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In conclusion, it may be said that the season under review was undoubtedly a good one not only for the higher prices returned to the producer, but also for the method of collection and disposal which now, after some years of operation, is of a very high standard. The prospects for next season's operations are particularly bright, and present indications are that the net return per calf will approach £1 per head. EGG SECTION The increase in the price of eggs and subsidy during February by 2d. per dozen plus Id. per dozen subsidy in the North Island and id. per dozen plus Id. per dozen subsidy in the South Island now makes the price in both Islands the same. Previously there had been a differential of 2d. per dozen. The increase in price has been reflected by some slight increase in the intake of eggs through authorized marketing channels. In the North Canterbury district, however, there has been a falling off in the intake through the various egg floors, while, on the other hand, from Timaru south there has been a marked increase. The Auckland district also shows a falling tendency, while in the rest of the North Island there is a slight over-all increase. Any increase gained, however, due to the rise in price and subsidy has not been sufficient to make up for the decline experienced prior to February. Unfortunately, there is no way of accurately assessing the total egg-production of New Zealand, and, whilst the total intake of eggs through approved floors can be taken as some indication of the general trend, the quantity of eggs sold direct to consumers from the poultry-farms is a factor which must be taken into account. There is no doubt that the lifting of the " Sales of Eggs " notice in which the consumer purchases on the farm were restricted to one dozen per family in any one week has encouraged this practice. It is apparent that the difficulties experienced by poultry-farmers in securing regular and suitable supplies of poultry-feed, due to the world cereal shortage, is still having an effect on production. The intake of eggs through approved egg floors during the period Ist October, 1946, to 30th September, 1947, as against the period Ist October, 1945, to 30th September, 1946, is illustrated by the following figures : Ist October, 1946, to Ist October, 1945, to n 30th September, 1947. 30th September, 1946. decrease. Dozen. Dozen. Dozen. 11,119,683 12,193,601 1,073,918 In spite of the foregoing position, it is a fact that the demand for eggs has lessened to some extent during the period under review, and this is probably due in some measure to the reappearance of a number of pre-war alternative food commodities. Distribution Egg-distribution in all egg marketing areas during the period under review has been carried out on the basis of butter registrations or on a percentage basis related to previous saturation deliveries. Priority rationing for children under five, nursing and expectant mothers, invalids, and hospitals has been maintained. Armed Forces' requirements have decreased to the point where they are no longer a factor in the general supply programme. Shipping requirements, on the other hand, create difficulties from time to time, due to sudden calls being made without prior notice. As already indicated herein, the 3d. per dozen subsidy which has previously been regarded as a neutralization of marketing costs has now been increased to 4d. per dozen, and has no doubt assisted in encouraging the flow of eggs from poultry-farms to approved egg floors. From reports received during the current hatching season it would appear that there is some increase in the number of farmers engaged in sundry egg-production. If this is so, it will have an effect on the supply of eggs during the coming pullet season.

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