No. 23/1931:

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (EGGS) ACTS, 1924 AND 1930.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (EGGS) ACTS, 1924 AND 1930.

REGULATIONS MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (EGGS) ACTS, 1924 AND 1930.

Dated the 30th day of April, 1931.

I, PATRICK HOGAN, Minister for Agriculture, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Agricultural Produce (Eggs), Acts, 1924 and 1930, and of every and any other power me in this behalf enabling, do by this Order make the following regulations that is to say:—

1.—In these Regulations

the expression "the Minister" means the Minister for Agriculture,

the expression "the Principal Act" means the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Act, 1924 (No. 35 of 1924),

the expression "the Act of 1930" means the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Act, 1930 (No. 36 of 1930),

the expression "the Acts" means the Principal Act and the Act of 1930,

the expression "Great hundred" means one hundred and twenty eggs.

2.—In addition to such other conditions as are required by the Acts, premises, in order to be eligible for registration in the Register of Exporters, shall comply with the following conditions:—

(1) The premises shall be properly equipped with the following appliances and requisites, all of which shall comply with the specifications (if any) set out in the Third Schedule hereto, subject to such modifications as may be approved of by the Minister in any particular case:—

Grading Trays,

Testing Tables,

Grading Tables,

Packing Tables,

Balances or Weighing Machines,

Testing Lamps,

Shears,

Stencilling, Branding or Stamping Appliances,

Racks for Packing Materials,

Coats or Overalls for Staff.

(2) The premises shall contain adequate and suitable accommodation for the proper storage of a quantity of packages and packing materials sufficient to supply for the periods applicable as set forth hereunder the ordinary requirements of the business of testing, grading and packing eggs as carried on upon the premises, that is to say:—

(a) at premises where the total quantity of eggs tested, graded and packed in any one week does not exceed 300 great hundreds, accommodation shall be provided for 21 days' supply of packages and packing materials;

(b) at premises where the total quantity of eggs tested, graded and packed in any one week exceeds 300 great hundreds but does not exceed 900 great hundreds accommodation shall be provided for 14 days' supply of packages and packing materials;

(c) at premises where tire total quantity of eggs tested, graded and packed in any one week exceeds 900 great hundreds accommodation shall be provided for 7 days' supply of packages and packing materials.

(3) The quantity of eggs tested, graded and packed upon the premises during each week in which any eggs are tested, graded or packed shall be not less than thirty dozen.

3.—There shall not be brought on to any premises registered in the Register of Exporters any eggs other than eggs produced in Ireland.

4.—(1) Eggs sold, or offered or consigned for sale, or exported, on or from premises registered in the Register of Exporters, shall be tested for quality, soundness and cleanliness within a period of 72 hours prior to being so sold, offered or consigned for sale, or exported. The eggs shall be tested by means of a testing lamp of an approved type either placed in a room from which light has been sufficiently excluded or fixed in a special type of framework known to the trade as a daylight tester, each egg being held with the large end against the beam of light from the lamp and turned completely round so as to permit of the whole of the egg being examined. During the period 1st January to 30th April in any year, the eggs may be tested on premises where appliances for the purpose are installed by placing 120 eggs on a tray and holding the latter over a bin containing a brilliant light, capable of indicating to the tester the presence of any stale, spotted or bad eggs. On premises where such appliances are not installed, the testing shall be carried out all the year round by means of a testing lamp described in the Third Schedule.

(2) This Article shall not apply to a quantity of eggs less than thirty dozen which are sold, or offered or consigned for sale.

5.—(1) Eggs sold, or offered or consigned for sale, or exported, on or from premises registered in the Register of Exporters, shall, before being so sold, offered or consigned for sale, or exported, be graded into the following classes:—

Fresh Eggs:

"Extra Selected."

"Selected."

"Medium."

Preserved Eggs:

"Extra Selected Cold Stored."

"Selected Cold Stored."

"Medium Cold Stored."

"Extra Selected Pickled."

"Selected Pickled."

"Medium Pickled."'

Trade Eggs:

"Trade."

"Trade Cold Stored."

"Trade Pickled."

Duck Eggs:

"Ducks."

(2) Fresh Eggs.—"Extra Selected" shall mean eggs of reasonably uniform size so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 16 lb., no individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 15 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, strong and sound in shell with air-space not exceeding three-sixteenths of one inch in depth with white of egg translucent and firm and yolk faintly visible.

"Selected" shall mean eggs of reasonably uniform size and so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 15 lb., no individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 14 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, strong and sound in shell with air-space not exceeding three-sixteenths of one inch in depth with white of egg translucent and firm and yolk faintly visible.

"Medium" shall mean eggs of reasonably uniform size and so selected that while the weight of each great hundred shall be less than 14 lb. no individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 13 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, strong and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-sixteenths of one inch in depth, with white of egg translucent and firm and yolk faintly visible.

