FANCIERS’ PAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 33

FANCIERS’ PAGE.

The Otago Witness has been appointed ths organ foi the publication of announce* Cents of the Dunedin Fanciers’ Club.

OFFICIAL GAZETTE.

THE KENNEL.

By

Terror.

Fanciers and breeders of dogs are cordially invited to contribute to this column. “Terror” will endeavour to make this department os interesting and up-to-date as possible, but in order to do this he must have the cooperation of his readers, hence ho trusts this invitation will be cheerfully responded to. The entries for the English Kennel Club’s show, held in October, were within 25 of the 7000 mark! Had not about 60 entries arrived too late the 7000 mark would have been exceeded. It is reported that Mr Charles Scott, who left by the lonic for England, has taken a bulldog (a Burbank product) away with him. She is said to be a really sound “ bullie,” with the muchdesired short face, small, well-carried ears, and short-coupled body which also is found so hard to produce nowadays. The fact of a specimen of the national breed leaving New Zealand for Britain is interesting. The Kennel Gazette (Englandl states that queries frequently occur on the subject of colour when classes are given for exhibits of some specified hue, and we therefore (says a contemporary) repeat the announcement made some time ago. If an exhibitor enters a dog in a class provided for some particular colour that exhibitor must abide by the judge’s decision as to whether the dog possesses enough, of the snecified colour to receive a prize. This, of course, has nothing to do with the question of unlawful colouring. The Dog World reports that at a recent Welsh show Mr D. Williams brought out a seven-month-old wire puppy, namely, Tirydail Banker, which won all his classes, including four specials. He was catalogued at £3O, and a claim was put in by Mr Holland Buckley, which was soon followed by many more from prospective purchasers. This, of course, necessitated Banker going under the hammer. Great was the excitement, and the bidding was very brisk, closing at lOlgns, the purchaser being Mr Buckley. A difference of opinion as between two judges as to which of two dogs should get a special prize necessitated the calling in of a referee. The dogs in question were a collie and a pointer, and the referee-judge was a terrier man, and he awarded the prize to the collie. Asked why, he said he had not faulted the pointer, but he “ liked collies.” Judging of this description is a farce, and is the outcome of committees appointing more than one judge. CURE FOR DISTEMPER. Perhaps" it would be better to say “ alleged cure.” A Mr Campbell, writing to an Australian paper, says: “ I see that the distemper is killing dogs in South Australia. A writer to the Saturday Journal said that there was never an infallible cure for distemper. This 'statement is not correct. I found an infallible cure for it 60 years ago from a recipe an old Tasmanian gave me. I have kept dogs for 50 years, and I have never had one die from distemper. Two years ago, when it was raging in South Australian I sent the recipe to the Journal, but as it was so simple and cost next to nothing it must have been looked upon as worthless. However, I had the satisfaction of getting a letter of thanks from one lady, who found the cure to be all I claimed for it. “The recipe is: Cut tobacco very fine and mix it with an equal quantity of common soap. Make pills the size of marbles and give the dog one night and morning. From nine to twelve pills will cure the worst case. Make the pills smaller for little dogs.” ENGLAND’S NATIONAL 'DOG WEEK.

The inauguration of this great English movement in the interest of “ man’s best friend,” the dog, is thus interestingly described' by Our Dogs: “ ‘ Look ! Look ! Oh ! isn’t it lovely ? Whatever can it be ? ’ “ No wonder children rushed along, and adults, starting more sedately,_ soon gathered speed and outran the children; and in a trice a great crowd had gathered, people running from their shops to see what could be happening, and to see— What ? To see, in minature, East joined to West, the frozen lands of the Arctic with those of the Antarctic, and each region ‘ peopled ’ with man’s greatest friend—his dog, the friend who renders to man a definite service of loyalty and intelligence in every part of the world. “ Let us stand with the thronp, and we shall find ourselves in the picturesque High street of Haslemere, and a grand and dramatic pageant is passing by. Riding with dignity, stands our stalwart John Bull, fully dressed for the occasion. He stands uplifting our national flag, and master and flag are guarded by our national dog, the bulldog. Nothing could make a more characteristic appeal to patriotism—the cart completely decked with flags of all parts of the Empire,

