LOWER HUTT SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8189, 2 August 1912, Page 2

LOWER HUTT SHOW

MR WILFOED'S COMMENTS. THE "ALL-PURPOSE FOWL.” Two shows have now been held under the auspices of the Hutt Poultry Society, and on each occasion the promoters have been unfortunate in choosing dates for the event on which the weather lias been as bad as it could possibly be: consequently tho attendance ot the public has been of a most restricted characted. This circumstance will no doubt considerably afiect the finances; otherwise tho shows have been particularly succcsslul, as exhibitions of high-class birds both foe show and utility purposes. it is to bo hoped that the promoters of the t;how, who iiave shown such marked ability in arranging and carrying out tho fixture in the p,.st, will not be altogether discouraged by tho interference of agencies over which they had no control. There is a great need for exhibitions of this description, particularly _at this time when public interest is being awakened to tho value of the poultry industry both as a whole or partial means of livelihood. it is here that breeders and others interested are given an opportunity of comparing and discussing various breeds of fowls and ducks and tiio advantages of different types that are being evolved in tho endeavour to produce the most profitable bird. Although tho attendance of the public was limited, there was a good representation of men that count in tho poultry world who seized that opportunity to discuss, in an informal way, matters connected with tho well-being of the industry. In tho public utterances that were made the remarks of tho patron, Mi; X. M. W'illord, M.P., were of a particularly interesting nature. During his recent travels abroad Mr Wilford visited Denmark, where ho was impressed with tho scientific methods that are there put into practice both in the production and marketing of agricultural produce. These methods have boon quoted repeatedly within tho past few year's as being well worthy of emulation. Mr Wilford was able to give lust-hand information of what he saw there, and showed that not only had every possible means been, employed, both by tho State and the individual, to increase the quantity and improve tho quality of the output, but, in addition, tho essential of ensuring tho greatest economy in the cost of marketing had been successfully met by universal co-operation which enabled the farmers to place their goods on the English markets at prices which at present defied competition from English producers who have not yet learned the art of marketing. Dealing particularly with the poultry industry Mr Wilford showed how tho Danish Oovornment co-operates with the breeder in the production and improvement of stock birds, and provides for a supply of high-class poultry for the use of every farmer. Figures were quoted which showed how tho number of fowls kept in Denmark for commercial purposes has increased in proportion to the population during tho past thirty years. To give an idea of tho cash produced by this means he showed that the revenue derived from Danish fowls, if applied to Now Zealand, would represent something like Jl3 per annum for everv inhabitant of tho country. Last year's exports of eggs were valued at a little over three million pounds sterling. He had noticed also that Danish eggs were graded and standardised and toid by weight so that the consumer got full value lor his money. Mr Wilford emphasised tho important duty that the State has to fulfil in the way of assisting the primary producer in New Zealand. Good work is being done now and he felt safe in saying that legislators recognised that there shall be no easing oil with regard to helping the fanner to in crease his own and the country's revenue. In his opinion there is a great future beicre penury men who will specialise with commercial poultry in this country. At tho present time a great many owners of the largest plants had concentrated their energies in improving tho laying capacity 01 a wJs, and while he ccngiatulated them upon the splendid re suits that have been reached in that dnectioii, he deplored the tact that compaiatively small attention has been given to the "all purpose fowl,” one that will lay a fair number of eggs and produce a meaty carcase that will not ottend a healthy person s appetite when served at table. At tho present lime first-class and prime table poultry is a rarity in city markets, while tne small quantity that is ivaihi l >le commands prices far beyond the reach of the everage pocket, consequently the majority of the public have either to deny theinoeives poultry altogether or taka tne very Indifferent substitute that is offering.’ It Is pleading indeed to notice Uiat of late several prominent members of Rat hameut have given public expression to their opinion of tho importance of the (loultry industry in New Zealand. The State has already done much to improve the flocks and spread knowledge, but the time has arrived when a still further advance is looked tor that will enable the individual to rear more and better stock, conserve more of the profits to the producer, by demonstrating the easiest and most' profitable way of feeding, housing and minor essentials that are inseparable from the industry. Tho small fanner and suburban householder have to be shown that the quality of the poultr- kept under wise management is of greater value than a larger number of indifferent birds that aro for the most part allowed to shift for themselves. Without increasing the number of poultry in Now Zealand it is easily possible to double the cash return by the simple process of weeding out the unfit and replacing them with others of proved ability. This, combined with reasonable attention to feeding and accommodation, will increase the profits of the farm without incurring any additional expense save a few shillings for a supply of well-bred birds as a foundation to the (lock. If hens are given the opportunity they will soon prove bv results that they are quite capable of showing a fair comparison in earning pewer to other farm live-stock; but they have to be given that chance. Throughout the country there are now many poultry farmers who have specialised with utility stock both for egg-laying abilitv and to provide the nilpurpose fowl that Mr Wilford and the consuming public are eo anxious to see more plentiful in poulterers' shops. .It will be well for all keepers of poultry, especially those who wish to avoid the trouble of hatching out their own chicks, to get into communication with those who are able to supply what they require. Our advertising columns offer a wide choice and represent stock that has earned merit by performance. Send an order along right away for live chicks, settings or grown birds that will show profits in shillings that arc now only re- ? resented by pence with nondescript owls and ducks.