EGG CIRCLE ASSOCIATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 334, 4 March 1915, Page 5

EGG CIRCLE ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. NEARLY 1,000,000 EGGS SOLD LAST YEAR, The annual meeting of the Canterbury Egg Circle Association was held in the association's rooms last evening. There was a large attendance of members. Mr Fazackerly was voted to the chair. The secretary's report showed that during the year the membership had increased to 150, and that 898,536 eggs (74,878 doz.), representing £4441 5/-, had been marketed during the year. The average on the ' whole turnover had been 1/2£ per dozen, I : while the first grade extras had averaged 1/3. Two of the largest orders ever taken in New Zealand for a week's output of eggs were supplied by the association, and together represented nearly 6000 doz. A large number of the members veere farmers, and these were rapidly increasing, and showing increased interest in the marketing of eggs, which were now being graded and stamped, and sent to the market as new-laids in accordance with the rules. - The election of the committee resulted as follows:—Messrs Gee, Roxburgh, Gibson, Fazackerley, Eitchie, and Holt. Mr J. B. Merrett was re-elected secretary and selling agent for the association. Messrs C. lieim and J. B. Merrett were elected delegates to attend the Poultry Conference at Wellington during Easter. The following remits are to be submitted to the conference:—

That the Government be urged to establish an experimental poultry fai - m near Christclnirch in place of the Burnham Poultry Farm, which had been removed. That the duty be taken off imported incubators made in England, Australia, and Canada. That an effort be made to secure maize from South Africa for poultry food. It was resolved that the association support the movement of the Poultryinen's Foods Committee to purchase poultry foods in bulk, and that the secretary represent the members on the committee. Several members commented on the hardships imposed on them by dear foods, and claimed they could have purchased some of the Government's imported wheat at 6d a bushel profit, and consider it would have meant much for the public in the return of more eggs. The members then enjoyed a half-

hour's social time, during which refreshments were handed round. Votes of tlianlcs were given to the chairman and secretary. In returning thanks, the secretary said that the sales, of a million eggs during the year was easily in sight, judging by the growth of the association. It was arranged at an early date to invite the country members to a field day, and to entertain them at a social function, a visit to the New Zealand Poultry Institute at St. Albans, and addresses by the Government Poultry Instructors.

The next meeting will.be held on April 15, to receive the Poultry Conference delegates' reports.