(3) Preserved Eggs.—"Extra Selected Cold Stored" shall mean eggs preserved by means of artificial refrigeration, of reasonably uniform size so selected that while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 16 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 15 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

"Selected Cold Stored" shall mean eggs preserved by means of artificial refrigeration, of reasonably uniform size so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 15 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 14 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm, not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

"Medium Cold Stored" shall mean eggs preserved by means of artificial refrigeration, of reasonably uniform size so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be less than 14 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 13 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm, not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

"Extra Selected Pickled" shall mean eggs preserved by immersion in a saturated solution of lime, waterglass or other preservative, of reasonably uniform size, so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 16 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 15 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm, not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

"Selected Pickled" shall mean eggs preserved by immersion in a saturated solution of lime, waterglass or other preservative, of reasonably uniform size so selected that, while the weight of each great hundred shall be not less than 15 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 14 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm, not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

"Medium Pickled" shall mean eggs preserved by immersion in a saturated solution of lime, waterglass or other preservative, of reasonably uniform size so selected that while the weight of each great hundred shall be less than 14 lb., no individual egg shall be included weighing less than 13 lb. per great hundred. Eggs shall be clean, free from stain, and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, with white of egg clear and firm, not weak and watery, and yolk moderately visible.

(4) Trade Eggs.—"Trade" shall mean eggs clean, free from stain, strong and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, white of egg translucent, but may be weak, yolk visible, swinging freely but clear of side. No individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 12½ lb. per great hundred.

"Trade Cold Stored" shall mean eggs preserved by means of artificial refrigeration, clean, free from stain and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, white of egg translucent, but may be weak, yolk visible, swinging freely but clear of side. No individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 12½ lb. per great hundred.

"Trade Pickled" shall mean eggs preserved by immersion in a saturated solution of lime, waterglass or other preservative, clean, free from stain and sound in shell, with air-space not exceeding three-eighths of one inch in depth, white of egg translucent, but may be weak, yolk visible, swinging freely but clear of side. No individual egg shall be included which weighs less than 12½ lb. per great hundred.

(5) Duck Eggs.—"Ducks" shall mean duck eggs, clean and free from stain, strong and sound in shell, white of egg clear and firm, yolk visible but moving slowly.

(6) This Article shall not apply to a quantity of eggs less than thirty dozen which are sold, or offered or consigned for sale.

6.—(1) All eggs intended for export to a place of final destination in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man shall, before being packed on premises registered in the Register of Exporters, be marked as follows:—

(a) Fresh Eggs shall be marked with a design (in these Regulations referred to as the prescribed design) conforming in all respects, including dimensions, with the following pattern:

(b) Trade Eggs shall be marked with the prescribed design and, in addition, with the words "Second Quality;"

(c) Preserved Eggs shall be marked with the prescribed design, and (unless they have been preserved by cold storage or chemical storage), with the word " Preserved " and shall also, if Trade Eggs, be marked with the words " Second Quality."

(2) All marks mentioned in this Article shall be conspicuously applied in durable ink to the shell of the egg, shall be clearly and sharply defined, and shall be separate from each other and from any other mark on the egg.

(3) Where under this Article eggs are required to be marked with the word "Preserved" or with the words "Second Quality" the word or words shall be applied in letters not less than one-sixteenth of an inch high, enclosed in a circle not less than ½ inch diameter.

(4) The prescribed design shall be applied in violet ink, except that in the case of Fresh eggs and of Trade eggs, other than Preserved, packed during the period commencing on 1st of August in each year, and terminating on the 31st of January next following, the prescribed design shall be applied in red ink.

7.—(1) On premises registered in the Register of Exporters, eggs shall be packed only by hand in packages, herein styled " Standard Cases," constructed in accordance with the specifications contained in the First Schedule to these Regulations, a and not previously used for any purpose.

(2) In the case of Standard Cases Nos. 1 and 2 as specified in the said Schedule, all packing used shall be clean, dry and free from mustiness, mould, or objectionable odour and consist of one or both of the following materials:—

(a) straw, flexible and free from coarseness and weeds;

(b) white wood wool, not less than ¹/₈ inch in calibre.

The minimum quantity of packing material used shall be at the rate of 8 lb. of straw or 8 lb. of straw and wood wool, or 6 lb. of wood wool only, for each thirty dozen of eggs in a case.

The packing material shall be evenly spread above and below each layer of eggs and at the top, bottom, sides and ends of the case, in such manner and quantity as to prevent any layer of eggs being disturbed in the ordinary course of transit.

