POULTRY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 42

POULTRY NOTES.

By Terror. The show rsports which will be found in. this issue are so complete and occupy so much space that I am compelled to withhold my usual notes this week. I may remark, however, that the show was a thorough success financially, the gate-money amounting to within £2 of double the takings of last year. Fanciers generally will be pleased to hear this good news, and I congratulate the committee on the opportunity it now hafi of practically, if not completely, writing off the overdraft. There can be no question but that this year's success is altogether duo to the wisdom of holding the show. at the same time as the agricultural winter fixture is held', and thus obtaining the advantage of a large number of country visitors in town. Amongst visiters well known to the fancy may be mentioned Mr Ben Hart, Lawrence; Messrs Walker and Leveirsidge. Christchurch; MiHarper, Auckland; Mr Parker, Napier and Hastings; Messrs Henderson, Taylor, and Moffat, of Invercargill. Mrs M'Lay, of Dunbaek, is advertising

jiiiiniiininira—-i m —nnir- ■ .... m—tf turkey gobblers and hens from her itL' ported birds. This lady’s strain of mammoth bronze turkeys is credited with being unequalled in the colon} 7 , and I doubt whether there is another turkey farm of the same dimensions in Australasia, there being from 400 to 500 birds from which she can make selections for her customers. —Mr T. Leadham, tho well-known local fancier, who has charge of Mr Saul Solomon’s birds, has purchased through Messrs Reilly, Scott, and Gill the whole of Mr H. C. Jacka’s (Stoke) imported barred Plymouth Rocks. One hen amongst the number is said to be the best barred Plymouth Rock ben ever sent out of Mr A. B. Thompson’s, of “Ringlet” fame, yards. If the progeny which has come forward to Messrs Reilly, Scott, and Gill’s rooms for sale is any criterion of the breeding powers of the imported pens, Mr Leadham is certainly to be congratulated on his purchases, and Rock fanciers will appreciate the fact of a local fancier securing the .stock. We understand the price given for tho pen is highly satisfactory to all concerned, and we wish Mr Leadham every success. ■—Dear “Terror,” —A good deal of friction occurred in connection with the penning of poultry at the late show, much of which could have been avoided if the committee, or rather their Supervisor, Mr Wates, had been possessed of a small amount of tactThey had a little trouble last year, andl managed to offend some fanciers, one if not more of whom did not show this year on that account alone. The same trouble occurred this year, only in an intensified 1 form, owing to incompetence on the part of some official. The trouble I allude to was the decision of tho committee not to allow any fancier (outside the committee) to pen his birds. The rule, whether good! or bad, should have been applied to all alike, but I jam sorry to say it was not, and that is where the big mistake was made; and now, diear “Terror,” I would like your opinion on the of the committee when they show favouritism to different fanciers. I and several more whose names I can supply were refused admission, while others, some of whom I can mention (names enclosed for your perusal), were allowed in. I may also mention the fact that pigeon fanciers were admitted without any trouble and also any boys who happened to carry a box containing a pigeon: hence, if a pigeon fancier had several small boxes of pigeons it was a pass for several boys. The committee should put its bouse in order with, a© little delay as possible so that it will retain tho confidence d fanciers, which at present is wavering, or T am afraid there will soon be no show.-—E. S. Ball. [Mr Ball has, apparently, just cause for complaint. The committee has a perfect right to make rub® ter +ho conduct of the show, but when made they should apply to all.—“ Terror.”] CENTRAL PRODUCE MART, LTD. Messrs Reilly. Scott, and Gill report for week ending Saturday: —At our sale on Wednesday large supplies of poultry came forward. Poulterers having purchased their requirements for show week at our previous week’s sale, prices ruling at Wednesday’s sale were much lower than the previous week. This happens year after year. We usually notice the fortnight before the holidays poultry are in excellent demand, and if large supplies come forward on the. eve of a holiday noor prices are sure to rule. One reason is that poulterere have the forethought to secure supplies early: the public are waited on and orders for special occasions are usually given two or even three weeks in advance. Again, those, interested in the trade have quite enough to do preparing orders and have no time to attend sale®. As a result poor' prices rule. Consignors will therefore see how important it is to have supplies on the market early. For our full market report, giving prices, etc., please see Commercial Column in this issue.