THE POULTRY INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1008, 24 December 1910, Page 9

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY.

. — > : (By Chantecler.)

\At the request of many'of: our'.'renders ■ J e <Jo<?ded to set aside space in each !59r®™y 5 lss-Tio of The Dominion for in--.ipipnation in poultry culture. Since the ■ccitfprencp recently held in Wellington tcrismeraljle interest.has been aroused, ins column will bo~c,onducted by an experienced writer and'practical poultry breeder. '."W« have arranged that the leadpens in the egg-laying competition will ho published l in .these columns each Saturday, so that our readers may bo posted to date.'. Correspondents are invited to -send J in questions for information, iliese will bo answered promptly and relijable -knowledge imparted.-. Correspondence to be addressed "Chantecler," caro of Dohinio;.'. A$ an! advertising medium fjor-poutrymen and those, dealing iu'poul--1 try requisites -.The Dominion columns «tand out, as they'reach so many farmers interested in these lines..

(By Telegraph—Special to The - Dominion.) : . Christchurfch, December 23. * Excellent returns have been received for tbo'weeb. The-number of eggs was .1403; ; The highest for the week were Hopkins, 39; Smith', 35; Bradney, 35; Willis, 34; Bradford, 34. ' Highest totals;:—Kniglit, 1062; Sail, 1050;. Smith; 1047; Bolcli, 1043. Total to ( <late ir-48,218.. i Ducks Scott, 40; 'Knight/-. 39; : String, 37. -Totals:— Knigtrt, 863 and"B4l; Hammond, 827.

■ >.■' m .The Poultry Conference. / / Thero-, are few industrial conferences iShat' havo been held in this city that were characterised with such a spirit of unanimity :as the Poultry Conference recentlyheld; vlfclns been, my duty to report many conferences,. and, I; never remember nttending.sessions so'full-iof interest to tho pressman;... as, those lield.ly poultrymen. Tlie marvel to me is that poultrymen havo . not .before. For ten years itliey. have adopted a progressive policy, ■arid-'fir/exceed many. of.'thc'Vindustries in importance, and the need for such a gathering must, have been apparent .for inany years'; .Obviously, no one would take the initiative, and had not Mr. J. B. Merrett, of'Christchurch, organised it, there is no .'telling: h'ow jnuch longer the indifference would"have reigned.-In conversations with eqyeral delegates I found there hud'been a 'general desirp .for • a New Zealand Poultry Association, -'and,- evidently -the - right moment had come as ; evidenced'by the.re- ' .preseritative gathering assembled in Wellington. ' . ; Absence of Opposition.' Concentration of aim and purpose ruled tile conference. At tlio opening ono individual' tried to ridicule tho need of : a ' conference, and expressed the opinion that the' association to be formed was ten years before'its time. No one took him seriand ho only inspired those who liatl: travelled from all parts of the Doln'i'nioiv to assist in. organisation with a more'determined purpose-. Later on the Kjihe' gentleman sent a wire to the chair- . man, which, after he read it, commented^

'/l,t. is; funny but foolish." Another delegate lyittily remarked, "That lias nailed tile lid of his coffin; let him rest in peace!?* The subjects dealt with were so necessary to ■ the welfare of poultry:nen that' the. delegates heartily endorsed the association's aims. Slight personal opposition' -was shown-in a certain direction against, the promoter of the conference, but this was purely local, and arose only through the want of larger vision and the forestalling • of embryonic arrangements for a .similar.purpose.The Men in the Lead; . % Onc" of the most pleasing selections of the cbnfer£nce was >the' appointment' of Mi-. E.: o.'-Eeilly, of-Dunedin,- as\chairman- He had como .to- the conference "as raSl'iiti'Qg of poultry produce. 3f<fe'is a mitivofstcrling quality arid fiita jnihis ruliijsv:'without making one feci th'tftabsence of-'freedom essential

to. free discussion. He enjoys a wittyremark, and ho himself contributed in no small measure to the humour of the sessions. His wide arid vanea experiences' as a business man, a poultry breeder, and judge made him specially fitted for the position. His reception of the 'Minister tor Agriculture and the requests he inado on behalf of the .associations were done in a most discreet and gentlemanly nmn.ner. The secretary, Mr. J. B. Merrett, of Christchurch, is also a great factor in the association. As editor of the "I\e\v Zealand Poultry Journal," ho took a most activc part in promoting the conference. Ho had behind him all the leading poultrymen of the Dominion, and they came from far and near to support liinr in his effort. Ho was undeterred by any comment, and when tho conference opened had everything in apple-pie order. He ' kept the delegates posted in tho requirements of tho association, and did his secretarial work in a manner that gave satis- - faction to,all. The presentation at the close of the conference must have assured him of the wliole-hearted appreciation of the delegates. .

Other Factors for Success. Mr. F. Brown was a strong force at the conference. He had,done much to.bring about the movement, as he felt in his constant visitations throughout the Dominion the need for union among poultrymen. Mr. Brown is admired by all. In speaking in reply to the Minister for Agriculture,' Mr. Merrett said: "Mr. Brown holds the confidence, and esteem of every poul-: tryman in New Zealand. He has a special facility for meeting people's requirements, and a nature that seems to be in full sympathy and accord with others in ..their work." His demonstration of.cramming and his papers of "Fattening" and "The Selection of Layers" were very helpful, and contributed largely to the success of the conference.