(3) In the case of Standard Cases No. 3 and No. 3 (Large), as specified in the said Schedule, fillers and flats shall be used therein of the calibre, dimensions and quality set out in the said Schedule, or of a type specifically approved by the Minister. A flat shall be placed between each pair of fillers, beneath each bottom filler and above each top filler, thus using ten fillers and twelve flats. Beneath each bottom flat and above each top flat shall be placed fine wood wool, corrugated paper, or neatly-drawn flexible straw, or other suitable material approved by the Minister, in such manner and quantity as to form a layer or pad which, on compression, shall be not less than one quarter of an inch in thickness.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (1) of this Article, a package previously used for any purpose may, if such package has the words " not for export " branded on both ends in block capital letters at least 3 inches in height, be used for the conveyance of eggs from registered premises in an urban area to other premises in the same urban area, or in an urban area which adjoins or is not more than ten miles distant from such first mentioned urban area.

In this paragraph "urban area" means an area which is either a county or other borough, an urban district, a town or a village.

(5) There shall not be packed in the same package:—

(a) Duck eggs and Hen eggs;

(b) Hen eggs of more than one grade.

(6) Eggs which are for any reason ineligible for inclusion in any of the grades specified in Article 5 of these Regulations, shall not be packed.

(7) This Article shall not apply to a quantity of eggs less than thirty dozen which are sold, or offered or consigned for sale.

8.—(1) Every package of eggs exported from premises registered in the Register of Exporters shall bear the following marks:—

(a) Such one of the following descriptions as is appropriate to the grade of eggs contained in the package:—

EXTRA SELECTED.

SELECTED.

MEDIUM.

EXTRA SELECTED COLD STORED

SELECTED COLD STORED.

MEDIUM COLD STORED.

EXTRA SELECTED PICKLED

SELECTED PICKLED.

MEDIUM PICKLED.

TRADE.

TRADE COLD STORED.

TRADE PICKLED.

DUCKS.

(b) the words: EGGS—THIS SIDE UP;

(c) design A, as illustrated in the Second Schedule hereto and of the dimensions therein indicated, if the package is a Standard Case No. 1 or Standard Case No. 2;

(d) design B, as illustrated in the Second Schedule hereto and of the dimensions therein indicated, if the package is a Standard Case No. 3 or Standard Case No. 3 (Large);

(e) the identification letter and number assigned to the premises from which eggs are exported;

(f) the quantity of eggs in the case;

(g) the date of packing of the package on the registered premises.

(2) The aforesaid marks shall be plainly burned, stamped or stencilled in black on the outside of the package itself, and in addition, on the inside where so provided in this Article.

(3) All letters and numbers other than the letters S.E. in designs "A" and "B" must be at least one inch in height of block type; every part of every letter and number must be at least one-eighth of an inch broad, and the total width of the space taken by every letter and number must be at least half-an-inch, except in the case of the letter I and the figure 1, while the space between adjoining letters and numbers must be half-an-inch.

(4) The description of the grade shall be placed on the upper portion of each end of the package. In the case of cold stored or pickled eggs, the description COLD STORED—or PICKLED, as the case may be, shall, in addition be placed on the inside of the end of the package.

(5) The description, EGGS—THIS SIDE UP, shall be placed on the top boards of the package.

(6) Design A shall be placed on each end in the middle of the lower end board of the package, if the package is a standard case No. 1 or a standard case No. 2.

(7) Design B shall be placed in the middle of the centre board of each end of the package if the package is a standard case No. 3 or No. 3 (Large).

(8) The identification letter assigned to the premises from which the package is exported, shall be placed in the space indicated at "C" in the illustrations of the designs A and B in the Second Schedule hereto.

(9) The identification number assigned to the premises from which the package is exported, shall be placed in the space indicated at "D" in the illustrations of the designs A and B in the Second Schedule hereto.

(10) The description of the quantity of eggs in the case shall be placed on the left-hand bottom corner of the end of the package.

(11) The figure or figures or (in cases in which the specific approval of the Minister has been obtained) the letters indicating the date of packing on the registered premises shall be placed, both on the lower centre board of each compartment and outside on a lower side board of each compartment if the package is a No. 1 Standard Case; both inside on a lower end board and outside on a lower side board of the package if the package is a No. 2 Standard Case; and both inside vertically on a centre board and outside on one of the lower side boards if the package is a No. 3 or No. 3 (Large) Standard Case.

9.—For the purpose of ascertaining the annual fee payable under the Acts, the quantity of eggs exported from any premises registered in the Register of Exporters shall be ascertained in all or any of the following ways:—from the returns to be made by the registered proprietor under sub-section (7) of Section 9 of the Principal Act; from the inspection of the register required to be kept on the registered premises under Section 13 of the said Act; or from such other sources of information as the Minister may, from time to time, consider necessary in any particular case.

