GERALDINE FARMERS' CLUB.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10053, 3 June 1898, Page 6

GERALDINE FARMERS' CLUB.

The Geraldine Farmers' Club met*on Tuesday night, Mr R. Skinner (President) in the chair. It was resolved—" That the Club room be closed except on Fair days and meeting nights, and that the services of the caretaker- be dispensed with." Mr R. Y. Ferguson was appointed to read a paper written by Mr E. Hardcastle, of the Christchurch Press, on " The Breeding and Fattening of Lambs for Export." The paper stated that the rapid development of the export of iambs from New Zealand during the past few years showed that this branch of the frozen meat trade would to a considerable extent supersede the practice of sending Home matured sheep; at least that would be the case so far as Canterbury and other districts in the colony favourable to the production of early lambs were concerned. The number of carcases of lamb shipped frorii New Zealand in 1892 was 291,739, and five years later, in 1897, the number had increased to 1,104,966. In 1892 the number of carcases of mutton exported was 1,319,862, and in 1897 it was 1,606,341. Wth a better regulated system of feeding the Home market there was no reason why even very much larger numbers than were sent Home in the Jubilee year should not be disposed of annually with profit to the grower and the exporter Due attention would have to be paid to the quality and conditon of New Zealand lamb. The sheep that laid the foundation of the successful txport trade in frozen mutton from this part of the colony, and made the well-known " Canterbury Prime,"' was the halfbred—the English Leicester and merino crol"s. Unfortunately, however, in later years when mutton was bringing satisfactory prices the wool fell in value, and more attention was devoted to breeding sheep for mutton to the neglect of wool. The value of mutton had until recently declined, and wool had recovered', so that more attention was now being devoted to the production of early maturing lambs that would if required carry good fleeces forward to the next year. The rise in the value of wool had caused a particular demand for merinos, and this should encourage holders of back country to maintain this useful breed and supply fanners on the plains with merino ewes for crossing purposes, or good halfbred ewes from which to produce their lambs for export. South Canterbury was fortunate in this respect, as they had such a large extent of back country to go upon, while there, too, they had some of the best strains of English Leicester and Shropshire blood to be found in the colony. They ought' therefore, to produce large numbers of prime frozen lambs. , The rest of the paper dealt with the care of ewes in the spring, and the growing of rape as special feed to fatten lambs. On the motion of Mr M. C. Orbell, seconded by Mr Geo. Ward, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Hardcastle for his able paper. The paper was then discussed by members, Messrs F. R. Flat man, M.H.R., and M. C. Orbell dwelling specially upon the question of the need of the Government appointing Inspectors and having meat properly graded before being shipped Home. It was resolved to hold a ploughing match under the auspices of the Club at a date to be 6xed, and a Committee was appointed to make arrangements. The question of trotting at auction sales was discussed in im. informal manner, and it was decided to adjourn the discussion till the following day or a fortnight hence to allow auctioneers and Mr Mitchell to be present.