STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)' [All communications, letters, etc., left frith Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] JERSEY BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION.

Stratford, Oct. 27. Mr, Frank Ranford presided at the meeting of the Stratford branch of the above association held this afternoon. Others present were: Messrs W. H. Paynter, W. J. Clerriow, E. W. Lvsons, J. O'Snllivan, W. Pollock. A. H. Huggett, T. E. Gibbons, Tom Ranford, Cole, W. Knowles, J. S. Jones, and A. W. Dingle. Messrs F. Ranford, Jones, Pollock, and J. T. Belcher were appointed a committee to revise rules and submit same to a future meeting.

■Mr. E. Griffiths, the well-known Jersey breeder and enthusiast, of New Plymouth, then delivered an address on the Jersey enw, in the course of which he said it should be safely conceded that such a as the "perfect" Jersey cow does not exist and never has existed. The best cows were possibly the ideal of perfection in many points, but they all had their slight imperfections. Though the perfect Jersey cow has not yet been attained, the leading Jersey breeders and judges have found by experience that animals bearing certain characteristics and development are the most consistent in the matter of continuous heavy production of rich milk; and by breeding only from this type a cow lias been received, which has the desirable characteristics so securely established in her blood that her descendants through successive generations will, in the majority of case?, be of like beauty of form and dairy capacity. The perfection of form or type was becoming more nearly approached each year, particularly in the island of Jersey, and we may soon see the majority of our Jerseys with udders that approach perfection in every particular. There were, unfortunately, too many farmers who ignored the value of and need for an established type —their sole ideal toeing "production," the matter of reproduction being overlooked. A cow must not be valued only for the amount of butter-fat she produces, but also for her ability to breed heavy-producing daughters of good constitution, with shapely udders carrying fair-sized teats. The breeder, to be successful, must steer clear of animals with undoubted faults, and endeavor to correct the minor ones by mating with animals which arc strong in the points which need correcting. Attractiveness of appearance should not be lost sight of, tor the handsome cow, other things being equal, will command the highest price when placed in the sale ring. In conclusion, Mr. Griffiths emphasised the dictum of an eminent authority that type and production should go together. At the conclusion of hfs paper Mr. Griffiths answered several questions regarding the Jersey cow, after which a hearty vote of thanks was passed to him for his address. The meeting then concluded.

GENERAL. Despite the heavy rain during the week and last night the water cart was in use this afternoon. Later on, heavy rains prevailed, and the streets were soon again damp underfoot, and dust only a memory. Good progress is now being made with the picture palace in Broadway, which will greatly enhance the appearance of our main thoroughfare. There were many farmers in town today, and I was besieged with questions regarding the paragraph.concerning the sale of butter, mentioned by the Daily News. There are ,only two butter factories round here, and as Midhirst suppliers know nothing, it should not be much of a guessing competition to indicate the trading factory. "Dingle, Dingle, little star, what a lueky, plucky man you are."

T. Lamason has a preliminary notice elsewhere, announcing a sale of furniture on behalf of Mr. B. T. Hudson, who is leaving for Australia. Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sending to eoldiers nt the front" and friends in the Home Land. A very large and varied assortment is available but already a steady demand has set in, so those on the lookout for seasonable gifts of this description should lose no time in inspecting Mr James', stock.