THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 16991, 13 March 1919, Page 6

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

At the Poultrymen’s Conference at Wellington yestoi'day, which was addics-sed by the Countess of Liverpool and Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., Mr J. B. Morrell (secretary of tho conference), in reply to remarks as to Asiatic eggs, said tho Board of Trade had ruled against the poultrymcn on tho point of stopping the importation- Members of Parliament should have -protested against Asiatic eggs when tho Board of Trade’s report came before Parliament. The board had said that it was absolutely necessary to countenance the importations, because there was a shortage of the local supply. The fact was the ponltrymen in New "Zealand could produce all that was required in the Dominion. They should bo encouraged, especially na tho returned soldiers were entering the industry. The annual report stated that the future holds out great promise, and last year’s work had been so encouraging and of such great benefit to the industry that the association would receive ample support. It was nine years since the first conference was held, "and the constitution adopted at that first conference was in existence today. The growth had been gradual, and to-day they stood as an, association, representing 50 societies, having a total of 10,000 members. The chief accession during the year had been tho affiliation of the North and South Island Poultry Associations. These, with their various clubs, had nearly doubled tho representation. This was a year long to be remembered, and would certainly go down to future generations as the consummation of the fancy and commercial forces of poultrydom in New Zealand. During tho course of tho discussion on the report, Mr A. S. Holmes (Auckland) said, if ponltrymen increased their production of eggs by £ per cent, one argument in favor of imported eggs would disappear. New Zealand could produce all that was required at a fair price. The Board of Trade apparently intended to sit down and do nothing. The Auckland societies were inclined to punch hard against tho industry’s enemies, but wished to do it fairly. It was decided to urge the Government to increase tho salaries of poultry experts. The executive were instructed to prepare an improved scheme of finance and; to report to next- conference. It was decided tq ask tho Government to give concessions in fares to delegates attending conferences and judges attending j pul try shows. ______