South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1928, Page 2

South Taranaki News

(From Our Own Reporters.)

Telepbtns No. 2796, Hawera.

F 0. Box 133, Hawera.

WORK OF MASSEY COLLEGE DEAN OF HUSBANDRY IN HAWERA ADDRESS TO PIG BREEDERS. About 35 pig breeders from all parts or Taranaki, for the most part members of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Jig Breeders’ Association, heard the address by Professor W. Riddet, dean of animal husbandry at the Massey Agricultural College, at Hawera yesterday. The professor was present at the invitation of the Taranaki branch of the association, which is anxious to co-operate as much as possible with the college. After hearing the professor, the president, Mr. Don Stewart, who presided, moved the following motion, which was carried: “That as it is essential, in the opinion of this meeting, to improve the standard of our Berkshire pigs, new. bi’ood should be introduced.” Associated with the chairman were Professor Riddet, Mr. W. J. McCullough (farm manager at the college), Mr. W. B. Grant (Taranaki representative on the Board of Agriculture), and Mr. M. C. Oighton (secretary of the Taranaki branch). In introducing the professor, the chairman said: “W e ar e not getting where we should in breeding. We can produce good females but when we want to produce a good exhibition boar we are lost.” “Pig breeding is a big problem in New Zealand,” said the professor. "It is a great pity that we are turning out so large an amount of dairy produce in this country and so small an amount of pig produce. In Denmark there are produced two fat pigs per cow milked. Our pigs do not nearly approximate this. I do not despise this state of affairs, however, because the economic conditions are different.” BUILDING UP AN EXPORT TRADE. Mr. Riddet said he had every confidence in a big industry being built up if they could get an export trade with a good remunerative return. This depended on three things—the pig itself, the feeding of the pig, and the marketing. Britain was frequently referred to as the stud farm of the world, but it was impossible to pick up any British journal without being impressed with the variety in pigs. This multiplicity of breeds had given rise to a difficulty in Britain and it would be a pity if, at that stage, they aimed in New Zealand at. having a great many breeds in the country.

For the past year activities at the Massey College had been somewhat limited, but provision had been made fox' a more extensive programme this year. The college did not intend to supply the country with pure-bred pigs, sinee there were in New Zealand many breeders of pigs who eould do that. It was not the duty of the college to compete with the breeders. There was, however, an important part to play in the investigation of feeding and type, and the college would take tip that work. On the dairy farm the best returns were received when some green or other feed was supplemented to the skim milk, the latter alone being vei’y badly balanced. In their work they aimed at ascertaining the economical return from feeding grain. A certain amount of | very useful work had been carried out at Lincoln College during the last two years. It had been shown that, so long as pork was worth 6d a lb, barley could be fed at 5s per bushel. Their work at the Massey College would be on these lines with particular reference to North Island conditions. ATM AT STANDARD ARTICLE. Dealing with breed type the professor said he did not intend arguing the merits of the various breeds. There were in New Zealand Berkshire, Tamworth, Yorkshire, middle White, large White and large Black, and it was open to question which was the best breed and the best cross. This could be determined only by investigation. Strain meant almost as much as breed, and preparations were being made to ascertain the means of finding out the best strains in the country. This work was, however, in the very early stages. Berkshire pigs were very largely of the oi-iginal British type bred for pork purposes and not for bacon. In Canada in recent years an attempt had been made to alter the type and, in consequence, the Canadian type of Berkshire differed from the British, because Canada aimed at a bacon type. In connection with pork and bacon production, if in this country an export trade were to be built up they would have to aim at a standard article, and it had to be determined what was the most desirable type of pig to meet with the approval of the British buyer. On the British market there were so many types of pigs that there was a lack of uniformity in the bacon. From New Zealand they woultl have to send pigs Home before they could be sold, and unless a standard article eould be shipped, in which the buyer would have every confidence, New Zealand could not build up an export trade. Which was the best, pig for bacon and which the best for pork would have to be determined, and it might be possible to combine both requirements in the same pig as had been suggested previously.

Mr. W. B. Grant thought the Massey College should provide breeders with sires, since there had been too much in-breeding. In his opinion fresh blood would have to be imported. He asked whether it would not be possible to use one breed as a bacon as well as a pork pig, and if the college could assist in getting a selection of boars. SUPPLY OF PURE-BRED ANIMALS. Professor Riddet said that quite recently an experiment had been carried out at Cambridge on the feeding of Large White pigs. Some were fed, sold and killed as porkers and were very favourably reported on, while others from the same litter were fed and sold as baeoners. The report was favourable in this ease also. This, however, had been only a small experiment. Touching on the other question, the professor said the supply of pure-bred pigs could best be given by breeders who were specialising in this line. As the slaughter test was the only test of

