EGG SHORTAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21356, 26 February 1941, Page 9

EGG SHORTAGE

WAR NOT THE CAUSE COSTS OF PRODUCTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The shortage of eggs is not due to war conditions but to the reduction in production that has been going on since 1937, a representative of the poultry industry said today. The statement by the Minister of Marketing could only be taken as camouflage by those who knew the true position. When it was said that eggs were being used by the military and naval authorities it should be remembered that these men were consuming eggs in their peace time occupations and it was doubtful if they were getting as many now as formerly. If eggs were being sent to Egypt the position here could be relieved by the sending of Australian eggs, which were in good supply and much cheaper than New Zealand eggs. Many Out of Business The real position in the poultry industry was known to ail producers. It was simply that costs were too high and poultry food so difficult to secure that many had gone out of business. The opportunity for employment elsewhere at shorter hours and less worry had contributed to the position. There was ample evidence to show that the position was due to a general contraction in production and also to prove that there was an urgent need for action to enable the industry to carry on.