BRANDING CATTLE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4344, 18 November 1921, Page 4

BRANDING CATTLE.

INJURIOUS EFFECTS* A NETHERTON RESOLUTION. COMPULSORY DEHORNING. « The subject of, cattle branding came up for discussion at the monthly meeting of the Natherton branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, Mr R. JB. Dunlop, president, being in the chair. The matter was introduced by the reading of the following letter from the provincial secretary: “I have been in communication with firms of fellmongers and exporters of hides with a view to ascertaining the effects of tar brands, a remit to the conference from Waikato Subprpvincial District on this subject having been referred to the executive for enquiry. ‘One of the largest firms of exporters of hides stated that big tar brands on the hides are certainly a source of annoyance to the tanner, and nave a detrimental effect on the leather, so that if! possible they should be avoided altogether; but 'ar more serious is the question of horn marks, and they would like to ,see some steps taken to have, universal ruling on the dehorping of cattle, as if this were done it would materially benefit the raiser of the cattle as well as the dealer in the hides, to say nothing of the carcase frozen for meat purposes. “The firm also mentioned that they had had a> termendpus amount of trouble during the present slump period with hides heavily branded on the butt, many of them branded well in on the prime of the hide, thus reducing the value 3d or 4d per lb. On this matter and dehorning they state they have had a letter, from one of their big American buyers emphasising the necessity of something being done, otherwise the hides exported from New Zealand will! get a bad name on the world’s markets on account of being horn-marked and heavily butthbranded. “I was, therefore, instructed to circularise. the branches on this important matter. ‘sp that our members might be acquainted with the position and see if something cannot be done to minimise the damage caused from these two sources.” The branding of cattle on the neck was suggested. • . Mr Dunlop -said that some attention could be paid to, dehorning of cattle. Mr Death moved, and Mr Young seconded, that a suggestion to make dehorning ofl all 'cattle compulsory be sent to the executive. The mbition was carried.