10.—Within the first seven days of each month, the registered proprietor of every premises registered in the Register of Exporters shall make to the Minister at his Office in Dublin, a return in the form set out in the Fourth Schedule hereto, showing the total quantity in great hundreds of eggs exported during the previous month.

11.— The registered proprietor of every premises registered in the Register of Exporters shall keep or cause to be kept on the said premises a register in the Form A set out in the Seventh Schedule hereto of all consignments of eggs despatched from the premises.

12.—(1) Every application for the registration in the Register of Exporters of any premises shall be made on Form A, set out in the Fifth Schedule hereto with such amendments as the case may require.

(2) Every application for the alteration or cancellation of any such registration shall be made on Form C, set out in the Fifth Schedule hereto, with such amendments as the case may require.

(3) The Form of Application for the registration of any premises in the Register of Exporters, duly completed by the Applicant, together with evidence to the effect that the fee specified in the Schedule to the Principal Act has been duly paid shall be lodged with the Minister, at his Office in Dublin.

13.—(1) Every application under sub-section (1) of Section 5 of the Principal Act for a licence shall be in the form set out in the Sixth Schedule hereto.

(2) The aforesaid Form of Application duly completed by the applicant, together with the fees specified in the Schedule to the said Act, shall be lodged with the Minister at his Office in Dublin, not later than six days prior to the date on which the applicant desires to export the eggs to which the application relates.

14.—(1) The prescribed fee for the purpose of paragraph (a) of sub-section (4) of Section 12 of the Principal Act shall be one shilling.

(2) The prescribed fee for the purpose of paragraph (b) of sub-section (4) of Section 12 of the Principal Act shall be sixpence.

(3) The prescribed fee for the purpose of paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of Section 12 of the Principal Act shall be two shillings and sixpence.

15.—For the purpose of Section 3 (5) (c) of the Principal Act, the prescribed maximum shall be ten dozen eggs and the prescribed mark to be placed on the package shall be "Eggs for Hatching," plainly inscribed in red in block capital letters at least one inch in height on the top of the package containing the eggs, or the mark may be affixed by means of an adhesive label printed in red block capital letters at least one inch in height.

16.—The following Regulations as to packages, packing materials, methods and manner of packing, storing and transport of eggs, shall apply to all eggs intended for sale in circumstances to which the Regulations applying to premises registered in the Register of Exporters do not apply:—

(a) The stores or other places in which such eggs are kept shall be cool, dry, well-ventilated, and so situated and used that the eggs shall not be exposed to contamination from any materials or substance having a pronounced odour or taint;

(b) the eggs shall be adequately protected from wet, damp, dirt or contamination during the course of transport or packing;

(c) the packing materials used shall be clean, dry and free from mustiness, mould, or objectionable odour;

(d) packages of eggs in course of transport shall at all times be adequately protected from adverse weather conditions and from contamination of any sort.

17.—Packages used for the itinerant collection of eggs shall have the words "For collection only" plainly burned, stamped, or stencilled on either end or on either side of the packages in block letters at least three inches in height.

18.—(1) Every application for the registration in the Register of Preservers of any premises shall be made on Form B, set out in the Fifth Schedule hereto, with such amendments as the case may require.

(2) Every application for the alteration or cancellation of any such registration shall be made on Form D, set out in the Fifth Schedule hereto, with such amendments as the case may require.

(3) The form of application for registration of any premises in the Register of Preservers, duly completed by the Applicant, together with evidence to the effect that the fee specified in Section 17 of the Act of 1930, has been duly paid, shall be lodged with the Minister, at his Office in Dublin.

REGULATIONS APPLYING TO PREMISES REGISTERED IN THE REGISTER OF PRESERVERS AND TO THE MARKING OF EGGS AND PACKAGES DELIVERED AT OR REMOVED FROM SUCH PREMISES.

19.—All packages of eggs prepared for the sale, exchange or barter of the eggs or intended to be offered or exposed for the sale, exchange or barter of the eggs shall, before despatch from any premises registered in the Register of Preservers, be stencilled with (1) such one of the following descriptions as is appropriate to the class of eggs contained in the package:—

Cold Stored,

Pickled,

Preserved,

both on the inside and the outside of the packages, and (2) the identification mark assigned to the premises by the Minister on the registration of the premises in the Register of Preservers. The said words and identification mark shall be stencilled on the package itself and not on a label, ticket or other thing attached to the package. The letters of which the stencil is comprised shall be block capital letters of not less than one inch in height.

20.—(1) The shell of each egg sent or consigned to or removed from premises registered in the Register of Preservers shall be marked with the prescribed design in violet ink.

(2) The provisions of sub-sections (1), (2), and (3) of Section 20 of the Act of 1930 shall not apply to eggs intended to be preserved by immersion in a saturated solution of lime or waterglass, but the shell of each egg so preserved shall be marked with the prescribed design in violet ink before removal from such premises.

