A BREEDER OF HOLSTEINS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 262, 27 March 1917, Page 1

A BREEDER OF HOLSTEINS

Mr D.R.Hamilton's Herd. Opinions differ among farmers as to the breed of cattle that give the ' best return. Some swear by the sleek little Jersey, while others put all their faith in the dual-purpose Shorthorn. Then there ar« others who regard the black and whito Holstein as a cow which outclasses all others. An inspection of Mr D. R. Hamilton's herd of Holsteius on his Buckland farm proves at least that for strong sturdy animals they take a lot of beating. Mr Hamilton, who by the way does not wish to be regarded as an expert, informed our representative that he started his herd of Holsteins by purchasing three yeais ago five cows and four heifers from Mr A. M. Barriball, of Waiuku. The chief of the herd is the bull " Waipuna Starlight," purchased by Mr Hamilton from Mr G. Kay, of Panmure. " Waipuna Starlight," is a grandson of that famous " Eddinglassie," whose name appears in the Advance Register, having five daughters to his credit as entered in the Register. Whilst Mr Hamilton in his modesty does not wish to make too much of his successes he has secured two thirds of the prizes in competition with six or seven breeders which gives him sufficient encouragement to stick to the "black and white." An opinion is expressed that there is not the same opportunity offered to purchase a Shorthorn from a good milking strain as is afforded in the case of Holsteins, and it is therefore comparatively easier to purchase Holsteins than Shorthorns. At the recent Pukekohe show Mr Hamilton was successful in gaining two firsts —one in the heifer yearling class, and another for heifer calf. Looking over the herd, one sees that the young stock are full of promise, and with careful culling should give a good account of themselves in the future.

Mr Hamilton's farm of 92 acres is conveniently arranged close to the Buckland road, Pukekohe. In addition to his herd of Holsteins he keeps about 60 pigs- At the present he milks other cows than Holsteins and has a Ridd machine plant installed, run by 3£ hp. Tangye engine and " I)»mo" separator. In time it is probable Mr Hamilton will keep Holsteins only, for as an allround cow on a large place he has no reason to be other than satisfied with the sturdy " black and white."