N.Z. Jersey Breeders Review Satisfactory Progress In Year

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1943, Page 6

N.Z. Jersey Breeders Review Satisfactory Progress In Year

One of the most satisfactory years in the history of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders' Association was reviewed at the annual conl'erence at New Plymouth yesterday. Mr. C. G. C. Dermer, Cheltenham, presided, about 70 members, including one woman, being present. Members were given a civic welcome by the Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour. They were also welcomed by Mr. D. B. Ballantyne, president of the New Plymouth Jersey Cattle Breeders' Club. An increase in membership of 34, bringing the total to 1871, was recorded in the annual report. Registrations tn the herd hook totalled 17,236, an increase of 687 on the previous year, and there were 8601 transfers. The report also detailed the steps being taken to ensure tattooing was done satisfactorily. Testing results were reviewed, showing that in Ihe 365-day division, 367 first-class certificates were awarded, compared with 395 last year, making a total of 10,555 certificates issued. The average production was 8540.21b milk, 476.051b fat. In addition, 75 second-class certificates were issued, making the total 1159, with an average of 479.91b fat. In the 305 days test 161 cows (last year 78) qualifled with an average of 444.561b fat in 290 days. In reviewing production records, the report stated that 12 special gold medals were awarded for over 7501b fat, a Taranaki cow, Sproston Tulip, owned by Atkinson Bros., Inglewood, lieading the Dominion1 with 922.151b fat. The sum of f2286 10s vas paid as C.O.R. subsidies, of whicli the dairy division paid £746 11s to members for the first cow eDtered for test, continued the report. Despite transport diiliculties, 263 (last year 221) herds were classifled. A total of 1881 (1511) awards were made, including 202 V.H.C. The report referred to the work of the Jersey clubs, particularly in arranging transport for the classifiers. The difflculties facing dairy division oificers in carrying out C.O.R. testing were referred to, the report emphasislng the need for making every effort to carry on the work. The balance-sheet showed a proflt of £961 3s lld on the year's working. There was room for still further 1mprovement in tattooing, said the chairman, in emphasising that the onus was on the breeder. The council intended to enforce strict compliance with the rule. The retiring members, Messrs. G. E, C. Dermer (Wellington-West Coast) and L. A. Higgins (South Island) were re-eleeted to' the council, Mr. Dermer being unopposed. Mr. N. I. Nielsen was re-elected auditor. The constitution was amended to provide that the South Island be divided into two wards, each to elect one meinber to the council. This will take effect in 1946. The rules as amended by the executive were approved with some mlnor altcrations, a clause providing for a life mcmbership subscription of £15 15s being deleted. After considerable dlscussion, a clause giving the association power to purchase or otherwise acquire pedigree Jersey cattle, and to sell or otherwise dispose of them was .adopted. In opposing the clause, Mr. H. C. Sampson said private enterprise had already done good work, importations having greatly improved the breed. Mr. G. H. Bell said the request had been made at previous meetings that the council should have that power. Jersey cattle for New Zealand should be selected by someone familiar with Dominion conditions, said a member, who pointed out that only a few breeders were in a position to go overseas themselves. Classifiers did not have the right to ask the breeding of a cow before making their nward, it was stated during dlscussion on a remit providing that in the event of disagreement when only two judges were classifying, the owner should be able to withdraw his cow. The remit was iost. The need for the council to view the question of artificial insemination from every angle was emphasised by Mr. S. Morgan. He forsaw the danger that might lose the results of a llfe-time of work and study in building up a stud if artificial insemination became general. Mr. C. G. C. Dermer was subsequently reappointed president of the council and Mr. W, P. Begg (northern Wairoa) was appointed vice-president.