JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 75, 20 July 1914, Page 6

JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS.

The annual general meeting of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association was held at Wanganui on Wednesday, .511- W. H. .Booth presiding.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the president congratulated the members on the excellent position of the Association. Regarding bad debts amounting to £33 this was the first writing-off since the starting of the Association. The writ-ing-off from the Herd Book account of £3OB also occurred for the first time. In the president’s opinion, the method of fixing this Herd Book account should lie changed in the next balancesheet, as there was little sale for Herd Books after the year of issue, and the balance on hand was‘comparatively worthless. The money that the Association had out on mortgage, £775. was well lent. The security held for the three mortgages was valued by the Government at £I6OO. Sundry debts, £sl, was a legacy left from, former years. No credit was now given to any members ot the Association. I he Association’s’ financial position, the chairman continued, was strong, and should improve yearly with the advance in the number of members. In his opinion, the Association should endeavor to increase its vested funds to provide an income which in the futnre might be used to help to pa ylor inspection. Some scheme would be undertaken by which the poorer animals, both male/and female, would he eliminated. It would he urged that breeding on Imtter-fat lines would be the only breeding necessary, but sooner or later those following this line would see their mistake. Mr Booth said breeding without any reference to type, constitution, or udder formation, was an easy matter, but it was the combination of all-round qualities that was the end of all true breeding and commerical value. Mr Booth favored more extensive advertising, fn conclusion, the president thanked the secretary and members of the Council for their assistance to him during the past year. This help and enthusiasm had been a great factor in the Association’s progress.

The report and balance-sheet were received.

The result of the election of three new members of the Council was declared,- Messrs R. J. Linn (Norroanby), Mr H. B. Lepper (Lepperton), and C. 6. C. Dermer (Cheltenham), being elected.

Mr J. T. Belcher moved the following remit from the Stratford branch: “That it he a recommendation to the Council that they increase the judges’ list by at least twenty names.” The words “by at least twenty names” were deleted. Mr J. T. Belcher, on behalf of the Stratford branch, moved:—“That the Council urge upon the Board of Agriculture to bring under the notice of the Government the desirability of placing the Jersey breed on the same footing as other breeds on the same mental farms.”—The motion that the Government he asked to improve the herd of Jerseys was carried. Mr Griffiths moved, and Mr’.Lancaster seconded:—“That as the production of the Jersey cows at lluakura b seriously handicapped by the present system of the cows being milked by cadets, tbe Council urge the desirability of having the milking done by the best permanent milkers, obtaining on similar lines to those in vogue at Wereroa.”—The motion was put and carried. .

Representing the Hawera branch, Mr Goodson moved:—“That each district be allotted by the Association a Tattoo Ear Brand with 'distinguishing mark and year and that the annual branding period be arranged, when all progeny of Herd Book stock will be offiically branded by the Branch Committee appointed for that purpose.”— The president moved as an amendment and Mr Street seconded: “That the present system he continued.”—The amendment was carried on the voices. Mr Linn moved:—“That entry fees; for Herd Book be reduced to original cost, viz., 5s and 2s 6d.”—Mr Griffiths moved an amendment to the effect that the entyy fees for hulls be two guineas, and this was seconded by Mi Nixon.—The amendment found support from only three members and was lost.—The original motion was then put, seventeen voting each way, and the chairman gave his casting vote, and the fees are to remain as they are. '

The Taranaki branch moved another remit:—“That the present ’Taranaki district he sub-divided into a northern and southern area, and that one member from each area be .elected by the members resident in such area, to represent them on the Council of Hie Association.”—An amendment moved by Mr Kirkwood, seconded by Mr Lepper, that tbe question be referred to the Taranaki branches for consideration, was carried unanimously. The fourth remit from the.Hawera branch, “That all registered pedigree stock, previous to being offered for sale by public auction, bo submitted to the tubercular test by Government officials.” On being put, only three supported the motion, which was lost by an overwhelming majority. Mr J. Mcßae was elected a life member of the Association. It was decided to bold the next annual meeting at Hamilton on a date to he fixed by the Council.

A tribute was paid to the Department of Agriculture, to Mr Cuddie and to Mr Singleton, for their efforts in testing herds, and a vote of approcation was carried with applause.