GUERNSEY CATTLE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1414, 15 April 1912, Page 8

GUERNSEY CATTLE.

PROJECTED StATE IMPORTATIONS. The fact (hat no dairymen have seen fit to raise purebred Gucrn.-cy stock in -\ou" Zeahiikl was tho subject of comment at more than one of Hie spring ami * summer A. ami P. shows. Invariably when (lie subject was introduced the excellence of the Guernsey breed for dairy purposes was admitted, and more than one breeder acknowledged that he had been considering the advisableno.-s of importing some of' the stock. While private breeders have been turning the liijitter over, tho Agricultural Department has made a definite move, and before long the Government herds—the recent importation; for which comprise Holsteins, Ayrshires, and fllawarra Shorthorns:—wilt also include Guernseys. Speaking at 't'aranaki early in tho week, the Prime Minister (Hon. T. Mackenzie) stated that he had just cabled to England commissioning an expert to purchase somo Guernsey cattle for the Government. The Guernsey is highly esteemed in America, where the stock is amongst tho most, profitable dairy stock to be found. In Australia also the Guernsey is a very popular breed. BUTTER VERSUS CHEESE. DISCUSSED AT NEWMAN. The butter versus cheese question was discussed by the Newman suppliers last week, according, to a country exchange. The chairman (Mr. T. Moss) said the question had been discussed by suppliers as far back as three years ago, it being then considered the price obtaining for cheese was merely a "Hash in the pan." This idea, however, had proved incorrect, as prices had advanced, and indications pointed to the fact that they wero likely to be maintained for an indefinite period. Expert opinion showed that New Zealand \yas admirably adapted for the. production of checstv and if the standard of manufacture was maintained as at present top prices could always be relied upon. Under present conditions .Newman suppliers this season would receive an average of 11UI. per lb. for butter-fat, while their .neighbours, who supplied cheese factories, were likely to receive up to is. 3d. per lb. Certainly, in his opinion, there was a dift'ereneo of Id. between tho val.ue of whey and skim milk, but even giving butter this there still remained 2d. per lb. in favour of cheese. The practical dairymen of tho Dominion who would hear of nothing but butter wore now recognising that cheese "was- the better paying product, and in numerous eases dual plants were being installed at enormous cost; ■■ Mr.- Jaspers favoured continuing as at present, contending that there was a difference of lid. between tho value of whey and skim milk. Mr;. Harvey said lie was convinced there would be 110 advantage in a change, unless they received 2d. per lb. more for butter-fat at ilie cheesc factory tlwn they received from tho creamery. He staied that in . Ashhurst he obtained £97 for pigs fed on skim milk, whereas for the same number fed on whey he only obtained „E35. Mr. Evan stated he had supplied n \ checse factory, and had found that calves and pigs did just as well on wher as on skim milk. Tll either case, the artificial feed had to be given if stock was to do am- good. ■ 'Mr. Henry considered they should look the facts fairly in the faco, and not be carried away by sentiment. It appeared that cheese was getting a better hold of tho markets of the world than butter. Mr. C'alton said it stood to reason that if a proprietary concern opened in their .vicinity, and offered 3d. per lb. more for butter-fat than they received at nrr.sent it would capture practically'the whole'of the supply. A. motion was carried in favour of cheese, and a committee was set up to 'report to another meeting 011 April 15. VACANCIES FOR IMMIGRANTS.' . AN INQUIRY FROM LONDON. Tho Central Unemployed Body of London wrote to the last "meeting of the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union asking. whether tho union could furnish them with any information ill relation to openings- or vacancies for emigrants in New Zealand, and whether they could offer any assistance in placing suitable youths, and young men 011 farm work. Many married couple; with and without families applied for assistance, to emigrate, and such people could be depended upon as thoroughly reliable, industrious, and of good character. If the union could see_ their way to assist, these families could be placed in suitable employment in New Zealand. The secretary said they could do with 200 or 30(1 emigrants at the present time. Tho shortage of labour had never been felt, more aeutcly than now. So long as the men did not arrive in tli'o dead, of winter they would have no difficulty in finding employment. It was decided to reply to this effect.

NEWS AMD NOTES,.