and the two outstanding personalities, Man and Dog, each representing the national steadfastness of ‘ Never say die.’ Then came a picture dear to the hearts of all who follow a rural life —a real Old English bob-tailed sheep dog, accompanied by his shepherd. No wonder one heard, ‘The dear thing! Isn’t he a beauty ? ’ And one felt that* the shepherd’s canine friend understood his master, for he would look at him with dumb but yet true speech, which seemed to say, ‘ We have weathered many a storm together, maister.’ “ The gundogs, cockers, and golden retrievers followed next, and the gamekeeper, with trophies of their service—partridges, pheasants, etc., not only for delicate palates, but so often sent to-day to the hospitals and to those who need but cannot afford such fare. “ Two fine greyhounds, gracefully handled, made a complete picture in themselves. “ Then followed a cart of Eastern splendour which was truly dazzling—glorious lights of gold, black, red, and blue —all blending together, and Eastern lanterns glittering,—gold dragons everywhere. Riding with superb dignity in a real Eastern casket was a most aristocratic Pekingese in regal pomp enthroned, as he should be — With a dragon and a casket Lined with silk—instead o£ basket. The wheels even revolved glorious colours and dragons, and the royal Pekingese was guarded by a huge dragon of scarlet and blue. The magnificent splendour of the colouring of the East was a tribute to those who had produced the tableau, which was completed by two Eastern ladies driving in this chariot, shadowed by the splendour of the Pekingese. His Highness kindly allowed some very wellbred pugs to ride with him, and their immaculate behaviour certainly bridged over the distance of East and West. “ A charming and very attractive echo of bygone days brought our thoughts to the beauty of the Dalmatians. What reminiscences these dogs called up as they marched with their smart coachman ! And one thinks gladly of the present revival of their popularity. “ In sharp contrast came the Irishman. ‘ a-wearin’ of the green/ with his alert little terrier sporting an immense green bow —true to the Emerald Isle, indeed ! “ Beagles followed next —and then, such a gasp of amazement ! Suddenly we saw the icebound regions of the frozen north and south —a great lorry transformed into a surface of snow, crags, and ice. It was a veritable triumph, and the service of our dear Arctic canine friends showed their endurance and fidelity. Can any greater appeal be made than the dramatic presentation of man dependent on his Creator and His dog ? Here were shown some lovely, Samoyedes, with the Icelanders, drawing a sledge; and on the other side a St. Bernard monk with his grand and faithful dog saving the life of a victim of the snows. Following in sequence to this great spectacle came five more Samoyedes, with their coats white as the snow, and’ tipped with glistening silver. An Eskimo drove them, and it was a fine sight to see this team of five rendering their service by pulling all the necessary bale of the frozen circles—rugs, skins, etc. Surely here, again, is the great appeal. Think of the service these dogs render to man, and how does man requite them ?

“And then the finale; and the practical demonstration of what this country is doing in its scientific research for the care of our dear dogs. This great appeal was fittingly closed with the canine ambulance van —showing the nurses and their methods of treatment, bandaging, etc., and in this apt finale lay the whole message of our National Dog Week, and this message was most charmingly and most convincingly given by Mrs John Thynne from a platform erected near the Town Hall. Here was a glorious opportunity, and, as president of the Haslemere Canine Association, she made a delightful speech, in which she drove home the simple—but oh! so necessary— : services that we owe to our dogs. “Mrs John Thynne was supported on the platform by the Rev. J. M. La F. M‘Anally, Rector of Haslemere, whose attitude of sincere co-operation is much appreciated; by Miss Beryl Thynne, the hon. secretary of the association, whose indefatigable, and progressive work is known by the whole canine world; by the chairman. Captain Scott, 'whose love for animals is known and proved by thousands in his wonderful veterinary work, and also in the confidence which he inspires in the animals themselves; by Miss Voy. who had given Trojan help, intuition, and thought to the big tableaux.

