POULTRY PRODUCERS

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 24

POULTRY PRODUCERS

POLICY OF BOARD A special meeting of the Dunedin branch of the Poultry Producers’ Federation was held in the Dunedin Jockey Club room last night, when the proposals for the future policy of the New Zealand Poultry Board were considered. There was a good attendance of members, presided over by Mr Alex. Burt. The chairman pointed out the importance of organisation of the poultry industry. The local branch of the federation was started in October last, and ono of the aims of the federation was the grading amid stamping of eggs offered for public sale. Mr J. Hutton (president of the Poultry Board) said that without organisation tho industry could not carry on successfully. To get a profitable price for products was necessary for the poultry farmer, as for all producers. Wheat producers and millers were getting bettor prices, and an unorganised poultry industry would suffer by higher costs and no higher prices for products. The Poultry Board had already been instrumental in securing legislation for the marking of chilled eggs so that these could not be sold as fresh. More could be done when tho poultry fanners all got behind the federation to make the board the actual voice of the whole industry. Tho Government was willing to make reforms as long as the majority of poultrymen were behind the measures. Grading of eggs, which would give greater public satisfaction, should bo possible within the near future. The New Zealand Poultry Association, which the board superseded, did much during its twenty-four years in tho direction of organising the industry. After tho war tbe Government placed many returned men on poultry farms, but Asiatic eggs were being sold in New Zealand for 5d dozen. Through united effort this was eventually prohibited, and tho following year New Zealand was able to export eggs as well as supply local needs. Similar action had kept the price of feed from becoming unreasonable. Co-operation was necessary to-day to secure a greater number of farmers taking part in the export of eggs. Large consignments had been sent away, but by a comparatively few producers. It woul ’. be to the advantage of all if more participated. This year there had been over 70,000 dozen eggs held in cool stores and 110,1481 b of pulp more than last year. It would be better to send this surplus overseas. North Otago had forwarded the bulk of the 3,053 crates last year. The Poultry" Board had decided to bring out a publication for free distribution to registered poultry farmers first, but with the hope that subscriptions would be forthcoming to make tho journal permanent. Several members availed themselves of the opportunity of asking Mr Hutton questions on particular points they wished to have elucidated.