Room for Rehabilitation In Poultry Industry

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 8

Room for Rehabilitation In Poultry Industry

DISCUSSION AT CONFERENCE IN PALMEBSTON NORTH. A suggestion that the poultry farming industry in New Zealand had nearly reached saturation point was mado by Mr. W. A. Chainey, of Wanganui, when discussing rehabilitation training of returned servicemen in the industry at the annual conference of the Wellington Begistered Poultry-keepers’ Association which began in Palmerston North yesterday. Mr. Haddon, of the Department of Agriculture Poultry Institute, stated that his department was keeping a close watch on the situation, and so far it was considered that there was ample space in the industry for expansion. The question of accommodation was also boing kept in mind because it w r as found that the smaller farms were unable to carry increased staffs. Mr. L. J. Nathan contended that because of the uncertain nature of the industry, iu which the produce was of a very perishable type, the Government should be asked to pay the full wage of the trainee.

Objection to this suggestion was raised by Mr. Merchant (Palmerston North) who recalled the situation which occurred during the depression years. The Government had then paid the full wages of certain trainees, he said, and the trainees did not feel required to work hard for someone who was not paying them. “I want to help the men, and if the Government will assist in the manner I have suggested, I am sure a satisfactory arrangement will be made,” remarked Mr. Nathan, whose resolution that the Government be asked to pay the full wages of trainees, was carried with two dissentient voices.

I Beferring to the Flock Improvement Plan, Mr. Haddon said that tho number | of farmers who had indicated their wil- | lingness to co-operate had risen by almost 45 per cent. The department was } engaging a larger staff to facilitate blood testing, and although there was not sufficient staff at present to undertake the work required, a suitable type of person was being recruited and trained. No charge had yet been fixed for the service. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. J. H. Kissling (Palmerston North); vice-president, Mr. A. W. Parton (Levin); executive officers, Messrs L- J. Nathan, E. B. Matthews, W. A. Chainy and T. Bright. The six officers elected will comprise the delegates to the board’s conference. The conference will be continued today when important discussions are expected to take place on the subject of egg marketing.