Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1884. THE SHOW.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 233, 29 August 1884, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1884. THE SHOW.

His Worship the Mayor calls a a meeting, to be held on Saturday, (to-morrow^, of those interested m holding a show, under the auspices of the Rangitikei and Manawatu Poultry and Produce Society. We trust that the matter will receive the patronage and support of which it is justly deserving of all the farmers and settlers m and around the Palmers ton district. Such exhibitions as these especially if held periodically, are of greater value to a place than many people are inclined to believe. Societies exist m most parts of the colony which are established to encourage farmers to improve their class of stock, and annual shows are held m which prizes are distributed, and this causes a feeling of laudable rivalry to exist, which can only be beneficial m its results. But there are fewer societies, that devote their energies entirely to the encouragement of poultry r breeding, and which afford means of diffusing amongst their community, all the latest experiences relating to the production of the soil, which individual farmers have had, and which would otherwise never be made known to the rest of the agricultural class of settlers, and it is for this reason especially that we

would commend the latest efforts of the local society to the patronage of the settlers m the Manawatu. A regular poultry show is, we believe, held m Napier every year, and the results have been stated to us as being most satisfactory. Of course the chief aim of a society of this description, should not be limited only to holding annual shows and giving prizes, but should be extended if possible to the encouragement of the rarer breeds of poultry being introduced into the colony or district, and even to making such arrangements with breeders m other parts of New Zealand as would enable settlers here to obtain sittings of eggs of the various rarer sorts of fowls, for hatching under their own brood hens. It is impossible to say what fortunate discoveries might be made m the direction of finding out the most suitable breeds of fowls for this country. For instance, there are breeds most adapted for fattening for the table, breeds most suitable for a regular supply of eggs, and breeds most useful for sitting and hatching purposes of the first description there are the Dorkings, Houdans, Game and various crosses. Of the second, the Spanish, the Hamburg, etc., are perhaps the most popular, whilst of the last, the Bramah, and Cochin, China are perhaps the most useful. These are the characteristics which the several classes are usually admitted to have at Home, but some special cross might be found by experimenting, to suit the particular qualities of this climate better than any other sort or breed that has at present been introduced. That poultry keeping can be made a profitable industry is an undoubted fact, and that should be a sufficient reason for farmers to club together and support a society like ours m its present endeavours. Regarding the produce, the same reasons apply with equal force to that department of the society's action. Grain, potatoes, and root crops such as turnips, mangels, etc., tobacco, hops, and innumerable different lines and descriptions of productions of our rich soils, would be benefitted by the impetus which the annual shows, and other advantages of the society would bestow upon farmers and settlers m the district. With these evidences of its practical utility before our readers we need not again commend the society as one deserving of their support.