(3) The prescribed design shall be conspicuously applied in durable ink to the shell of the egg, and shall be clearly and sharply defined, and shall be separate from any other mark.

21.—The registered proprietor of premises registered in the Register of Preservers shall keep or cause to be kept on the said premises a register in the Form B set out in the Seventh Schedule hereto of all eggs received at and despatched from such premises.

22.—The Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Regulations, 1925 (S.R. & O. 1925, No. 26); the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Regulations, 1925, Amendment Regulations, 1929 (S.R. & O. 1929, NNo. 11), and the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Regulations, 1925, Amendment Regulations (No. 2), 1929 (S. R. & O. 1929, No. 30), are hereby revoked, but such revocation shall not—

affect the previous operation of those Regulations or anything duly done or suffered thereunder; or

affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred thereunder; or

affect any penalty incurred in respect of any offence committed against those Regulations; or

affect any investigation, legal proceedings, or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability or penalty as aforesaid; and any such investigation, legal proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued, or enforced, and any such penalty may be imposed as if these Regulations had not been made.

23.—These Regulations shall come into operation as from the that 1st day of May, 1931.

24.—These Regulations may be cited as the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Regulations, 1931.

Given under my Seal of Office, this 30th day of April, 1931.

(Signed) P. HOGAN,

Minister for Agriculture.

I, Earnán de Blaghd, Minister for Finance, hereby approve of the foregoing Regulations in so far as the same relate to fees.

(Signed) EARNÁN DE BLAGHD.

FIRST SCHEDULE.

METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF STANDARD CASES.

STANDARD CASE NO. 1.

Standard Egg Case No. 1 shall be used to hold not more than 6 hhd. (720) hen eggs, weighing less than 18 lb. per 120, or 5 hhd. (600) hen eggs weighing 181b. or more per 120, or 5 hhd. (600) duck eggs weighing 18 lb. or more per 120.

Each compartment shall hold 3 hhd. (360) hen eggs weighing less than 18 lb. per 120, packed in three layers, each containing 10 rows of eggs with 12 eggs in each row; or 2½ hhd (300) hen eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120; or 2½ hhd. (300) duck eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120, packed in three layers, each containing 9 rows of eggs with 11 eggs in each row and one odd.

Description.

The case shall he made with two equal compartments and in accordance with the following specification:—

Spacing between any two adjoining top, bottom, side and end boards nowhere to exceed 1 inch.

Saw space not exceeding ¼ inch must be provided between centre division boards.

The internal dimensions and thicknesses of timber mentioned in this specification are minimum dimensions; all timber thicknesses are actual, not nominal.

Timber.

The wood shall be well seasoned, clean, dry, and free from bark, wane and feather, large knots and discoloration.

Corner Angle Posts.

Eight corner angle posts shall be used of the full internal depth of the case, cut diagonally from a post inches square. Square cut corner posts are not permissible.

Ends and Centre Divisions.

The case shall have two centre divisions, each centre division and each end consisting of two boards; no board shall be less than 23 inches by three inches by ⁵/₈ inch. If end boards of greater thickness than ⁵/₈ inch are used, care should be taken to ensure that the internal length of each compartment be not less than the required 26 inches. Alternatively the centre division and ends may consist of one board not less than 23 inches by 8 inches by ⁵/₈ inch

Sides.

The side boards shall be of the full outside length of the case; no side board shall be less than 3 inches wide, nor less than ⁵/₈ inch thick.

The side boards must be so fixed that the top edge of the upper board, and the bottom edge of the lower board, will be level with the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the end boards.

Tops and Bottoms.

Top and bottom boards shall be not less than 4 inches wide, and not less than ³/₈ inch thick.

The outer edges of the outside top boards and bottom boards, when nailed on, shall be flush with the outer sides of the side boards. The top and bottom boards shall be of the full outside length of the case, and be nailed into the end boards.

*Nails and Nailing.

The nails used shall be of sizes not less than the following:—

Not less than two nails shall be used in each end of each board, and an additional nail shall be used at each end of a board for every 3 inches or part of 3 inches by which the board exceeds 5 inches in width. This also applies to the nailing of the centre division boards. Each end of each side board shall be secured by at least 2 nails driven into the end boards, and at least 1 nail driven into the corner post.

In nailing top and bottom boards to centre division boards, care should be exercised to place the nails in rows with at least ³/₈ inch space between the rows, to allow for the free working of a saw when the case is being divided.

STANDARD CASE No. 2.

Standard Case No. 2 shall be used to hold not more than 3 hhd. (360) hen eggs, weighing less than 18 lb. per 120, or 2 ½ hhd. (300) hen eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120, or 2 ½ hhd. (300) duck eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120.

