SHOW CLASSES.

Putaruru Press, 19 January 1928, Page 6

SHOW CLASSES.

An objection to the invasion of professional breeders into the class for natural condition sheep, which was intended originally for novices, who now, however, are able to win few of the prizes, was the subject of a letter from Jlr W. Earner, of Masterton, one of the leading sheep breed,-crs of the Dominion, to the committee of the Masterton A. and P. Association. The writer stated that he was sure that exhibitors at present were showing from 5.0 to 75 per cent, better sheep than when the class was first started, and entries still kept up. One of the writer’s reasons for showing in the natural condition class was that at the Palmerston North Show a few years ago

there had been outside buyers for natural condition sheep. Exhibitors had as a result sold a fair number and received repeat orders. The meeting decided to refer the matter to the next conference of agricultural and pastoral associations. ‘‘My opinion,” said Mr Raynor, ‘‘is that the open class should be cut out and all stock shown in natural condition. You will then breed sheep that will keep out in the rain with curly wool of beautiful lustre. In out bet-ter-class Lincolns to-day we rave soft. Uistrous-wooled sheep with no sign of rain in their wool. For the natural

condition class you must have sheep with strong, crimpy wool on the back that will fill the hand:, and then you will have sheep that will suit the farmer of New Zealand and give satisfaction in export.”