Amongst the Poultry

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17039, 12 May 1923, Page 13

Amongst the Poultry

NEWS AND NOTES BY “ CROWBLACK.”

POULTRY NOTES. Entries close next, Saturday fur the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club’s Show . Exhibitors are requested to make their entries early as ifc is anticipated there will be a very large attendance after 7.30 o’clock. Late entries will be accepted on payment of an extra Is per entry. Mr T. Kennedy has baen eeloted to judge fihe fancy poultry classes at Rangiora, and Mr J. Tindall will make the awards in the utility heavy breads and Mr C. W . Bell in the utility light breeds. Mr O. E. Reilly has been appointed judge of the open section at the Dunedin Show, and Mr C. Cunningham of the utility section. At the executive meeting of the New Zealand Poultry Association held in Wellington last. week. considerable lime was spent in defining a fresh egg. With the aid of the practical and scientific the following was adopted:—“ Unwashed. non-fertilised eggs, white or brown, to be uniform in size and shape : not less than 2ozs m weight nor more than 2oz 4drs; clean, sound in shell, air cell less than |in. in depth, white or egg to be firm and clear and yolk dimly visible through j shell ; of good colour and in which j no process of putrefaction and no de- i velopment of the ovum has taken I place. The Government is to be asked by | the New Zealand Poultry Association ! to send Mr F. C. Brown, Governmeat Poultry Instructor, to attend the World’s Poultry Congress in Spain in 1924, and that while abroad he investigate the methods of other countries in poultry keeping. •Messrs J. B. Me nett, W. T. Green, ! J. W. Green, and A. hi. Wilson (Waihao Downs) were unanimously eeleted life members of the New Zealand Utility Poultry Club at the annual meeting on Tuesday night. Mr Alfred Clarue, the well-known Silver Wyandotte fancier, had a most promising crop of twenty-three acres ol potatoes destroyed by the floods at Rangiora this week. Mr Clarke also lost by drowning two choice Silver cockerels which were being prepared for the Christchurch Show next month. The floods during the past week are sure to have a serious effect upon Lie | entries of poultry at shows in the j South Island. Not only have many ! good birds been drowned, but many will go right out of condition for the i early shows. Mr H. W. Beck intended < making a large exhibit of Barred Kooks at Cnnstohurch, but he has had the misfortune to have thirty-five Rooks, including several of his best specimens drowned. l'he following committees were elected I at the annual meeting ol the New j

