MILKING SHORTHORNS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 227, 19 June 1920, Page 10

MILKING SHORTHORNS

PEDIGREE "CLOVER DOWNS."'' For several years past tho namo of Needham as a prize-winner at the various agricultural and pastoral shows in the province of Taranaki has become a ■household word, especially anions those farmers who favour the- Milkizig- Shorthorn breed. Without exaggeration, it may be stated that'Mr..,Arthur Need- ' ham, of. .Douglas, has attained success with tho Shorthorn equal to any other breeder. His endeavour has- always been to lead, and to-day, when he has decided to dispose of his herd and seek a change, of Tmmate at Pukekohe, principally for. the reason that his health necessitates it, a splendid opportunity is afforded dairymen to secure some tip-top animals to push up their factory figures. There is no hesitation on tho part of the writer in recommending the purchase of units from this' herd. An inspection yesterday afternoon in company with the local stock' inspector was sufficient to assure those present of tho valuable and aristocratic nature of Mr. N«ediianv , 6 herd. The records that he was able to pioduce in favour of hia particular fancy, especially after years of experience of several other breeds, was evidence of his' abiding faith in tho Shorthorn. Mr. Needlinin has been over fifteen years nt Douglas, and the influence of his herd on neighbouring herds may be seen on several farms. Most of the cows are early culvers, and • the herd as a whole aro in splendid condition. The lord of the harem is tho well-known bull Lord Kitchener, a descendant of the celebrated Darlwilara blood, his sire being Rose Prince of Darbnlara, among the famous Milking Shorthorns of tho Southern Hemisphere. This particular strain claims the world's semi-official record of 1021|lb. butter-fat by Melba VII. Lord Kitchener's record of successes in the show ring—fivo firsts, four" championships, two gold medals, four seconds and one fourth place out of ten exhibitions—speake volubly for itself. His dam, Nancy, of the Dilworth School ,herd, was a proved money-maker from butter-fat, and Lord Kitchener's progeny have already established records in the show-ring and the factory. Mr. Needham points with prido to a pair of heifers that were shown six times in the ring and secured four first?, and to other special animals such as Lady Gibbs of Clover Downs, with a record of Sflfllb. of but-ter-fat for three yentrs in succession (omitted from ihe catalogue); Violet of Silver Park, credited with the cele-. I bra ted Vavasenr strain of Shorthorn; Binnie Leo of Silver Park; Star of Clover Downs (over 3001b. butter-fat average); Siniler of Clover _Downs (one of tho five animals in milk); Lady Gibbs 2nd (a beautiful heifer); and among the bulls, Lloyd George of Clover Downs, a dark roan by': Lord Kitchener, dam Violet, the winner, of three first prizes this season, owned by Mr. G. Knox, of Te Popo. There aro over 100 lots to be offered, besides some grade Shorthorn and Jersey cows and young bulls, further particulars of which can bo gleaned from the catalogue which has been issued. Tho herd are thoroughly quiet, remarkably well developed, typical Shorthorns, and strong in escutcheon and the prominent features of tho breed. Mr. Needham revels in extolling- the virtues of liis favourites, and expects to have a 6ig crowd and keen rivalry at tho sale, which is to be held on the 21st inst., commencing at 11 a.m., and for which preparations are now; being made bv tho auctioneers (Nowtoii King), and also Mr. Needham—(Published by ar-