JERSEY BREEDERS.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 34, 5 June 1924, Page 4

JERSEY BREEDERS.

MEETING OF MATAMATA CLUB. A meeting of the Matamata Jersey Breeders’ Club, affiliated to the New Zealand Dairy Breeders’ Association, was held in the Farmers’ Hall on Tuesday. Mr. J. F. Vosper presided over a fair attendance. The chairman welcomed the president of the New Zealand Jersey Breeders’ Association, Mr. A. E. Missen. Although there was not a large number present, nevertheless he was assured that other and younger members would come forward and he thought that the association should carry on its activities. Although “ out of the breed ” himself, he was still interested. The Jersey was the cow for this district. On records taken collectively they were the best dairy cows known. The recent demonstration had been one of great interest. He told, amid laughter, how a race-going farmer that had been at the demonstration had said that he would sooner be at the demonstration than at the races. Mr. Missen: Was there a tote?

Mr. Vosper said there was no tote, but the man was interested just the same. He did not know how interest could be worked up in their meetings; perhaps a cup of tea and a cake might do it—(laughter)—but he did not think members, if they really had their heart in the matter, would want any spoon feeding. Their enthusiasm should be such that it coulcl be kept alive without such aids. He thought interest could be worked up among younger people; there was no reason why a boy should not be a keen member from the time of leaving school. Mr. M. Shaw supported the chairman. He said he thought the club should continue its activities. Touching on Mr. Vosper’s remarks re spoonfeeding, he said, jocularly, even if they got members into the way of coming for the “ spoon,” they might come later without it, expecting it. Mr. A. E. Missen, the president of the New Zealand Jersey Breeders’ Association, said they were Jersey fanciers because they admired the breed just as much as they thought the Jersey cow a profitable investment. Sentiment was a great factor in breeding. He thought there was not only room in the district for their own, but clubs for Ayrshire, Friesian and Shorthorn breeders could also be formed. They could all work in harmony. (Applause). He quoted figures to show not only the marvellous increase in pedigree Jersey stock in the Dominion, but also the corresponding improvement in but-ter-fat i production. Increase was still going on all round. He reminded them of the record of tlie cow “ Grannie’s Girl,” which at the time was thought an excellent one, but they were getting far better records to-day and to-day’s records would be proportionately increased in a few years’ time. He stressed the necessity of maintaining* the type —type should not be sacrificed for production. Sentiment must be encouraged and they must maintain type. He gave examples, instancing Sultan’s Daisy, of cows being good producers’ but still being true to type.

Votes of thanks to Mr. Missen, to the chairman and to Mr. E. C. McCormack, the hon. secretary, brought the meeting to a close.