POULTRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, 14 March 1919, Page 8

POULTRY INDUSTRY

PROTECTION AGAINST IMPORTED EGGS WANTED SETTLEMENT OF RETURNED SOLDIERS By Telezraoii.—Press Association. Christchurch, March 13. At tho Poultry Conference to-day, the president, in his address, said it was his duty to warn the -public that tho pricii of fresh eggs this winter probably would be abnormally high. Such a state of ailairs, however, should not give birth to such statements as that poultrynien wore making fortunes and exploiting the public. lie must congratulato the producers on the manner in which they liacj huiig on to the industry in tho face of adverse conditions, and for tho manner in which they were now bestirring themselves to make 'up lost pound, knowing that all would lie well with the return to normal conditions and convinced that tho industry only needed a sporting chance for its future development; The work before the association in the near future was,, of tho most vital and important character. Tho problem of settling returned soldiers was one in which the industry must play its part. The industry's suitability to the right stamp of man was undeniable. Willi the necessary experience it might be used as the solo means of livelihood, or as an adjunct or side line to nnv agricultural employment, and it afforded ample recreation to thu mind., The industry, had a fascination for many persons. The returned soldier probably looked upon it as n,.soft job. It was the association's duty to prevent any such delusion gaining credence. Apart from experience, a liking for the .business and a liking for the birds, it was essential that there must be a large amount of patience and aptitude for detail and cleanliness, and the poultry farmer must lie prepared to undertake the continual repetition of light, but menial labour. Trade union hours did not apply to poul-try-keeping, but. there were large numbers of'men adapted to the business, and to them the business should prove a godsend, and the association should see that each was catered l'or in a manner that would assure his success. The keystone to success in the future was the sole right to New Zealand markets. ' To' expect, returned men to compete against Asiatic products was to show ft lack of mentality. They were not only up against that competition, but also a competition which in the near future threatened them even -more seriously. It came from Australia, which had absolutely closedvlier markets against importation of egg matter in any form, and was spending large sums in settling her returned men in tho poultry industry. It must be obvious io all that with her advantages of cheap and abundant feed New Zealand market,? would become her (lumping ground. New Zealand's returned men would need the same protection as the Australian received, otherwise the Australian would thrive at the expense of.Jlie New Zenlander. Tlie industry was on the eve of a tremendous revival. There was a great, future awaiting it, if only the producers would be true to themselves. _ A remit froiu the Auckland Association urging that, an annual census of fowls and ducks be taken under the Census nnd Statistics Act, lfllO. was negatived, tho general opinion being that the t expense would not be justified. \ It was decided that, the association send circulars to all affiliated organisations, asking what quantity of egg pulp they can supply for the New. Zealand market. A remit from the Otago Egg Circle asking that the Government be retinested to control tho prices of fowl wheat, was agreed-to. ' ' A remit, was agreed to asking Hie Government to give twentv-four gold medals or ribbons for competition in the pnnltrv seel ions at iinultrv shows in the North and S-Mifh Islands, twelve to lie assigned to each island. Canterbury Ew Circle submitted a remit that the Government be urged to nrohibit the inirportation.of eggs in any form, except for breeding nurposes. After disenssion the remit was agreed to. The following remits were carried :— "That the Government be asked to rirotect the poultry industry by preventing an increase in the prices .of,'pollard an 1 bran." , • • "That the Government be nivd to import fowl wheat froiii Australia (if 1 famul to relieve tlie ponlf.r l ' i iid>i«frv from the present high nrices." ■ "That the Government be asked to favourablv consider 111" granting to ooulirymen «f the same financial assistance for hiiii'li'if cool storage as is granted to o.".i."rdist«." "That the Government he asked to devise some mean= for the destruction of weasels, stoats, and hawks, which at present a v e e»usi"" considerable havoc amonest poultrv." Jt was unanimously decided t"at next, voar's conference should he held at Hunedin.