feeding it was not a good policy to kill off the progeny of good pure-bred pigs. Mr. J. Dakers said the standardising of pigs might be carried out, but then there was the much more difficult qxxestion of standardising the farmer. The professor said the experiments 'at the college were to investigate the methods of feeding in New Zealand, and the results of these investigations would be made available to the farmers. “I don't think it is at all impossible to produce a standard pig,” said Mr. Riddet. In early years, in Denmark attempts had been made to p oduee pork when pork prices were high and bacon when it was commanding a good price, but producers saw the error of their ways and concentrated on baeoners. Mr. O. Robertson voiced the opinion thta if the freezing companies eould be induced to pay according to the quality or the pig as they did for lambs it would be found that 'he standard of the pig would rise very rapidly. There was at present no inducement for a fanner to produce a good article. Professor Riddet. wds inclined to think that payment on quality would come in time. ( EXPERIMENTS IN DENMARK. To Mi-. Murphy, the professor said the. breed they had started with in Denmark had been a coarse native pig which had been crossed with the Large White Yorkshire and had been improved through the work of testing stations, of which there were three in Denmark. Each owner of pedigree pigs informed the station that he had so many sows and, in order to be recognised as a breeder, he had. to send four young pigs from each litter. All such pigs were fed similarly. In addition to the rate at which they matured and the feed they consumed, their carcases were examined closely, ami the dams of first-class progeny were certificated. As a result the ‘Danes had so improved their pigs that, they could at the present time dispense, to some extent, with the Large Whites, and hoped to do without them altogether in the near future. It did not follow, however, said the professor, that the particular breed of pig they used to "fine down” their native breed was one that would be most suited to this country.

To Mr. D. Wards, the professor said the Canadians worked with the Tamworth and Large White, but they were interested mostly in the bacon trade. Generally speaking, the Tamworth sow made a very good mother. “Which breed would mature earliest, the progeny from the Tamworth boar and Berkshire sow or vice versa?” asked Mr. D. Wards.

The professor said he eould not answer the question direct, but hoped to do so at the end of the year. "Do you know of any country that pays by standard!” was a question by Mr. Grant.

The professor replied that every export country did so, and in Canada, he understood they had a system of grading live pigs. BETTER SYSTEM OF DISPOSAL. To Mr. Robertson, who asked if inbreeding in pigs was more detrimental than in any other species of animal, the professor said that was so. Pigs bred more often than other species and - defects could be traced over a shorter period of years. Mr. Wards considered that the present method of disposal was at fault. A well-fed pig did not lose so much in shrinkage as one poorly fed, yet there was no difference in price. He thought if some better system of disposal were adopted, such as a market day with pigs submitted to auction, a good pig would then realise more. The ehairman said that possibly something might be done - later on, but it was rather a big matter and would take some working up. The above motion was then moved by the chairman and seconded by Mr. C. C. Grover. Mr. Stewart said the branch might even import a boar for the district, but the difficulty lay in having someone at the other end to select the right type of animal. He thought the Massey College could assist in that direction. Mr. Dakers thought it advisable to wait until the Massey College had ascertained. which was the best standard type. ‘ Mr. Riddet said the college was dealing with feeding only in the meantime. The lecturer extended an invitation to any who were interested to visit the college.at any time.

LOYAL UNION LODGE. A meeting of the Loyal -Union Lodge (Hawera) was held in the Orange Hall on Wednesday evening, Bro. A. Tidswell, N.G., presiding. A letter of introduction was granted Bro. Gates to enable him to visit Loyal Cambridge Lodge, The matter of arranging a district social and re-union was left over until next lodge night. Sister Wallis reported on her visit to (Loyal Riwaka Lodge, Motueka district. It was decided to hold a dance at Tokaora Hall on May 2, arrangements being left to Sister Wallis to report at next lodge meeting. The question of holding an annual ball was also mooted, but was deferred. P.P.G.M. Bro. C. Allen gave minor degrees to several brethren. Two new candidates were initiated into the lodge land order and welcomed with musical honours. On the adjournment of the meeting, supper was banded round by the sisters. REV. E. S. EMMETT INDUCTED. The induction of the Rev. E, S. Emmett, late of the Hataitai Methodist Church, to the pulpit at Hawera rendered vacant by the 'ransfer of the Rev. W. J. Oxbrow, was conducted last night by the Rev. W. W. Avery, chairman of the Taranaki-Wanganui district. The pews were well filled. The Revs. H. C. Orchard (Manaia) and T. Coatsworth (Opunake) were present as 'assisting clergymen, while a number of (the Opunake and Manaia congregations [were also present. [ Afterwards, at a happy social, Mr. and Mrs. Emmett and family were 1 given a hearty welcome by a large gathering. Mr. J. Foy presided. A number of elocutionary and 'musical

items, together with supper, made the evening a pleasant one. OLD BOARDING HOUSE BURNT. MIDNIGHT BLAZE AT ELTHAM. < Fire demolished an old 16-roomed building in Bridge Street, Eltham, at about 11.15 o'clock on Wednesday night. The building had been used for many years as a boarding-house up till the time it was gutted by fire about two years ago. It is understood that the State Advances Department, as mortgagee, hold the interest most affected. GENERAL ITEMS. That the issue of new number plates for motor ears each year was a large annual waste was the opinion of Cr. J. F. Stevenson at the monthly meeting of the Waimate West County Council yesterday. The chairman (Mr. E. Long) said no less than £14,090 was wasted in this way every year and he thought the number plates should be sent’ in, re-conditioned and re-issued. “I cannot understand why the authorities do not make us of this material again,” said Mr. Long. This opinion was unanimously supported by the council.

