Export of South African Eggs, 1'J2(). ISo 



eggs are packed in which the total weight is 15 lb., but in wliich 

 some of the eggs do not come up to the Ig oz. standard. The packing 

 of small eggs in the centre and bottom of the cases with large eggs 

 on the top does not deceive the inspector. 



backing. — The packing in the nuijority of instances was decidedly 

 good, but in certain lots it left much to be desired. The use of 

 brown cardboard sheets and fillers must be discontinued and proper 

 white strawboard used in all cases. In certain cases too thin a layer 

 of wood-wool was used at the top and bottom of the box. 



Cases. — Perhaps the most important defect requiring remedy at 

 the hands of some of the packers is that of the cases used. A certain 

 amount of latitude has been allowed in this respect during recent 

 years owing to the difticulty during the war of obtaining suitable 

 packing cases, but with the return to more normal conditions, this 

 difficulty is being removed. In the future only eggs which are 

 packed in clean, new, suitable cases of required regulation dimensions 

 will be passed for export. 



The use of cases which are of larger dimensions than those laid 

 down in the regulations is unfair both to other shippers and to the 

 shipping company, as an extra inch in height may mean that instead 

 of being able to stow the cases in tiers of four, it is only possible to 

 stow them in tiers of three, thus wasting considerable space in the 

 chambers and upsetting the calculations as to the capacity of the 

 ship's accommodation. It will be wise for shippers to bear this matter 

 in mind when packing for export next year, in order to prevent 

 unnecessary expense and disappointment, for under no circumstances 

 will eggs packed in old, dirty, or unsuitable cases be passed for 

 export. 



AUovafioit of Space. — The method (sf allocating space in propor- 

 tion to the holdings in store would appear to be the most satisfactory 

 method of procedure. Some shippers appeared to think that new 

 men should take a back place, but fair treatment for all is the only 

 method that can be adopted. 



Market Reyoits. — The following extracts from Ijondon market 

 reports from the Trade Commissioner (28th October, 1920) are of 

 much interest in this connection: — 



" The first consignment of this season's eggs, totalling 2722 cases, 

 reached the London market during the last week of October. 



" The condition and grading of the eggs were in every way satis- 

 factory, but I regret that complaints have reached me through both 

 the wholesale aiid retail trade that the eggs are badly tainted, both 

 in smell and taste, with oranges. 



'' The market demand for eggs has been very good during the past 

 week, and the prices for vSoiith African eggs have ranged from 4'3s. 

 up to 46s. per great hundred (120). the latter price being for first 

 grade." 



From Trade Commissioner (11th November, 1920): — "Further 

 to my report of the 28th ultimo, I have to inform you that since that 

 date the market price for South African eggs has declined, and 

 although small parcels have been sold at prices ranging from 42s. to 

 44s., the bulk has realized from 40s. to 41s. I am informed by the 



