JERSEY BREEDERS’ ASSN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 June 1924, Page 7

JERSEY BREEDERS’ ASSN.

SMOKE CONCERT

There was a very large attendance of members and friends at the annual smoke concert. Mr. J, Pettigrew (president) was in the chair, and there were also present the Right- Hon. the Premier (Mr. W. F. Massey), and Messrs. J. R,. Corrigan, O. Hawken and W. Glenn, M.P.’s. Apologies hvere received from Messrs. R. J. Linn, W. H. Booth and Tapp. After the loyal toast, “The Army, Navy and Air Forces’’ was given by Mr. H. E. Johnson, and responded to by Mr. W. G. Walkley. “The Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Council” was given by Mr. F. Ranford, who said he considered a debt of gratitude was due to the council for their work and enthusiasm, which has resulted in the strong position they have reached, which all must help to sustain. He referred to to the cattle clubs and their difficulties, over which they triumphed, and to the rules made and pamphlets issued on matters of interest and value to the farmers, to the work of Mr. H. E. B Watson as official demonstrator. In replying, Mr. A. E. Missen referred to the question of subsidies and new offices. He spoke of the good work of the Dairy Division in the inteiests of the dairy farmers, and said it had been of inestimable benefit to the industry. He said the dairying industry was now leading, and this ensured prosperity for the town. He said New Zealand owed a great deal to the Jersey Breeders’ Association, who did their very best to maintain the quality of the product, and unless this were done Jersey farmers would suffer most because they were 63 per cent of the farmers.

Mr. E. Griffiths (New Plymouth), in replying, recalled the wonderful progress made by the Jersey, and instanced the great prices made by Jersey cattle in America, even so far back as thirty-five years ago, and the big future in store for them.

Mr. C. G. Dermer also> spoke, emphasising the need for collaboration in keeping the Jersey in the proud position she has reached.

‘‘Kindred Breed Societies” was toasted at the call of Mr. D. L. A. Astbury, who said he recognised other men called their breed as good as their’*, and made a plea, for a kindred feeling amongst the breeders and their societies.

Mr. C. Marebant, acknowledging the toast, eulogised the Jersey breeders for their co-operation, for the common good and their friendly rivalry. Mr. E. A. Washer referred to the champions of the various breeds, and said that whatever cows a man had it was up to him to feed his cows well and look after them.

Mr. R. Hill humorously referred to the place filled by the goat in South Europe, and gave some interesting details of goat-farming in the Old World. “The Government’’ was given by Air. J. B. Murdoch, who urged on Jersey breeders to do their best by their cows. He said the Government had done much and was going to do more for the farmer, and would help them by providing the research laboratory required to ensure the very best methods. He asked the company to rise and drink heartily the. health of the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Mr. Massey, who, on entering the room, was received with prolonged applause and musical honours, had again a great reception, and it was some minutes before he was able to speak. He then thanked the company for the very cordial reception, and said that he was amazed on coming to, Taranaki to find that there was no lack >at all of good spirits and hopefulness amongst the farmers, and added humorously that the raising of the moratorium did not trouble them, nor did they seem to be o\ er-taxed. He then had some interesting remarks to make on the question of dairy produce and other matters of interest to the dairy farmer In conclusion, he again thanked the company for their very kind greetings and wished them all success. & ’ Other toasts honoured were “The Agricultural Department,” replied to by Mr. G. Ford; “The Visitors,’’ by Mr. Corrigan and several of the visitors; “Egmont A. and P. Assoeia•klol\y Mr. F. Hoskin and response bv Mr. E. A. Washer; “The Artists,’' The Press and “The Chairman ” And so ended, with “Auld Lang Syne’' and the National Anthem, a. very pleasant and interesting evening. During the evening a very interesting selection of musical and elocutionary items was given by Messrs. Sim,nson Collier (2), McCormick, Vivian Laid! aw, Smith, Lamb, Haughton! Hostic-k, Lester and Bridge The ac comrmniments were played by Mr G H. Weir.