of the procession. Unfortunately Miss Keyte-Perry, a devoted animal lover, was absent through illness, and so the whole stupendous task of decoration, etc., fell to Miss Voy, and she carried it out with efficiency and realism. “Then add to this that Professor Hobday gave a delightful lecture in the Big Hall in the evening, illustrated by lovely slides, and you have a fitting ending for a real Canine Day. “Many girls of a well-known school were present; they had been the fairy fingers in the background that had created the wonderful impressions. They now sat spellbound, listening to the great professor, and then the consummation of their joy and excitement was reached when a beautiful picture of a child and her canine friend was thrown on the screen, and it was veritably one of those schoolgirls sitting below ! She renewed her acquaintance with Professor Hobday afterwards, and, in his genial way, he promised not to lose sight of her again. The very real and sincere thanks of Haslemere are due to this busy and truly great man for coming to enthuse, to interest, and, above all, to give knowledge to those who arc only cruel through carelessness. We all wish him and the great work of the Royal Veterinary College the greatest possible success, and this can best be done by remembering the glorious words of Byron, who, in summing up the service and faithfulness of his dog, declares: . . . The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend ; "Whose honest heart is still his master’s own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes, for him alone.” SHEEP DOC NOTES. ALBURY CLUB. The annual general meeting of this progressive body of sports was held with its usual fervour, a tone of enthusiasm permeating the whole proceedings. The report and balance sheet covering the past year’s operations were deemed most satisfactory, a very gratifying credit balance augmenting (Sfe already well provided exchequer. The general application of the working programme was deemed worthy of “ carry on ” for the ensuing season. It was decided to again hold the competitions in the middle of April as preferable to the old May date. MACKENZIE CLUB. The adjourned meeting of the Mackenzie Club was held recently, whena it was resolved that the club hold its next competitions on March 20 and 21, carrying out a programme precisely the same as the previous meeting—the three usual classes, and an additional “ all-round ” class, this latter to be on its final test. The support last year was far from satisfactory, thought the class of dog running showed a marked improvement on the majority of those 'which had essayed the task previously, when the work allotted was all in favour of the noisy huntaway. It was resolved that the Executive Committee should meet early in the new year, and that the schedules for the ensuing meeting should be got out immediately. These, it was confidently predicted, would be found even more attractive than ever, a very heavy list of special prizes being assured, supplementing the club’s two fine shields and several valuable challenge cups, medals, etc., on top of very liberal cash class prizes. Mr George Ross occupied the important seat of presidency, with Mr F. Creighton as first lieutenant, and Mr C. A. Parker (Burke’s Pass) the all-important post of scribe.

POULTRY NOTES.

By

Terror.

During the hot summer months great care should be taken to supply fowls with green feed. Nothing can entirely take the place of succulent green stim. We are told that roots are not a real equivalent for green food owing to their low vitamin value. Neither swedes nor lucerne alone meet the theoretical needs of poultry from which a profitable egg yield is looked for, but taken together they make a satisfactory combination. Sprouted oats are generally believed to be low in vitamins when grown indoors with no light except through window glass; but don't overlook the fact that fowls need other nutrients besides vitamins, and sprouted oats should still have a place in the poultry ration even if they hadn’t a vitamin in their name.