The case shall hold 3 hhd. (360) hen eggs, weighing less than 18 lb. per 120, packed in three layers, each containing 10 rows of eggs with 12 eggs in each row; or 2 ½ hhd. (300) hen eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120; or 2 ½ hhd. (300) duck eggs, weighing 18 lb. or more per 120, packed in three layers, each containing 9 rows of eggs with 11 eggs in each row and one odd.

Description.

This case which is equivalent to one-half of the Standard Case No. 1, shall be made in accordance with the following specification:—

Spacing between any two adjoining top, bottom, side and end boards nowhere to exceed 1 inch.

The internal dimensions and thicknesses of timber mentioned in this specification are minimum dimensions; all timber thicknesses are actual, not nominal.

* NOTE.—It is recommended that cement-coated wire nails be used, and that, so far as possible, nails should be driven askew the grain of the wood.

Timber.

The wood shall be well seasoned, clean, dry and free from bark, wane and feather, large knots and discoloration.

Corner Angle Posts.

Four corner angle posts shall be used of the full internal depth of the case, cut diagonally from a post 2 inches square. Square cut corner posts are not permissible.

Ends.

The case shall have two boards in each end; no board shall be less than 23 inches by 3 inches by ⁵/₈ inch. If end boards of greater thickness than ⁵/₈ inch are used, care should be taken to ensure that the internal length of each compartment be not less than the required 26 inches. Alternatively the ends may consist of one board not less than 23 inches by 8 inches by ⁵/₈ inch.

Sides.

The side boards shall be of the full outside length of the case; no side board shall be less than 3 inches wide nor less than ³/₈ inch thick.

The side boards shall be so fixed that the top edge of the upper board, and the bottom edge of the lower board, will be level with the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the end boards.

Tops and Bottoms.

Top and bottom boards shall be not less than 4 inches wide, and not less than ³/₈ inch thick.

The outer edges of the outside top boards and bottom boards when nailed on, shall be flush with the outer sides of the side boards. The top and bottom boards shall be of the full outside length of the case, and be nailed into the end boards.

*Nails and Nailing.

The nails used shall be of sizes not less than the following:—

Not less than two nails shall be used in each end of each board, and an additional nail shall be used at each end of a board for every 3 inches or part of 3 inches by which the board exceeds 5 inches in width. Each end of each side board shall be secured by at least 2 nails driven into the end boards, and at least 1 nail driven into the corner post.

* NOTE.—It is recommended that cement-coated wire nails be used, and that, so far as possible, nails should be driven askew the grain of the wood.

STANDARD CASE No. 3.

Standard Case No. 3, fitted with suitable fillers shall be used to hold not more than 3 hhd. (360) eggs, weighing not more than 16 lb. per 120. Each compartment shall hold 180 eggs.

Description.

The case shall be made with two equal compartments, and in accordance with the following specification:—

The dimensions (other than internal) and thicknesses of timber mentioned in this specification, are minimum dimensions all timber thicknesses are actual, not nominal.

Timber.

The wood shall be well seasoned, clean, dry and free from bark, wane and feather, large knots and discoloration.

Ends.

The ends shall be made of three boards fixed upright, one of which shall be placed exactly in the middle of the end and shall be not less than 4 inches wide. To the end board shall be nailed cross-battens measuring not less than 12¼ inches by 2½ inches by ⁷/₁₆ inch thick two on each end, fixed externally, one across the bottoms of the end boards and the other as close to the tops of the end boards as the construction of the lid permits. The battens shall be flush with the outer sides of the side boards.

Centre Division.

The centre division may consist of one or more boards and shall be 13 ½ inches deep and 11 ⁵/₈ inches wide, and not less than ⁷/16 inch thick. The division shall be fixed in the centre of the case, secured by nails driven through the side and bottom boards.

Sides, Tops and Bottoms.

Each board shall be not less than ⁵/16 inch thick, and not less than 3 inches in width.

*Spacing.

The spacing between any two adjoining boards throughout the case shall nowhere exceed ⁵/8 inch. When spacing is provided between any two side boards or between any two centre boards, it shall be arranged so as to prevent any of the flats working through and allowing two layers of eggs to come in contact.

Fillers and Flats.

The fillers shall be of white wood pulp of calibre not less than 030, or other suitable material 2 ½ inches in depth; each division shall be 1¾ inches square; the extreme width of a filler to be 11 ½ inches. Each flat should have a corner cut off diagonally for a depth of five-eighths of an inch.

†Nails and Nailing.

Each top and bottom board shall be secured by two nails driven into a cross-batten and one nail into an end board, and with two nails into the centre division board. An additional nail must be used at each end of a board for every 3 inches or part of 3 inches by which the board exceeds 5 inches in width.

