"TOO LAX"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 58, 24 March 1937, Page 6

"TOO LAX"

Registration of Sheep by Breed Societies FARMERS^CRITICISM Strong eomment on the laxity of sheep breed societies in regard to the inspection of animals entered for registration in the flock books was made at the meeting of the Hawke's Bay provincial executive oi the New Zealand Farmers ' Union yesterday when the quality of rams offered at ram fairs was under diseussion. "The breed societies have the right to cull out sheep which do not conform with the standards laid down," said the president, Mr C. E. Edgecombe, "but I've never seen it done. They are too lax altogether. I have seen sheep inepected and passed which you or I would not look at." Mr G. L'. Jamieson suggested that the union should call a conf erence at which representafives of the breed societies, A. and P. Association, stock auctioneers and the union executive should meet to discufls the position with a view to ascertainlng in what way the farmer could be j»rotected from purchasing inferior and faulty rams. "We should push this," commented Mr Edgecombe. "There is only one way to improve the Mandard of our stock. I am not suggesting that only registered sheep should be offered at the ram fair, but I do think that they should be inspeeted. That would be a guarantee in some manner, even if we can't have them sold through the ring." Mr Edgecombe pointed out that the system he favoured was already in operation in Canterbury. A member suggested that the system of voluntary certification introduced by the Romney Marsh Sheep-Breeders' Association had not proved suecessfuL i( Certification cannot be a success unless it is made compulsory," replied Mr Edgecombe. The motion was carried unanimously.