PIG BREEDERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 112, 11 April 1929, Page 7

PIG BREEDERS.

MANAWATU-OROUA branch. DISEASE IN SALEYARDS. The monthly meeting of the executive of the Manawatu-Uroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association was held this morning, Mr J. A. Russell presiding. Also present were Messrs T. F. Shepherd, W. P. ’ Bickers J. McFarland, H. E. Thurston, Professor Riddet and Mr E. P. Neilsen (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Dear and Fieldhouse. Considerable discussion centred round the question of the spread of disease occasioned by unhealthy pigs being penned at sales. The subject was raised by the chairman, who considered that the Department, of Agriculture should ask the inspectors not to permit the sale of unhealthy pigs. Mr Bickers supported the chairman’s remarks ,and stated that the. Feilding branch of the Farmers’ Union had taken up the matter, but had not got very far. There was no power given to the inspector to condemn pigs at sight unless they were visibly diseased. Mr Russell: Does the inspector go round pigs in the yard P Mr Bickers stated that the inspector went to the yards, when asked. He knew that a great deal of disease had been spread, but he thought that, if the auctioneers would refuse to handle the pigs that were infected this would do much to alleviate the position. ... ■ 1 “I look upon it as a serious menace to the pig industry,” said the chairman. „ V “When the farmer would buy pigs that Were not fit .to be sold where could the association’start ?” asked Mr Shepherd. " Very often also it could not be told whether a pig- was tubercular or hot until it was killed, he added. . ’ •• Mr Nielsen asked if itwould do any good if the name of the vendor was given. In the old days breeders would not risk their reputation by putting up for sale pigs that were not healthy. Mr Bickers considered • that Mr Nielseh’s idea was a splendid one and he thought that the auctioneers would probably fall in with any suggestions. Mr Shepherd pointed out that, at the end'of a season when they were short of food, pigs would not look well, but would be in a healthy condition when killed. . Mr Thurston: A inspector cannot condemn a pig at sight unless it is obviously diseased. . Mr Bickers continued that he would, support Mr Nielsen’s suggestion. It was Mr Russell’s opinion that the discontinuance of the practice of naming the vendor was due to the increased number of dealers who were averse to such publicity. ~ Mr McFarland also supported Mr Nielsen’s suggestion. Mr Shepherd • stated that at sheep fairs the vendor’s name was announced. It would not do any harm to approach the auctioneers on Ishe . matter. He moved that Messrs Nielsen and Russell get in touch with the stock firms and ascertain what support would be forthcoming for Mr Nielsen s suggestion and what views the firms had on the subject. The motion was seconded by Mr Thurston. . . , Mr Shepherd pointed out that competition was keen and the auctioneers would not offend their clients if announcing vendors' names would do so. Mr Shepherd’s motion was then put to the meeting and carried. SUPPLEMENTARY CROPS ADVOCATED.

Mr Bickers considered that farmers should grow a supplementary crop such as linseed. The man that did so would gain every time because he could get more pigs away. His remarks were supported by Mr M tonthiuing, Mr Bickers stated that in *he Bay of Plenty, there wis a shortage of food, and farmers were selling their pig*. There was a glut on speakers supported this view, but the discussion lapsed.