Zealand Utility Poultry Club on Tuesday night:—l' ilia nee : Messrs R. W . Hawke, A. Smith, and •). B. Merrett; supervising: Messrs R. T\ . Hawke, J. Green, AV. A. Ge© and C. Cussen, G. P. Instructor; works: Messrs \\ . T. Green, \\ . A. Gee and C. Cussen, Green, W. A. Gee, C. AV. Trill, H. AV. Cussens, Government Poultry Instructor ; schedule : Messrs AA . A. Gee, J. T. M’Harg. S. Dick, T. AA’. Bettridge, AV. Barrell, H. Williams. R. AV. Hawke and AV. H. AYest; educational and entertainment: Messrs 11. Williams, J. AA . Green, AA . H. West, H. AA . Beck, S. Dick. E. Fuchs, C. AA . Tritt, G. H. Bradford, A. Napper, G. Mitchell, A. Patterson, F. E. Osborne and F. Reynolds; show: Messrs J. D. Gobbe, R. Pea roe. P. E. S prosen, G. AA'. Black, O. AA'. Tritt. AA'. Chambers, AA'. Aldous, J. Taylor and J. Lyness. The several committees are requested to meet at the olub rooms on the last Tuesday in May. The heavy rains will interfere greatly with egg-production where poultry men have not got their birds well housed. Fowls will not Jay that are kept in damp houses. To produce eggs they must have dr> . warm feet, and be given good nourishing too*l at regular hours. Now is the time to feed kibbled maize or split partridge peas with the grain ration. Mr F. Brown, the chief Government poultry instructor, is at present indisjosed at his home in Wellington. l'he Taieri Foul try Club has appointed Messrs X. Dalton and R. AV. Ck.ombes to judge it- show next month. Ilio annual meet ins of the Duck Club will take place next Tuesday night. Last week Air Liggins vent eight AA bite Leghorn hens and two cockerels, per Mr J. Cummings, to Lord Dewar, England. The hens were in the moult, but the two cockerels were in high class condition and boxed in Mr Liggins's usual methodical way. The three boxes were built Like small houses with tongued and grooved wood, and painted white, at a cost of £6 6s. It ih hoped the consignment will arrive in good form, and that further orders will come to New Zealand. At the executive meeting of the New Zealand Poultry Association held in AVellington Inst week it was arranged to aslc .Mr F. Brown to write a paper for Ibo World’s Poultry Congress on ‘'lb© Poultry Industry in New Zealand.” Air £. H. Scott on ” Th© Indian Burner Duck of New Zealand.” and Mr •T. A. M’Lean on “ Egg Production in New Zealand and How AA> Get It.” The papers will be published in several languages and read by poultrymen throughout the world. By the mail this week Mr J. R. Merlett received art invitation from the King of Spain to attend the AVorld’s Poultry Congress at Barcelona next year. The Spanish Government has voted £3OOO to entertain delegates and conduct, the congress. The invitation includes a visit to the Palace at Madrid and a tour through the, beautiful regions of Andalusia, Valencia and Castile. Chatting the matter over with Mr Merrett he informs me rhe Otago Poultry Producers and the directors of the Canterbury Co-operative Poultry Producers. Ltd., favotir his going with the shipment of eggs to London in September next. A number of egg producers in the North have also expressed their willingness to support his going. Should this eventuate he intends haring three months in America early next year attending Cornell University, then attend the exhibition in London, and be present at the AVorld’s Poultry Congress in Spain on his way home Business relations may prevent his getting away this year, in which -nse he will postpone the visit to March next. In the House of Commons recently a discussion took place in the compulsory stamping of all eggs imported into England The Bill passed the second reading with over a hundred majority, so that it is likely to become law. Arl angenientfi have been made by the Now Zealand Poultry Association to have the passing of the Bill cabled so that exporters of eggs this coming season mav stamp the eggs if this is needed. AVith an export trade of eggs Al: Merrett informs me that poultry-keep mg in Canterbury would double itsel inside ot three years. This would meai

a good thing for the public, who would receive cheaper eggs in winter, as the birds producing the eggs for export would all Vie available as pullets- lor the local supply, so that a better average price for eggs would b© assured. An average price of Is 6d for summer and 2s in winter would make the poultry industry in this country. The election of Mr AA’. E. Green a-» president of the N.Z.U.P.C. will assure a most progressive year for the club. Mr Green is one <jf our leading poultrv producers. He has won great honours in the egg-laying tests, exported sev eral birds to South Africa, is a director of the Canterbury Co-operative Poultry Producers. Ltd., and a member of the New Zealand Poultry Association executive. He takes an intelligent- interest in the development of the industry, and is a firm advocate of the export trade. No less than three invitations reached Mr J. B. Merrett this week —oue from Spain to attend the AVorld’s Poultry Congress, one from England, to attend and lecture at the Empire Exhibition, and one from Cornell University. New York. It would be a good thing for New Zealand poultrymen if lie-could attend and at the same time establish the export trade. The treasurer of the Utility Poultry Club stated at the annual meeting that the club had no current liabilities at the end of its financial year, except loan account. Mr J. B. Merrett decline! nomination ns treasurer for a further term, and nominated Mr G. Wilkin** Mr Ragg was re-elected auditor, and accorded a vote of thanks for his services. The egg market, which was firm a week or two ago. has now lost its vim owing to the high prices, and it is expected the high prices ruling this week will not hold. Mr AA'alter E. Green, who was elected president of the New Zealand Util ity Poultry Club on Tuesday night nt> the annual meeting, made a good address. outlining a progressive policy for the club by entertaining eld members of the club, closing competition entries ac an earlier date, and tightening up the quality of birds to compete in th» egg-lay mg tests, and extending the poultry industry in New Zealand. Mr G. Rowley, who was for many years secretary of the Granity Poultry Club, has been re-elected to the office, and Mr Alf Walker has been invited to judge the Grnnitv Club’s show.

