JERSEY BREEDERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 20 August 1937, Page 2

JERSEY BREEDERS

, A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

THE OAKS COMPETITION

The annual meeting of the Manawatu Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Club was held yesterday, Mr J. A. Russell presiding over a fair attendance. The annual report as published was adopted with the balance-sheet. Speaking to the report, Mr Russell said that the year had made history for the club, one of the finest competitions ever held in the Dominion waving been completed. As a whole the year had been most successful financially and socially, and the addresses were highly instructive. Mr Russel] stated that it would probably be the last year he would hold office as president, and he expressed appreciation of the support of the members and the splendid work of the hon. secretary (Mr E. G. Dobson). In the past four years £420 had been donated in prize money, constituting an achievement. In 1932 there was a credit balance of £l6 13s lid; today it stood at £B4 14s 2d. In 1033 £ls in prize money had been donated; last year £573 17s 3d had been expended in this manner, including a grant of £2OO from the Jersey Association. Mr H. J. Lancaster congratulated the club on the splendid yeai, thanks to the spirit of co-operation displayed. There was much satisfaction to be derived from the successful MaiiawatU Oaks competition. Mr Lancaster' regretted the president’s statement of his proposed retirement and hoped he would reconsider the matter.

Mr T. Ranford referred to the splendid achievement of the Oaks competition, vindicating the breed; breeders could well be proud of the fine type and the productivity displayed. The financial position was also most satisfactorv.

OFFICERS ELECTED. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr Russell (reelected) ; vice-presidents, Messrs C. Chisholm, C. Osborne, and Ranford; executive, Messrs E. Sinclair, J. H. Kilgour, S. Mai, C. G. C. Dormer, L. Larsen, J. O’Donnell. J. Smith, junr., J. A. Mitchell, A. Montgomerie, C. Davison, J. T. Hill. H. J. Lancaster. W. G. Shannon. H. R. Green. I). Ross and F. C. Ross. Mr N. I. Nielsen was re-appointed hon. auditor and voted an honorarium. Mr Lancaster paid a warm, tribute to the excellent manner in which Mi Dobson had performed his secretarial duties and on his motion Mr Dobson was accorded the same honorarium as last year. . Mr Ranford paid a tribute to botli Mr and Mrs Russell for their work in the interests of the club. Mr Rus sell was prevailed upon to again accept office. It was decided that the financial year end on April 30 in future. VETERINARY SERVICE.

Mr Ranford advocated the introduction of a veterinary service, considering the project would be more than paid for by the confidence inspired in purchasers of stock. As never before breeders were being severely tried, and regular inspections of stock would be invaluable. It would mean an in creased memliership fee to meet the cost, but the speaker believed a veterinarian’s services could be obtained foi £l5O a year. ~ Mr Lancaster said be conld not see eye to eye with Mr Ranford.. The chief cause of concern was abortion, and it anyone could solve the problem Ins fortune would l>e made. He believed the stock of the Dominion were as robust as any other in the world. H a did not think the club could afford tne scheme. Mr Kilgour suggested that several clubs band together to secure a veterinarv service. Mr Russell considered Mr Hanford’s suggestion a good one. Mr Ranford thought most men.ili-ers would willingly pay four or five guineas annually to have thir stock, mspectea three times a year. An additional and important factor was the confidence engendered in future buyers. Miss Roots agreed with Mr Ranford, contending that a great deal ol exnense would be avoided. Mr Chisholm thought tlie plan a big hurdle for the club and he suggested that dairy companies be approached to institute such a service. Mr Ranford moved that, in the light of flic need for breeding stronger and healthier stock, the club go. into the position of securing the services of an honorary veterinary surgeon ; also that members be advised of the. position with a view to holding a special meeting to discuss the matter. The motion was carried. MEMORIAL ESSAY AWARD.

The president- reported on the essay competition based on the lessons to be learned from the Manawatu Stakes. Three entries had been received and that of L. Boniface, ot Palmeiston North, had been adjudged the _ winner of the Lancaster Memorial Prize. A vote of appreciation was recorded the ladies’ social committee for llieir fine work, on the motion of Mr Lancastei.