REARING PHEASANT CHICKS

Evening Star, Issue 23175, 26 January 1939, Page 3

REARING PHEASANT CHICKS

POWER FAILURE CAUSES HEAVY LOSS OTHER FORMS OF KEATING SUGGESTED [Peu United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, January 25. 'That a succession of electrical power failures Lad caused the loss of a considerable number, of pheasant chicks during the brooding stages was reported by the chairman of the Game Committee (Mr G. Ebert) at a meeting of the executive of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. In view of the losses of the game the committee recommended that authority should be given to explore thoroughly the possibilities of other forms of heating. In one night GO chicks between three and fours weeks old had been lost, Mr Kbert said. Three or four times in one week the power had failed, and the Came Committee was now of the opinion that the society should invest in a stand-by plant or scrap the electrical system altogether. A hot water service would be more regular and more satisfactory. “ We are having tremendous trouble with power failures, with fuses blowing out, and electrical storms,” said Mr Ebert. “ The committee also thinks that a hot water system might be cheaper.” “ This is just another excuse, ” commented Mr H. T. Penrose. “It is doubtful whether we can make a success of breeding pheasants and quail, and this matter brings up the whole question. The committee must have known what the electric brooder would cost when it was installed. If illadvised in scrapping the present system we will look like a lot of fools when we go before the general meeting of the society.” To a question from Mr, Penrose as to how many chicks there were at present on the game farm, the secretary (Mr 0. 1.. I’omfrct-Dodd) replied that there were about 500. On lbe chairman (Or 0. M‘K. Dickson) putting the recommendation to tbe meeting it was carried without dissent.