THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 125, 23 November 1932, Page 6

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Much ill-considered criticism and ridicule have been-levelled at the Poultry Amendment Bill. The fact that other legislative matters rank higher in importance does not detract from the widespread; benefit which, in the opinion of most reputable poultry-keepers, the Bill will confer upon the country at large. Direct benefits which may be expected from this legislation will accrue to the consumer through" rectification"' of such matters as the following (quoted from "Survey of the Poultry Inaustry in New Zealand"): (1) "Under the present unorganised conditions, inferior eggs of mixed quality and size are placed on the market and sold as^ fresh." (2) "Retailers cannot at present handle eggs, with any confidence," and (3) "Despite the fact that they occupy such an important place in the family diet, eggs are not subject to inspection." Food consumption "has a very important bearing." reads this authority, "on the vheatgrowing industry.". It follows, therefore,, that

this industry will benefit directly from any increase in production of eggs or poultry. .

Another important feature lies in the fact that poultry production can be superimposed upon any other primary industry, so that of itself it requires a minimum area of land for its prosecution. On account of food production and handling, for the maintenance of poultry, the direct effect on the labour market, and incidentally on the unemployment problem, through any increase in egg production, must be greater than with any other priJJ""Y Product, based on land occupied, mis. fact is obviously of the greatest importance when the question of small farm schemes is considered.

Much has already been published anent the benefits which will result to all poul-try-keepers from the enactment of the proposed measure, aud they are so patent as to be thoroughly realised by most. I conclude, Sir, with the assertion, made in all seriousness, that no one is in a position to adversely criticise the Bill until he has digested the work of Mr. E. J. Faweett, M.A Government Farm Economist, pubi'S Department of Agriculture, and entitled "Survey of the Poultry Industry in New Zealand." It is on "facts ?l C; <i d by tIIIS comprehensive report that the present Bill is founded.-I am, - C. GIBSON YOUNG.