The Abergavenny Mail

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EVIL EFFECTS OF THE INSURANCE I ACT. Its Commercialism and Officialism. Criticism by Oddfellows Grand Master. The annual conference of the fMancbster I Unity of Oddfellows was opened in the Pier Pavilion, Aberystwyth, on Monday morning, says the Birmingham -Daily Post." The meeting was the largest in the history of the Order, some Dfi0 delegates having been appointed as representatives of the districts in the United Kingdom and the Colonies. The voluntary membership of the Order is 1,144,608, and there are 925,2-74 insured persons in the State section of the society. The inaugural address of the Gran 1 Master was mainly concerned with the Insur- ance Act, which has so vitally affected the voluntary friendly society movement. Mr Walter P Wright (Reading, Grand Master of the Order, presided, supported by the Rev F C Davies (Reigate), Deputy Grand Master Walter Collins, secretary; W Simpson, assistant secretary P.G.M. J R Barley (Norwich), P.G.M. S Barnes (Ply- mouth), P.G.M. E Bourne (Cheltenham), P.G M. A H Warren (Stepney), P.G.M. J H Hawkins (South London), P.G.M. Ben Kelviogtcn (Yo, ks), Prov C.S. T J W Siddall (Sheffield), P.P.G M. Wallace Smith (Bootle), P.P.G.M. W H Bayes (Southampton), and Prov C.S. J Smith (Edmondscote), directors of the Order and Messrs G H Davis (Salis- bury), T R S Noble (Nottingham), A T M&dger (South London), Unity auditors. The Colonial representatives present were Mr W W Williams (South African district) and Mr S H McGowan (Victoria). Grand Master Wright said more than two years had elapsed since the Manchester Unity became to a great extent transformed by reason of its decision to become an approved society under the National Insurance Act, and they might well pause to consider what this transformation had meant to the society, what changes it had wrought, and how far it had affected future prospects. The Insurance Act was undoubtedly the most revolutionary measure which had ever been adopted by the Legislature of this country. Doubtless very cogent arguments could be used in the attempt to prove that the health of the people should be the care of the State, and that all other social and economic considerations should be brushed aside in the endeavour to build up a healthy people, and to eliminate as far as possible sickness and disease from the workshop and the home, but was there not a danger of for- getting that it was at least as necessary to build up character as to build up health, and were we notr in danger of creating a nation of spoon-fed pup nets instead of a nation of free and indep mdent men and Unmen ? COMPULSION PERMANENT. Many of them bad held that, quite apart from the question of health insurance, com, pulsion was in itself a distinct blow at independence. They all desired to see the nation insured against sickness and its attendant evile, but they believed that the proper and natural way to bringing this was by educating men and women in the virtues of self denial and self-help. They all admitted that there was force in the objection that the thrifty were compelled to keep the thriftless. It was undeniably a good thing fiom every point of view that every working man and woman should be entitled to claim sickness benefit, but they did feel that there were other means of compassing this desideratum—means which, although they might have been more difficult of accomplish- ment and have taken longer, would still have bpen the best in the end for the nation. These arguments, however, were belated Compulsion had come to stay, and no thinking man attached any importance to the purely tactical suggestion that a voluntary measure of insurance could now be su b- stituted. Any amendments of the National Insurance Act could merely be in the nature, of adjustments in administration, or in con- tribution and benefit arrangements, and they must watch carefully lest the value of the benefits should be made utterly dispropor- tionate to the value of the contributions, and lest a wholesale extension of benefit should entirely eliminate that which was already partially eliminated-the incentive for men and women to exercise prudence and fore- thought by making some further provision for additional insurance. "I am not ashamed," added the Grand Master, frankly to confess that if I could see my time over again I would oppose the State recognition of voluntary organisations, and would have urged that the State, having taken the responsibility of launching a scheme, should have taken upon itself the further respon- sibility of administering that scheme. Friendly societies have served a useful purpose in the administration of the Act, but they have served the State to their own detriment, and who can say that the Man- chester Unity is stronger or better in any respect for the part it has played ? A more unnatioaal system than that which now exists is well nigh impossible to conceive. 