N.Z. FRIESIAN BREEDERS CONFER IN CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28001, 22 June 1956, Page 3

N.Z. FRIESIAN BREEDERS CONFER IN CHRISTCHURCH

A good muster of members from many parts of New Zealand gathered at the Sign of the Takahe, Cashmere, yesterday for the annual meeting of the New Zealand Friesian Association. Reviewing the season’s activities, the president (Mr J. W. Rainey, of Flaxton) mentioned that, although the number of full members had increased during the year, the number of junior members had declined slightly. In the establishment of records, Friesians had enjoyed a remarkable year, Mr Rainey said. He referred to the work being done with artificial breeding. “Some idea of the growth in this sphere will be gained when it is realised that 160,000 to 170.000 cows were bred to A.B. sires in New Zealand in 1955, compared with 3600 in 1950,” he said.

A remit dealing with the transfer of bulls from unclassified cows was passed unanimously. The remit read: “That an increased rate of transfer fee be payable on any bull from an unclassified cow, except when such cow is under five years of age, and is a member of a classified herd.” Mr B. S. Kyle (Otaki) spoke in favour of the publication of a breed journal, as suggested in a remit from the Manawatu district. This remit led to a good deal of discussion, but it was thought that the extra cost involved in the production of a breed journal was beyond the association at present.

Speaking in favour of the remit, Mr R Fiecken (Tai Tapu) said he thought literature on the breed was required for publicity, and for guidan -»< y° un S Friesian enthusiasts. Mr E. J. Stalker (Greenpark) said the present scheme for publicity was adequate. The remit was rejected by a big majority. Inspections of Cattle A proposal for inspetting all auction sale cattle, and indicating in the sale catalogue the ones considered suitable for export, was discussed ai length.

Mr Rainey said export cattle had to be passed by breed inspectors, but it would not be possible to have all animals inspected before private auction sales.

Mr A. W. Montgomerie (Auckland) said a suggestion had been made that an inspector should be present at private sales to indicate which cattle were suitable for expport. In his opinion, this was not practicable, and could upset the whole range of values at a sale.

The main idea of inspection, he said, was to protect overseas buyers of New Zealand cattle, and thus maintain the reputation of the New Zealand breed overseas. Another matter which had to be considered was the expense of sending classification officers to various farms to inspect sale animals, said the president. A good many complications could result from pre-sale classification of animals.

Mr J. Lee Hodgson (Tamahere) said this type of inspection could greatly influence the bidding for certain animals which had been approved for export, if the inspectors’ decisions became known at the sale. Mr C. W. Humm (Waikuku) said animals which had been rejected for export should be eligible for inspection again after 12 months. New Zealand’s Friesian trade with Australia had been greatly strengthened by the inspection system, which had been operating for some years. Before the present inspection system became established. the Australian buyers were dissatisfied with many of

the New Zealand exports, but now they bought New Zealand cattle with confidence.

Speaking in favour of the present inspection system. Mr Montgomerie said that he thought it was a great safeguard to the good name of ’the breed, and that it should be continued.

Mr H. E. Johnson (Hawera) said a vendor could assist by nominating any animals for inspection that had been the subject of inquiry from overseas buyers.

Mr Rainey said that this was the position at present. Spring classification of herds was discussed. Mr R. H. Dickie (Mataura) said it should be possible to formulate a policy on this after it had been tried out in the forthcoming season in the South Island.

An election was necessary for positions on the association’s council, as there were six nominations for the four vacancies. The four retiring members. Messrs C. A. Knutson (Kio Kio). William Marshall (Balclutha) Montgomerie and Rainey were reelected.