EAR-MARKING SCHEME

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2034, 20 March 1907, Page 2

EAR-MARKING SCHEME

The Farmers’ Union Committee set up to report on Mr. IV. Maddison’s ear-marking scheme met at their rooms yesterday. Present: Messrs. W. D. Lysnar (in the chair), J. C. Field, A. R. Watson, and F. Hall. Mr. W. Maddison was also present. Mr. Lysnar said it was doubtful if they had sufficient information before them to warrant their coming to a decision, the trial at the Matawliero sale yards being rather a hurried one. He thought that the chief difficulty was in sheep changing owners. Mr. Field said they should have a public demonstration. He thought the sex area was not in the most suitable portion of the ear. Mr. Maddison did not think anything would be gained by changing it. Mr. A. R. Watson considered that even if not perfect, it had the advantage of being a system, where at present there is none. Mr. Lysnar said that a record was essential to the system, which would be referred to at the saleyards to settle questions of ownership. At present only about three owners’ marks coidd be put on the slieexi, but under this scheme any number of deals could proceed with but one mark, by reference to the record. It was recommended that copies of the proposed amendment to the Stock Act be circulated to each member of the Union, and then they would- be better able to come to a decision. The committee then adjourned.