POULTRY NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20254, 24 July 1937, Page 24 (Supplement)

POULTRY NOTES.

PRODUCERS’ FEDERATION. SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE. Those Interested in poultry throughout the Auckland province should be pleased with the action taken by the Auckland Provincial Poultry Board member in arranging the recent con-

ference of delegates of all branches of the Federation of the Auckland province. This conference was held in Hamilton and about 20 delegates attended including members from Manakau, Franklin, Waitemata, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty and Waikato. It is understood that similar meetings are being held throughout New Zealand at the various centres, and it certainly appears that poultry producers are now showing greater interest in their industry than they have done in the past. As the Mayor of Hamilton stated in opening the conference, poultry-keeping should be more than a sideline, and may yet prove to be one of the most important primary industries of the Dominion.

Co-operation of Producers. Much important business was discussed and although members did not always see eye-to-eye with one another, it was evident that they were all determined to put the industry on a better footing. It was mentioned by several delegates that their branches were not as strong in membership as they -should be, and this also applies to the Waikato branches, according to remarks passed by one of the district’s representatives.

If all those keeping poultry would only realise what help can be given by their joining the nearest branch in their locality, they would have a much stronger voice when placing their views before the authorities concerned. The fee to membership of the Hamilton East and West branches Is 2s 6d per annum, and these branches are throwing in their weight behind the parent body. The figures submitted by Mr A. J. Severn, secretary of the New Zealand Poultry Producers’ Federation, are astounding. There are 150,000 poultry producers in the Dominion, 20,000 of whom keep over 25 birds each. A total of 15,000 producers registered their flocks last season, yet throughout the Dominion only 1500 belonged to the federation. It is quite apparent that there are large numbers who are doing nothing to assist their more energetic fellow producers in their efforts to build the industry through organisation to what it should be. The federation’s objects are for the betterment of not only the producers but for the consuming public as well.