Feathered Fancy

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 97, 30 May 1914, Page 5

Feathered Fancy

The Christehurch Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Club met at the club rooms on Monday, Mr H.Beardsley presiding. The secretary reported that he was daily in .receipt of entries from all parts, and there was every prospect of receiving a very large number. The Hall Committee reported having made arrangements for extra time for the Government in preparing their gigantic display. Numerous applications for stands were left in the, hands of the executive. Several new members were elected:

The show of the Dunedin Fanciers' Club will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next. ■ Exhibitors will require to forward their birds by Monday : s train. The North .Island Wyandotte Club will be holding its show in connection with this fixture, and Mr C. J. Boss, will be a competitor from Christchurch.

It is more than likely that we will have at our shows representatives of Anierican White Leghorns. I understand that some of our fanciers intend giving them a trial. The birds are bred from great laying strains.

It has been suggested that the Auckland and Christchurch shows should arrange their dates so that these fixtures will not clash. The closeness of the dates' in some classes" prevents some northern exhibits coming south for the championship show" next month.

It is the general opinion that the Importing Club should go further and also arrange for the importing of appliances in connection with the fancy. I believe that a homing club considers that it would be a good opportunity for its members to secure modern "timing clocks." The club intends to move in the matter. At present it only provides for the purchasing of stock, but intends altering its constitution accordingly.

I understand that Mr J. Nixon, of Auckland, will be judging the Orpingtons in the North Island championship at the Hamilton Show. He also judges in Taranaki, and the Leghorns, Orpingtons, Minorcas, and ducks at the Auckland shows.

After the enthusiastic report presented by the sub-committee of the Utility Poultry Club with reference to their visit to Wellington in connection with the Government taking over the management of the competitions at Papanui, it must have come as a shock to the members to be notified that the Government could not comply with the club's request. I understand that the deputation had the assurance of the Department that the club's proposal would be favourably considered. In any ease, what difference does, it make? The records and accounts of the competition are kept in a thoroughly busi-ness-like manner, and audited by a responsible person, and will stand any inspection. I have always found that those interested in these ''reforms''' are usually among the "dissatisfied competitors."

The layers will shortly be in full action. It is very necessary that plenty of oyster shell and grit should be kept handv.

At the annual meeting of the Utility Poultry Club special reference was made to the work of the Disease Committee. During the last competition several post mortem examinations had been held, aad the members had derived considerable benefit from the various reports. It was decided to draft an autopsy chart, for sending to competitors upon whose birds examinations had been held.

(By ■"GRIT.")

Charcoal is an excellent thing for poultry.

, If, your poultry do not keep themselves they should be go rid of; : as you are only feeding unprofitable stock.

The entries for the Ashburton Show will be received at the Christehurch Poultry Club's rooms on Monday evening. The show will be held on June 12 and 13. This show usually provides a good outing for Christehurch enthusiasts.

At the last meeting of the Christchurch Canary and Cage Bird Club, the business of the evening was a club show. The club has recently held two very good shows, and some fine typical birds have been benched. The awards for the evening resulted: Yorkshires, Buffs (clear) F. J. Watts, 1 and special; Norwich Yellow (clear), J. Duncan 1, H. G. Hunt 2, F. J. Watts 3; Norwich Yellow (variegated) F. J. Watts 1 and special, B. Johnson 2, H. G. Hunt 3; Norwich Buff (clear) J. Duncan 1 and 2, W. J. Landells 3; Norwich Buff (variegated) W, J. Hampton 1 and special, H. G. Hunt 2, E. C. Wells 3. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr A. Gapes for kindly judging the exhibits. At the coming big show, a fine collection of canaries and cage birds is expected, and with cages so nicely renovated, should make a good display.

I regret to hear that Mr J. Duncan has had' the misfortune to lose his fine variegated yellow Norwich., The bird was a good oneand I am certain would have done well at the coming shows. Bemember lice will play havoc in the warm weather, take steps to keep them out now. .

With the Christehurch show held in June instead of August, breeding will start considerably earlier than the last two seasons; it is advisable to start and make provision for your chicks.

Clean nest boxes will save you lots of trouble in washing eggs for market.

At the last meeting of the Christchurch Poultry Club, Mr Arthur Gerard informed the club of having secured a stray pigeon. Such actions as these are always appreciated by all pigeon fanciers.

I understand' that Mr E. M. Clark, who made his debut in the Yorkshire classes, at the last Christehurch show, has also been unfortunate, and lost sevoral of his birds.

The Christehurch Homing Pigeon Society will hold its annual club show at the rooms of the Christehurch Poultry Club on Saturday evening next. AN fanciers arc invited, and Mr Pounsford will judge.

Give your liens attention, and they will repay you. Chickens should not be neglected when young, if so the lost ground can never he regained".