CHRISTCHURCH SHOWS

I am in receipt of the prize schedule | of the Christchurch Poultry. Pigeon | nil d Canary Club’s annual exhibition to j be held in King Edward Barracks on j June i , S and 9. l'he classification j in nil sections, especially in the Old ' English Game section, is excellent. Club cups are offered for competition in practically all the various breeds of young birds under twelve months Private cups are donated by Mr AA'. B-allantvne for the best laced Wyandotte. Mr Clarkson donates £.5 cash tor the best pullet in the show, and the club gives a £o prize for the best cockerel. Mr H. Hearfield offers £3 for the best Utility White Leghorn cockerel or pullet and South Island Association championships are offered for best Old English Game. Black Or pi ngtons and Utility AVhite "Wyandotte. Scores of special prizes will be comr b. y members of the N.Z. Utility Poultry Club, the N.Z. Duck Club, South Island Wyandotte Club, the Leghorn and Minorca Club. Can terburv Bantam Club and Old English Game I owl C’lub. Tn the pigeon section the club is donating five £3 3s cups, and sixteen £1 Is cups. The G. A. Macqnarrie shield of £25 is offered for competition among fantails. Numerous specials of 10s 6d and £1 vvill also be awarded m the pigeon section. Seven club cups and a private cup are offered in the can ay section, and the Christchurch Canary Club provides a lengthy list of special prizes lor its members. The art needlework section is well cared for in the matter ot special prizes. The club has included an amateur judging competition which is sure to he an attractive and interesting section of the show. The tcv dog show will be held on rhe second day and the cat show on the third day. Entries close next Saturday with Mr R. Pearce, secretary, Box 359, Christchurch. The judges are: Poultry---Mr P. Furness ("Australia j and late of England) —All open classes m poultry, except Rhode Islands Reds | and bantams other than O.E. Gam© Mr C. AA'. Tritt (Christchurch) Rhode Island Rods. Mr Alf. Walker (Christ church)—All bantams. except O.E. Game and junior bantams. Mr A. Gapes (Christchurch)—Selling class an<-i junior bantams. Mr AY. J. Chalmers <( hristchurch)—Utility White L©gT. Kennedy (Rangiora) - ft• lity Leghorns othei than White iMnorcas, Anconas and heavy breeds other than AA'yamlottes and Orpingtons. Mr P. Carol in (Dunedin)- Utility AA Air C. AY. Tritt ( Christchurch)--I. tility Orpingtons. Mr AV. T. Green (Christchurch) - All ducks, table poultry and eggs. Pigeons—Mr P. Furness (Australia and late of England)—Magpie Pigeons. Mr AA . Fraser (Christchurch)—Turn biers. Hr V. B. M Kenzie (Welling, ton)—All other varieties of fancy pigeons. Mr F. Kingston! (Christ-, church)—Homers, old birds. Mr A (. Gerard (Christchurch)—Homerringed classes. Air H. Pearson (ChristcJiurch)—Junior Homers. Canaries and cage birds—Mr R. AA* Thomson and .Air IT. Beardsley (Christ church), to judge conjointly. Cats Mr F. Biggs (Christchurch)— Ad.dt Persians. Mr A. G. AA’ilson (New Brighton Road)- —Kittens and short haired cats. Toy dogs— Mr P. Furness (Australia and late of England). ; , Art needlework—Mrs C. Atkinson (Christchurch).

