JERSEY BREEDERS’ ASSN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 June 1924, Page 5

JERSEY BREEDERS’ ASSN.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. About eighty members were present at the twenty-second annual meeting held in the Foresters’ Hall on Wednesday, when the president, Mr. A. E. Missen, was in the chair. Members of the council—Messrs. C. G. C. Dermer, R. J. Linn, E. Griffiths and \V. H. Booth—were also present. Mr. W. M. Singleton, Director of the Dairy Division, was at the meeting. The minutes of the last annual meeting were confirmed, with the addition of a motion to the effect that classes be: instituted and medals awarded for jiinior and senior divisions in three and four-yea NolJ cattle for semi-official test. 1 ' * ■ : ■' The annual report reads as fol-low:—-The council have much pleasure in announcing that the year ended April 30, 1024, has not only maintained t}ie success of the previous year, but is noteworthy in establishing fresh records and increased success in all departments. Our membership now numbers 1269, being a nett increase of 131 for the year. Although the

previous year constituted a record in the matter of registrations, the total number of males and females registered during the past year was 864 in excess of those figures, being males 3252, females 3900. 'The number of animals being transferred still continues to increase, a, large number of them being transferred to new members, and to other dairy farmers taking up the Jersey breed. This provides tangible evidence of the fact that the popularity of the Jersey cow is ever growing. The number transferred during the year being males 3063. i'efales 2362, this total showing an increase on last year’s figures of 756. Herd Book.—The rapidly increasing size of this publication "was pointed out to members in the last annual report. Owing to high cost of printing the herd book in the form that has been in vogue for some years past, your council has found it necessary to curtail this expenditure ! by adopting a new style. During the past year members have been supplied with copies of the herd book at a price far below the actual cost. The difference in the cost and selling price amount® to a very considerable sum, which, added to the amount paid out in subsidies for C.O.R. performances and show prizes, represents an amount refunded to members which is considerably in excess of the sum received for their annual subscriptions. W© venture to say that there is no similar association in this, or any other country, which returns to. its members a similar percentage of its income. Jersey Cattle Clubs. —While appreciating all that has been and is being done by these organisations to promote the interests of Jersey cattle breeders generally, members should clearly understand that clubs are not branches of the association, and all applications for tatoo brands, prefixes, registrations or transfers, together with the necessary fees, should be sent direct to the secretary, Palmerston North. General Remarks.—There are a few matters to which we wish to refer which will be of benefit to members, and at the same time give immense assistance to the office. (1) It is imperative that members should immediately notify the secretary of any change in their address. (2) The neglect shown by some members in forwarding late applications to register has been the cause of several animals being disqualified for registration. (See by-law 2). (3) Cases have been brought to our attention indicating that- better attention should be paid to by-law 16. (4) It would be advantageous to members to forward their year's registration forms in one batch, as, by so doing, the animals registered appear in one lot in the herd book, which makes reference to any breeder’s entries far easier than if appearing on different pages. (5) In making application for semi-official test of rows, breeders should pay strict attention to the rules governing this work. Full information on this subject is to be found in the “Advanced Register of Merit’’ pamphlet. All testing fees must be sent direct to the Director, Dairy Division, Department of Agriculture, Wellington, and not to the secretary of the N.Z.J.C.B. Association. (6) The monthly returns of cows under S.O. test, qualified for publication, are compiled up to the first of each month, and any returns received from the department after that date are too late for publication. This statement should serve to explain to members the nonpublication of some of their returns. Dairy Division.—The council desire to record their appreciation of the services of Mr. W. M. Singleton and his staff in conducting the semi-official testing during the past year. We fully realise that owing to increased numbers of cows under test, he must-find it very difficult to cope with the work, and is deserving of the very highest commendation for the capable manner in which the staff carry out their duties. In concluding this report, we wish to point out that the optimism expressed in the last annual report has eventuated. New records have been established, and we feel confident that members will continue in their untiring efforts to make the Jerseys of New Zealand pre-eminent throughout the world, thereby creating a demand from

