STANDARD OF PEDIGREE STOCK

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 322, 8 October 1908, Page 5

STANDARD OF PEDIGREE STOCK

NEEDED REFORM. In his annual report, Mr. J. D. Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture, comments upon tho necessity for sheep-breeders to oxerciso moro caro gonerally in the distribution of pedigree stock. Tho principal Wairarapa sheep-breeders support Mr. Ilitchio in his strictures (writes our correspondent), and declare themselves in favour of a rigid inspection beforo any sales may be effected. With reference to the shipment of pedigree stock overseas, somo Wairarapa farmers express the opinion that tho animals . should bo officially inspected by a Government officer, so that the reputation of the country would not be injured by tho. oxport of alleged pedigree sheep which aro only culls. An authority on tho qualities of sheep states that some timo ago ho stood upon the Wellington wharf and watched tho shipment of somo stud rams, which wero not up to moro than wether standard. Great, opposition has been shown in the past to any movement whereby the pedigree standard of stud flocks could bo raised to a higher rung, and it is not thought that thero will be any change for somo considerable time. ,'J, - refererice to tho practice of some A. and 1. associations- to includo flock ram and ewo classes in their show programmes, it is generally considered that Mr. Ritchio is qiiite correct in his statement (in regard to tho rams) that such a procedure is " a direct encouragement of tho degenerate." lho practice is not resorted to by the Wairarapa, Masterton, Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, or Auckland A. and P. Associations in their sheep .classes, but among tho culprits are tho Horowhenua and Feilding i Associations in tho North Island, and those of Marlborough and Christchurch m tho South Island. There may bo others, but ono notices theso names in going through tho programmes. Thero is absolutely no educative influence in the showing of flock rams at shows, and ono wonders why tho institutions persist in the practico. But although a number of our -principal A. and 1. associations are clamorous for the purity of their sheep breeds, they -do not evince the same care'with reference to their show cattlo exhibits.- Tho argument against tho showing of flock rams, halfbreds, and crossbreds can bo • adduced - against tho exhibition of grado bulls .in . shorthorns, Holsteins, Ayrshires, and Jerseys. Auckland seem 3to bo tho greatest simier in this respect. Wanganui, Wairarapa, and Masterton aro at fault to tho extent or grade shorthorns only. The only two associations in this portion of the island which liavo a clean sheet are Manawatu and Hawke's Bay. It is to be hoped that ere long something will bo done whereby the various A. and P. associations will give a firmer lead generally in maintaining tho purity of their pedigree stock.