“Is it possible to send out frequent reports of experimental work carried out at the college?” asked Mr. W. B. Grant of Professor W. Riddet, dean of animal husbandry at the Massey Agricultural College, during his address at Hawera yesterday. The professor said that in time they hoped to keep constantly in touch with farmers ana supply results of the work carried out, but they would not do so until the experiments had been conclusive. “We hope to work in with you as much as possible and wish to be of every assistance we can to the community,” added the professor. What appears to have been, a false alarm of fire was given at 11 o’clock bn Wednesday night, when a telephone message was received at the Hawera fire station stating that a fire had broken out in the shed of a residence in Victoria Street. The brigade turned out, but found no sign of a fire at the address or in the vicinity, seventeen members of the brigade being thus needlessly brought to the scene.

“How is a man with one arm going to get on?” asked a councillor at the monthly meeting of the Waimate West County Council yesterday, during a discussion on the new motor regulations providing- that motorists must give signals when turning or stopping. It was said that among one-armed motorists were to be found many expert drivers.

A car driven by an unknown man struck a bicycle ridden by Miss Thelma Mullins on Wednesday evening in the vicinity of the railway crossing on the South Road and ran over both wheels. Miss Mullins was thrown off the eycle and severely shaken but was able to drag her machine home before collapsing.- Miss Mullins has recovered.

“No eouncillox- should want to ext on this council to make money out of it. but he should not be out of pocket,” was the opinion of Cr. J. F. Stevenson at the meeting of the Waimate West County Council yesterday, during a discussion on councillors’ expenses. Other members said they would rather .accept nothing than cause a lot of trouble over the question.

The old Hawera railway stockyards are being pulled down, except one that will remain to-accommodate the present needs of drovers and stock dealers. A start will be made immediately with the erection of the new yards .further to the north and -across the rails, the excavation work entailed having been completed. Many of the old rails and posts will be utilised in the new yards. The subway has almost been finished, but with road formation and other work it will be about two months~’before the new yards are ready for use. It is understood that about 130 yards of cement, work were put into subway work, and that the whole of the undertaking will cost about £7,000. An unofficial suggestion has been made that the concrete floor of the old cattle yards at the railway station might be made available as a taxi stand and the station platform be lengthened further towards the end New Plymouth end.

The Otakeho Men's Hockey Club’s annual general meeting is advertised xn this issue, to be held on April 16. Members and intending members are coi'dially invited. PERSONAL ITEMS. Before leaving to join the ■ party travelling with the All Blacks' on the South African tour, Mr. B. C. Bexinett, of Hawera, was given an enthusiastic farewell on the station yesterday morning. On Wednesday Mr. Bennett was met by members of bls firm and presented with a' ease of pipes as a token of goodwill. Mr. R. Gainham, of Wellington, returned borne by the mail train yesterday morning after spending a short holiday in Taranaki and visiting Mr. T. Hurreli, of Hawera. Mr. T. Ennis, of Auckland, who was a well-known resident of Hawera during the time of its early settlement, has been visiting the town after an absence of several years. The Hon. G. M. Thomson, M.L.C., who has been on a visit to his son, Dr. W. M. Thomson, of Hawera, returned south by the express train yesterday. Miss A. Turner, late pf Hawera, who. has been in Sydney for some time, has returned and is the guest of Mrs. E. Harrison, Ravenshoe, Nolantown. BUSINESS NOTICE. The well-known business oi H. A. Brunette, watchmaker, jeweller,. etc., of Hawera, has changed hands. Owing to illhealth Mr. Brunette’s medical adviser has considered it necessary for him to leave Hawera. For the past 47 years Mr. Brunette has been connected with the firm, building up a business of repute wellknown throughout Taranaki. Messrs.. J. B. Gerrand anti Sons, who have acquired the business, have been in Palmerston North for upwards of a quarter of a century, anel are now having a huge clearing sale, offering one-third off marked prices (6/8 in the £1), and will by courtesy and craftsmanship endeavour to uphold the traditions established by Mr. Brunette. Under the managership of Mr. J. B. Gerrand’s son (Mr. V. M. Gerrand) it is hoped to have the continued support of om patrons and new business can be assured of having careful and proinpt attention. Sale lines of special interest include diamond rings, watches, silverware and ffilverplate suitable for wedding and Easter gifts. Sports trophies, etc., too numerous to mention are all subject to this discount of C/8 in th® £1 off BiaiKty . prices.