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EGG SECTION . Since the cessation of hostilities, the work of the Egg Section has been confined to a certain extent in reviewing previous year's operations and preparing for the post-war period. It was anticipated, however, that the world cereal shortage would have an effect in regard to the supply of essential poultry-feed, and although a standard poultry mash is to be manufactured, poultry-farmers are experiencing considerable difficulty in arranging for regular and suitable supplies of poultry-food. This has brought about a drop in the annual egg yield per bird, which, in its turn, has been reflected in the reduced intake of eggs through organized marketing channels. It is difficult at this stage to give any information backed by actual facts as to whether there has been a decline in the total New Zealand bird population. While it appears that there has been a fall in the actual bird numbers in the South Island, particularly in Canterbury, it would also appear that there has been an increase in the North Island. It is thought, however, that there is no material difference in the total flock strength between this year and last, and that the decline in the quantity of eggs available through the official channels is attributable to a certain extent to the poultry-feed situation. The intake of eggs through approved egg floors during the period Ist April to 30th September is illustrated by the following figures : 1946. 1945. Decrease (1946). Dozen. Dozen. Dozen. 5,011,959. 5,569,566 557,607 Distribution The six months under review has seen the continuance of an equitable distribution system of eggs week by week, either on a percentage basis or related to butter registrations. It has still been necessary to maintain priority rationing whereby children under five, nursing and expectant mothers, invalids, and hospitals receive special allocations in relation to their actual requirements. The demand from Armed Forces has decreased almost to the point where it is no longer a factor to be considered in the main distribution programme, but, on the other hand, supplies for shipping still remain a difficult problem. The Division has also maintained its programme in regard to transferring eggs from production areas to consuming areas, and by far the largest quantities have been transferred to Wellington, which is relatively a non-producing area :

Eggs transferred to Wellington from other Floors

7

Six Months ended 30th September, From 1946. 1945. Auckland .. .. .. .. ; 138,165 43,950 Christchurch .. .. .. 108,900 148,410 Hamilton 6,600 5,400 Tauranga 18,270 20,955 Gisborne 30,471 48,780 Hawke's Bay 65,377 80,320 New Plymouth 72,000 81,347 Wanganui 60,164 67,970 Manawatu 39,632 51,481 Carterton 82,362 85,367 Blenheim 34,452 34,225 Nelson 7,110 14,385 Ashburton 6,780 Timaru 25,275 31,770 Totals .. .. .. 688,778 721,140

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