H-29

As at 31st December, 1949, the Wheat and Flour Emergency Regulations 1939 were revoked and with these regulations the Poultry Mash Control Notice 1946. This ended the licensing by the Department of manufacturers of standard poultry mashes ; a scheme introduced in 1946 to effect the equitable distribution of pollard and bran available to the poultry industry. Since that date, however, the poultry industry has requested that this scheme be retained on a voluntary basis, since present and expected supplies of pollard and bran are insufficient to permit of an entirely free market for these meals and at the same time assure the poultry industry of adequate supplies. To summarize it may be stated that providing food-supplies remain adequate in quantity, an expansion of the poultry industry is to be expected with consequent greatly increased quantities of eggs. Closer attention must now be paid to the quality of eggs being offered to the public, as increased consumption will ultimately be needed to take care of the increased production. Without this the poultry industry may be faced with financial and economic problems. New Zealand Poultry Flock Improvement Plan. —That this plan, started in 1945, is still receiving satisfactory support is confirmed by the following figures :

The number of female birds accredited in 1949 permits of the rearing of approximately half a million pullets. This figure indicates the extent to which the plan can affect the stock of the Dominion. It is hoped to expand this plan, controlled by a Dominion committee of producers and officers of the Department, and to render further assistance to poultry breeders. Poultry-diseases. —The economic loss to the poultry industry from diseases among stock remains a matter for concern. Consequently the advisory service on disease, disease-control methods, and the diagnostic service from the Animal Research Station, Wallaceville, have been strengthened. The presence of a full-time field veterinarian (poultry) in each Island has increased the service being given by the Department and appears to have been appreciated by poultry-producers. An outbreak of fowl cholera in an acute form occurred in the South Island during 1949, and as this highly infectious disease had not been reported previously in this form in New Zealand, the affected flock was destroyed, disinfection has been carried out on the" farm, and the poultryfarmer was compensated for his stock losses. Advisory Service. —To overcome difficulties experienced in the past in obtaining the services of suitable men for appointment as Poultry Instructors, a scheme for training cadets was introduced early in 1949. Under this scheme four cadets are receiving a training in the several more important aspects of poultry husbandry. This is proving a successful method of obtaining the staff required and consequently will be continued in the future to maintain an adequate number of practical Poultry Instructors in the field. The Poultry Demonstration Plant, Upper Hutt. —With the return of food-supplies to normal it became possible in 1949 to stock the plant fully. In consequence progress has been made with the breeding programme, particularly in respect of the Black Orpington stock. There are indications that the demand from poultry-producers for Black Orpington birds is on the increase, indicating an appreciation of the work already done on this breed. The programme of practical experiments and demonstrations started early in 1950 includes a study of the comparative value of green food and fish-oil

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— 1945. 1946. 1947. 1948. 1949. Number of flocks accredited Number of female breeders accredited .. 28 5,508 71 15,428 105 26,783 142 41,862 169 47,945