Re-organisation of N.Z. Pig Industry

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6834, 15 April 1932, Page 8

Re-organisation of N.Z. Pig Industry

DIRECTOR-GENERAL RECEIVES DEPUTATION. A deputation representing tho pig industry of New Zealand waited on Dr. C. J. Reakcs, Director-General of Agriculture in Wellington yesterday, with tho object of stressing the necessity of bringing about progressive development on scientific and economic lines in order to put the industry on a sound basis and make it a source of greater national income. Tho deputation consisted of Messrs. J. A. Russell (chairman of tho New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association), W. A. Phillips (chairman of the New Zealand Pig Marketing Association, Ltd.), E. E. Halo (chairman of the Waikato Pig Recording Association), A. Hausmann (chairman of the New Zealand Bacon Curcrs’ Association), S. Ferguson (chairman of the South Auckland Dairy Association) and K. S. Glendinning, Palmerston North (representing the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association). Tho deputation received a very good hearing from Dr. Keakes who had associated with, him Messrs. Cockayne, Lyons and Gorriugc, other resfjonsible officers of the department. As a guide to the deputation, the conference, held in Palmerston North tho previous day, passed a number of resolutions covering tho matters which it was desired to bring before t/c notice of tho Director-General of Agriculture, the resolutions containing recommendations which, it was thought/ if put into effect, would serve to place tho industry on a better footing.

Tho first rccommendaiton was to the effect that in the interests of the industry tho Government should institute, as soon as possible, a universal and standardised system of grading on hooks.

After hearing the various speakers Dr. Reakcs stated that ho thought, and it was universally agreed that the present system of grading had tended considerably toward an improvement in tho type of carcase now coming forward for tho market but, at the same time, he realised that there was still room for a great improvement and that tho grading system should bo made universal and on a standardised bitsis. Ho added that he intended to recommend to tho Minister that a system, such as the one suggested by the deputation, should be put into operation but that beforo any finality could Du reached tho department would do forced to consider the extra cost involved in the employment of additional grtTdcrs. In regard to tho deputation's suggestion that provision be made in the grading regulations for all second grade pigs purchased for local consumption as second grado being branded as such by tho Government, grader, Dr. Reakcs said that regulations would be formulated by the department and that tho farmers’ interests would be carefully watched. The deputation further recommended that a committeo representative of all interests of the pig industry be set up and charged with the responsibility of making a complete investigation of the industry for the purpose of bringing down essential recommendations for the approval of the Government, the personnel of the proposed committeo to be representative of the following interests: The Agricultural Department, Department of Scientific Research, Meat Board, Dairy Control Board, New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association, New Zealand Bacon Curcrs’ Association, New Zealand Co-op. Pig Marketing Association, Ltd., the Farmer's’ Union and the Waikato Pig Recording Club.

Dr. Rcakes promised to submit the recommendation to the Minister and to lend his personal support to it and intimated that ho would communicate with tho organisers of tho deputation as soon as a decision had been reached. After tho deputation had extended thanks to the Director-General for receiving them and for his favourable attitude towards the questions raised, Dr. Rcakes stated that he was pleased to know that such interest was being taken in matters concerning the pig industry and that he felt certain that the committee, when set up, would be of great assistance to the department and all other interests concerned.