other countries for our cattle. The balance-sheet showed a healthy financial position, with assets totalling £5539, showing accumulated funds oi £4633. The profit and loss account showed receipts: Registrations £1958, transfers £BIO, subscriptions £1314, interest £273; and expenditure: Printing, advertising, etc., £6lO, salaries £907, travelling £lll, rent and insurance £134, Ist a mips, etc., £136, subsidies to A. and P. associations, tested cows and clubs. £1095, held book volume 20 £503; and a balance of £852. An account concerning the herd book showed that cost of printing totalled £IO9O, while sales of old and present volumes were £582. In moving the adoption of the report £tnd balance-sheet, the chairman said it had been >a most successful year financially in registering and in production figures recorded under test by cows of the Dominion. The increase in membership showed that members were alive to the best interests of the welfare of the society, thus making it strong enough to hold, and even to improve, its already strong position in the Dominion. He congratulated Mr. Miers on the great record put up by Pretty’s Flirt, a. truly wonderful performance, and gave credit to all others who had brought up their herds to a

high pitch of excellence. Regarding registration of bulls, he said very great interest was being taken, and combatted the statement made that too many were being brought forward, and that an alteration was required in regulations for registration, and that there should he inspection of animals. He said there was no excess in the number of registered bulls required to meet the demand. Taking into account that the Jersey breed was i dj§gi ngahead all the time, m order to hold its strong position, there would be an increased demand for Jersey bulls to head the herds of the Dominion. He

urged that ever}’ breeder should have the opportunity‘to put a pedigree bull at the bead of his herd, ami what applied to. the Jersey breed applied to all pedigree cattle. Regarding cattle clubs, lie said he must admit more could be done for the clubs than had been done. The coumil appreciated what the club's were doing, and fell convinced they were justifying their existence. They gave an incentive to members to see that club members were all enrolled in the association. He urged that matters such as notice of registration of prefixes should go from the secretary to the committees of the clubs. He strongly urged that the secretary should be advised at all times of the death of any registered pedigree animals. Referring °to private registers, he said that ma-nv breeders had not sufficient records and ho urged that all Particulars such’ as date of birth, transfer, etc., for the rules demanded these should be supplied, so that they might be available to any member of the council at any time. He stressed the importance of demonstration work, and said that the work clone by Mr. Watson would have a very lasting effect, He was gratified at the results achieved, and was certain that the expense was fully justified. In conclusion, he said he would like to place on record the good work done by the officials at Palmerston North, Mr. Tapp and staff, and urged the need of considering the enlargement- of the offices, which were now not in keeping with the dignity of the association. Mr. F. Ranford seconded, complimenting the president on his valuable address. He strongly felt that better offices were required, and hoped they would soon be erected. Jn regal’d to clubs, he said he believed there was some misconception in the matter of correspondence between them and the council. He complimented the council on the work done by them. The motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. ‘The following were notified as elected to the vacancies on the council: Messrs. R, J. Linn and E. Griffiths (laianaki) and Mr. C. G. C. Dermer (Manawatu). REMITS. That- attention be drawn to the facy that New Zealand stands preeminent in its freedom from serious cattle diseases, and stresses the importance of this fact as an advertising asset.

Mr D. O oullivan (Midhirst), in proposing the remit, said that the Dominion should be pleased to realise the wonderful freedom from disease of the cattle, and said that in other countries toot and mouth disease and rinderpest ar >d it was a great thing that New Zealand was free from both, seeing that she was fast becoming the stud stock farm of the world. He considered they should approach the department with a view to having propaganda circulated in other countries, and he felt sure that they could get the assistance of other breeders. Mr F. Ranford, in seconding’ said no country m the world was so free from disease, and they should seize e Xf.L)' °PP or tunity to improve the possibility of doing business with other countries. It would be a valuable assistance to breeders if the opportunity were taken to do everything possible to make all improvement possible in the health of stud animals. Mr E. Griffiths considered the remit at present premature. He said he thought it would be good noliey to wait until there were more typical, high-pro-uucing Jerseys before sending away to other countries.

Mr F. Ranford said that New Zealand could hold her own with any part or the world, and this had been enciorsecl by a leading English breeder who said she was astonished to find so many of high quality, although she considered some of them a trifle big in size. He instanced the success of Messrs O’Sullivan in sending cattle to South Africa, and said there were in the Dominion outstanding animals, and saw no reason why breeding of the best could not be done from the strains available here.

Ati F. Cornwall said that they must always see that if exported only the very best are- sent.