OLD ENGLISH GAME CLUB

At a meeting held at Kelson on Satnroay evening of the Old English Game t lub of New Zealand, the deputy-pre-sident Mr A A. Halsey, presided over a good attendance of members. Considerable correspondence was read trom the president Mr F. K. Bust of Christchurch, dealing with matters c-on-nected with the club show, which is to be held in that city on June 7, 8. and Appreciative reference was made to ihe splendid support accorded the O.E Game section by Cbrisothurch fanciers, who hare contributed very largely to the special prize list. Altogether there will be 1 shield. 10 cups. 1 rose bow! -i trophies. 0 one-guinea cash specials’ ■ ml 23 10.1 6d cash specials, in addition '•> the ordinary cash prizes fr com- , edition m O.E. Game and Game Banram classes at Ohrisothurch. J K-* secretary mentioned that a cup

for best muff and tassel, donated by Mr R. A Williams, of Mangatainoka, and won last year by T. Barrett, had inadvertently been omitted from the club’s list of cups appearing in the Christchurch schedule. A letter was received from Mr R. P. Furness, of Sydney, who is coming over to judge the club show, that he will be quite willing to give an address to i embers at Christchurch. Members present at the meeting commented on the fact that Mr Furness, who. it was understood, was to judge in addition to O.E. Game, a section of the pigeons and fancy AA'yamlottes. had also been appointed to judge all the fancy varieties, other than Rhode Island Reds. A special prize of one guinea, given by Mr T. E. A'. Seddon, vras allotted to the best muff or tassel, or best muff and tas-'cl. The report of t lie standards sub-com-mittee was considered by the meeting. Apart from suggesting fixing the minimum weight of male birds at 4£lb and hens and pullets at 3jlb. there is j j practically no alteration to the standards at present in force. The sugI gested alterations • were referred to the Christchurch Club show meeting for consideration when the standards come up for revision, which meeting will also decide the venue of next year’s club show, the names of AA'ellington and Nelson being mentioned. A letter was received- from Mr E. R. Bust, extending, on behalf of the Christchurch Poultry Club and himself as president of the O.E. Game Club, a hearty invitation to members to visit Christchurch during show week, and participate in the arrangements made for the welcome to visitors. Nine members present signified their intention 01 accepting the invitation and intend to travel overland.

EGG LAYING.

PAPANUI. The egg-yield last week showed an improvement. on the previous week, but there is likely to be a falling off ill the next returns owing to flood water getting into a number of pens. The water was quickly absorbed by sawdust and the birds given a good bedding of straw. The eggs collected in the several sections for the fourth week are a-s follow (the previous week's laying being given within parentheses):—

I AMONG OUR ADVERTISERS.

THE SHTRLEV POO.TRY FARM. The Shirley Poultry Farm is situated on the corner of Quinn's Road and Shirley Road, three minutes walk ffom (No. 10 car). Craddock's corner and tit© neat buildings and beautiful White Leghorn birds of the farm, are an at traction to all interested in the industry. Although started under four years ago. the foundation stock arriving on November 15, 1919. the farm, by the excellent stock carried and the up-to-date me didos used, has made rapid progress. Beginning with getting the best of stock from two of our leading breeder's, and continuing with faithfully trap-nesting every year, a reputation has been made for supplying consistent laying stock of good type and constitution. A glance at. the letter file reveals repeat orders from highly satisfied customers. The trap nests in use on Hie farm are most simple, easy of construction, and speedy to operate, and are without a doubt the key. on this farm at any rate, to the attaining and maintaining of con-

