EGG INDUSTRY

Southland Times, Issue 18962, 8 June 1923, Page 2

EGG INDUSTRY

BUILDING UP EXPORT TRADE. AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL. (Special to the Times). CHRISTCHURCH, June 6. Information regarding the forward movement to be taken in connection with the poultry industry of the Dominion in the direction of creating an export trade in eggs was given to-day by Mr J. >. Mcilettl in deciding to grant protection to the poultry industry in New Zealand, Mr Merrett said, the Government had given a great incentive to all poultry producers, as New Zealand was the only country in the world, that he knew of, that hati got immunity from Asiatic eggs. So long as the producers meet the country’s requirements in respect of eggs, no permit to import could be granted. There was a natural desire to build up the industry beyond the Dominion s requirements and work up an export trade. In his opinion, if no export trade was developed, producers would reach a dead end and the industry could not flourish, but with an export trade there was practically no limitations to the extension of the industry, as eggs can be produced in large quantities in any part of New Zealand. It was for that reason that in the coming season poultry producers of the Dominion intended making a trial shipment of e t ,gs to London. It would be made in September and he had been asked to accompany the shipment with a view of watching the temperatures on the ship and of ascertaining what the prospects are on the London market. Since he had decided to go to England, the Australian poultry producers have sent him a pressing invitation to represent them in London and had expressed their willingness to co-operate in any suitable contract that may be effected in London. This would mean, Mr Merrett said, that some of the users of eggs in luondon who use more eggs than New Zealand, can supply, would haxe access to the production oi tne Commonwealth and the two countries, New Zealand and Australia, could combine in filling their requirements. The present was an opportune time to get in on the London market. Before the war, Russia regularly exported to England 75, 000,000 dozens of eggs. Since the war she had not sent any. Before the war, the average value of each imported egg landed in England was 5-Bd. Since the war, the value had risen to 14d, or equal to 1/6 per dozen. If New Zealand and Australia could secure this outlet for their surplus at anything like the average price paid for imported eggs in London, |hc industry in New Zealand and Australia would flourish enormously.

On arrival in London, Mr Merrett will get in touch with the High Commissioner and leading manufacturers of articles into which eggs enter and give them each a sample tin of New Zealand pulped eggs and afterwards invite them to discuss the matter at a dinner at which the majority of the dishes and articles for consumption will be made with New Zealand eggs. He hopes then to be in a position to write up contracts for two or three years, in which New Zealand and Australia will participate.