HERD TESTING

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1933, Page 8

HERD TESTING

WEST COAST ASSOCIATION. EXECUTIVE MEETING. A meeting of the Executive of the West Coast Herd Testing Association was held in the County Chambers yesterday. Present; Messrs 11. G. Carter (Chairman), I). Jellie, A. J. Bradley, J. J. McKay, P. O’Regan, W. Searle, E. Kirby, G. Spence, N. Harris, W. Blunt, J. Baird, am] the Secretary (Mr F. W. Baillie). The Secretary said the prospects for herd testing next year were not bright. Mr P. O’Regan said the prospects were certainly not bright. Members were very enthusiastic, but simply eould not afford it. It was further explained by the Secretary that the quota already signed up was about one-third, but as last year there were a. lot who would come in late. Air Harris said that thirty of his cows gave a satisfactory test during the past three years, and he could rely on them .for a further two years at least, without further testing. He would be prepared to have a portion of his herd tested, namely, the additions. Air O’Regan said this was not permissible. Air Ale Kay said that, farmers for their own benefit should keep on with the testing, even though they were satisfied with the result, of a certain portion of the herd. Air Harris said he wanted to test on, but. not. with his proven number. He wanted to find out. which were good and which were “duds” in additions to the herd. The Chairman said a move in the direction indicated by Air Harris to have only a portion of the herd tested would have to come before the National Executive. Ho did not think they eould afford to send a delegate, and although the matter would probably be discussed, he thought nothing would comp of it. They could send a remit, and ask for a discussion on it. Air O’Regan reiterated that the condition was laid down that every cow in the herd must be in the test, otherwise the averages would not be correct. Air Jellie suggested that a graduated scale of charges be made, 5s per cow for 30 cows, and 2s 6d for the remaining twenty-five, as in Air Harris’s herd. Air AlcKay supported this suggestion. Air Harris said it. was a bone of contcnton. Timos had changed and people could not afford it. “The last straw breaks the camel’s back, and .!. think that is it,” he said. A letter was received from Air Hume stating that on payment, of a small fee, a member could stop testing for a season, am] be still permitted to derive the benefits of the Association in enjoying the usual privileges allowed to members, such as calf marking.

The Chairman said that to allow Air Harris’s suggestion would smother the Association. Jt. would be creating a precedent, and cause a lot of unsurmountablo trouble.

Air O’Regan said that if they wore going to split on any rock, they should split on the rock they had. The principle applied to every herd, although it was naturally intensified b.v a herd being increased. The Chairman said their hardest problem to-day was in regard to organising.

Air O’Regan suggested that before talking fees for next year, they should read their balance sheet, and if it did not show that they had reasonable prospects of carrying on, they might be able to apply fop a Government subsid v.

In reply to Air O’Regan, the Secretary said that £5O had been outstanding in fees, and it. was now only £3O. Air O’Regan said that if they had the same number of groups ami herds in next year, and with the good credit balance of £l9l, they mght be able to further reduce fees. He was only presuming, of course. The Chairman said their position was a satisfactory one, but what he was afraid of was next season.

Air O’Regan said they would be facing the new season with a better credit balance than ever before. The meeting went into committee to deal with outstanding accounts, and it was decided that those who had not paid be again written to.

The Chairman said it was the endeavour of the Association to continue and stand on its own logs. If they kept their finances good they would be alright despite the times. Herd testing had proved successful and of great assistance to farmers, and should he continued in their own interests. The balance sheet was read, and the Secretary was instructed to criculate it to members immediately, as the annual meeting is to ho held on June 15.

It was decided to recommend to the annual meeting that no charge be macle for last year’s calf marking, but in future that a charge be made, and also that members who dropped out for a year could retain their membership of the Association by paying a small fee. It was decided not to entertain a herd fee of £2 10s. Mr O’Regan said that he considered ithe system of graduating the charge should again be adhered to this year. It was decided that the following s-calc of charges be recommended to the annual meeting for approval:— One to 40 cows at 4s 6d, £9; 41 to 60 at 4s, £4; 61 to 80 at 3s Gd, £3 10s. The Secretary was instructed to write to the officers asking them for a report on their work, and organising.

On the motion of Mr O’Regan, seconded by Mr Harris, it was decided that the officers receive a travelling allowance of £2 while organising their groups.

It was decided that no retaining fees be paid to officers again this year. The annual meeting and dinner of the Association is to be held on June 15, the day after the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union. After some .discussion it was deeid-

ed that those testing who require tests in September be given them, on their notifying the Secretary.

A motion was passed commending the Chairman on bis action in refusing to attend the Conference of the Associations, on the ground of expense to the Association. The Chairman and Secretary were deputed to write to the annual meetings of the butter factories, pointing out the advantages of herd-testing. It was decided to write to Captain Whitmore, of Rotomanu, expressing the hope of the Association for his speedy recovery from his illness.