sis tent, true to type, high average laying strain AVhite Leghorns. The breeders, numbering over 400. all two-year-cVj. birds, whose records are charted on the farm books, have absolutely tree range on a good strike of lucerne. They are flock-mated with pedigree males, whose sires and dams records are fully known. On the sire’s side the records go back to 1916. The Shirley pedigree strain breeding pea from which cockerels are kept for sale and flock nutting on the farm is composed of liens who rave laid as high as 290 eggs in 52 weeks and nothing under 250 eggs in that period. This year they have procured a bird which has been procured from the world’s record lien. Queen AYest, to mate with these high producers, and a limited number of sittings, it is expected, will be available. The long laying houses are laid out with an eye to economy in labour, and are fully stocked with a good type of utility Leghorns. One flock of 200 I forward birds is particularly line and j the trap-nest chart reveals many consistent layers. The quietness and tameness of the birds at this farm is remarked by visitors. It is quite common for birds to settle on the managers’ hand, arm head or shoulders, as many as three at a time finding various vantage points. This is accounted for by the frequency of handling the birds at the trap nests, which are the result uf ■ ■•any experiments to obtain the most simple, cheap and speedy trap obtainable, without possibility of failure in their operation cr reliability. There are scores of them on the farm ; in fact, not a laying house is without them. There are many items of interest to all interested in poultry keeping for profit and pleasure, and I was given to understand, that clients and visitors are made welcome and are assured an I instructive and pleasant time. The farm is closed on Sundays. The finishing touches are being put to an extension of the incubator house. . the original room with a capicity of i 2600 eggs per hatch, being too small to cope with the increasing day-old ! chick trade. Unsolicited testimonials i all through last season accompanied repeat orders for the Shirley day-old k chicks, from customers all over Can- ’ terbury and of Y/estland. SHOW DAT&S AND CHAMPIONSHIPS June 7. 8. and 5) —Christchurch. Championships Old English Game, Black Orpington. Utility White Wyandotte. Magpie Pigeon, Working Homer Cock '350 miles or over). Yorkshire Green Canary, n-c-f.-. also Challenge Shield. June 1-i. 15. and 1G —Dunedin. Hamburgs, Seahright Bantam. Utility Barred Plymouth Rock, and other variety Frill Pigeon other than Owl. Tumbler (clear-leggpd. Jong-faced other than self), Norwich. Buff Canary (clear ticked or variegated, n.c.f.). June 22 and 23 —Ashburton. English White Leghorn, Orpington (other than Black), l tility Rhode island lied. Owl Pigeon, Colour fed Canary, any variety i July 6 and 7—North Canterbury. Duck, | any variety, Utility Black Leghorn, any other variety of Bantam other khan Game, Pekin, Black Dosechinb or Seabrigbt, Dragoon Pigeon, Tumbler Baldhead and Yorkshire Canary, yellow, c.t. or n.c.f. July 13 and 14—Oamaru. Black Leghorn (£3 3s), Ancona, Utility Silver Wyandotte. Pouter, Cropper. Fantail or Jacobin Pigeon. Homer Hen (350 miles or over), Yorkshire Buff Canary, c.t. July 20 and 21—Lyttelton. Barred Plymouth Rock. Utility Croad Lanirshau, Modern Game Bantam. Nun Pigeon, any other variety, Fancy Pigeon, NorJune 21—Ka-iba-ngata. Silver Wyandotte, Golden Wyandotte (£,:> 3s i. Utility White Rock, Utility Indian Ruuner Duck. Black Roseeomb Bantam. June 3!) —Taieri. White Wyandotte, White Crested Black Polich. Utility Black Orpington (female). Tumbler. cleanlogged. long-faced (£Z 38), Norwich. Yellow Canary c.t. or v., n.c.f. (£3 3s), any other variety canary other than Norwich or Yorkshire, n.c.f. July 14—Tapanui. Brown Leghorn, White Plymouth Rock, Utility White Leghorn (female). Old English Game Bantam. June 29 and 30—Invercargill. Rhode ; Island Red. Utility White Leghorn j flinale). Pekin Bantam. Homer Cock 'ringed. .1922-3), Norwich Cinnamon Canary, n.c.f.. and Mule Canary. June -29 and 30—-Waimate. Minorca. Utility Black Orpington (male'. .Muffed Tumbler, crest or crest-bred canary, n.c.f.. and Andalusian. July s—Heriot. Honda n. Dorking, Utility Brown Leghorn and Utility Ancona. July 2.l—Baiclutba. Sussex. BraVnna. Utility Minorca. Monclame, Silver King. Carueaux or Runt Pigeon, Homer Hen (ringed 1922-3). July 15 and 16—Waiinangaroa. Plymouth Rock, Utility Orpington, and Utility Indian Runner Duck. Jujne 29 and 30 —Westport. Wyandotte. Rhode Island Red. Utility Leghorn, Game, and variety. July 13 and 14--Granity. Leghorn. Duel; (any variety), and Utility Minorca.

