KILLING OF STOCK

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1051, 2 December 1947, Page 4

KILLING OF STOCK

FARMERS’ INTEREST BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD PLANS FOR EAST COAST The greater interest being taken by farmers in the freezing works situated in their district and their growing confidence in the industry when they learned that a fair thing was being done by them throughout the Dominion was mentioned by the managing director of Messrs. Tho-s. Borthwick and Sons Ltd.. Mr. E. G. Norman, Masterton, at a luncheon gathering at" the Tokomaru Bay works of the . company on the occasion of the district fat lamb competition.

He said it was important' that the farmer should take a keen interest in the killing of his stock.

A welcome tci the gathering was extended by the president of the Waiapu Pastoral and Industrial Association. Mr. R. W. Ford, Ruatoria. Ml 1 ;. Ford said that although the association conducted the competition for the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, mostof the credit for its success was due to Borthwick and Sons. Important Part to Play Mr. Ford said the day was arriving for the farmers on the East Coast to take stock of themselves and to see what the future held for them. Originally f tile stock killed had been boiled down and there had been vicissitudes since those days. He felt that they were still “cutting their teeth.” With the fat. lamb competition the Coast was starting to play a more important part. There were more farmers keeping their five-year-old ewes and culling their ewes with a view to fanning to produce fat lambs.

“The Waikato lias been putting us through the separator <too Jong and getting all the cream,” continued Mr. Ford. “We'have hardly scratched the hills oil the Coast.”

He expressed the thanks of the association to the company, the judges and the staff for the excellent co-operation. Mr. N orman replied on behalf of the company and it was then that ho gave liis message to the farmer that it v.as impi riant for him t . see his stock killed and "know what goes oil.” His company had confidence in the Coast farmers and it was pleasing to note that killing figures were increasing each year. Last season the works had put through 130,000 sheep and lambs.

“I appreciate the amount of interest the farmers are taking in these shows and only hope the Coast lias the best of luck when the lambs get Home,” continued Mi 1 . Norman. “There is no reason why the prize should not conic to Tokomaru Bay.” Ccast can Produce Stock “The competition has improved and the East Coast can .produce fat lambs that would not disgrace any district in- New Zealand,” said Mr. N. G. Vickers.* “We have the farmers, the land, and the stock.”

He drew attention to ihe fact that Messrs. Borthwick and Sons were sponsoring a scheme to introduce more ’Down ranis into the district, particularly to farms that had not previously made use of a ram of that breed. Mr. Vickers said a start was being made this yecr in a small way. All the new introductions would bo bill rams.

While referring to 'Down rams, he said Air. 0. 11. Cooper, Gisborne. had offered to donate a Southdown ram next year to the owner of the prize pen. ‘■ln a few years the coastal flats from Tolaga Bay to the East Cape and beyond will become the fattening land of the. district and the hill country will provide the breeding land,’-’ Mr. Vickers said. “That time will not be far distant.” “The East Coast offers wonderful opportunities for an expansion of pastoral farming,” said Air. C. H. Cooper, who referred also to the vision, initiative and new ideas introduced by Borthwick and Sons. The firm was worthy of the fullest support of the district farmers.

Speaking as one of the oldest residents of the East Coast, Mr A. B. Williams, Pukctiti, paid a glowing tribute to the success ol Borthwick,s since their purchase oi the works and wished them ever) success in the future.