Suffolk

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 20

Suffolk

Both the South Suffolk and the Suffolk sections had outstanding entries, the best for many years at the Canterbury show. The judge (Mr E. A. Banner. Halcombe) said that the way the sheep were brought out was a credit to their owners. The number of entries in the Suffolk class was probably the greatest in New Zealand, with the exception of the Marton show, but the sheep were on a par with those at Marton for quality. The ram and ewe hogget classes in both breeds were very strong, said Mr Banner. The top sheep wore of an excellent standard, and he was very pleased at the number of ewes with lambs shown. Sheep in the South Suffolk section shown here were right on top for New Zealand, said Mr Banner. “This was the strongest class I have ever seen in New Zealand,” ho said. “Both the entries and the standard were very high, and superior to the North Island.” English Leicester “The English Leicester has changed over the years—but not for the better. The breed is not what it used to be.” said the 1 judge (Mr H. J. Andrew) commenting on the over-all standard of the entries. “Because of the paucity of breeders, it is very hard to get back to the ideal type. The wool is not showing the density and quality of past years, and present carcase conformation is not quite that wanted for the fat-lamb trade. The wool should be suitable for crossing for halfbred breeding. “All these points are a little lacking in the sheep shown here today,” Mr Andrew said. “The champion ram, shown by the estate Jas. Reid, in conformation is more of the type we should require, although his wool is a bit thin.” Mr Andrew said. The standard of the English Leicesters this year was as goodi as when he judged two years ago.| but there was still room for improvement to achieve the ideal standard, Mr Andrew said. Lincoln “Canterbury is not a breeding district for Lincolns, and therefore the classes and competition are not strong.” said the judge. Mr H. J. Andrew. There were only nine entries, shown by two exhibitors. The champion ram. exhibited by W. M. Bishell and Son. was a good specimen of the Lincoln breed. Mr Andrew said. It had a good head, carried good-quality wool, and of good body conformation. ,