NEW ZEALAND UTILITY POULTRY CLUB.

ANXUAI. REPORT. j The following report was submitted by I the secretary:— i Mr Chairman and Members, j Your secretary has pleasure in presenting the nineteenth annual report of the , N.Z. Utility Poultry Club. The year has ] been a very satisfactory one. and it will j doubtless be gratifying to members to learn ; that the club has improved its financial j position. Another pleasing feature of the j year is the increased membership, j The most important work of the year ; wan the carrying out of the club’s egg | laying competition. Despite the increase i in entry fees breeders responded splendidly. and the club was enabled to commence its eighteenth competition with its full complement of fowls and a slight decrease in duck entries. The final results, of the tests disclose some interesting facts. The general average of the birds was excellent and equal to the best years of the club, as may be seen by the appended table. Total Average Eggs. Per Bird 316-Light ami heavy breed fowls and ducks . 66,298 20C

Several individual returns go to show that the stamina. constitution and standard of breeding of the birds were of the highest quality.,. In the opinion of many the breeding of high-class producers was predicted to create a tendency in the weakening of stock for breeding. The results of the test just completed indicate that high class layers may be bred without any outward sign of deterioration, and that wit,h careful selection the birds cannot only produce high records. but can retain tlieir health and vitality and pass their characteristics to their progeny. The single pen method of testing the birds has demonstrated the accuracy of production. It is infallible. The olub has at ail times endeavoured to make the competition an educating Factor in the poultry industry, and its rule in respect to weight of ' eggs is a great advancement. The appended table goes to show that it is not a deterrent for a fowl to average 2oz eggs or over for twelve months and lay a great number of them.