23,500 approved societies are engaged in the administration of sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act, and it may be said that the benefit is being administered in almost as many different ways. All these societies are competmg one against the other in order to obtain members. The competi- tion is stimulated by the payment of pro- curation fees to agents and officials, and in many cases the e fforts employed to obtain members are directed for the sole purpose of augmenting the remuneration paid to the societies' ufficials. Reports which appear I from time to time in the Dublic press teach uo that sumo approved societies, notably those connected with trade unions, adminis- ter sickness benefit as though it were in- tended to relieve not, only sickness, but also unemployment, and that morbid disinclina- tion to work which 'is so prevalent among some classes of the community. Others interpret the phrase incapable of work so strictly as to deny sickness benefit in some cases to those who are legitimately entitled to receive it. PART OF THE ACT A DEAD LETTER. Section 23 of the principal Act, which provides that the affairs of the approved societies shall be subject to the absolute con- trol of the members, has become a dead letter in respect of half the insured popula- tion of the country, and what is more dis- couraging than all is the fact that the insured persons who have attached themselves to the approved societies promoted by industrial insurance companies show not the slightest dissatisfaction at the denial to them of those rights and privileges which the Act was understood to confer, and the only articulate protests are those of the agents who are con- tending for a larger share of the administra- tion allowance." Even in those approved societies, like their own, where the fullest and most complete rights of self-government had been accorded to members insured for State benefits only, it was universally considered that members showed not the slightest desire to avail themselves of those rights. The central idea of enrolling all working men and women in self-government societies, each society aiming at getting the greatest benefit out of the Act for its OWH members, was in itself splendid, but Utopian. It had failed, firstly, because compulsion had bred resentment; and, secondly, because the introduction of profit-making concerns into theschemeof administration demoralised those who were hitherto ready and willing to give their best service to the promotion of volun- tary thrift. Quite naturally these erstwhile voluntary workers saw no reason why they should not share the spoils with the insur- ance companies' officials. The establishment I of insurance commitees for the administration of medical and sanatorium benefit had still further hindered the possibility of uniformity which was so essential in a national scheme. The cost of maintaining these committees was out of all proportion to their utility, and it must fairly be said they were doing badly, at enormous expense, what the friendly societies formerly did efficiently and cheaply. The setting-up of the panel system for pro- viding medical treatment had led to an undignified competition in the medical pro- fession, which was even more detrimental to the proper administration of national insur- ance than the competition between the societies. To sum up, a so-called national insurance scheme was administered in a variety of ways according to the individual views held by the officials of 23,500 approved societies and their branches, the sanatorium benefit was administered by committees which were but agglomerations of conflicting interests, and could be well done without, and medical treatment dispensed by an irresponsible body of medical practitioners who were permitted to take their own particular view as to the qualifications for obtaiuing sickness benefit, and refused to recognise any right on the part of approved societies to question their decisions or their actions. The administration was unsatis- factory because it was utterly lacking in uniformity and cohesion. SOCIETIES BOUND WITH RED TAPE. The friendly societies never imagined that a partial connection with the State would so bind them with red tape that they would find their existing organisation unsuitable or insufficient for the purpose. They did not anticipate the control and interference they were experiencing, although if they bad had more time for deliberation they would have realised that the Treasury must super- vise carefully all expenditure of money derived from public funds. They were mis- led by the alluring prospect put before them of an enlargement and bettering of the friendly society system, forgetting the fundamental difference which exists between compulsion and voluntaryism. Everything pointed to the probability that the day was not far distant when the State would under- take the administration of the National Insurance Act through its own officials. He conscientiously believed that such a change would be advantageous to the voluntary thrift movement. They were hampered and hindered in their independent work by reason of the inordinate demands made upon them since they became an approved society. Their secretaries were overworked, and their voluntary officials were discouraged and dispirited. There was the obvious un- practicability of putting into operation the section of the Act relating to valuation surpluses and deficiences, and there would inevitably arise a demand for a guaranteed minimum benefit. Again, they were assured it was the immediate