Levin's Poultry Industry.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 March 1915, Page 2

Levin's Poultry Industry.

The Chronicle has been favoured with copies of letters bearing 011 a matter of importance to this town and district; namely, the poultry industry and its disabilities. They touch upon a state of affairs that needs speedy amelioration. Subjoined is the text of both communications :— Wellington, 4th March, 1915 The Rt. Honourable W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, Wellington. Dear Mr Massey.—l enclose a copy of a letter which I have received fron. a constituent of mine. Mr Franklin Webb, of Levin, dealing with the unfortunate position in which poultry farmers find themselves placed owing to the high price of fowl food, and asking that some such assistance as I understand is being given in Australia to poultry farmers, should also be furnished in New Zealand. While at Levin on Friday last T heard in more than one place that the position' as stated by Mr Webb is by no means an exaggeration. I believe the matter lias not by any means escaped your notice and should be glad to know what decision, if any. has been arrived at '11 the matter.—Your faithfully. W. H. FIELD

"Kashmir," Levin Feb. 24, 1915. Dear Mr Field.—This letter should have been sent before tins as it is ati object of importance. Tt concerns the poultry industry, which is in a very precarious position. In fact if something is not done at once to ,-e----licve the poultry farmers 1 fear that a lot of them will be quite ruined. As the Government of Victoria are helping them in every way to tide over the high prices of food by advances md orders on the Grain Board, cheap carriage, etc., no doubt our Government will do something. I am writing on behalf of tlie poultry farmers *n your district, but my remarks apply equally to the rest of New Zealand, although the Canterbury poultrymen are actually in a better position. 1 can assure you that the position is desperate. 1 mean for those men and women who keep poultry for their sole mean.-; of living. T 'wouTiJ suggest you cable to Australia and find out what they are doing in the meantime. The Government could pnp(?T,f the poultrviiUMi with wheat, pollard and bran at the lowest figure, and if they are not in a position to pay cash to give tlifin credit. The present price of eggs is Is 9d. It costs 3s to 4s - per dozen to produce eggs now. As yon arc probably aware, poultry is the one industry that the Government have dune hardly anything for. NPot long ago T sent a cutting from the Auckland News showing how the farmers of Auckland were advised from Vancouver to send shipments at once —guaranteed price Is 7d. At the time (November) they were 8d per dozen in Auckland. The U.S.S. Co. would nob grant space until all the butter, mutton, etc.. had been loaded. They gave the Poultry Association two ■\ rr ks to get their eggs ready—some thousands of dozens. Of course they could not do it so no eggs were sent. V Government poultry farms do no good, and there are plenty of private yards to supply the wants. You. are no doubt aware that your district is n favourite one for poultry farming, no you will, 1 am sure, do your best. Tfie railway might be approached towards taking off the freight on eggs and poultry. My own opinion is that the Government ought to acquire, say, 5000 or 600 acres in each Island and grow wheat. Please let me know if you can do anything as soon as possible so as I mh inform the others tours truly, FRANKLIN WEBB.