined meeting of the Otago Egg Circle, Oarruru Egg Circle, and the Egg and Poultry Growers’ Association was held. Mr J. T. Harris occupied the chair. The first business of the meeting was a presentation to Mr C. Cussen, Government poultry instructor. The president spoke in highly eulogistic terms of the manner in ..which Mr Cussen had performed his duties. He would ask Mr Cussen to accept a small token of the esteem in which he was held—viz., a case of pipes, a walking-stick, and a solid leather suit case suitably inscribed. Seve jal other members spoke highly of the services rendered by Mr Cussen. On rising to reply, Mr, Cussen received an ovation, and musical honours were sung In an excellent speech, Mr Cussen thanked the members for their kindness, and stated that he would do all m his power to assist the circle. Is was decided to write to the Department of Agriculture appreciating the services of Mr Cussen in export work in Otago •nd _ respectfully asking that Mr Cussen he in attendance for the coming export season in Otago. The following were appointed a sub committee to deal with the subject of the amount of eggs to be exported this year: Messrs D. L. Scott, J. Fraser, R and J. Hutton, L. V. Couch, J. Kearns, C. Cussen" and J. T. Harris. The Conference Committee to arrange in regard to the annual conference of the New Zealand Poultry Association to be held in Dunedin in March. 1926, is as follows: —Messrs James Hutton, A. M. Love L. V. Couch, J. Kearns, P. W. Shack lock, J. T. Harris, D. Scott, J. Fraser, A. W. M’Donald. T. H. Dalton, and W. Esquilant, with power to add. A lengthy discussion ensued on the question of the export of eggs and supplies during (ho Exhibition.