MILFORD PIG PRODUCERS MEET

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23316, 27 September 1945, Page 3

MILFORD PIG PRODUCERS MEET

Presentation Of Green Cup There was a large gathering of pig producers and orners interested in the Milford Hall tor the presentation of awards in the South Island baconer competition. Mr Jas. Woodhead, chairman of the Temuka Primary Production Committee presided, and extended a welcome to the visitors. In bringing to South Canterbury the Green Cup. so consistently won by West Coast producers. Mr David Aker of Orarl had, he said brought credit to the district. Among those who addressed the gathering were Messrs J. Simpson representing the Canterbury District Pig Council, J. E. Thomas ex-food and ration controller; J. D. Dench, general manager of Green and Co., Ltd., and chairman of the Canterbury Bacon Curers’ Executive; J. Simpson, president of the Canterbury District Pig Council; P. G. Stevens, lecturer in pig husbandry at Lincoln College; H. W. Mclntosh, supervisor of the Canterbury District Pig Council; T. W. Urquhart, stock Inspector; G. W. Mulligan. secretary Temuka Branch of the Farmers’ Union; T. H. Symes, Temuka Primary Production Committee; R. M. Mills F. South and J. F. Cairns, local dairy companies; and E. R. Comer, J. R. Turley, G. Birdling, G. R. Turley, S. Unwin and D. Aker.

Mr H. M. Peirson, superintendfent of the Pig Industry, in a message to the pig producers congratulated Mr Aker on his success. To score such high points under the new judging standards, was. he said, an achievement. Mr Thomas said he was convinced that these competitions had been of value in maintaining pig-production which had during the war years been largely for the American Forces who were partial to this type of food. There seemed to have been misconceptions about the responsibility for the allocation of exports of this food. The decision was made in London and Washington, and to think otherwise was incorrect. The control of bacon and ham was a credit to the committee in charge. Altogether the New Zealand war effort was a commendable one, and he expressed appreciation of the efforts of the farming community during the critical years through which we had passed. Mr Simpson, in presenting the Green Cup. thanked the donors for the interesting display at their works. The stock in this district was he said, equal tp anything in New Zealand. He hoped that production would soon reach the 110.000 mark again, and he urged those interested to avail themselves of the crop subsidy. Certificates of merit were awarded to the Cupwinner and to Messrs S. Unwin of Winchester and W. Scarlett and J. Bowron of Waimate. The P.M.A. Rose-bowl for the farm points competition was won by a Rotomanu. producer. In accepting the awards, Mr Aker paid a tribute to the work of the officers of the'Pig Production Council, and Mr Unwin said he hoped the pig clubs would soon be active again.

In replying to the toast of the bacon curers, Mr Dench said that South Island prices, especially for choppers, were, at times, up to a dangerous level; there was a definite quota governing the North Island market and price . limits were rigidly set. There was no question of the curers being able to handle all the pigs that they could get. Mr Stevens traced the progress in pig-breeding advisory services since 1930, and outlined the work being done at Lincoln College to breed an improved type of pig, prolific and of good carcase quality. He recommended the baconer type rathe® than the porker. The winning pig, he said, was worthy of display beside the best Danish and English ones. Mr Mclntosh dealt with carcasequality, reports on which were readily available on application. If producers would secure them, the Pig Council could be of more assistance to them. Excellent.boars, especially Tamworths. were bred in this district. There was no difficulty or expense in having the pigs recorded, for if necessary, two local farmers could jointly do the certifying. . . I During the evening the following contributed to an enjoyable programme; Messrs G. A. Bolderston, C. C. Stanley. M. Brown, J. Woodhead. T. Langrell, C. Davies and A. Donehue. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr G. R. Turley.