SOUTH ISLAND POULTRY ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 62

SOUTH ISLAND POULTRY ASSOCIATION.

HALF-YEARLY MEETING

The half-yearly meeting of the South

island Poultry. Pigeon, and Canary Association was held on the 3rd. Mr A. Walker (Christchurch) presided, and the following delegates were present:—Dunedin FanciersClub, Mr W. J. S. Tattersficld: New Zealand Utility Poultry Club, Mr D. M’Lean; Otago Bantam Club, Mr T. Brown; Oamaru Poultry Club, Mr W. Turvcy; United Pigeon Club (Christchurch), Mr T. Jones; Granity Poultry Club, Mr J. Day; Christchurch Poultry Club, Mr Cole; Ashburton Poultry Club, Mr Irvine; Invercargill Poultry Club, Mr 0. Matheson; Southland Pigeon Club, Mr S. Lindsay; _Kaitangata Poultry Club, Mr F. J. W. 'losswill.

At the beginning of the meeting the Chairman moved a vote of sympathy with an ex-vice-president (Mr H. P. Harvey) in the loss of his son, who died at sea. Mr Walker mentioned that Mr Harvey had another son at the front at present. The council, in its semi-annual report, stated that its duties during the year had been light and pleasant. Nine meetings had been held, and hod been well attended. During the half-year the association had lest by death Mr A. L. Myers the first presi dent, and one who had taken an active part in its affairs till headquarters were removed to Wellington. Twenty societies end clubs had paid their affiliation fees for 1915. The Otago Canary and Cage Bird Club made application to be reinstated, and the council .granted the request subject to the payment of a 10s fine. The club paid (ho fine under protest, and the matter was for delegates to adjudicate upon. The ques(ion of Mr Smart, a member of the Otago Canary and Cage Bird Club, having exhibited at an unaffiliated show had been brought under the council’s notice, and referred to the half-yearly meeting of the association. The Picton Club had seceded, and now only one club (Granity) bad intimated its intention of holding a show on the West Coast. Therefore the West Coast championship show would not bo held' this year, and the association championship for Minorcas and old English game had been allotted by the council for competition at Granity. The sale of pigeon rings showed a falling off during the past year for the approaching season. Regarding the West Coast championship for Plymouth Rocks, competed for at Hokitika last year, the council had referred f he matter for consideration at the meeting. The facts were: There were four competitors, but the council experienced difficulty in finding out that the competitors were members of affiliated societies or clubs. On inquiry the council fount! that one exhibitor (Mr W. Solomons) was not a member of the Granit3' Club, and there was doubt as to his being the owner of the bird lie exhibited. A sworn declaration from Mr Solomons was asked by the council, but the latter merely forwarded a statement, not sworn, that he was the owner. The council suggested that clubs and societies should insert the following show rules in future prize schedules; “Entries will not be fmeepted from any person or persons suspended by the North Island or South Island Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Associations. Persons entering exhibits and being found out afterwards by the club or society that received such entry to have offended against either association shall not be entitled to participate in any prize-money such exhibits may have won. or receive a refund of any moneys paid to the club or society.” The president (Mr Alf. Walker) had, the report continued, visited the North Island. The relations existing between the North and South Islands were most cordial. The council had under consideration the question of the association holding a monster art union in 1916 for the benefit of the feathered fancy. The scheme of the council for printing a universal schedule had been gone into, and a progress report would bo made. Through the war and'the price of grain the entries at the various shows were sure to show a falling off. The council trusted that clubs and societies would have shows which would bo successful financially. The financial statement showed that there was a balance in hand of £57 4s 2d.

The report and balance sheet were adopted. With reference to a request that the Government Poultry Instructor should be instructed not to judge at shows of bodies not affiliated to the association, a letter was received stating that the Department of Agriculture could not see its way to accede to the request. The President gave an interesting account of his experiences during his recent trip to the North Island.

Regarding the question of pigeon rings, the Chairman suggested that the affiliated pigeon clubs should submit some scheme to the annual meeting of the association, with a view to putting the matter on a better footing. The Chairman remarked that clubs persisted in meeting at too Late a date, witn the result that their schedules were sent up to the council too late for its consideration.

With reference to the proposed art union,, the Chairman said that similar projects had been successful in the north. It was a quest'on whether, m view of the war, it was desirable to hold one for the South Island. The proposition was that tho prizes should total £125 in gold nuggets—first prize £6O, second £2O, third- £lO, and seven prizes of £5 each. The association and societies taking part in the art union would have the profits divided between them. The art union would be drawn in Christchurch by tho Mayor and tho Superintendent of Police early in December. Members of the association spoke in favour of the proposed art union, stating that, it was an admirable scheme.

It was decided that tho West Coast Plymouth Rock championship referred to in the report should bo held over until tho winner complied with tho association’s request for a sworn declaration. The action of the council in accepting the 10s fine from tho Dunedin Canary and Cage Bird Club after.the expiry of the time allotted was approved. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to tho chairman.