Getting Pig Farming On Proper Basis

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 41, 18 February 1938, Page 3

Getting Pig Farming On Proper Basis

WELLINGTON DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETS Matters falling under tlie jurisdiction of the Wellington District Pig Council were dealt with at a meeting held in Palmerston North yesterday. Mr. B. E. Keiller (Palmerston North) presided and others present were Messrs. L. Wilton (Tokomaru), W. J. Croucher (Palmerston North), G. T. Arcus (Levin), C. E. J. Eglinton (Sanson), J. E. Williams (Mauriceville), W. E. Davison (Rongotea), H. W. Denize (Department of Agriculture, Palmerston North), D. Coles (Ohau), G. M. Whitelock (Newbury), C. S. Hunt (Glen Oroua), E. T. Bliss (Carterton), R. Fobs (South Featherstou), F. B. Wright (Martinborough), G, T. Thurston (Feilding), B. G. Stevens (Feilding), R. Abraham (Grain Merchants' Association, Palmerston North) and G. Lyons (Kopane).

The chairman said it was not his intention at that stage to give a detailed report of the activities of the council, but rather to outline the main points, as opportunity would be given delegates to receive a full report at the annual general meeting of the council in April. The greatest benefit that could be derived was to give the delegates every opportunity of discussing the work of their clubs and bring to the notice of the management committee any difficulties which were arising. He would therefore like the delegates to feel that the meeting had been called to bring them together for the interchange of ideas and to stress the point that tho council could help only those that wanted help. They wished to see as many as possible interested in their own scheme. He advised the delegates not to forget the scheme was being financed by themselves for their own benefit to improve conditions generally, and the council was there to give them all assistance possible. The management committee had been in office since August last and during the intervening months they had been doing their best to push forward the national scheme for the pig industry. The committee took the veiw that the primary function was the formation of pig clubs and they had endeavoured to have as many clubs formed as possible. At present IS clubs had been formed and three more would be within the next week or so. Bearing in mind the large area the district officer had to cover and the fact that it had been difficult to get suitable breeding stock, the results to date could be regarded as satisfactory. The work of the committee did not finish when clubs were formed, as the equally important duty of adequately servicing the club must be attended to. The secondary duty of the council was to help deal with all the problems surrounding the pig industry. The committee had been called on to give informa ’ m and to assist the Superintendent the Pig Industry on such in; as the grading of baconers, tn© ;u. -d registry scheme for pureured pigs und all the incidental work ensuring the smooth running of the co-..»J, and the clubs. In addition the council arranged for a tent at the Royal Snow for the purpose of disseminating knowledge and it played an important part in the recent judging of the Royal Show baconer and porker pigs and the following demonstration by Dr. J. Hammond. Meetings of the committee were held monthly and had been all well attended. In conclusion, the speaker said ne would like to thank the delegates for their interest in the welfare and progress of this most important industry.

Mr. Croucher said that as a council they had done or attempted to do, all they could in promoting the best interests of the pig industry. He praised the work of the chairman, who had devoted himself diligently to the progress of the pig industry. The people who were finding the money were receiving 100 per cent, value for their outlay. Mr. Croucher then outlined the more important features of the advanced registry scheme, which was not entirely new in origin, having been practised in Denmark and other countries.

It was decided to send a recommendation from the council to the management committee that all pigs killed be slaughtered in a licensed slaughterhouse and be subject to Government grading. Instances were known in Wairarapa where pigs were being killed at certain slaughterhouses believed to be unlicensed.

That farmers should be given some check on the weight of pigs sent to the works, was the opinion of Mr. Arcus, as many came a pound or two below minimum high price.

Mr. Nielsen said farmers had no reason to worry as far as the freezing works were concerned in this district, where there was no cause for complaint. There was, however, the matter of G per cent, shrinkage which was deducted from the weight after being in cold storage. The speaker was certain that this shrinkage could be covered by a 3 per cent, deduction. That all pig clubs become members of the Pig Breeders' Association, and as such get their meal supplies from the association, was the suggestion of Mr. C. S. Hunt. Every branch of the Pig Breeders' Association received tenders for their meal supply which were made up to a certain formula and obtained at very reasonable prices. Supporting Mr. Hunt's suggestion, Mr. Whitelock said he thought all clubs should avail themselves of this scheme.

It was decided to send a recommendation to the management committee to inquire into the matter of more regular inspection of pigs at saleyards for the purpose of eliminating disease amongst store pigs. Mr. Croucher gave a brief outline of a scheme by which he suggested the council were to help the pig clubs. He urged that the council do more constructive work by giving instruction in the pig industry to farmers. He raised the point as to whether any avenues were open to do more intimate work with the assistance of pig clubs, such as organising visits for farmers to works and judging competitions and lantern lectures. This movement need not be immediately confined around Palmerston North, but should go further afield. Mr. Denise supported Mr. Croucher in this scheme and said it was necessary to maintain the interest of clubs and get them to work more together and

have the local district more unified. He thought that members of pig clubs were not the ones needing instruction so much as the farmers outside the clubs, and they would be harder to approacn. The scheme could be a good on© without the difficulty of getting me attendance of farmers for instruction or lectures. The winter would probably be more suitable than summer for such gatherings.