The remit was carried. That this meeting of members of the N.Z. Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association appreciates the action of the Government in formulating regulations to prevent foot and mouth disease. and would impress upon the Government the desirability of strictly enforcing same. Mr Linnell, in moving its adoption, ■said it had the united support of Taranaki. It was the most important remit ever handled, and never had they gone to the Government with such an important question. He said it was imperative to keep the country clean, not only by inspecting imported stock—this was done by quarantine—but- in the matter of packing (straw and chaff) in which goods were sent to the Dominion, and which might likely come from farms where there were diseased stock. The Government penalty was inadequate, and it was up to the council to impress on them the necessity of imposing a penalty “to fit the crime.” Mr H. C. Sampson seconded, and stressed the need of the association backing the Government in safeguarding the Dominion in the importation of cattle.

Mi‘ I. Ran ford said the backing of the breeders of stud stock would strengthen the case and show the Government they appreciated the action ta-kon. It was carried unanimously. GENERAL. Mr C. G. Dernier moved a resolution that the department be recommended to raise the minimum of the standard tor semi-official certificates. Alter some little discussion the motion was rejected unanimously. In this connection Mr Singleton said that his department had tried to keep in line with the United States of America and Canada, and added that thev were always out to meet the wishes of breeders.

Mr Linnell moved that it is desirable to have inaugurated by the association championships for bull and cow of any age, one for the North Island and one for the South. He said it would he a good thing to get a class at the leading shows, which would have the hacking of all Jersey breeders, and it would he advisable for this association to initiate championships. The Royal Show would be limited to Christchurch and Palmerston North at present, and as there was no chance of holding a Royal Show in Taranaki, he advocated his present motion, which he considered would give an impetus to the bieed. Mr Tapp said the Jersey breeders had promised £SO and two cups to the Royal Show. The chairman said that the scheme would materially interfere with the Royal Show, and it was a pity that just when it was under way anything detrimental should be clone.' In reply to a question, Mr Lancaster said the object was to induce buyers from abroad, and it was no use offering aged cattle. Mr F. Ranford supported the motion, and said they should not be tied to any particular show. His idea was they were not out for profit, but to ex-

hibit the very best physical development, and this the Royal Show would not do. He considered it in the best interests of the breed. * Mr C. E. Robertson said it was not right to introduce north and south when the Royal Show was under consideration. Mr Griffiths agreed, and said the matter of age at the Royal Show was not settled. Mr G. Bell suggested that both schemes might be tried out and the best- adopted. Mr Linnell said the object apparently of the Royal Show was to bring buyers; the object of the council to encourage breeders. It would be a mistake to send young, unproved animals out of the country. He urged the council to subsidise the suggested championships. The motion was carried. Mr F. Ranford moved that the council take action to make it available for any bull to win in the Royal championship, and no limit be placed on the age of the animal. Mr Griffiths said the idea was a meeting of champions, and they wanted to get the greatest number of the very best, a project which would he in the best interests of the breed. Carried unanimously. Mr E. Griffiths moved that it be a recommendation to the council to the Royal Committee that the Jersey Breeders’ Association be allowed to appoint their own judge, and that the Jersey Council be urged to get a man from overseas. He said there were many competent men in Australia, and it might happen that a man from further afield might be in the Dominion, and this would add interest to the competitions. The motion was carried. A recommendation that the Jersey Council be authorised to select some animals and to purchase them for sending away to the International Show in the Argentine evoked considerable discussion, but on being put to the meeting was lost on the voices.

On the motion of Mr R. Dagg it was agreed to recommend that a publication be issued by the council giving records of births, deaths and transfers of registered pedigree animals. In reply to Mr Pettigrew, the chairman said that the council appreciated the work of the clubs very much, and they were the means of securing new members, but it was necessary to carry out the rules laid down, and correspondence should always be sent direct to the secretary. There had at times been trouble about transfers, and the secretary alone knew if members were financial, lie favoured encouraging the clubs, and appreciated their good work. It was moved bv Air Griffiths and carried unanimously that a subsidy be paid by the council to the centre where the annual meeting was held to assist in the expenses of the meeting and the entertainment of delegates, and that leaders of other breeds be invited to any function held.

A. recommendation to give a trophy of £oo to the first Jersey to get 11001 b of fat in the year was carried, with a ■suggestion that the animal must he able to win in the show ring. Dealing with the question of young breeders the chairman said, in reply to Mr Taylor, that old breeders of experience would always be only too willing to help them, and advocated strongly the line breeding jjractised by so many breeders. It was very necessary to see that the different lines of blood used united well.

On the motion of Mr Pettigrew, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the council for the able manner in which they had conducted the affairs of the association, and also to the secretary (Mr Tapp) and his staff. A vote of thanks to the press and to the chair concluded a useful and enthusiastic meeting.