intention of the Com- missioners to set up one or more approved societies under their own management for deposit contributors and for members of dissolved societies. Clearly this was the thin end of the wedge. The chief cause of disquietude was the knowledge that their priuciples were being undermined, and that there was admittedly a tendency towards making the Unity a mere commercial under- taking. It was surely time they took some drastic action with regard to the meeting places of those lodges which admit women to membership. It was not only contrary to rule that such lodges should meet on licensed premises, but it was discreditable to the society. In conclusion the Grand Master said that when they once more became, as he prayed they might, a f..p. independent, voluntary brotherhood, I they would be more stronjjly confirmed in their faith, because they would have learned by bitter experience the demoralising effect of officialism and commercialism. They I should be loyai to their traditions of democracy and self-government. Past Grand Master Grimes (Birmingham), who was elected Grand Master at the previous Aberystwyth conference twenty- nine years ago. moved a vote of thanks to Grand Master Wright, which was carried. The Mayor offered the delegates a welcome to Aberystwyth, and Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., Principal Roberts, of University College Sir Edward Pryse, and others joined in the civic welcome. Councillor Jenkins speaking for kindred societies, said be felt that national insurance should have been administered by the friendly societies, and not through inflated insurance companies. He was proud of his fellow countryman, Mr Lloyd George, but he had fallen out, with him because he had made it possible for large insurance com- panies to become approved societies. An interesting discussion arose wpon a decision of the board of directors giving permission to a member of a South London lodge who had reduced his contributions and benefits under Section 72 of the Insurance Act, and had since ceased to be an insured person, to resume his former contributions without payment of arrears. The meeting adopted a resolution that the matter should have been submitted to the actuaries for a report as to the financial liability involved. The meeting decided to pay the expenses incurred by the Leicester district in holding a demonstration at the recent Leicester by- election.

HEREFORD EISTEDDFOD. I List of the Prize-Wlnnere. The second Hereford eisteddfod was held at the Shire Hall, Hereford, on Monday, and was fairly well attended. Unfortunatel y Abersychan, last year's winners of the chief choral, withdrew owing to the illness of their conductor, and Hereford Harmonic therefore had a walk over. Hereford was second last year. The results were: Juvenile chairs (htteen to twenty-five voices, open), A Sea Song" (Ivor Atkins).- 1, Weston-under-Penyard Choir, near Rogg, 80 points 2, Hereford Highlanders Junior Choir, 76; Hereford St. James's United Choir and Hereford Eignbrook Junior Choir equal 72. Recitation for juniors under twelve, The Stately Homes of England (Mrs Hemans). -1, Margaret Eileen Blackmou, Hereford, 92 points; 2, Sylvia Ruby Price, Bromsard, 90. Pianoforte solo for juniors, two of Mendel- ssohn's pieces.-l. Master Ridley Cooper, Ross, 87 points; 2, Miss Florence Oliver, Goodrich, near Ross. 77. Solo for girls (open), Sterndale Bennetts May Dew.I, Miss Violet Ward, Monmouth, 77 points; 2, Miss Flo Irrie Wood, Hereford, 67. Village choirs, hymn tune Iveragh (Dr. Sinclair).-I, Credenhill, near Hereford, 61 points. Solo for boys (open), Where the bpe sucks" (Arne).—1. Master Cyril Turner, Hereford, 75 points; 2, Master Randle Bate- man, Hereford, 71. Tenor solo (open). In native worth (Haydon's Creation ")—2, Mr E Harman, Hereford, 80 points; 2, Mr Tom Tucker, Garndiffarth, 72. Pianoforte solo (seniors, open), Brahm's Shappody in B minor, for Clive silver cup. -1, Miss Yates, Droitwich, 88 points 2, Miss Hamer, Bishopstone, near Hereford, 77. Senior essays (open), The Elements of the Beautiful in Music."—1, Miss Joyce Chance, Harly School, Hereford, 85 points 2, Mr G B Workman, Hereford, 80. Junior essays, description of school excursion or summer holiday.—1, Miss M K Turner, Hereford, 90 points; 2, Miss I Howells, Ox Farm, Hereford. 85. Male voice choirs, 20 to 30 voices (open), Elgar's Feasting, I watch," Colonel Hop- ton's silver cun.-I, Kidderminster Male Voice Choir (Conductor, Mr. R A. Taylor), 72 points; 2. Malvern Holy Trinity (Con- ductor, Mr. F. G. Hickson), 70. Mezzo-soprano solo (open), The Song- ster's Awakening (Fletcher).-I, Miss Bertha E. Hamer, Bishopstone, 88 points 2, Miss K. D Luckin, Worcester, 80. Violin solo (open), Makenzie's Banedic- tus," Evangeline Anthony cap.-I, Miss (4. Hewlett, Tewkesbury, 83 points; 2, Mr. Paul Mason (holder), Hereford, 81. Bass solo, or baritone, Henschtl's Young Dietrich.I, Mr Henry Collins, Ecigbaiton, Birmingham, 83 points; 2, Mr Richardson Pettigrew, Hereford. 77 3, Mr Enoch Clay- ton, Abersychan, 75.. Chief choral, 60 to 120 voices (open), Bach's chorus, "Glory to God in the High- est," silver challenge shield and £ 20.— Hereford Harmonic Society (conductor, Mr Hubert Hampton). Abersychan (holders) withdrew.

