POULTRY ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15885, 5 April 1915, Page 3

POULTRY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. EGG EXPORT TRADE. [J3Y TELEGRAPH. — ASSOCIATION.! Wellington, Sunday. The annual conference of the New Zealand Poultry Association opened yesterday, Mr. T. A. G. Mumby presiding. The Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, formally welcomed the delegates. Tho annual report stated that the association had made good progress. Several new societies had affiliated, and many in-

quiries were reaching the association from producers for information as to the starting of egg circles. Oamaru, Ash burton, Invercargill, Papakura, and Mosgiel had made advances and had commenced operations, or were about to do so. Much remained to be done, but it was gratifying to know that marketing on improved lines was attracting the attention of producers, much to the advantage of the public in an improved quality of eggs. The afiso- ] ciation was free of debt, the balance-sheet showing a credit of £17 18s 4d. Over £200 had been collected by voluntary subscriptions, and affiliation fees indicated that the association was warmly supported. Two thousand copies of last year's conference report were printed and were in keen demand from several countries. Advancement had been made by the appointment of two additional poultry instructors, whoso services would add greatly to the development of the industry. Tho Government had continued to give valued assistance to producers. The chief poultry expert had been in keen demand, and had done excellent work in instruction. The Missouri egg-laying tost had given publicity to several New Zealand poultry breeders. Numerous inquiries from America and Canada reached New Zealand for stock. It was to bo regretted that the association was unable to secure entries for the Panama egg-laying test owing to shipping difficulties.. The report and balance-sheet were

adopted. It was stated at the conference that New Zealand's export of eggs had been most disappointing, not so much on the score of poor market prices an wretched shipping accommodation, which spoiled more than half the eggs. While eggs had not improved in price food was costing exactly double what it cost last year. Unless the Government intended to see the industry absolutely ruined something would have to be done to relievo the pressure of dear foods. The delegates spent Saturday afternoon in visiting the poultry farm in the Hutt Vallev. They visited the Trentham miliI tarv camp iii the evening, and were entertained at dinner by local poultrymen.