POULTRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2793, 10 June 1916, Page 15

POULTRY INDUSTRY

(By Chantecler.)

THE SCIENCE OF -COMMERCE

"iho principal present-day weakness of the industry is lacs of organisation among producers, especially in regard to marlioting."—E. G. Brown.

"Tho fii-st step to cooperation is the formation of egg circles, the nest centralisation, and tnen a scnemo whereby reliable distributing agents may be appointed, who would not only be prepared to market the eggs, but also to store tho summer surplus, juid finance producers in order to enable them to cater to the consumer man up-to-date manner.''—E. (J. JJrowii, 1

The progress and standing of a nation in the wond to-day is largely determined by commerce. It is doubtful if anything contributes tu its inlfuenco and position in the world's advancement so much as tho proper establishment and control of its markets. Tho British Empire has awakened to this important phase of development as tho result of the war. -During years of peace we 'felt no anxiety in our security. W'e were content to enjoy tlle wealth that came to us without making strenuous opposition, while our competitors were straining every nerve, exercising every ounco of energy to capture trade and enrich'their position. Instead of a legitimate combination in commerce of the Motherland with its oversea Dominions, wo allowed outside nations to enjoy our trade, while with unsuspecting innocence we encouraged the purchase ot then- goods for their enrichment. We have seen our error in the nick of time. A few moro years, and Germany especially would have so encroached upon our commerce, would have held such enormous interests in tho world's trade, would have enriched herself beyond imagination, and exercised suoh dominance as would. have made any nation shudder to offend her. I hank heavens, she revealed her (hand. Her impatience has wrought her ruin. In the less unpretentious method of grasping control by means of commerce, ■ she _ resorted to the sword, and forced her military power to obtain the dominance that commerce held within her grasp. Her ability to organise, to manufacture and force her goods on the uttermost market of the world created a conceit that other nations were comatose, and that when they fell such an easy victim to insidious trade, they must assuredly tail by the sword. Shall .we,ever feel thankful enough that the war revealed our position? It is hard to pny tho price with so much blood, to lose the best of our manhood, to absorb tho millions of our wealth, but the price we pay is the price of our salvation, and who would not stake his life and all he has to save the '.Empire lie is proud.to represent? ,At the present time wo may of necessity transfer much of our, trade to America, and Japan, but let us tako Heed that we do not on.ee moro make a rod for our own. backs. Already Japan is designated as the.party that stands by and chuckles." n lien the war ends British commerce must become ,a great, science. -The best thought, ■of its manhood must be devoted to industrial establishment. I here mast, be no sentiment. Our veryexistence depends upon it. How irreparable is the blunder Germany has made, but what a deliverance to. the world her mistake has proved. ' To succecd in this grand vision of. British commerce, we must strenuously , work for tho jirinciples upon which a lasting commerce can succeed. We must have every system permeated with a morale' that is pemeated' with honesty. The construction of our commerce must more than ever be built upon a foundation that is not akin to knavery or dishonesty. The time has come when the spirit of straightforward dealing will gain the most,support. .No section of industry and no band of workers are too small to help build up the commercial morale on which the British Empire will depend. We must begin as individuals, as units or sections,. then as industries, until each one feels himself inseparable from the gigantic structure to be known as British commerce. Our industry is part of the,great whole, and we must more than evpr do our part with unflinching fidelity. ' It is legitimate that we form ourselves into an organised force for the marketing of our products, so long as we deal equitably with the public. . The Aioment we exist for ultra-selfish reasons and demand unfair prices for inferior quality, then, wo help disintfgrate the System upon which . the Empire will depend. Let no one estimate his work as unimportant. It may be lor our industry the grand and glorious work of setting an example of what commercial life should be. We are engaged in the production of the choicest of human foods—eggs and poultry. Our products are in keen demand, and while we seek to obtain' remuneration on our part wo must be exemplary, and-not seek to exploit the public by any unfair means. The cost of production, the supply, and the demand are the factors that govern equitable prices. To effect the proper adjustment of prices there must be organised forces, centralisation of products, and honest, straightforward agents to control. We produce that which can be sold on commission, and there should be no reason why producers aiid consumers should not receive' full values according to-the laws of honest commercialism.