The nails shall be not less than 1 ½ inches of 14 gauge, except in the case of the nails used for fixing the cross battens to the end boards of the package, which shall be not less than one inch and 15 gauge.

STANDARD CASE No. 3 (LARGE).

Standard Case No. 3 (Large), fitted with suitable fillers shall be used to hold not more than 3 hhd. (360) hen eggs and duck eggs, weighing not less than 17 lb. per 120, each compartment to take 180 eggs.

* NOTE.—When not intended for cold storing, spacing between boards is not essential.

† NOTE.—It is recommended that cement-coated wire nails be used, and that, so far as possible, nails should be driven askew the grain of the wood.

Description.

The case shall be made with two equal compartments, and in accordance with the following specification:—

The dimensions (other than internal) and the thicknesses of timber mentioned in this specification are minimum dimensions; the timber thicknesses are actual, not nominal.

Timber.

The wood shall be well seasoned, clean, dry and free from bark, wane and feather, large knots and discoloration.

Ends.

Each end shall be not less than 13 ½ inches deep by 12 ³/8 inches wide by ⁷/16 inch thick, and shall consist of three boards fixed upright, one of which shall be placed exactly in the middle of the end, and shall not be less than four inches wide. To the end boards shall be nailed cross-battens measuring not less than 13 inches by 2 ½ inches by ⁷/16 inch thick, two on each end, fixed externally, one across the bottoms of the end boards and the other as close to the tops of the end boards as the construction of the lid permits. The battens shall be flush with the outer sides of the side boards.

Centre Division.

The centre division may consist of one or more boards, and shall be 13 ½ inches deep, 12 ³/8 inches wide, and not less than ⁷/16 inch thick. The division shall be fixed in the centre of the case, secured by nails driven through the side and bottom boards.

Tops and Bottoms.

Each board shall be not less than ⁵/16 inch thick and not less than three inches in width.

Sides.

Each board shall be not less than ⁵/16 inch thick and not less than four inches in width.

*Spacing.

The spacing between any two adjoining boards throughout the case shall nowhere exceed three-quarter inch. When spacing is provided between any two side boards, and between any two centre boards, it shall be arranged so as to prevent any of the flats working through and allowing two layers of eggs to come in contact.

* Note.—When not intended for cold storing, spacing between boards is not essential.

Fillers and Flats.

The fillers shall be of white wood pulp of calibre not less than ·030, or other suitable material, 2½ inches in depth, each division shall be 1 ⁷/8 inches square; the extreme width of a filler to be 12 ¼ inches. Each flat should have a corner cut off diagonally for a depth of five-eighths of an inch.

*Nails and Nailing.

Each top and bottom board shall be secured by two nails driven into a cross-batten and one nail into an end board and with two nails into the centre division board. An additional nail shall be used at each end of a board for every three inches or part of three inches by which the board exceeds five inches in width.

The nails shall be not less than 1 ½ inches of 14 gauge, except in the case of the nails used for fixing the cross-battens to the end boards of the package, which shall be not less than one inch and 15 gauge.

SECOND SCHEDULE.

DESIGNS "A" AND "B" REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 8— 1. (c) AND (d).

SECOND SCHEDULE—DESIGN "A."

* NOTE.—It is recommended that cement-coated wire nails be used, and that, so far as possible, nails should be driven askew the grain of the wood.

SECOND SCHEDULE.—DESIGN "B."

THIRD SCHEDULE.

APPLIANCES AND REQUISITES FOR TESTING, GRADING, MARKING AND PACKING EGGS.

An adequate supply of grading-trays consisting of a varnished leather board top, so mounted on a wooden frame of a total depth of 3½ inches that the edges of the frame project ½ inch above the level of leather board top; outside dimensions of top to be 26 inches long and 22 inches wide, top to be perforated with holes 1¼ inch in diameter to hold 120 eggs in 12 rows of 10 eggs each, rows to be equally spaced, and to allow a clear margin of 1 inch between edge of outer row of perforations and inner side of frame.

One or more testing tables, one or more grading tables, and one or more packing tables conforming generally to the following specification, viz., each table to be 6 feet 6 inches long by 2 feet 3 inches broad, top of table to be constructed of 1-inch timber and mounted on three equally spaced frames or trestles of scantling 3 inches by 3 inches or on such other adequate supports as may be approved in any particular case; alternatively, in lieu of packing tables, suitable trestles may be used.