Youngster^  ?. ????TTpromiatng Vonngater? ■' ¥ /Jjjrteedingon j J I fi tt9s M L J Pl* CH!CKEN ?? vTtL I Jr MEAL M ?? ??"CHtKKO"'???? F E E g I' you want plump, sturdy and ?ig.rous birds, order Spraft's Foods(io Sealed Bag* and Ori Packets), Ot just '?????"Ch!C)<enMta)"or"Ch'c)<Fetd. Send 3d. *or Samples and Boon on Chicked and Poultry Cultu  e, Spratt's Patent Ld,-4 Fenchurch Y St.. London. FINAL REDUCTION FOR SITTINGS 4i There is still time to -t -90 ?om ti?t b,??,? JB j 4/- SitUnp of Eras from my g,?..t?ed Straim 14 I of Wintw L*y*n. 15 EgV to the Fitting, Do M replacements, carefully packed, cnrriaRe forward. White. Black and Brown Leghorns. Gold and Silver Caiupines, Pure-bred Day-old Chicks of above breeds, 12/- dozen. RALPH R. ALLEN, SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTS. AXXiEN'S CHOLERA CUKE. Price 2/1, poet paid. A positive Cure for Cholera, Bowel Trouble, Indigestion, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, &c. used occasionally in the drinking-water the year round it will effectually prevent diseases of the digestive organs. ALLEN'S GAi-E CUBE. Price 2/1, post paid. "Will surely rid your birds of this dangerous disease if used as directed. Full instructions with every Box. AT.T.p-w'S TONIC CAPSULES. Price 1/6 per Box of 36, post paid. is The Fancier's Friend. ImmediaMly a bird >s noticed off-colour a capsule (iron, quinine, and cod-liver oil) night and morning will speedily put it right. For a day or two before and after shows they are invaluable. ALLEN'S VERMIN DESTROYER. Price 1/3 per Large Tin, post paid. The whole flock should be dusted occasionally; every Broody Hen before entrusting her with a setting of eggs. VA.LP39 IL ALLEN, Sawbrldgeworth, Berts. No Dead Ohicks.-Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtainel by using the most reliable Food. For best results stttri, them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8.i, Is 4d, 2. 6d, etc Manufactured by ARMITAGE BROS. Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold by -F W TAYLOR, High-street, Ledbnry; C THURSTON, Cheapside, Newent, &c. No Dead Chicks.- Success in Chicken Rearing can only be obtained by using the most reliable Food. For best results start them on ARMITAGE'S BEST DRY CHICK FOOD. In bags, 4d, 8d, Is 4d, 2s 6d, etc. Mannfactured by ARMITAGE BROS., Ltd., Poultry Food Specialists, Nottingham. Sold at Abergavenny by :—Jeffreys & Son, Frogmore-street; W J Day, Frogtuoie-street T Rees, 16, Cross-street Saunders & Co, 50, Cro"s-street; W T Stoneham, Argyle Stores A J Wibberley, 5, Lion-street. EGGS, EGGS, EGGS. Increase the laying qualities of your Hens by using the Vick Egg Produce" Meal; one 9d packet sufficient for 6 birds for 40 meals two packets 1/4 carriage paid. Give it a trial and prove it for yourself, Obtainable only direct from the manufacturer Alex Vick, Miller Gloucester.

