MILKING SHORTHORNS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 666, 9 September 1921, Page 2

MILKING SHORTHORNS.

MEETING OF FRANKLIN BRANCH On Saturday last the Franklin branch of the N.Z. Milking Shorthorn Association was held in Pukekohe. There was a good attendance of members. Following is the president’s report : President’s Report.

During the past year ended June 30, 1921, we bring to a close our first year’s operations. The' Milking Shorthorn breeders of this Association may earnestly congratulate the Franklin Branch “on the great success which has attended their efforts during the past year as shown by the very satisfactory balance sheet to be submitted to the annual meeting. I would suggest to the careful attention of ail breeders who are interested to attach themselves to our branch and generously support our efforts for and on their behalf. .

It is with gratification that we record the efforts put forth by the present body during the past 12 or 13 years in framing, forming and guiding the future destiny of the Milking Shorthorn breed. Our council have compiled four herd books and through careful selection and judgment have admitted type and butterfat qualities only to registration. The Association has now attained to that state of independence and sound financial position, which after years of wearisome toil and self sacrifice on the part of the prime movers, will yet receive their reward in being benefactors of posterity. To-day the keen interest of the breeder is pointing direct to milk and butter-fat production, two veryimportant factors in dairying, hence we find an Australian breeder has reached the 11001 b butter-fat point in one season. In New Zealand we have the satisfactory return of 700.691 b of butter-fat produced by Maniaroa Princess, which is supplemented by varied returns of from 5001 b to 6001 b butter-fat from other records of the Dominion.

As showing the attention now paid to the Milking Shorthorn breed; I refer you to the Ruakura sale of young pedigree bulls sold last April by auction, when only five to nine months old realising as high as £94 10s for Dominion Bon Ton, his dam yielding under S.O. test 469.75 per cent, of butter-fat. Others recorded in that sale catalogue are worth reviewing. As far back as 1862 and since many valuable sires and dams have been imported into New Zealand from England and Australia, and the qualities and the pedigrees are traceable up to the present generation. To-day the Dominion’s average percentage of butter-fat obtained per cow is only 1611 b. These figures are too low and must be increased in the near future if the dairyman is to improve his financial position. I think the Government is mostly interested in this matter and should follow the lead given by England and Scotland for a thorough system of testing.

I would suggest that pedigree dams which do not produce 3001 b butterfat in the season be struck off the Herd Book and to relieve the position it would be fair to register any daughters producing that minimum. With regard to sons, these might be registered in an appendix until such time as improvement could be fur- 1 ther advanced. I think it would be an up-to-date move if A. and P. Societies altered the entry birth date to be operative for show purposes as from the Ist June in each year, instead of Ist July as at present. The dairying season certainly begins in July, but no latitude is alowed the breeder of showstock.

Messrs. A. P. Horn, president; W. J. Robinson, secretary; and A. J. Melville, delegate; rettire from office but are eligible for re-election. Owing to our increased popularity, 1 would suggest that a vice-president and auditor be elected for the next term. I would also suggest that a reserve fund be created as opportunity offers. I have to report that Messrs J. M. Whitham (Glenbrook), A. J. Melville (Buckland) and James Walker (Papakura) have been appointed official inspectors. I thank you all, gentlemen, for the loyal support accorded this branch during the past year.

A. PARK HORNE, President Pukekohe, Aug. 31, 1921.