ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 224, 10 June 1918, Page 8

ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS

'ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL HEPO'IIT.

The annual report of the New Zealand l!omney Marsh Sheep Breeders' Association states that the result of tho year's transactions is evidenced by the strong financial position of the association, the income for the vear exceeding the expenditure by JEIO3 18s. 7<l. During tlio year a further Jc-M was invested in war bonds, now making a total holding of iC6OO ot bonds and certificates. The amount of accumulated funds of the association at December :)!, 1917, was £\m as. 2d.

The past year lias been a record one for.tho largo number of transfers received and dealt with by the council, and for tho new Hocks admitted for registration in the T'lotk Hook. Volume XIV, to be published this year, will eontain particulars of 111 new flocks entered since the previous year. The council decided to keep all members absent from New Zealand mi active service financial in respect to their membership subscriptions. There, may be others who are now serving their country to whom this may apply, and the council will be pleased if the secretary is notified at once to enable a full list to. bft prepared of Ihose member!) who are fighting for King and Empire. The council extend; its deepest sympathy and condolence to the relatives of thoso members who have m.i'de the supreme fscrifiee, and also io the members who have lost soii3 owing to the war.

The annual awards of the association were competed for at the following chows:—North Island Championship Shields: Manawatu and West Const A. and P. Association. South Island Championship) Shields: Southland A. and )'. Association. 'Wheeler .Memorial Shield: Masterton A. and I'. Association.

The seventh annual rain sale was held in conjunction with Ihe ram fair conducted by the Mnslciton A. and P. Association, and while the. number of sheep entered was few the finality of the rams offered was good. II is regretted that this fixture is not better supported by the members of tho association.

The council has given considerable time during the year to the question of consolidation of Flock Hooks as suggested by the Board of Agriculture. After a deal.of correspondence anil a conference called by Ihe board in Wellington the council discussed the cfuestion in all its bearings, and decided to call a special general meeting of members (at the close of the annual meeting), to consider a notice of motion bearing on the matter. The council feels sure that with the safeguards recommended for the admission of the Romney flocks appearing in tho South Island Flock Book the position of tho New Zealand Romney Marsh Ass.ocio.tion will be strengthened.

The following members of the council retire by rotation: Messrs. G. 10. Allen, W. Bell, C. C. Bucltland, J. Corpe, and B. Tanner, all of whom are eligible for re-election.