LODGING-HOUSE BOILER EXPLOSION. I Six men were injured on Monday in a boiler explosion) :1t. a Jodging-hou.se at PosN-tTi iiaril base. Many windows were broken by the explosion. DOG KNOWN BY HIS TONGUE. 1 In a Kingston-on-Thames newspaper a dog- owner. in offering a reward foiw the recovery of his lost brown Pomeranian dog, describes the aiiimal as having a small piece missing from his tongue." DROWNED IN A GARDEN POND. William Henry Bradshaw was found drowned in a pond in his allotment garden at Hep- burn on-Tyne by his v.,ife on Monday. It is assumed- that in getting water he fell in the pond and was drowned. DEATH OF MISS LILY HALL CAINE. I Mrs. G. D. Day, a sister of Mr. IT;.H Ca'ine, known on the stage as Miss Lily Hall Caine, died on Monday at the residence of her sister- in-law. Mrs. Edward D(>ll1. at AUlersliot. The catis-P of her death was pneumonia. OLD IRONCLAD TOWED HOME. Notable as the first ironclad built and fitted out in a British naval dockvird, H.M.S. Eg- mont arrived in tow at the Nor? on Monday from Alalt, where sLe l:rn served as a flag- shin. The Egmont, originally known as Achilles, was built at Chatham fifty years ago.

DYMOCK. Cjycles New and Second-hand for sale and « hire. Cheapest place for Tyres and Tubes. Tyres 5/6 to 11/6 Tubes 2/6 to 5/6. New Cycles jE3 5s 0.1 to XS 83 Od all makes.—W Dudfield, Cycle Agent, Dymock. LEDBURY POSTAL GUIDE. Postmaster—Mr. J. DELL. Counter Attendance :—8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays. Money Orders. Savings Bank, Inland Revenue Licenses, &c., Government Life Insurance and Annuity and Telegraph and Express Delivery Business, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. Sale of Stamps. Registration of Letters, Issue and Payment of Postal Orders, and Delivery of Callers Correspondence, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Week-days. Sunday-Sale of Stamps, Registration of Letters, Delivery to Cailers, and Telegraph Business, 8.30 a.m to 10 a.m. Telegrams can be forwarded on Payment of extra fees after close of office up to 0 p.m. on Week-days, and between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 p m. on Sundays, notice being given. On Bank Holidays the public counter is closed at noon for all business excepting Telegraph business, Telegraph Money Order business, Express Delivery business, the Reception of Parcels, the Sale of Postage Stamps, and the Registration of Letters. Country Letter Carriers go out as on other Week-days, and return earlier. Telephone Call Office 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. week-days. 8-30 a.m.,to 10-39 a.m. Sundays. The Letter Box remains open at all hours for the posting of Letters. LETTERS. PARCELS Latest ti;e of: L-t2st lme 01 po £ inl °f | DESPATCHES-WEES DAYS. 7.30 a ria. I Birmingham (delivery noon), London anu Midlands, and North No generally (London delivery, 4.15 pm), Worcester, Malvern, Parcels, Gic)uc(-.ster and Hereford 9.45 a.m. Gloucester (delivery I p.m.), London, South, aud West of Englan-L 9.10 a m. (London delivery 5.15 p m.) 11 a.u. Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m.), London (delivery 7.15 p.m), Mid- j 10.50 a.m. lands and North of England 1 P. M. Birmingham (delivery 4 p.m ), Malvern (delivery 4 pm. Ni, Midlands 12.55 pm. and North, Gloucester (delivery 4 p m.), South and West of England and Lgndon (London delivery 9.15 p.m.), Hereford and \V' Unit:c:s and Canad a (Saturdays Only). 4 p.m Gloucester (delivery 8 p.m ) and all parts 3.5,5 0.4-5 piu. 1 Birmingham, Midlands, Malvern and Worcester. (None of the foregoing Mails are despatched on Sunday r or Bank Holiday). 7 p.m. Ireland, Scotland, and North of England generally. 7 p.m. 8.5 p.m. London, Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, Malvern, Stafford, 8 p.m. Worcester, Midlands and North of England, and West of l England. (General night mail). i r Utters can be registered 1P to half-an-hour before the despatch J of any MaH on the prepayment of fees of 2d., &c. SUNDAYS. f 6.45 p.m. j Birmingham, Malvern, Worcester, and Midlands, and North of England 7.15 p.m. London, Gloucester, South and West of Eugland No parcels are despatched on Sunday. DELIVERIES. Town. -Week-days.