WESTLAND A. & P. ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND A. & P. ASSN.

A meeting of the Executive Committee was held in the Secretary’s Office, Hokitika, on Saturday last. Air J. Dimmick (President) occupied tho chair, and there was a moderate attendance of members.

Outward and inward correspondence was dealt with and business of a routine nature was transacted. Recent mention in the local press that the annual Winter School this year would bo confined to districts north of Greymouth led to discussion. It was remarked that at last meeting correspondence had been considered inviting opinion and suggestions as to the School, and the holding of same on lines similar to last year was approved, and the decision was conveyed to the Department’s officials. It was then requested that attention should he extended to -South Westland also, as such had been promised. However, as it appeared that a definite decision had been arrived at by those responsible for the conduct of the school to curtail the centres to he visited, on the score oT wfant of time to travel the whole of tho Coast, it was resolved to emphasise the desirability of the Winter School being held in this part of t i; a district in the following season, while at the same time recording extreme regret that same would not be available here this volar. The Presidentwas of the opinion that valuable a;cl in soil analysis and other investigations might wil“ advantage be obtained from the officers of the Oawthron Institute, Nelson. After some interesting- discussion it was agreed to make further enquiry in this matter.

Correspondence to hand intimated that Air W. D. Pike, of Blenheim, who had already been nominated by this Association had been re-elected unopposed ns a member of the Board of Agriculture. Tthe Southland A. and P. Association notified that the 14th and loth of December had been fixed as the dates of their show. Further routine business was transacted at the conclusion of which the President called on Air J. J. McIntosh, as Vice-President, to present tho cups won 'at tho recent show. These comprised the Association’s Cup for the highest; aggregate total of points in cattle closes for Ihe past three shows. The Kawmillers’ Guild Cup for points in dairy classes—to he won twice- in succession, or thrice at intervalsfii tho Teiumnt Cup for highest aggregate total points in Jersey classes at the, past three shows; and the Ballantyne Cup for most points ill Friesian classes, to lie won twice in succession or thrice at intertills. £ he first three cups mentioned now become tho property of Air A. Dimmick of Koiterangi, as the result of liis splendid showings from his pedigree Jersey herd. Air Mclntosh expressed liis great pleasure in handing over those cups to Mr Dimmick, upon the winning of which he heartily congratulated him. The engraved records proved his enterprise and care in the mitten 1 of stock breeding. He noted that AH Diininick’s record oil the Association Cup was 25 points in 1923, 30 points in 1921, and 73 points in 1920, there being no show in 1925. On the Guild Cup the records were 40 points in 1924, and 70 points in 1926. For the Tennant Cup 20 points in 1923, 40 points in 1924 and 56 points in 1926. These valuable trophies now became liis own property. They wore ' something to be proud of. It may he said by some that Air Dimmick had no serious competition at the several shows l.ut the merit is the more his since he produced the exhibits nevertheless, in ample numbers, and with all the necessary care and preparation, not knowing whv.it competition to expect, and he was not' without substantial competition, as there were entries of great merit from Nelson and elsewhere on almost every occasion. Only an exhibitor knows the work entailed in properly producing in the show ring cattle in such numbers, find Air Dimmick bad loyally and enthusiastically supported the Association at each year’s show. AYitli a few more such members they need have no fear of the show or the Association failing to carry on. The speaker felt sure his succss was an incentive to others, Mil bo would not be without competitors in the future, as there were other breeders qnio'lv at work, since the value of pedigree milking strains was being mine and more recognised in Westland, lie fell sure Air Dimmick would go much further yet with his herd, rs he had stock quite fit to take their places in. any provincial show ring.

Other speakers added their remarks to those of the Vice-President, including'Alessrs W. D. Alackny, F. McGregor, H. L. Aforel. T. Ecclesfield ami I>. .Tollie. The latter especially congratulated the successful winner of the cup, for liis continued enterprise nnd enthusiasm. He emphasised the value of shows, and the need of improvement in farming life and country conditions in order to stem the generally admitted drift from the country to the towns. All recognised more, or less the very great importance to the prosperity of the Dominion was (he encouragement of the volume and standard of ourprinuiry products. We must do all we possibly can to sot an example and give encouragement to our young people. the rising generation ol farmers, to take an interest 'and aprido in agricultural pursuits. First and foremost in this effort was the improvement and brightening of the homes, and the increasing of their comforts and attractions. If one wished to judge the capability of in farmer, ho the speaker, submitted ttio first test was the condition of his farm house and surroundings. If that were right, then one might ho sure the farm itself was in good hands. To that mnn naturally the care rind management and quality of his stock and brood would ho ol equal importance.. Ho and his family would take a natural pride Tn them. If a dairympn he would seek to increase his butter fat yield. The work and efforts of Afr Dimmiek, as evidenced by his victories in the show ring, was leading the • way and providing the means Tor better herds and higher butter records. He sincerely congratulated Air Dimmiek and hoped he would long continue to help fill our show rings, and those of other parts also. The trophies were then formally handed over with acclamation and Air Dimmiek briefly thanked those present for the nice things said. He was determined to do his best for the Association and to meet al comers in the show ring, win or lose.

The President, Air J. Dimmiek thanked Air Mclntosh for so ably making the presentation, also the other speakers, and stated that although now not able to do as much actively as he. would wish in breeding lines, lie was proud of bis son’s efforts and that it was meeting with success. Though liis own term of office was drawing to a close lie would continue his best efforts for the benefit of the Association, and to make each succeeding show better than the last, also to help the committee in their valuable work in the various other directions besides ? howrings. by which the Association can and’ must work for the good of the West Coast. ' He concluded by stressing the desirability, at future shows, of "providing separate classes for pedigree and grade cattle. This would encourage the farmer who was not yet able to aspire to the former.