The president

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34106, 19 March 1976, Page 8

The president

The president this year of the Hawarden Agricultural and Pastoral Association is Mr Murray J. Sidey, of “Glenovis,” Masons Flat. Mr Sidey’s family has a long and close link with the association. His brother, James, was president in 1970, his grandfather was president in 1939 and his father was president in 1930. On the maternal side of his family Mr Sidey’s great grandfather, the late James Little, was the association’s first president, in 1907. Glenovis is a property of 2300 acres, a third arable and two-thirds native tussock. In partnership with his brother, David, Mr Sidey winters about 3500 Corriedale sheep and 180 Hereford cattle. Glenovis is renowned for its Corriedale stud, this being a traditional part of the farm, which has remained in the family since it was established in 1920. The Sidey brothers run about 860 stud Corriedale ewes on their property and although these are regular suppliers of flock rams to the local market, many Glenovis sheep have featured in overseas deals. Glenovis stock have been exported to South and North America, Africa, and Bulgaria. Corriedales from Glenovis were included in the flocks sent to China recently. New breed The property also supports a small horn Hereford stud and a recently-established Hampshire sheep stud. The Hampshire is a relatively new breed of sheep in this country and Mr Sidey’s wife, Ann, has made establishing this stud her pet project. Although the farm is mainly based around livestock some crops are grown by the brothers. This year they have planted 40 acres in wheat. Over the years, the Sidey family has been a regular and enthusiastic exhibitor at the Hawarden and Christchurch shows, and the Sidey brothers keep up the family tradition of having Glenovis animals entered in the Corriedale classes of these shows every year. For 10 years it has been Murray Sidey’s responsibility to prepare the Corriedales for the Christchurch show and in 1972 sheep prepared! by him won the champion ram and champion ewe classes. Mrs Sidey is a member of the local Plunket Society and is keen on golf. Mr Sidey played rugby for Hawarden for many seasons and is vice-president of the Waikari Sheep Dog Club. They have three children. Other officers Other officers of the association are: Senior vicepresident. Mr D. G. Benthell, of Waikari; junior vice-president, Mr G. L. Dunster, of Hawarden; secretary-treasurer, Mr E. B. Glenday, of Waikari.