Total Total lor 10. . " . wedk.. dato.*; Verrall Bros., 'B.li 23 193 Brackenfield Farm, B.L 18 135 W. Davey, W.L ■24 ,l«J. B. Merrett, W.L. 22 18? • E. G. Shearman, W.L. 25 v " 145 Heretaunga Poultry Co., W.L. •... 24 78 H. Ball. . W.L. .. 23 176 SI. A.. Onrrin, W.L 27 .130 Daliftuir Poultry Yards, W.L.... 24 207 Mrs. 11. Graham; W.L. :.... i 6 117 J. \ Wordsworth, W.L 15 69 H. E. Bob, W.L 27 145 It. H. James, W.L. 24 111 . C. J. Norton, W.L.' 22 169 Alfred Eaton, W.L 24 189* AT. H. Walker, W.L 15 .1(9 Green Bros. (No. 2), W.L 2fl 160 H. Lcgcr, W.L ; 29 108 J. Naucarrow, W.L 3(l' • 176 Colder Bros., W.L.-. 27-". 194 R. PoulisfGrd, W.L. 23 148 A. W. Adams, W.L 29 167 A. E. Phillips, W.L 27 198 T Konnedy. W.L. 23 93 V J. Hill, W.L'. 3i 171 B. P. L, Claysou, W.L 18 165 '!'. E. Conway, -W.L. 27 125 lleretamiga Poultry.Co. (No. 1), W.L '. 26 164 Rangiuru Ranch, W.IS 26 180 '8. Dick, W.L 23 142'' 0. Geo, W.L 18 167 H. C. Yates, W.L 15 159 E. P. Amyos, W.L. 14 197 A. E. Wilson, W.L '. 20 165 Mrs. J. Mills, W.L 30 18d A. G.'Brailcy, W;L 6 77 Green Bros. . (No. 1), W.L 18 145 Atkinson Bros,, W.L 24 152 A. A. Hoare, W.L 31 123 L. T. Wrißht, W.L ; 15 92 Tc Auau Utility Stud, W.L 14 126 T. H'llwraith, W.L. 22 39 It. A. Lazarus, W.L 11 ijg H. W. Bower, W.L •. 13 118 H. S. Woodnorth, W.L. 15 125 IMtowhitu Poultry Co., W.L. ... 14 IEB !.Odder Bros, W.L! < '23 . 166 J'.-B. Jfcrrctt (No. 1), W.L 16 133 Jack Green, W.L 29 2C4 ■ Totab 1061 7155

Co-operation may be idealistic, but it has its contingencies. .While we can produce, we may not have the capital -that commerce demands. Still our products form the one-half of the business, and "we are in a position to dictate terms to our satisfaction. Once a reliable agent is secured, hi* experience, premises, and capital may be made use of for a driven | commission. Producers can then obtain all tiie benefits of co-operation. They j have an opportunity to centralise, capture ; markets, obtain best prices for quality,.■ and prove their.loyalty to the bass for supplies. From this step co-operation | may evolve. Confidence is inspired, and satisfaction is guaranteed. "We must be . prepared to do our share in this Dominion. Wc must work hand in hand, and economise in marketing so that wo rnujr secure the industrial supremacy the Empire looks for. By doing our work well, we attract others to imitate our example, and, while we have been one of the laet of the industries to organise in marketing, we can most assuredly be among the foremost to set an ideal in commercial-: isim. Producers everywhere are ginning. to throw aside . sentiment. The splitting up of forces, undue competition oa the markets amoiiir appointed agents simply through sentsinßnt are methods for which the producer has to pay. The engagement of a rcnahm salesman, the centralisation of supplies, and the capture of outside order* should be the purpose of all. Gradually bus will come about, and in a few years ww Uojjb to see the poultry industry so orgauis«il commercially as to be the envy oi all other agricultural industries. Let us remcumfir the part wc have to play in the world s commerce. Too- long have we negte«t«rl the economic struggle in which nations are engaged. We must now go in lor perfect organisation, llow fortunate wn are compared with other industries. Ave are not subject to the upheavals caused through strikes. From an economic standpoint these prove a handicap to pur industries that must over jeopardise l, ur hope to compete in tho wor*d s Adjustments there should be, but tho frequency of strikes on the ;mosu cnuulike pretexts must over put our industries out of stride, and open the wav tor other countries to produce at such a cheap rate that for our protection no fiscal barrier can intervene. Let* poultry producers show the way. We have suitable uyoducts for the idealisation of commercial organisation. Let's do our part, and do it now. Utility Poultry Shows. & few years ago the fear was expressed that poultry shows would dio out, duo to tho want of support accordcd by fanciers. It was never anticipated that tho utility breeders would be supporters of shows, as they were not credited with being breeders' of'standard-bred birds Quite the reverse has been the result. '«;ho shows are Grouser than ever, us tho utility classes have been added, and splendidly supported by utility breeders. The fancy spirit is strong with them, and it is found that they liavo a genuine love for standard-bred birds, as well as the fancier. . Australia has been even slower than Now Zealand to encourage utility classes, with the result that their shows fell away to nothing. They havu now .awakened to their, need, and are catering for tho utility breeders. Tho. Sydney show recently mado provision for utility birds, and tho competition ttafl keen. It is interesting to note the points