-Letters and Parcels are delivered, beginning at 7 a.m., 12-15 p.m., 5 p.m.. and 7 p.m. on Week-days, and Letters only at 7-30 a.m. on SUNDAYS. RURAL DISTRICT.—Week Days. Latest time of (Letters and Parcels). Posting 6 a.m.—All parts. 12.10 p.m.—Bosbury, Castle Frome, Fromes Hill, Coddington. 12.45 p.m.—Ashperton, Canon Frome, Putley, Trumpet, Munsley, Eastwood, Lower Eggleten, Little Marcle, Stretton Grandison. 3 p.m.-Ross Road, Leddington, Greenway, Donnington, Haffield, Broomsgreen, Parkway Berrow Bromesberrow. 4.45 p m.—Eastnor, Holly Bush, Wellington Heath. SUNDAYS.—(Letters only). 0 a.m.-Broomsreen, Parkway, Donnington, Eastnor, Bosbury, and places on Main Road from Ledbury to Canon Frome. Homend Street Town Sub-Office. —Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sale of Stamps, Parcel Post, Money Order, Postal Order, Savings Bank, Annuity and Government Stock, Licenses, &c., business. Newtown Town Sub-Office. -Open from 8 a.m. to 11-30 a.m., an-l 3-15 p.m. to 7-45 p.m. for sale of Stamps and sale and payment of Postal Orders, Registration of Letters, and Parcel Post business. Express Delivery.—Letters and Parcels up to a weight of 51 bs. are accepted for delivery immediately, at a charge of 3d. a mile, at the Head Office and at Telegraph Delivery Sub-Offices between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Week-days. Town Collection from Sab-Offices and Wall Boxes on Week-days for relative Despatches and Deliveries from Head Office. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. pm. Homend Street Town Sub-Office 5-45 9-30 11-40 — 3-40 4-25 6-45 7-50 Homend Tevace Wall Box 5-40 9-25 11-25 3-35 4-20 6-40 7-48 High Street Wall Box 5-50 9-35 11 50 12-55 3-45 4-30 6-45 7-55 Newtown Town Sub Office — 9-5 11-30 — 3-15.- 6-30 7.45 Southend — 9-40 11-55 12-50 3-50 4-35 6-50 7-45 Oatleys Road. 5-30. 8-50 11-15. — 3-0 — Q-15 7-(8 NO COLLECTIONS ON SUNDAYS. Adjoining Villages with their Post Towns.. Ashperton—Ledbury Little Marcle Ledbury Aylton-Ledbury Much Marcle—Gloucester Birtsmorton- Tewkesbury Mathon-Malvern Bosbury-Ledbury Munsley-Ledbury I Bromesberrow—Ledbury Parkway-Ledbury Bromesberrow Heath-Dymock Pixley-Ledbury Canon Frome-Ledbury Putley-Ledbury Castle Frome—Ledbury Stoke Edith—Hereford Coddington-Led bury Stretton Grandison-Ledbury Colwall-Malvern Tarrington-liereford ?? Ledbury Donnington-Ledbury W oolho {Part Ledbury Dymock- Gloucester Part Hereford Eastnor—Ledbury Wellington Heath—Ledbury Part Ledbury Eggleton (Upper)-Ledbury Yarkhill- ( Part Ledbury Eggleton (Lower)-Ledbury 1 | Part Hereford Leddington-Ledbury Yatton-Ross THE "SURPRISE" I FOLDING BAG. (Patent No. 24759). These wonderful and useful Handbags can be mmle larger or smaller at will to suit the needs of the owner. P I The" Triplex,"  5 /-THREE Handbags in ONE in Art Leather POST FRgE from THE Folding Bag Manufacturing Co, 79, TURNMILL ST., LONDON, E.C. 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TTMIW**«nyTgg^y» J^UUIlJga JMiUEM I'JI *1' I'i "M FHM ——W PROFITABLE POULTRY CULTURE. By RALPH R ALLEN. Lecturer to the Herts Couuty Council Editor of Monthly Hints on Poultry, &c. (All rights reserved.) A SUCCESSFUL BREEDING SEASON. (CONTINUED.) [Readers are particularly requested, to note that this series of articles commenced with the first issue in January. In order to obtain their full value, the earlier articles should be read in conjunction with the current one.] LOSS OF WEIGHT OF EGGS DURING NATURAL INCUBATION (continued). it is unnecessary to describe in detail the stages in the development of a chick. The chick, however, absorbs oxygen, and moisture and certain gases are thrown off through the shell. Under normal conditions the total amount of moisture and gasses