120 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1919. 



to the effect that the returned mau shows sufficient progress to be able to 

 conduct a poultry farm on his own account, his case is dealt with by the 

 Lands Purchase Board and the Repatriation Department. This system, 

 although not yet taken much advantage of, undoubtedly has considerable 

 merit, in that the soldier may have the opportunity of training in a 

 district of his own choice; he sees the business run by those dependent 

 on the industry for a living, under somewhat similar conditions to those 

 which are likely shortly to exist for him, and the enormous expense of 

 establishing a " centralized " Government poultry farm with the neces- 

 sary staff is therel^y avoided. At the same time, however, an excellent 

 plant has been provided at Mont Park for those soldiers undergoing 

 curative treatment, fourteen of whom are now being trained in poultry 

 keeping by ex-Corporal J. Macdonald, who had a thorough training at 

 Wyuna, and subsequently at Burnley. 



As it is not possible for any beginner to erect the necessary buildings, 

 purchase stud birds and equipment, and then hatch and rear sufficient 

 birds to put the farm in a paying position right away with such a com- 

 paratively small capital as £100 or so, small grants are being dis- 

 couraged, and the training period strongly urged. The ultimate result 

 will be, probably, that comparatively few soldiers will embark ex- 

 clusively in the poultry business, but those that do will have a reason- 

 able prospect of success, which is a far better state of affairs than rush- 

 ing a number of untrained or only partly-trained men with insufficient 

 capital into a business ivhere experience and perseverance are necessary 

 to insure success. 



For those who wish to run a limited number of birds as a side-line 

 either to mixed farming or in conjunction with some business, the Nes" 

 plan is to start with a very few really good birds, and gradually and care- 

 fully build up a payable flock. There are, fortunately, quite a number 

 of i^atriotic breeders who are prepared either to give outright, or else 

 charge merely a nominal sum for some of their very best stock. 



This also applies to those who wish, in a small way, to supplement 

 their j)ension by keeping a select flock. These, too, may have, should 

 they so desire, assistance from a Departmental expert in selecting their 

 best birds for breeding purposes, and culling out the unprofitable ones, 

 besides advice at all times on any matters that may crop up. All that 

 is required is a letter to the Director of Agriculture asking for an 

 advisory visit, and stating for what purpose. One hundred birds, if well 

 cared for, should show 10s. a week profit on commercial eggs. 



For the totally blind, it is hardly to be expected that a business which 

 requires such close personal observation as poultiy-keeping undoubtedly 

 demands is likely to prove highly remunerative, but, at the same time, 

 healthful outdoor interest is provided, and, by careful work, in a small 

 way, on correct lines, an acceptable addition to the pension can be 

 earned. 



In conclusion, it may be emphasized that returned men desiring advice 

 regarding the prospects of poultry-farming, or on any branch of the 

 industry, will at all times be welcomed if they call upon the poultry 

 experts of the Department of Agriculture. If it be inconvenient for 

 them to call personally, any inquiries made by letter will be promptly 

 replied to. 



