Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MAY 2. 1899. Poultry Rearing.

Manawatu Herald, 2 May 1899, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MAY 2. 1899 . Poultry Rearing.

We have so often written on the opportunities that are neglected in poultry raising in this district, without any, as yet satisfactory results, but as the constant dropping of water wears away a stone, so we have faith that a constant reminder of the wealth within reach of all, will yet have due effect. It is only the other day that we mentioned the sale of ducks in Wellington at four shillings and sixpence a pair, which if not an astounding sum as compared with London prices, yet represent a sum easily obtained. There is an advantage in poultry raising which is not present in all classes of agricultural produce, and that 13 a practical impossibility of glutting the Wellington market, as any excess beyond the requirements of the inhabitants can be profitably shipped Home. In a pamphlet issued by the Agricultural Department a quotation is given for prime chickens, which should be from three to five months old and about three and a half pounds live weight, as follows : — January, three to four shillings each in London, same in February, and three shillings and three pence to four shillings and sixpence each in March, and one shilling a h«ad more in April. In May they begin to fall from four to five shillings a head, and June to three shillings and sixpence to four shillings and three pence a head. Ducklings, which should be from ten weeks to five months old, weighing not under four pounds each, live weight, are quoted in London as being worth in January from three to five shillings each, February from a sixpence to a shilling a head dearer, in March four shillings and sixpence to eight shillings each, and in April from six shillings and sixpence to ten shillings each, as with chickens prices then begin to take a downward grade. In New South Wales great atttntraa is B9w being paid to

the poultry trade, and the Board of Exports have experts to whom all fowls must be sent alive, and who grades, kills, plucks, prepares, and packs them. The Board finds cases, freeze, and ship the birds at the following rates : — Fowls and ducklings, sixpence per pair ; geese and turkeys, one shilling per pair. This covers all expenses except railway freight. The trouble of the industry is thas very much diminished, and did our Government encourage growers in the same manner, all that would need to be done would be to rear the better class of fowls, and feed them well when young. Before this point has beereached it would pay all holders of any small portion ot land to pay more attention to this business, and to make themselves acquainted with the best breeds for killing and for the production of eggs. There is no need for any selfishness to be exhibited as each person should help his neighbour all he can for he cannot weaken the market but rather, by a greater export being encouraged, could lessen freights and thus, indirectly, harden up prices. The Government have just lately issued a leaflet " Poultry and Eggs,' 1 which can be obtained free of cost on application at any post office, or from the Department, and which we commend to the notice of our readers. O F the leaflet it can be said as it has been of the use of good words "it cost? little and is worth much."