PIG PRODUCTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 57, 25 May 1942, Page 4

PIG PRODUCTION

BAY OF PLENTY COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT The following report was submitted by the president, Mr D. S. Ross, to the annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty District Pig Council held in Whakatane on Friday last:— I have very much pleasure in presenting herewith the Fifth Annual Report and Balance Sheet of the Bay of Plenty District Pig Council for the year ended 31st March, 1942. The members due to retire this year are Messrs Strugnell and Parsoins. Mr G. Brown of the Native Department resigned during the year and Mr Flowers: was appointed in his place. Mr D. G. Beattie also resigned. Your executive met seven times during the year. We now have 35 clubs with a total membership of 436. Five clubs have ceased to function during the year, whilst some have gone into recess for the duration. A Difficult Year The year under review has been one of uncertainties, and there is little prospect of it being otherwise in the immediate future. In a circular early in> the year your executive inr dicated that it appeared wise to carry on producing normally. There appears no reason why Ave should deviate from that course. It is definitely inadvisable, however, to produce pig meats beyond the capacity of the farm to do so. Pig production this year shows only a slight decline on last year indicating that normal production has. been taking place. Your executive was represented by your chairman at the annual meeting of the National Pig Industry Council in Wellington. All phases of the industry were discussed, but what appears; to me to be a great weakness is that our organisation has no say whatever in the price the producer would receive for his pig meats. Future Revenue The levy on pigs was increased during the year from <2d per pig to 3d and the Government grant discontinued. This places the Pig Councils: in a much sounder financial position and provided production is maintained at a reasonable level should give sufficient revenue foi our requirements. It is with deep regret that I have to record the death in England cf our late Supervisor, Pilot Officer J. R. Reenberg, Avho was killed in an aircraft accident last March. Through his death this district and the industry generally has lost an efficient and enthusiastic officer. Continuation of Service With benzine restrictions and the many difficulties that are clearly in front of us we will obviously, have limitations this coming year, but will nevertheless do all in our power to give the service that should be expected from us. In conclusion, I thank all those who have assisted the movement during the year.