which have been thrown off at any particular time corresponds to that particular stage in the development of the chick, or, in otffer words, when the egg is incubated under perfectly normal conditions the total loss in the weight of the egg corresponds, within certain limits, to the stage of development of the em bryo. If the operator of an incubator knows how much a certain number of eggs have lost in weight since the beginning of the incu- bating period, and compares this loss with the normal loss of the same number of eggs for the same length of time, he will know definitely whether the eggs have decreased properly in weight. If they have lost too much, provided, of course, that the tem- perature has been normal, they are drying up too rapidly, and either more moisture should be supplied or the amount of ventila- should be reduced but iu reducing the circulation of air through the incubating chamber it must be remembered that pure air surrounding the eggs is just as important as a proper temperature. On the other hand, if the eggs are not losing weight as rapidly as they should they are either kept too moist or they are not receiving the proper amount of ventilation, or perhaps they may be kept too moist and insufficiently ventilated also. The object of this bulletin is to furnish sufficient dat& to enable the operators of incubators to exercie a more intelligent supervision over the operating of their machines. A number of experiments have been performed to determine the normal loss in the weight of eggs during the incubation, and for this purpose the natural method of batching has been employed. Eggs have been weighed, placed under broody hens in locations suitable for a perfect hatch, re- weighed on a chemical balance at suitable intervals, and loss determined." As a result of the studies retailed in bulletin N. 73, directions were issued cover- ing the practical points involved, and these directions are reproduced herewith. "I DIRECTIONS FOR WEIGHING THE I EGGS. I I After rearing the eggs upon the trays ready f he incubator, set the trays upon a pa i r of i-dtas reading to ounces, and note tlx- toiai weight of the eggs and trays. (The traYA- should be thoroughly dry.) After a few days weigh again. Subtract this from the first weight. This will give the actual loss in weight of the eggs. AN EXAMPLE. I Suppose that you have 208 eggs on the trays;: that the first weight with trays is 211b. 2()z. and that on the sixth day the weight is ^Blb. 6oz. Then the loss in weight is 12oz. Now look in the table for the loss in weight of 100 eggs for six days. This is ] (),)z. lOoz. mnltiplied by 2.08 gives 20 8 >z. which is the calculated loss of 208 eggs for s ix days. Therefore the eggs have not been losing weight as rapidly as they should and the eggs should be given more ventilation or the incubator should be removed to a dryer location. (It is assumed that the eggs are kept uniformly at the proper temperature.) After the eggs have been tested for the infertile ones, weigh again and proceed as before. I TWO RULES. I If the eggs have lost too much weight give more moisture or less ventilation; but in reducing ventilation great care must be used, as pure air in the egg-chambers is absolutely necessary. If the eggs have not lost enough weight, open the ventilators or place the incubator in. a dryer place. TABLE SHOWING NORMAL Loss IN WEIGHT OF 100 I EGOS IN OUNCES FOR THE FIRST NINETEEN DAYS I OF INCUBATION. Loss in Weight. Day. Ounces. I 1.65 2 3.31 3 4.96 4 6.62 5 8.28 6 10.00 7 11.72 8 13.44 9 15.16 10 .1688 11 .1860 12 20.33 13 2210 14 23 88 15 2566 16 27.44 17 29.21 18 30.99 19 32.77 (To be continued.) [Any enquiries concerning poultry- keeping addressed to our expert, Ralph R Allen, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., will be answered through these columns free, but those requiring a postal answer direct or sending birds for post-mortem examination must remit a half-crown postal order.]