THE “POSSIBLE.”

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1930, Page 7

THE “POSSIBLE.”

SCORED BY TWO DUCKS

NEW ZEALAND SUCCESS

SYDNEY, June 23

New Zealand is well to the fore m the big egg-laying contest that is proceeding in Melbourne—described as the biggest contest of its kind since Non. I ', -ook a pair of hens, and perhaps some ducks, for a trip in the Ark. Seventy-eight days have passed since the ibirds settled down in their .comfortable quarters. There are 1107 of them altogether, and two ducks—a Khaki Campbell from Victoria and an Indian Runner from New Zealand, debonair ladies both, distinguished themselves by laving 69 eggs in 69 days. And they must he still going strong, otherwise the fact that they had missed a day would have been given the prominence which such failure warranted. The success of the ducks has led to some bitterness among the rival camps tout as the ducks are hopelessly outnumbered, the proud quacking has been drowned by the clamour of the cackling. A stylish Black Orpington from Victoria is leading the hens with 68 eggs in 69 days. The supporters of this lady believe that she will have the best figures when the contest closes at midnight on March 30 of next year. A Light Suffolk from New Zealand has laid a steady and sure 60, and it is felt that this bird, which has attracted a groat deal of attention, will not be satisfied until she has caught up with the Black Orpington, She probably feela that she holds the honour of her breed ip her beak, Many of the birds have fallen by the wayside, and up to a day or so ago had not laid a single egg. They sulk in their dressing-rooms like offended jprima donnas. Their fellows think it is decidedly bad taste, and they have lost caste. Still they are not entirely to blame, perhaps. Climatic conditions affected the moulting season of some of the entrants. It is said that egg-laying lias all the glorious uncertainties of cricket, so interest in the contest is bound to be maintained, for sooner or later the leaders will “go off” and the others will -“come on.” The big prizes that are offered for the champion duck and the champion hen may induce some df the rank outsiders to put in an extra spurt.

There may be other glory for the winners, tod. Breeders in Italy, England,. and Canada hav© written to the Australian Poultry Breeders’ Association. asking it to promote a world championship at Melbourne next year. The plan has not been adapted yet, tout if it is Australia and New Zealand would have to select a team, a_nd past performances are bound to play an important part.