EGGS.

Southland Times, Issue 16692, 22 March 1911, Page 2

EGGS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Do you not think that it is very unfair not only to tiie farming community but to all those who keep hens that eggs should be quoted as “scarce? Just fancy one week 1/3 per dozen and the next “scarce.” This means that we get 1/3 per dozen, and the shopkeepers as much as they can possibly get. Only think of all tbe extra trouble and expense in getting hens to lay in tiie winter time, and surely when shopkeepers get 3d a dozen all tbe year round they should be content, as the eggs are given In exchange for goods and considered as cash. Will you, as a favour not only to farmer subscribers but to all those who keep hens, kindly publish every week the shop price for fresh eggs during the winter months. By doing so vou will greatly oblige, your’s etc., A FARMER’S WIFE. 20lh Alarch.

[Tiie position is not quite plainly stated in our correspondent’s letter. The price of eggs is regulated entirely by demand and supply. At the beginning of the month eggs really were scarce, but by the next fortnight they were beginning to come in plentifully. A\hen eggs are quoted the main thing to notice is that there is no limit to the price which tiie members of the Grocers’ Association may give to their suppliers in order to secure eggs. The selling price, of course, depends upon tiie figure at which tiie retailer is able to purchase eggs to fill his orders. It is not the case that there is one hard and fast wholesale price, and a fluctuating retail price. When the wholesale price gets beyond a certain figure eggs are quoted “scarce,” and it then remains for producer and retailer to make some mutually satisfactory bargain.—Ed. S.T.j