What is declared to be the largest laying test ground in the world was recently opened. Captain Todd, representing the directors of a company (a non-dividend-paying one), opened the National Laying Test’s new ground, and alluded to the fact that it was 32 years ago that the first laying competition was held, when seven pens of birds competed. The new ground takes .the place of the Bentley laying test, which had to be given up because the ground on which it had been held -was sold. Captain Todd, in the course of his address, stressed the fact that they desired by attracting public interest to poultry and by improving the quality of British fowls to “ stop that £16,000,000 going out of the country annually for eggs which ought to be laid in the British Isles.” The area of the new laying test grounds is 27 acres, and 18 acres would be utilised. Two hundred and twenty-four houses had been erected, all of the same pattern, the size of each being lift by Bft, . except 24 houses to used for crossbreds. The grass runs were 12 yards square. / Each house was divided in half, thus accommodating two pens. The total birds competing was 2592, and the test was the largest in the world.

A comprehensive industry programme presented to the Government authorities at Washington by the American National Poultry Council gives a good idea of the value attaching to the poultry industry in the United States. The following is part of the complete programme presented:— (1) The poultry industry produces over 9 per cent, of the value of all agricultural products. (2) Eighty-five per cent, of all farms raise poultry. ,(3) The annual value of eggs produced-' during 1926 was. 620,000,000d01. (4) The annual value of poultry raised in 1926

was 561,000,000d01. (5) The annual value of poultry and eggs produced was 1,181,000,000d0l for 1926. These figures cover only poultry on farms at farm values. (6) Eggs are one of the most important staple foods, entering into almost every form of cookery. (7) Eggs are one of our most necessary human foods, having no superior in its healthsustaining and growth-promoting properties. (8) Egg and poultry meat are a constantly increasing part of the human diet. In fact, poultry is the only live stock industry that increases with human population. United States Department of Agricultural statistics show that during the period 1880 to 1920 poultry increased over 150 per cent, while human population increased 100 per cent., and that during the same period sheen and beef cattle decreased and swine increased less than 6 per cent. (9) Poultry keeping has a greater appeal as a business or side line than any other agricultural activity.

Jersey Black Giants.—These are an American breed of fowl, developed primarily as a table fowl. The standard weight is: Cock, 131 b; cockerel, Ulb; hen, 101 b; pullet, 81b. As layers the Jersey Black Giants are rated good for a heavy breed. Practically this means that a poultryman skilled in handling heavy breeds can make them lay well when' he handles them to get their best possible egg production; but that a less skilled poultry keeper, or one who gives them indifferent care, may find them rather indifferent layers. The breeder of large table fowls, however, docs not as a rule work for high egg records which will compare with those made b?. the best of the egg breeds. The birds which approach such records are rarely the best birds for the table. Between individual birds the difference may not be noticeable or important. If developed as a strain character heavy laying makes it harder to hold size and good fleshing and fattening properties. Poultry Manure—As the size of the poultry flock increases it becomes more and more important to make proper use of the droppings and soiled litter. Droppings are estimated to have an annual value of about Is 3d per bird, and in a flock of several hundred hens that is a substantial dividend. Droppings are high in ammonia and quite soluble. It follows that spreading them on dormant crops throughout the cold-weather period is a wasteful way to dispose of them. With flocks of good size a manure shed will prove a good investment. It should be large enough to provide for all the droppings and soiled litter that will accumulate during the winter season. It need not be expensive, and should be conveniently arranged for cleaning out in the spring. A concrete floor with walls of the same material as high as the droppings are likely to pile is the most economical construction in the long run. Ordinary lumber in contact with manure of any kind decays quickly. Choose a dry location, and build so that the contents will not get water soaked. Otherwise you will have one of the most unpleasant jobs you ever tackled when you come to haul the material out.

