EGG MARKETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24506, 15 January 1941, Page 8

EGG MARKETING

EFFECT ON POULTRY INDUSTRY PRODUCERS' DIVIDED OPINIONS SHORTAGE OF POLLARD SERIOUS Divided opinions on the grading and marketing of eggs were expressed at a combined meeting of the Dunedin, Mosgiel and Wakari branches of the New Zealand Poultry Producers' Federation last night. Some poultrykeepers said that they were making more money since the regulations were introduced, and others stated that they were worse off under the Government scheme Mr A C Goodlet presided. Mr C. Bartley, who introduced the question, said he could see no advantage in the regulations to the poultrykeeper. In fact, they were a disadvantage. If the producers wanted to sell direct to shops they had to grade the eggs themselves. He himself was losing money through the new regulations. Mr Bartley added that he felt the Government would make it compulsory soon for eggs to be " candled" for duality as. well as graded. Improving the Quality "1 think we might have to sutler a few difficulties at first," the chairman said, "but in the long run it will put the industry on a proper footing. I feel that the regulations will encourage producers to increase the size and quality of their eggs, and not think only of numbers If we pull together, I am sure the industry will benefit very; much by grading and testing." ..",'. '.';'•" , Other producers stated that they -were better *off under the new regulations, which, they agreed, were assisting the industry. Shortage of Pollard Mrs C. H. Breeze said that it would be a big help to the industry if the Government made available in the south more pollard. The shortage of 1 pollard was handicapping the industry and it was to be deplored that so much should be shipped to the North Island when it was required in the south The position was serious Several members said that pollard was unprocurable in Dunedin and it was affecting production. It was decided to send a telegram to the Minister of Supply, Mr D. G. Sullivan. I pointing out the serious shortage that had arisen in Otago and, urging that steps should be taken to make supplies available , Visit from Executive The secretary of the Dominion Executive wrote asking whether the branches desired that a conference should be> held or that the executive should attend as many meetings of poultry-keepers as possible in the Dominion during the next 12 months; Moving that the branches favour the executive travelling through the country to meet producers, Mr A; Burt made the comment that the first round of the egg marketing regulations had been won by the speculators—the merchants. He said that the activities of the merchants should be discussed with /the Dominion executive. * The motion was carried.