EXPORT OF EGGS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1933, Page 3

EXPORT OF EGGS

QUANTITY TO BE DOUBLED. SECURING QUOTA BASIS. Auckland, July 24. The quantity of eggs exported from New Zealand to England in the coming season is expected to be double that of last year, as a result of concerted action by merchants throughout the Dominion. It has been agreed among Auckland egg merchants to export 15 per. cent, of the quantities received by them in the six weeks’ flush period of the season, and it is stated that in southern centres the percentage exported will be even higher. The purpose of the increased export is to relieve the local market of the surplus which always exists at the height of the season, and to raise local prices. Committees, comprising both merchants and producers, have been set up in most centres, and preparations for early shipments are already in hand, In Auckland, however, it is stated that so far the producers have not been invited to appoint representatives to the committee.

“Although export has been carried on previously, it has not been done on a satisfactory basis,” said a producers’ representative to-day. “The few who were willing to export usually did so at a loss, but the consequent improvement in the local market was enjoyed by the whole industry. Another factor which contributed to the decision to export larger quantities is the possibility of the introduction in England of an egg import quota which would be based on actual exports from the countries affected. Moreover, the new system of export is expected to be the means of raising the price obtained on the London market, thus reducing the loss on exports. “Although the exports probably will still show a loss, that should be counteracted by the improvement in the local market,” said this producers’ representative. “It is recognised that New Zealand will never be able to be an important egg exporting country while the price of wheat remains at its present high level owing to the sliding scale duties.” The producers’ representative said that it was considered that the passing of the Bill requiring registration of poultry would aid the industry, particularly the export section. The registration fees would probably permit the payment of subsidy on exports to reduce the loss, and the entire industry would benefit.