NEW ZEALAND AYRSHIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1916, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND AYRSHIRES.

the annual meeting. (From Our Special Reporter). Pa] mors lon N., June 21. The annual meeting of the New (Zealand .Ayrshire Breeders' Association was held tin's afternoon, Mr. F. Hills presiding. There was a large attendance. The | annual report showed that the financial position was sound, tiie credit balance being much improved on that of former years. Reference was made to those members who were serving their country. During the year the Association had lost two of its highly-respected members—Mr. .Tames Gemmell, of Oainaru, who was one of the soundest judges the Association possessed, and a former exhibitor of considerable merit; and Mr. H. C. Rawclifle. a younger breeder, who was fast coining to Hie front with cattle that were fit for the show ling and the dairy. It was suggested that breeders take advantage of the system of semi-official testing of their cows, and there was reason to believe that the appeal had some little effect. The number of cows put under.the test is still much smaller than it should be, but it w as gratifying to know that a few more owners had come into line. The results obtained, so far, bad shown the wisdom of those who opposed such action, A number of cows had given very creditable returns, among them being 4liS, 47<i. 402, 490, 5-28 and 591 for four-year-olds! the latter standing as a world's leader in her class among Ayrshires. The president commented on the fact that Ayrshire breeders did not extend any great efforts to bring their breed inpopular favor. He referred to the efforts made, and urged upon members the necessity of making the breed as popular as possible. The report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr. MeFarlane; president, Mr. I). Buchanan; vice-presidents, Messrs Johnson, iParlane and Olsencommittee, Messrs F. Mills, M. Hall and Lansdale (to fill vacancies 'on the committee); treasurer, Mr. 'M. H. Kanston; auditor, Mr. G. Carter; secretary, Mr. P. N'eilsen; editing committee, North Island, Messrs Kyle, Woodleigh. C. and T. Webb; South Island, Messrs Kankin, Parland.Jewis and Cowan. It was decided to recommend to tlie incoming committee to close the appendix to bulls, 'but the cows by registered bulls be still allowed registration in the Herd Book.

Itn-as decided, in the motion of the president, to recommend the incoming committee to inaugurate an Ayrshire Derby sweepstake, the calves to be entered within the first month of birth and completed when the heifer is three vears old.