Experimentum Crucis.—-Rather a good yarn reached me from a thoroughly reliable source, and is guaranteed to be quite true. I shall omit breeds and names. A certain well-known breeder and exhibitor received an inquiry from an unknown correspondent to be supplied with a cockerel “ fit and ready to show.” Noting that a show was advertised shortly to take place near where the inquiry came from, the vendor concluded what the bird was specially wanted for, and sent one he thought good enough for the purpose and at the “reasonable price” asked for. In due course the cockerel was returned as not good enough for the money. The breeder, noting there was just time before entries closed for the particular show above referred to. at once entered the cockerel and put the price just double what he had asked his inquiring customer for it. The show day came, the cockerel won first prize, and wae duly claimed at catalogue price by the person who had previously "returned it as not good enough at half the money, obviously not knowing it was the same bird he had previously discarded. Subsequently, when he learned the history of his purchase, he applied for a return of the balance over the price originally asked, but as the bird had been claimed through the show and the vendor considered it was still cheap at the revised price, not to mention the additional advantage of purchased experience, there was nothing doing in that direction, and doubtless the next time the same person wants a bird “ fit and ready to show ” he will have more confidence in the selection made by a reliable breeder with more' experience than his own in such matters, though meanwhile he is probably a wiser if not a sadder man. —Feathered World writer. The Naked Neck.—The Naked Neck is a very curious variety, with perhaps the most extraordinary characteristic known in any race of poultry. The place of its origin is Transylvania, and birds of this breed were first, I believe, imported from Austria about or just over 50 years ago. The heads of these birds are feathered as usual, but the entire neck is absolutely bare of feathers down to the shoulders, as much so as if plucked, and the skin is ' of a red colour, almost like that of a healed wound. This red colour is considered in Austria a point of the breed. At the shoulder or bottom of the neck there is a sort of frill, adorned in_ front by a tuft of feathers, and to this also in Austria considerable importance is attached. Both rose and single combs are recognised in Austria, but the rosecombs are preferred. There is much variation in colour, but the black plumage is said to be the most typical. Both' face and earlobes should be red. There is no standard for the breed, at least not in this country. Though they are to be seen in this country, their appearance in the show pen is very rare. I have seen them now and again at such shows as Birmingham and Palace, and on still rarer occasions at smaller shows. Of course, no classes are provided for them, and so they always appear in the A.O.V. classes.—H. Inman, in Feathered World. Disinfectant Whitewash.—This disinfectant whitewash combines the general utility of ordinary whitewash with the disinfectant properties of stock dip. By its use, it is asserted, applications of stock dip can be supplanted for interior

use in poultry houses. The formula i? compounded from the following ingredients: —Hydrated lime 1J pecks, salt 21b, commercial lime-sulphur 4 gallons, water 40 gallons. _ Equivalent amounts for a small quantity of the above whitewash are approximately as follow’s:—Hydrated lime 1 heaping quart, salt 3 tablespoonfuls, commercial lime-sulphur 1| quarts, water 4 gallons. Alum added to a lime whitewash lends adhesiveness. An ounce to the gallon is sufficient. A pound of cheap bar soap dissolved in a gallon of boiling water and added to about five gallons of thick whitewash will give it a gloss like oil paint. Two applications should be made each year, one each in the fall and spring. To ensure penetration in the cracks and crevices the operation is preferably done with a high pressure spray pump.

Reilly’s Report.—A small yarding of poultry came forward for our sale on Wednesday, and, considering the quality of the birds, prices must be regarded as exceptionally good. .The demand is for ducklings, goslings, and young cockerels, and early consignments of these will realise high prices. On Wednesday we penned and so?d:— Hens: 2 at 9s, 5 at 7s, 2 at 6s Bd. 5 at 6s 6d, 6 at 6s 4d, 15 at 6s, 15 at 5s lOd, 7 at 5s Bd, 12 at 5s Gd, 11 at 5s 4d. 18 at 5s 2d, 2 at ss. 29 at 4s Bd, 10 at 4s. Cockerels: 2 at 6s, 2 at 5s lOd, 2 at ss, 2 at 4s Bd. Chickens: 7 at 4s, 17 at 3s Bd. 6 at 3s. 2 at 2s, 15 at Is 2d. 18 at lOd. Ducks: 7 at 9s 2d. 4 at 8s 2d, 15 at Bs, 7 at 7s 10d. 4 at 6s 8d —-all at “ per pair.” One hen and 13 chicks. 18s: one hen and 1? chicks, 17s: ditto. 17s. Eggs: During the week there has been a keen demand for stamped and guaranteed eggs, and Is 3d tn Is 5d has been secured for our consignors.