The club is to be congratulated, also Mr J. P. Drewitt ou creating a world's record for a single penned fowl, a Black Orpington) in the test just ended. Willi duck (3UB) and a single penned white Leghorn (331 D the club may well feel proud of the high quality oi bird* bent by breeders to its coin pelt ion and uie ■ great care and attention which the caretaker (Mr J. R. Gritim) bestows upon The main honours of the eighteenth competition went to J. P. Drewitt in winning the heavy breed championship with n Black Orpington (342 eggs). Mr W. P. Bern, in capturing the two single bird tests. J. Liggwe in gaining the three-bird aggregate prize, also Mr W. E. Ward in ning the Leghorn challenge shield from"Mr Biggins by 45 points. An achievement in tile duck section worthy of special mention was the sterling performance of Mr R- W. Hawke’B Indian Runner duck m laving 346 eggs in twelve months —which Biu-passes hi* 1921 record of 329 and 1922 record of 335. During the year the club's competitions were visited by five distinguished oversea poultry men. namely, Messrs House (England), W. Kappler (New South Wales). I’orrit (South Africa), Mitchell, of Melbourne. and F. Rogen (Melbourne.) The referred to the various types of birds competing in Leghorns. He particularly eulogised the good qualities of Mr Drewiti's champion Black Orpington from a laving point of view. Mr Kappler spoke highly of the pens and the rules and regulations for governing the competition, especially the rules rejecting birds failing in breed points as well as weakly specimens from the competition. He congratulated toe club on only recognising birds that laid eggs averaging 21oz or over for eleven months m the year. Mr Porritt was particularly taken with the 3ize and strength of many competitors’ birds that were giving good egg yields. As showing the world-wide knowledge of the club s competitions Messrs Drewitt. and Biggins recently received orders to ship birds to England. The gentlemen named are to be congratulated on fulfilling the orders, and it is to be hoped that the exportation will be responsible for opening a new market for our breeding stock. The club wisely decided to reduce the entry fee for the competition just commenced, and it must he gratifying to members to have every pen taken for the tests. Breeders are represented from Auckland, Wairarapti, Napier, Wellington, Riverton, Invercargill. Waitainina Mosgiel Dunedin, Daman., Herbert. Waimate. Ashburton and all parts of North Canterburv. This splendid response in entries goes to show the popularity of the competition as well as to show the confidence of breeders m the club. They certainly have tl Spilit , of rivall >' an<l emulation A glance around the pens reflects work of the Government officials SISSS Brown in rejecting unsuitable duck houses and pens have been erected ior the present duck tests, and the management and works committee arc deserving oi much praise in having the grounds, houses and pens in first-class condition for gn-mg the new birds a good set off. ine show committee is to be congratulated on holding the best young bud snow benched by tne club. The exhibition ex. tended over two days and was well pafrou-r-ed. The clasification was enlarged this year and the kitten section proved an interesting attraction. Mr .1 D Gobbe (superintendent). Mr G. Wilkins (secretary). IB J’earce and other members of the. committee are tleßerving of the hifhest praise lor tne great success of the show The Field Day ” proved a successful tlrf’thj fi n!emi.ei iT ' West - tho «eere.. generally, onr best ‘VhHiiU" the substantial sum raisod on behalf of the club s funds. THE CONFERENCE. The anuual Poultry Conference was held ' Mr Beck 'President' aud Mr Milkins represented the club. Mr Biggins is to be congratulated on his election as president. and Mr Merrett »» seeretar.v for the thirteenth year. Excellent work was done m the preparation of an export trade, affiliation with the Farmers’ Union, and advertising campaign to further th<consumption of eggs, establishing a uniform brand for eggs right, through New Zealand for a standard egg. improved regulations for pulp manufacture, and a number of other matters as outlined in the report o 1 the Conference. EDUCATIONAL. Excellent work was done during the year debate was conducted on ” Dropping > Boards” y* “Non-dropping Boards.' "In- j lmat-ion” by Mr 11. Williams. A profitable : evening on ” American Poultry Keeping." j Mr V. Kappler; “Selected Breeding Stock.” by Mr IT. West. V. K. Green. H. Sproseu j C. W. Tritt and IB W. Hawke; ” Light I on Poultry Foods." by Mr \. Nupper. ’ Los- : ; ons from tiie Competitions.” •• Rearing of ; Chickens." by IV. E. Ward, and many other instructive evenings were spent. The j whole of the season's work being brought, to a fine conclusion by the social evening 'pent for the presentation of prizes, which

was one of the finest social events yet held | by the club. FINANCE. It will be noticed that owing to the low 1 price of summer eggs, our receipts fell i j£lOU 14r 9d. The foods account showed j a decrease of about £4O. The position of | the club has improved, and with careful j management it is only a matter of a short time when the loan made by the club can be paid off. THANKS. So many are deserving of thanks for voluntary service during the year that ' it is impossible to individualise in this j matter, but the club mem hern as well | as the poultry producers of New Zealand ! are indebted to the faithful band of workers that, conducted the competition. Special j thanks, however, should be given to Messrs i Brown and Cussen, Government Poultry j Experts, for- their devoted attention ami i faithful services to the club whenever t occasion demanded.—J. H. Shaw. Secretary. ! MORE EGGS AT LESS COST! j “ Perfection " Poultry Meal is a con- j centra ted, evenly balanced food. Per fection ” Meal car. be given with assur ed success to growing stock and laying * hens H increases egg production . it means more oggv at rosfc Asa vour storekeeper for " Perfection ’ ! Poultry Meal. I

