JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28616, 19 June 1958, Page 8

JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS

Annual Meeting In City

"New Zealand is passing through a very serious period in her economy, that of adjustment to the falling prices for *her exports, but we should remember the actions of our forefathers who, as well as founding the young country on sound, principles, realised its future prosperity would depend on the produce of the land,” said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr George Manning) yesterday. He was opening the annual meeting of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association. Visitors were welcomed to Christchurch by Mr W. J. Beckett, president of the South Island Federation of Jersey cattle clubs. The meeting was well attended by representatives from Jersey cattle clubs throughout New Zealand and was the climax of Jersey Cattle Week. Two sales ;of pedigree bloodstock have been held by the Midland and North Canterbury clubs and visitors to Canterbury will be taken on a scenic tour to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula today.

Four life members were elected by the meeting. All have .supported the breed for many years as breeders of pedigree stock and as keen members of their local associations.

Mr L. A. Higgins, of Nelson, the retiring president of the national association, has belonged to the association for 40 years, 19 of them as a council member. Up to his retirement yesterday, Mr Higgins held the presidency for 13 years, at the same time representing the South Island No. 1 ward.

Members paid tribute to his service. At a social Junction last evening a presentation was made to Mr Higgins of a silver tea set. Mr A. E. Watkins, of Whakatane. now aged 90. was honoured for his long association with the breed both with his own stud and as a buyer of bloodstock. In 1926 he made a purchase at the record figure of 2000 guineas—a record which still stands for a dairy cow of any breed. For 35 years a member of the association and a breeder of high-producing stock, Mr E. J. Clough, of Inglewood, was also accorded life membership. He has served as an official type classifier for many years and has been president of his local club since its inception. The fourth new life member dented was Mr H H. Sutton, of Kaikohe. who has been a member for 44 years and is a noted breeder and exporter of pedigree bloodstock. Council Election Three council members had retired by rotation and two, Messrs A. Horn (Levin) and A. C. Gray (Invercargill), were re-elected unopnosed. Mr T. M. Fleming (Rangiora) was the* successful candidate for the South Island No. 1 ward, defeating Mr Higgins, the sitting member and association president.