DISTRICT PIG COUNCIL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 168, 15 June 1940, Page 3

DISTRICT PIG COUNCIL.

ANNUAL DINNER. The third annual dinner of the Wellington District Rig Council was held at the Rosco tearooms, there being an attendance of about 140. The chair was occupied by Mr B. E. Keiller (chairman of the council). The guest of honour and chief speaker was Mr A. H. Cockayne (Director-General 1 of Agriculture) and there were also present Messrs M. J. Scott (Director of Rig Husbandry), C. E. Vile (president of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association), T. Davis (chairman of the Taranaki Pig Council), and W. A. /r.linirninn nf I lif* A! f! Tln WflTill-

Oroua branch of the Pig Breeders’ Association) . The chairman said it was a privilege to be associated with so many men who were all “doing their hit.” He welcomed tlie official visitors and said there were in attendance members of all the pig clubs associated with the council, these coming from as far away as Featherston. Apologies for absence were received from Hon. W: Lee Martin (who was indisposed), Messrs J. ITodgens, M.P., A. E. Mansford (Mayor), Professor C. P. McMeekan (Lincoln College) and Professor W. Riddet (who was in Wellington). The chairman asked Mr Cockayne to convey to the Minister the council’s best wishes for his

speedy recovery from his illness. The council ivoultj do its best to increase production, said Mr Keillor. We had to do all we could to aid Britain and the pig producers could help greatly by supplying bacon. Their slogan should be “a bacon pig per cow.” Grain, which could he grown by fanners other than dairymen, was needed for such an effort. On his own farm at Linton,.he had produced two baconers

per cow. There was a tremendous shortage of sows throughout the country. To withdraw sows from the fattening pens and make them available to anyone who was prepared to pay a reasonable price would he to do a national service. Root drops'should lie grown. The pig clubs could grow grain on a co-operative system, if necessary, hut the growing of roots was

essential. Mr Cockayne presented the council's shield to Mr J. Wilson, as the representative of the Norsewood Pig Club, winners of the inter-club coinpetition at the Winter Show. He also presented- to Mr .T. Hillas the Kiwi ltose Bowl, for the best individual pig in the competition. It was announced that Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., had offered, through Messrs Abraham and Williams, Ltd., a trophy to be awarded next year to the club showing the biggest production effort this year. (Applause.) Mr Cockayne addressed the gathering on the history of the pig industry in New Zealand and its present possibilities for expansion. Appreciation of Mr Cockayne’s address was voiced by Mr E. T. Bliss ( Carterton), who moved a vote of thanks which was carried with acclamation.

Mr E. P. Nielsen, formerly supervisor for the Pig Council, thanked those present for co-operation which had been extended to him in the past and said lie was confident that those present would do their utmost in following the line of action spoken of by Mr Cockayne. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr G. M. Whitelock, who sang several songs, and the pianist, Mr F. McLnchlan. The chairman was thanked for pre.v ling and was accorded musical honours.