Practical Poultry Fanning. .The. visit to Mr. W. Knight's farm, at Lower Hutt was one of .tho social enjoyments of tho delegates. Mr. Knight had his farm looking at its best. The grass runs were a picture, as tho healthy laying stock came before, the .visitors eyes. Tho saving of labour in the matter of cleaning houses, feeding the birds, and the con r stant fresh water snpply were all an object lesson. The young stock, of which. Mr. Knight lias about 2000,. gave evidence of careful management of the" breeders, intelligent incubation of vheeggs, and constant attendance while in the brooder. The raising of young stock is tho great: test of the poultrymen. To dp it successfully is an achievement that .makes for .success;, to fail at this means failure in .every Mr. Knight is a practical example of what can lie dono on-a small piece of ground. He. keeps two employees, and shows that poultry farming can be made a meaiis for tho employment of labour. His ducks were a picturo, and the visitors fairly revelled in tho sight of hundreds of ducklings. . Most of these .were Indian Runners, and their beautiful markings of fawn and white, their erect carriage'and business-like appearance wero much to be- admired. Tho visitors were cordially entertained on' tho lawn, and spent a very plesaant afternoon. Mr. Brown gave a demonstration of cramming, arid showed how birds': coiild 'be iteshod and given. an increased weight for the table by this, process; '' '' ;

The Egg-Circle Movement. No subject at the conference created such interest as the egg : circle movement. Several delegates stated .this was one of the main reasons. of. their attending the conference.' The secretary of tho iWairarapa Egg Circle showed what had been done.in .his.district. He did good service in having a circular printed ehowing'.tho numbers of dozens sent fronjt;*l[asterton.', 'Die circle commenced busiiiesW 011 May 10 with tea members. It now has about [0 members, and up to November 2 had

marketed 113,020 eggs, representing ..Cftil ss. sil. The local market frice for the same amoiiut would' Have. wen. .CSUS Ws. 3(1. Alter paying expends of marketing Iho circle members divided- ivnet profit over local prices of ,6116 (is. 10(1. 'I'liese figures spoke "wonders and the delegates were prompt to see the advantages of the movement. An organising committee has been elected, and it is expected that by next conference egg circles will be in operation throughout tile Dominion. It is largely from the egg circle the representatives to the conference will bo elected.

The Egg Circle Objects. •The egg circle cannot fail to do much for tho poultry industry. They certainly will add to the quality of eggs placcd on the' market. The rules insist that eggs shall be gathered daily, cleaned from all matters attaching to tile Shell, kept infertile, stored in a. cool place while awaiting disposal, branded with the circle's brand and the .number .of the producer, packed in patent carriers to avc-id breakage -and difficulty in counting, and to be'marketed promptly while fresh, and not more than a week old. The circle rules punish any member infringing on (hose provisions.. It is expected that eggcircle eggs will lie demanded by the public the same as factory butter has tho preference ever -dairy butter. It is also the aim of the producers to supply more eggs in winter, so as to keep prices down. This will lead to extra consumption and tend to popularise the industry. : Each agent has to market the eggs at a uniform commission, and no one agent in any centre can forward eggs lo another centre unless tho eggs go through tile cgscircle's agent. It is leit that industry is handicapped by the placing in the market a number of inferior eggs, and poultrymen intend that the public shall have a chance of securing the highest and best quality, . Fanciers' Jottings.

The-recent conference has made provl-, sion for the fanciers' clubs in New- Zealand to becomo affiliated with tho New Zealand Poultry Association. Tho annual fee will enable each club to send one delegate. This will do much towards bring-, ing tho utility' breeder and the fancier into closer union. ■ Three of the members of the Christchurch Poultry :Club aro to be invited to ■ become members of the conimitteo to arrange the next conference at Christ-., church.' - . - As indicating' the view of the times, the South Island' Poultry 'Association decided .at its .annual meeting that Plymouth Rocks are to be judged under the American standard. The English standard has .been used, previously. Fanciers were represented at tho. confer-" ,cncc. Mr. E. O. Hcilly, a poultry judge, was elected chairman. Tlie Blenheim Poultry Club sent Mr. W. A. ■ Sowinan. Mr. J. Casey,-a poultry judge from IChandallah, was also., present:. Tliey were all heartily welcomed. The great dairy show of England 'was held on October i to 7. It ;was a grand. • success. Poultry -bad an entry of ;1201), as against 2937 in 1009. Pigeons mustered 2330, as against 2262. Tho quality of the exhibits. was"better than- ever. Did the secretary of the New Zealand Poultry Association remember that while tlirs confironco pat in Wellington tho Crystal Palace show was being held on tho same three days? It is significant that the greatest English poultry event was contemporaneous with tho most important gathering of poultrymen on this side of the-world. With tho special diary show 'number, "Tho Feathered-. World" issued a, colour- . cd plate of ideal pouters. ... , "The Poultry World" had. an'eicellent plate of-Black and White-Minorcas. ':' Tho American Poultry Association held its annual: gathering in August at St. Louis. There were'lSli'delegates present';; ;. Some warm passage'siook place during the, proceedings; over the-discussions of the standard. „ . "Tho Standard of "Pcrfoclioii"'to'be* issued by the. American' Poultry Associa- ; tion is tovbe. a w:orK- of art.. -All the ■ breeds will be . illustrated in colours, > showing the proper markings and colour- • ings of this bird. It will be. ready for l sale early -next year. . ' Seasonable Hints.. • i Do notpnegject,,to provide' "shade for ; tho growing stock." See _ the' water founl tains aro, replenished daily and kept out