allotted for judging. Standard pointa are as follow:—Typo (shape and symmetry), 25; colour (plumage), 10; logs (colour), 5; condition (general); 5. Lay. ing characteristics: Conformation (indicating stamina and capacity), 10; head (fine and long), 10; freedom from coarseness (in bone and tissue), 10; comb (neat and medium size), 5; lace (fine, lean, not shrunken), 5; eye (large and hold and expressive), 5; weight (medium), 5; plumage (not fluffy or hard), 5. Total, ICO. Young Bird Shows, It is undesirablo that utility breeders should break away from fanciers. The two shows work together, and make the shows a success. They can -work iu harmony, and will do so as the years go by. It is to be hoped the governing bodies will not allow a division in forces, and have two shows running in the town. Wo had a glaring instance of this fallacy in a North Island town. Still, to encourage young breeders ■ and acquaint them with standard " requirements, young bird shows could be held early in the season. Ample support would be assured. The idea should ba announced early, so as to give breeders a ohance to have their stock well for ward. If l>eld about March or April, these shows would prove educative fac- ' tors, and create widespread interest. A Suggestion. Is it not time we did away with the secrecy that envelopes our shows? Why should judges be thought amenable to I-favouritism in poultry any more than at au A. and P. Show? Take horses. The owner may be known to the judge, may oven lead the horse round the ring, but no one ascribes partiality to the judge on this account. Why should poultry an exception ? Why should the owner's name be put up with the exhibit? Surely, the judge can be trusted to give an equitable award. It would also add to the interest if the exhibitor's card advertising his stook, or leaflets descriptive of his birds, were attached to the pen for the benefit'of the public. These may prove rabid suggestions, but it'wants something to shako up the dry-ai-dust stereotyped system that has been in vogue tor years. Why not have the shows open for Sunday inspection when convenient? At Newtown Park thousands of visitors go to see the beautiful birds, flowers, etc., on Sundays. Why should they be debarred from swing the fine birds on which the nation depends for its choicest article of food? Of all tho varied factors in the development of the poultry industry there is nono so deficient in original ideas so much as theshow section., The public want a change, and the support -will follow. With tho same old system year after year is it any wonder interest Hags? ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. W. Cowell, L«vin.—lron is out of the question for roofing just now; unless you can buy up a line of second-hand cheaply, ltuberoid is cheaper', and if placed on a sarked roof will last for years. A coat oftar and fine saucl two years after erection will greatly prolong its life. J. Moore, Hastings.—A second-hand chaff-cutter is a good machine for cutting up green feed. It is cheap and practical. •If birds have good dusting quarters, you will have little trouble with insects. Lime placed in the soil' for dusting makes it friable, and tho birds greatly enjoy 'its -use. You cannot over-feed laying liens'. If they grow fat on your present feeding they are poor egg-producers. "Subscriber," Wellington.—(l) By measure oiw handful to each bird is the right quantity; (2) want of. exercise is the cause of feather-eating, which, ,once' begun, develops into a;, habit. Give them plenty of . scratching material, and make them work for their feed. (3) Red mite do not usually live on the birds. They' nestle in perches and cracks and attack the birds at night., Paint the perches with strong sheep (lip or liquid disinfectant. N.Z. UTILITY POULTRY CLUB'S NEW COMPETITIONS. The official results of tho eighth week of tho New Zealand Utility Poultry Club's twelfth egg-laying competition for fowls for tho week catted Tuesday.'June 6, are as follow:— LIGHT BREEDS,

• THIRD HEAVY BREED TEST. Total Total for to week. date. T. Kennedy, W.W 8 15 Gi'cou Bros, W,W 15 ' 73 W. Knijjht, W.P.E 17 75 A. S. Cooper, K.I.H; 19 10i Miss E. Willis, 8.0 33 . 173 0. J. Norton, 8.0 27 M T. 15. Conway, 8.0 30 '173 ,T. No neat-row, 8.0 17 183 Miss J. James, 8.0 18 194 T. Dowllr.vaitc,: K.W : 22 79 A. W. Adams, S.W 10 34 Totals 216." 1137 Fill ST SINGLE PEN TEST. Total Total fol' to week. date. A. S. Cooper, E.I.R 13 70 R. H. J. Janics, W.L 5 43 T. L. Wright, W.L 5 . 21 llangiuru ligg Ranch, W.L 4 32 Gicoii Bros., W.L. £ 37 Oalder Bros., W.L 6 42 W. Davcv. W.L 5 . 32 J. li. Merrett, W.L. 0 21 A. E. Wilson, W.L 2 32 Mrs. J. Jtills, W.L : 6 -. <6 Atkinson Bros., W.L 5 32 B. P. Ii: Clnyson,' W.L 4 40 J. Wordsworth. W.L — -2 Totals ;... 61 450 FOR DUCKS. Tho New Zealand Utility Poultry Club's seventh egg-laying test for dueks. Returns, for the ciffhth week are as follow:— Total Total for to week date. W. Knight, I.R : 17 52 Poultry Co., I.E. ... 28 212 11.. W. Bower, I.R 19 195 Totals '. 64 459 The letters after each entry denote tho breed, «s under:—ll.L., Brown Leghorn; W.L., While Leghorn; S.W., Silver Wyandotte;- R.1.R., Rhode Island Red; W.W.. White Wyandotte; H. 0., Black Orpington; W.1'.1t., White Plymouth Rook; 1.E., Indian Runner, j