COMING INTO ITS OWN

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1934, Page 5

COMING INTO ITS OWN

PIG-RAISING INDUSTRY . ■' \ r. - - \ REMARKABLE PROGRESS MADE. INCREASED SHOW ENTRIES. Probably no feature in connection with the Taranaki Agricultural Society’s progress has been more striking than the tremendous strides made in the last seven or eight years in the pig section. Formerly the entries in pigs were practically negligible, and almost any corner was considered good enough for the porcine species, which did not attract much attention from the public. Of late years, however, the pig has become very prominent, and holds a very important place in agricultural show circles, being housed in a well equipped and comfortable pavilion that now - takes its place as part of the show appointments. The pig section of the catalogue, giving as it does the full pedigrees of the majority of the entries, has assumed considerable dimensions, and judging by the constant increase in entries has by no means reached its limit yet. Already, too, it has been found necessary to provide additional accommodation to cope with the exhibits in this section, which have more than quadrupled over the last eight years. The entries during the past few; years are as follow: —

The remarkable increase during the last three or four years is but a reflex on the interest that is being taken in pig-breeding and pig-raising by tile dairyfarmer as a side-line of dairying. At one time the pig was looked down upon, being regarded in the light of a farm scavenger for whom any treatment, and in some cases no treatment at all, was necessary. With the low prices ruling for the recognised dairy primary products, however, the pig has .come into his own. Looking for some means to supplement his dwindled income, the dairy farmer has turned his attention to the pig, realising that he can be made—as was recognised by farmers in another country year, ago—the “gentleman that pays the rent.” They also realise that if the best is to be got out of the pig he must be given the best treatment, including proper feed and adequate shelter. The days of wallowing in the mud are gone for ever.

Attention is also being directed towards raising the type of pig that, will be most suitable not only for the export trade but also for the local breakfast table, as it is realised that consumption can be encouraged both at Home and, in New Zealand • providing an article 'is produced that suits the .tastes of the consumer; With that object experts are now making a .study of the pig industry with a view to concentrating on breeding a uniform type of pig that will meet the requirements of the market at Home, also to feeding it in such a way that when killed it will produce the pork or bacon that will prove pleasing to the consumer. It is recognised that the pig properly handled can add considerably to the income of the dairy farmer, and to assist in obtaining this desirable object Pig Recording Clubs are being established, their main objective being to breed the right type of pigs and plenty of them as quickly as possible for distribution among their members. The ultimate object is for New Zealand to send Home a uniform type of pig, which has been the practice of the Danes for years past. The pig certainly seems likely, to come into his own, particularly as it is now realised that pasture feeding plays an important part. New Zealand, with its splendid climatic conditions, should be able to build , up a large and valuable export trade.'

The initial show on the new grounds was opened by Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence, and it is gratifying to note, that the efforts of the president were recognised by a gift of a silver tea and coffee service, made by the late Mr. H. J. H. Okey, M.P., on behalf of members. It was stated that Mr.- Connett had visited practically every dairy factory in North, Taranaki placing his scheme before the suppliers, and that as a result the membership had increased from 300 to over 1000.

The principal reasons for the success achieved undoubtedly were the change from spring to autumn as the reason for holding the show, the securing of the society’s own showgrounds at Waiwakaiho, the assistance given by the women in catering and in other directions, the spirit of co-operation that has existed between the president, the secretary and all the- officials/ the attention and consideration they have shown to exhibitors, and last but not least the manner in which the farming community and townspeople have backed up the efforts’ of the committee.

The growth of the society’s show, which in 1874 comprised a very limited catalogue, is analagous to the phenomenal expansion and progress of agricultural pursuits in Taranaki. ° ’

Taranaki has not seen as much of Their Excellencies as the public would have liked. It is realised, however, that the demands upon their time and good nature are many, and that to make this visit has meant the foregoing of what might have been leisure for them. Their welcome will be warm, for their visit will be one more demonstration of the keen interest they take in all that concerns the well being of the Dominion,

1924 50 1926 112 1927 120 1928 164 1930 92 1932 128 1933 200 1934 227