(3) Although the only calf-marking scheme in operation in the Dominion at the present time is operated by the Dominion Group Herd-testing Federation, the possibility exists of competitive schemes being introduced by independent registered associations. Since the marked-calf scheme aims at raising the butterfat production of grade stock, it is essential that the scheme be protected to ensure uniformity of standards and methods. (4) The Government contribution towards cow and herd testing is not equitably distributed. During the year 1933-34 the net cost to the State of the C.O.R. and O.H.T. systems was £2,321 15s. lid. for 2,983 cows, while the State subsidy towards group herd-testing and association own sample testing was £5,693 for approximately 301,000 cows. The latter sum, as has already been mentioned, is reducible by £1,000 per annum, while the former sum is not reducible, and includes a credit of £115 9s. 3d. for fees received in respect of association own sample testing. (5) Since the annual subsidy is to be reduced by £1,000 per annum, it will be extinguished in 1938. By 1936 it will be sufficient only to provide a grant to the federation for essential supervisory work. Unless the subsidy is continued for this purpose, it is probable that the co-ordinating work of the federation will have to be abandoned. (6) Under the existing C.O.R. and O.H.T. systems owners of herds are permitted to specify particular cows for testing, and can accordingly concentrate their attention upon these animals, with the object of obtaining high records from them for a single season. There is therefore the possiblity that a cow, though producing a high yield in one year in response to special treatment, may not be a consistently high producer over a period of years. While it is recognized that the C.O.R. and O.H.T. systems have certain advantages in respect of accuracy and as a means of assisting sales, the conditions under which results are obtained are such as to render the records of very little value from the viewpoint of farm practice. (7) Though pure-bred animals are kept primarily for the purpose of breeding herd sires for grade herds, there is no obligation upon the breeders of pure-bred stock to test their cows, and frequently farmers purchase and use pure-bred bulls from cows of the productive capacity of which there is no record. Further, the testing of pure-bred herds, as a means of assisting the breeding of bulls with a high butterfat backing, loses much of its value if it is not continuously carried out. 333. Recommendations—(a) N.Z. Herd-testing Council Bill : In order to place the herd-testing movement on a sound basis, it is recommended — (1) (a) That there be set up a New Zealand Herd-testing Council which will prescribe uniform standards and methods and control all activities in respect of cow and herd testing (including C.0.R., 0.H.T., and G.H.T. systems) within the Dominion. (Note. —It is intended that the Council should take the place of the Dominion Group Herd-testing Federation). (b) That all Herd-testing Associations be registered with and be affiliated to the Herdtesting Council, and discharge their functions in accordance with the general policy laid down by the Council. (c) That the Council consist of eight members, four to be elected and four to be appointed as follows :— Four to be elected by affiliated associations : One to be appointed by the New Zealand Dairy-produce Control Board : One to be appointed by the Department of Agriculture : One to be appointed by the New Zealand Dairy Breeds Federation : One to be appointed from its staff by the Council of the Massey Agricultural College. The Council to elect annually the Chairman from its own members. Each elected and appointed member to hold office for two years, retiring members to be eligible for re-election or re-appointment; two elected and two appointed members to retire each year ; but two elected and two appointed members to retire at the end of the first year, as determined by lot. The four elected members of the first Council will be elected by the New Zealand Group Herd-testing Federation, which will then cease to exist. The Council will thereafter call an annual meeting of representatives of affiliated associations, at which each affiliated association may be represented by one member. The representatives at this annual meeting will elect, on the basis of one representative one vote, two members of the Council. (d) That the Council be empowered to appoint Standing Committees and to delegate to such Committees such of its powers as it may consider desirable. (e) That the Council be empowered (1) to own and/or lease land, buildings, and equipment; (2) to appoint and control such officers and servants as are required to carry out its functions ; (3) to enter into contracts with persons, institutions, firms, and companies ; (4) to trade in materials and equipment used for herd-testing purposes. (/) That it be an offence for persons or associations that are not registered by the Council to undertake cow and herd testing for fee or reward. (g) That the Council be empowered to define areas within which each association is to operate, and to confine the operations of any association to the area allotted to it.

130

H,— -30