A balance or scales provided with arms or leaf large enough to accommodate a grading tray and capable of weighing accurately from 1 lb., by (at most) ½ lb., to 30 lb. If a spring balance is used, the dial of the balance shall be not less than nine inches in diameter and the balance shall be plugged for stamping. The balance or scales must comply with the requirements of the Weights and Measures Acts and any regulations made thereunder by the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

One or more testing-lamps (oil, gas or electric), of at least 25 candle-power, fitted into an opaque, rectangular, or cylindrical shield or box having one or two circular openings, each of 1 inch diameter opposite the centre of the source of illumination. Where two openings are fitted, the openings shall be fitted in opposite sides of a rectangular box, and in the case of a cylindrical box, the openings shall be equally spaced. Each such opening shall be rimmed in such manner that when an egg is held against the opening, all the light coming through the opening shall pass through the egg; asbestos-packing or similar material, non-conductive of heat, to be used in the rims.

Shears or blade for trimming straw.

Efficient appliances of metal or other approved material for stencilling or printing in black, or for branding on packages:—The design, A or B., as the case may be, hereinbefore prescribed, the mark or marks assigned to a registered exporter indicating the premises on which the eggs were packed, and the following:—

EXTRA SELECTED.

SELECTED.

MEDIUM.

TRADE.

DUCKS.

EGGS—THIS SIDE UP.

FOR COLLECTION ONLY.

COLD STORED (if cold stored eggs are dealt with on the premises).

PICKLED (if pickled eggs are dealt with on the premises).

Figures 0 to 9; ½; letters, HHD.

An adequate supply of suitable requisites (stamps, ink, etc.), of approved pattern, composition or quality, as the case may be, for the purposes of the marking of individual eggs as prescribed.

A rack or racks of approved type for holding packing materials erected in a suitable position in the packing room.

Overalls for all persons engaged in the business of testing, grading, marking or packing eggs.

FOURTH SCHEDULE.

MONTHLY RETURN TO BE MADE BY REGISTERED EXPORTER

(This return should be posted so as to reach the Department's Offices not later than seven days following the end of the month to which the return relates).

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

Form A.

FIFTH SCHEDULE.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF PREMISES IN REGISTER OF EXPORTERS.

Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Acts, 1924 and 1930.

The dimensions of that portion of the above-mentioned premises normally used for testing, grading and packing eggs are (b):—

The dimensions of that portion of the premises normally used for the storage of packages and packing materials are:—

The storage accommodation is is not (c) permanently divided from the portion(s) of the premises used for testing, grading and packing.

The equipment used for testing, grading and packing is (d):—

The normal quantity of packages and packing materials (e) usually kept in store is:—

The quantity of eggs despatched from the above-named premises during each week in the year ended on the 31st December last, was:—

Total ............................gt. hhds.

(a) If a limited liability company the full description of the company should be given, together with the name of the Secretary. If not a limited liability company the full name(s) of the proprietor(s) should be given

(b) If it be desired to have more than one premises registered, separate application must he made in respect of each separate premises.

(c) Strike out whichever is inapplicable.

(d) Specify testing, grading and packing tables, scales, testing lamps, grading trays, etc., etc

(e) Specify numbers of different types of cases, viz., 6 hhd. and 3 hhd. filler, also quantity of straw, wood wool, etc.

I/We enclose receipt for payment of amount of fee.£: :

I hereby certify that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

* To be signed in the case of a limited liability company by a Director or Secretary, and in the case of a firm not being a limited liability company by the proprietor or proprietors.

Form B.

FIFTH SCHEDULE.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF PREMISES IN REGISTER OF PRESERVERS.

Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Acts, 1924 and 1930.

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

FORM C.

FIFTH SCHEDULE.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR ALTERATION OR CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION IN THE REGISTER OF EXPORTERS.

Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Acts, 1924 and 1930.

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

* In the case of a limited liability company, the full designation of the company should be given, together with the name of the Secretary. In all other cases the name(s) of the proprietor(s).

† If application, is for alteration of registration state nature of alteration desired in Register.

‡ Change in ownership, acquisition of additional premises, surrender of part premises. etc.

FORM D.

FIFTH SCHEDULE.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR ALTERATION OR CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION IN THE REGISTER OF PRESERVERS.

Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Acts, 1924 and 1930.

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

*In the case of a limited liability company, the full designation of the company should be given, together with the name of the Secretary. In all other cases the name(s) of the proprietor(s).

† If application is for alteration of registration, state nature of alteration desired in Register.

‡ Change in ownership, acquisition of additional premises, surrender of part premises, etc.

SIXTH SCHEDULE.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR LICENCE TO EXPORT EGGS.

Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Acts, 1924 and 1930.

To the Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

*State description of eggs, e.g., whether hen eggs or duck whether fresh or pickled, or whether hen eggs or duck intended for hatching.

SEVENTH SCHEDULE.

FORM A.

REGISTER TO BE KEPT ON PREMISES REGISTERED IN THE REGISTER OF EXPORTERS.

WITHDRAWALS SECTION.