24th PAPANUI ECn-LAYINC COMPETITION. Leading Pens 33rd Week ended November 1? (231 days). TEST I.—J. H. SHAW MEMORIAL CHALLENGE. —Light and Heavy Breeds.—Week's Weight . Eggs, oz.drs. Total-

TEST 2.—WHITE LEGHORN SINGLE HEN (Owner Enters Three Birds.)

—Single Hen Test.— (Owner Enters Three Birds.) TEST 3.—ANY OTHER VARIETY LIGHT BREEDS EXCEPT WHITE LEGHORNS. Anconas— Week’s eggs. TotaL

TEST S.—ANY OTHER VARIETY HEAVY BREEDS. —Other than Black Orpingtons.—

TEST 6.—FLOCK TEAMS, SIX BIRDS. —Light and Heavy greeds.— White Leghorns—

TEST 7.—SINGLE DUCKS. (Owner enters Three Birds.) Week’s eggs. Total. Pekins—

A small matter of £lBO was at stake. The lady wished to obtain it from an Auckland suburban bank; but positive evidence of identification was first required (says the Auckland Sun). Having no one else to call upon, she solicited the aid of the storekeeper who keeps the corner shop near her residence. The good man devoted the best part of a hot afternoon to going to the bank and making the necessary affirmations. The lady got her £lBO, and the storekeeper got his reward. She gave him two 'shillings!

“ I hope, sir, you’re not worrying about that £lO you owe us? ” “No! What’s the use of both of uS worrying?” x • —Everybody’s Weekly, London.

Black Orpingtons— T. D. Dalziel 5 11.11 159 Miss Meyrick 5 9. 3 108 White Leghorns— L. J. Knowles . . 6 11. 9 201 Green Bros 5 10.15 200 Master Liggins 7 14. 5 191 W. E. Ward 6 12.13 184 E. J. Ross . . J) 10.13 182 E. V. Crouch . . 6 13. 1 ISO

Week's eggs. Total. T. W. Betteridge, No. 1 7 194 H. Williams, No. 1 . . 5 194 J. W. Thomson, No. 2 . . 6 193 Tracey King, No. 2 . . 6 190 M. C. Craig, No. 1 . . 5 190 H. Williams, No. 2 . . 5 190

S. H. Mitchell, No. 2 4 135 R. Pearce, No. 3 .. 1 131 TEST 4.—BLACK ORPINGTONS. Week's eggs. Total J. M. Campbell, No. 3 6 192 J. M. Campbell, No. 2 6 189 A. M. Espie, No. 2' .. 4 182

Week’s eggs. Total J. R. Griffen (L.S.), No. 1 5 181 B. G. Corlett (W. R.), No. 2 5 168 J. C. Wilson (L.S.). No. 1 5 159 J. Kingsland (R.I.R.), No. 1 7 148

Week's Weight Eggs. oz.drs. Total. H. Harrison . . 39 77. 9 1053 H. W. Beck, No. 1 29 57.15 999 F. Hawes . . . . 31 62.11 945 H. W. Beck, No. 2 22 49. 3 936

J. J. W. Thomson. No. 2 . . 7 0 193 186 W. Thomson, (dead) No. 3 . . Indian Runners — C. E. Barnett, No. 1 .. 7 218 II. A. Dawber, No. 2 .. 7 214 J. W. Thomson, No. 3 .. 7 210 J. W. Thomson, No. 2 .. 4 205 C. E. Barnett, No. 3 .. 7 201 J. W. Thomson, No. 1 .. 3 194