POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 241, 5 July 1919, Page 12

POULTRY NOTES

Tho Returned Soldiers. The Government lias done excellent work for tho returned soldiers. Proof of this is apparent by the small number that have yet to find employment from the many thousands that have returned. Tho land has absorbed a great number. Although few have been placed on tho luud to take up poultry-keeping, it is gratifying to know that something • has been done to give tho men a trial in poultrykeeping. In Canterbury a splendid block of land has been secured at Avonside, and the Government has now under consideration tho purchase from Mr. Dcadcl of the homestead near where the block of land iB situated. If this can be secured Canterbury will then have a- demonstration farm that will bo a groat help to tho soldiers, assistance to the farmers, and of great value to tho poultry industry. Tho land iB ideally suited for tho purpose, and situated near tho tram line only four miles from the city of Christchurch. It.is several years since tho demonstration farm was dismantled at Burnham and a promise given that another should bo placed close to' Christchurch. Tho homestead section has excellent shelter, useful buildings, and a suitable residence for students' quarters. It should .bo under the Department of Agriculture, who should make the purchase. [ The Department could then work in with I the Repatriation Board in assisting to I give tho men instruction, and give advice t to those settlers who desire, in poultry, fruit, bees, etc., as a whole or partial means of livelihood. The land is of excellent value and will nrovo ;v Eplcadid investment for all concerned. During the past five months, from January 1 to Hay 31, the value of imported eggs into 'Wellington, which got her eggs from China, has boon £962. In addition, Wellington has imported £761 worth from Australia, aiul Dunedin £504.. Tho valuos are market rates in the country whence importations come, plus 10 per cent. Tho poods would sell in New Zealand at about doublo these prices. Why not encourago our own producers, and our returned men, and give the publio a cheaper egg? There is nothing that creates such fear .to producers as tho easy access Asiatic eggs havo to this, country. To block importations is a commercial proposition that has everything to commend it. We cannot send our eggs to Australia, .when, in common fairness, should wo open tho gate for Australian eggs here? Had we:a great shortage of eggs, or were wo against tho development of such an industry, one could understand the present position, hut for the Government to have four poultry experts, to spend money on poultry farms, to pubsidisc egg-laying testß, and then to frighton everybody by allowing imported eggs free scope into the country is surely a position that should bo immediately remedied.