GENERAL NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 182, 22 October 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

GENERAL NOTES

Mr. A. Wood, the well-known runner duck specialist, who has been laid up for 10 days with neuritis and an attack of influenza, is now able to get about. We are sure his fi.rst appearance outdoors will be a visit to his poultry yards. During the week we paid a visit to the yards of Mr. W. Bish, Henderson. This well-kn6wn fancier has a large number of chickens from his winning White Rocks, also Rhode Island Reds. Chinese Langshans, Black Orpingtons and White Leghorns. Another large incubator of eggs is due to hatch this week-end. Mr. Bish has some very promising Rhode Island Red chickens which he is looking forward to bringing further honours to his yards. We noticed his cup-winning Old English Game Bantam cock was looking as fit as ever. We also admired a beautiful Minorca hen which Mr. Bish had just bought from a local breeder. Friend Bish has an eye for bargains. We are exceedingly sor.ry to have to report that Mr. Drayton, of Glen Eden, who underwent a serious operation several months ago, has made little or no improvement, with the result he has had to return to hospital. We trust this will be the means of a change for the better and that our old friend will soon be back among his poultry. During her husband’s long illness Mrs. Drayton has had a most strenuous time, having to be in constant attendance upon him and also attend to several hundred head of poultry.

The South Island Leghorn and Minorca Club has decided to hold a series of educational meetings. The subject at the next meeting of the club will be on the mating and breeding of Mmorcas, also all varieties of Leghorns. Several breeders have notified the secretary of their willingness to speak on the different varieties. We congratulate the members of the club on their endeavour to assist the young fancier in such a practical manner. So far as the North Island Leghorn Club is concerned, it might be a. secret society as it is heard of only about once a year. It could, with advantage, take a leaf out of the book of the South Island Club.

Both Brown and White Leghorns have taken a new lease of life in Christchurch, several trios of both varieties having been recently imported into the district. A few years ago the writer remembers seeing at the Christchurch Show some of the best specimens of both varieties he had seen at any show, whereas three years ago they were the worst specimens he had ever judged. The new importations should do much to bring both varieties to their former popularity. The many fancier friends, both or pigeons and poultry, will regret to hear that Mr. V. Ryder, who has been laid up has been ordered a complete rest and change of air and has, therefore, gone to Sydney. We sincerely hope the change may bring about an improvement in Mr. Ryder’s health.

Mr. P. Jack. Christchurch, the wellknown breeder of Light Sussex, has sold his Rangiora winning cockerel to Rev. Brother Robert, Marist Brothers’

College, Sydney. The bird was shipped to Australia during the week. Mr. Jack informs us that he has had an exceptional season for the sale of birds and eggs. Light Sussex are slowly coming into their own in New Zealand. Apart from being a British breed, it is, in our opinion, the best all-rounder in existence. At the last meeting of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon and Cage Bird Association a letter was read from the Hno. G. M. Thomson stating that his Bill for the prohibition of live pigeon shooting would be brought forward again at the next session of Parliament. Pigeon shooting is a cruel sport and should, most certainly, be abolished.

We have just received a copy of a new book on Leghorns by Mr. C. A. House, editor of “Poultry World,” London, and author of several books on poultry, bantams and canaries. Although Leghorns are the most popular of all breeds of fowls, few books have been written on this breed, and one coming from the pen of such a well-known authority as Mr. House should provide a welcome addition to the library of all Leghorn breeders. We have carefully perused the book which is devoted to all varieties of Leghorns, and we consider it the most complete and reliable book on Leghorns offered to the public to-day. It is an excellent book, interesting, carefully prepared, and contains practicable, and reliable information on breeding and mating of all varieties. Special articles are included from leading Leghorn specialists in Holland, England and New Zealand. Mr. House has also included a copy of the different Leghorn clubs’ standards of points. To those wishing complete information concerning any phase of breeding Leghorns we would advise them to obtain a copy of this valuable book dealing extensively with both the fancy and the utility side.

It would seem as if there is more money in selling day-old ducklings than day-old chicks. While attending the Auckland City Markets on Tuesday we saw several day-old ducklings sold at Is ild each.