o.f .the .'sun. .Got-to.work with a slayer, or your birds .will giving up layingas the'result of 'vermin infestation. Cull out all tho non-layers and send them (<"' market. Murket ull tho cockerels us soon as they arc ready-for tho table. Let young ducks have access to water during the' day. If they arc kept from it thc.v will court danger by drinking to excess. Ducks want plenty of green iood. Lucerne or clover is *the best. "Uk* them freely. Now is'the time to market cockerels that were hutched earlv, Last Saturday young chickens brought in the open market Bs. fld. a pair. Ducklings are profitable growing as they reach Bs. !id. a. pair. There is scarcely any need to talk of export trade of tablo poultry while prices like these arc obtainable in New Zealand. Economic Principles. of Poultry Culture.. .Among the many excellent papers read at the conference I think that 01 Mr. i-Lcger .was - descrviug of a lugli place. It is as follov.s:—

Organisation and Co-operation. The egg-circlc movement will represent one more stone in the slowly-rising walls of the grand co-operative edifice _ ot the future. But apart from the 'egg-circle itself the need for an-organisation ot tho whole of New Zealand poultrymen to pro-- • tect their special interests discuss ways and means for better and collective mailieting of prodncc, obtaining freight concession similar to fruit-growers and dairymen, tho encouragement ot (levicEs for sale'export-of produce, exchange ot views, lectures, etc., has been telt lor some time past. .Dairy farmers have shown us such a splendid example of tlie power of co-operative endeavour as to leave no room for doubt regarding the final success of co-operation when conducted oil proper lines. Although some, flying machines will go smash m the- beginning, there .is no doubt regarding the ultimate success of. aviation. Present' conditions are ripe for att?mpt. Honest, devoted leaders, are wanted,, and tlie rank and file must bo. ronscQ to a full realisation of. present-day developments, We are-right in the middle ot a period of industrial transition, strikinglyexemplified I>y the trust steadily ■ gobbling up the small industrial fry in competition and leaving behind no fry. imd nocompetition. . Concerns, from which -«c dtav.- our supplies,, work under some agreement, combine, trustify and atnair ornate deal as a corporate, coherent, body and present a bold front. Thus,, by the strength of collectivity ar.d some scheming, the merchant dictates to producers the price of: their requirements, also the price of his requirements troin them and prices to' consumers: On the bthcr" hand, poultrymen are .scattered units, absolutely impotent, because too busv producing dealers profits vo see to their own. . Againi . through the; wondeiful progress of scicnce and invention, greater'changes take place now, in one. Tear, in tho methods-of industry, than formerly in a generation. So that, in order to keep pace with developments, we have to shako.: off' our ;cowboy .ideas twenty times as"'q"uicMrj« formerly-shed them lilce a snake its skin, so to speak. If the complexities ■ of-, tno present-situa--tioii demand prompt. attention,' in view' of present developments, what will the future position of producers and consumers bo? Simply hopeless, unless-, wo | resolutely face tho situation. Le. us once for all realise that tho era of the solitan unit in industrial strife is cone. The future belongs to the bundle of units. Politically, New Zealand, is abreast of the most forward nations. Ovoncratn ply. sn-aking we are behind the Ximted Kingdom, ■Germany, 'Belgium, Denmark, Sweden.'Holland, and other, countries.the chief impulse-compelling factor in -ipdpstrial or any progress es a clear conscious-. .'ne«s of the situation. . As:. consciousness • is born of insight and insight from'study. ; I: would suggest that: a-'brief pamphlit on the historv and. hims:.of co-operation, culled from the'best, literature- on-, tho subject, be printed' and -given to' ...each; circle member, free with, his membership, 'ticket. The rank and file must refuse.themselves, and realise that the society will be what- they ' make it- A, societv whoso members do not' attend'the meetings and trust'to a .fsw officers to direct it,, can never bo. a succcss. Most workers prefer spending their enemy in muscular work t'i doing solid thinking; i- n that muscles are. cheap,' does the thinking for them and gathers the money. The in-

centive of tho pres-cut. regime. has its roots ill tho battle of self against all comers. The incentive- in co-operntian will have to conic throu:;h a consciousness of the fact that intelligent selfishness is realised only through the motto: "Union is strength." Oii-operation, above everything else, requires honest men, devoted to an ideal—the ideal of the co-operative commonweal.