114 (Flock teamm . . . (264) 009 SO H.B. Singles . . . (34) 95 20 L.B. Championship . . (81) T9 10 H.B. Championship . . (23) 30 282 T/.B. Singles . . . (739 ) 737 50 Single ducks . . . (137) 14W 456 birds . (1220) 1398 The leading birds at the close of th* fourth week were: FLOCK TEAMS. No. Egg*. Weight. Tl. oz. dr. i .T. C. Mu"grave . .81 56 10 105 | J. Liggins . . .27 51 5 99 j Verrall Bros. . . 21 39 2 76 ! W. E. Ward . .26 54 8 75 ! H. Williams . . .18 33 0 73 j LIGHT BREED CHAMPIONSHIP. . S. L. Beer . . s in 13 22 G. H. Mitchell . .5 8 7 21 1 J. R. Wigg . .k 10 10 21 Mrs J. W. Chambers . ' 5 10 ,0 IS HEAVY BREED CHAMPIONSHIP. ! .L P. Drewett . .5 9 13 22 R. M. S. Cookson . .5 o n 17 E. V. Arthur . (5 .12 11 16 I ■)■ 1 .yness , . . 4 a 8 IS HEAVY BREED SINGLES. (Competitors to enter three purebred pullets.) AY. Roger. No. 2 . .6 1.1 2 23 A. G. Braiiey, No. 2.7 16 9 23 j A. G. Braiiey, No. 3.6 13 0 23 ! J. I'. Drewett . .6 11 11 22 LIGHT BREED SINGLES, i (Competitors to enter three purebred pullets.) [ W. J. Richards, No. 2 7 n u 25 1 C. Bennett, No. 2 .6 1J .11 23 Hay and Congalton, No. J . . . S 10 9 21 Hay and Congalton, No. 3 ... 5 s fl 21 | A. Hoare, No. 1 .5 9 2 21 «J. W. Thomson. No. 2 5 9 2 21 i C. ,7. Norton, No. 2 .7 12 i 21 j Oalder Bros., No. 3 .5 S 11 21 •T. II. Duffield. No. 1.6 11 14 22 1 E. Fuchs, No. 3 i; n 5 22 R. AAL Coombes, No. 2.5 9 5 22 j C. Bennett., No. 1. .7 13 4 22 R. W. Coombes. No. 1.5 9 9 21 1 E. Fuchs, No. 1 . .6 li 2 21 } F. Ellis, No. 2 .6 10 2 21 1 G. H. Mitchell. No. 3.7 13 3 21 A. G. F. Ross . . 6 10 7 21 j AA'. I.egerwood . .6 12 3 21 SINGLE DUCK. j (Competitor" to enter three single ducks i R. AY. Hawke. No. 2 . 7 16 4 22 F. Hendron, No. 3 , 7 17 6 20 J. C. Musgrave, No. 2 . 6 12 12 -20 j S.. G. Rat ten, No. .1 .7 14 10 20 S. G. Batten. No. 3.7 16 14 20 j SINGLE DUCK CHAMPIONSHIP. j S. G. BRttcn . . .6 13 ll id

21 Indian Runner due.«s . 4,517 234 235 .Hens .... 60,3b! 204 164 L/ight breed singlir 47 Heavy breed single pen tested 5,690 187 84 Beni in flocks of six 'mM 1 Chinese Langshuu . itib lt»b 1 Minorca . . i4o i4o 2 Rooks .... i'zl 163 6 Wyandottes . . yu2 is* 10 Rhode Island Reds . 1,646 j.64 247 hit© L/eghorns . 51,66i ioO

J. Biggins No. 1 . . 276 601 W. P. Hern No. 10 . . . 289 (.36 S. L. Beer No. 30 . . . 287 618 W. P. Hern No 3 . . . 290 020 B. W. Ooombes, No 3 . . 262 064 'J'. W. Betteridge . . . 175 562 E. Fuchs No. 3 . . 266 553 Hon C. H. Izard No. 2 . 2©] 555*2 W. H. West No. 2 . . 284 591 J. J-figins No. 2 . . 265 572 n. K. Martin No. 3 . . 265 558 J. W. Drewitt No. 42 B.O. 334 704 W. E. Ward (flock team! . 1533 3076