CLYDESDALE SOCIETY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 June 1924, Page 4

CLYDESDALE SOCIETY.

, * —-— MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. The council of the Clydesdale Horse Society met prior to the annual meeting at Dunedin on June 4. Mr. J. A. Johnstone (president) was in the chair, eler-en other members, Dr. Reakes and Mr. Snowball were present, and six apologies were tendered and accepted. It was decided to donate to the Royal Society for the prize fund for the Clydesdale section, the sum of £2O, and also allot the Union S.S. cup and two of the British Clydesdale Horse' Society’s medals for competition at the first Royal Show at Palmerston North. The following panel of judges was elected to be submitted to the' Royal Society: Messrs. John MacDonald (Timaru), W. R. Gawn (Oamaru), and J. D. W'yllie (Sefton). It was resolved that the proposal to vest the powers and duties of the Council of Agriculture in the Royal Agricultural Society be aproved. Messrs. J. A. Johnstone and A. Hunter were appointed delegates to the conference of the Council of Agriculture.

Three resignations were accepted, and the following seventeen new members were elected-: Messrs. J. Kelly (Te Roti), E. A, Loisel (Tologa Bay), S. C. Marr (Marlon), D. Cairns (Wakanui), D. Marshall (Killinchy), G. H. Barnett (Leeston), J. Duncan (Kirwee), N.Z. Farmers’ • Co-op. (Christchurch), J. Bruce (Morven), J. A. Wells (Oxford), C. ' White (Omakau), D. S. Brown (Kelso), P. M. Earley (Ida Valley), H. Mathieson (Drummond), G. Youngson (Wendon), Caffell Bros. (Edievale), O. S. Mosley (Inchclutha). The secretary reported as- follows: Veterinary examination. —The following stallions had passed: Mr. A. Lambie's (Crookston) “Norton Westward Ho” (20,794*), (1G40); Messrs. Fleming Bros.’ (Crookston) “Springfield Endeavour” (4698) and thirteen mares and fillies; Mr. J. Paul’s (Stratford) “Balthangie Refiner” (1242) and “Balthangie Proud Viscount” (1501) and two mares; Mr. J. Sayer’s (Mataura) “Jahez 1 Balfour” (1343), There were no animals rejected. Imports.—The following had been landed: By Mr. A. McNicol. GTevedon, the colt “Goldglint” (20545*); Mr. A. Oarruthers, Ngapuna, the colt “Medrox Print” (20852*) and the fillies “Doreen” (55035*), “Rosa” (55034*) and “Fife Maid” (55036). The report and balance-sheet were aipptoved lor presentation to- the annual meeting. After investigation by the editing committee, the pedigree of the stallion “Silver Blend’’ (420) was declared to be er'roneoiis < and ordered to be corrected in volume 7 as per report. The pedigree of “The Baron,” alias “Young Baronet,” was also passed for inclusion in volume 7.

It was decided that two of the British G.H.S. medals be allotted to the Otago A. and P. Association for' competition at the 1924 spring show. The sub-committees were re-elected with the addition of Mr. J. H. Mitchell to the editing committee. • Dr. Reakes promised to procure copies oi the proposed Stallion Bill for members of the council. ' ANNUAL MEETING.

Tim annual meeting of the Clydesdale Society was held on Juue 4. The chairman, in his report, stated: 1 am very pleased to see such a representative gathering of members of the society here this afternoon on the occasion of the annual meeting. The experiences of this society have been of varied character: since it was formed in 1911. The year ended 30th April has, however, been one of progress, and we meet under circumstances to-day that offer encouragement to all breeders of Clydesdale horses. The fact of the matter is that the supply of working draughts, both in Australia and in this land, has fallen much below the requirements of both countries. The same observation also applies to Canada and the United States of America. In New Zealand it is not possible to assess the real position of the horse breeding industry, for the statistics are so compiled that one cannot say in which class of horse the chief reduction in numbers has taken place. I think this society might very cippropriatelv direct the attention of the Minister of Agriculture to the apparent oversight of the department in not stating in the annual returns the numbers separately of the different classes of horses of which the total is made up. This is an omission that without much trouble, and with no extra, expense, should easily be rectified. As the statistics are now published, all we know is that •there are so many horses in the Dominion. M e all know, of course, that -since the advent of motors and the construction of electric tramways in the cities there has been an enormous shrinkage in the number of light horses bred in the country, and the only offset to this, decline has been the increase of horses suitable for the racing track, both for flat racing and trotting. As fanners, we are not interested in these two classes, hut it 'becomes a serious matter for the development of the eountii n hen we see how the producing capacity of our lands is retarded because of inadequate supplies of good young draught- horses. Here the figuies for_ the past few' yeans showing how progressive has been the decline In 1911 there were 404,284 horses in the Dominion. Tn 1919. 363,188; 920. 346,407; 1921, 337,259; 1922’ 332,100, and m 1923. 330,818. These figures disclose a shrinkage of more than 20 per cent. What proportion ol this decline in numbers belongs to the draught horse section it is, for the reason already stated, impossible to estimate, hut it is certain that manv fanners have gone out of draught horse breeding, and this has brought about the scarcity of well bred stock. Recent -sales throughout the Dominion have made it clear that the industry is profitable to breeders, and one that in their own interests, should be fostered bv the farmers. T do not disregard the tact that for certain classes of work the tractor is useful, and -probably in some localities has come to say." hut orool is steadily accumulating that H is no substitute for the active draught horse Each farmer must .settle for himself the problem of the power he will use on his own farm, but the weight of evidence seems to make clear that in most cases the horse is the more effective and cheaper to use for the man on the land. This ■.society is mainly interested in maintaining and improving, it possible, the standard and quality o, the draught horses that are t quire- 1 by the cif.v contractor and the agi K ultural tanner. [„ this coniiccnm. 1 regret to sav that oi' late we ■'*'* p. lo i ver ! I , lle : v€, - ht and quality of in Clydesdale horses to somewhat ; ;olw,l (1,0 (»,., (I, at | ift ; ■' v hui-so ( .| ,r 00( i oiialifv and a<-tivitv u-Pi Ti"' 01 ; 51 " fI w I,;lVe satisfied dh the type ..f hn-se Ujat could he neither light nor heavy , ~ V'UMJIa-int. comes from Au's--r,..'\ , ' > " d I' ,s "P* '“'known i„ Great hive +1 c Hoi f 1,1 Ne ' v Zealand we Mr h.* h r in tl,e world H deeding weighty, active Clydesdale

horses, and we have an unlimited market in Australia for first-class stock waiting for us to exploit, when „we have the right class of horse to offer. We have a certain number of men in New Zealand interested in Clydesdale horse breeding, but of late years some of them have failed to maintain their studs at the standard of bygone years. That can only be accomplished by the importation of a weightier type of stallions than most of our recent importations have comprised. Ido not mean to suggest that no first-class sires have been imported, but I do say this, that a proportion of the horses exported to Australia, and New Zealand has been of a- class that was no credit to the breeders and of no use to us here. If we want to obtain the reputation of having the best bred, the heaviest, and yet withal the most active breed of Clydesdale horses in the world : we have the capital, the country' and the climate that -will enable us to achieve that distinction if only we have the knowledge and enterprise necessary to enable us to do so.

Before moving the adoption of the report- and balance-sheet, there are just a few items to which I would like to refer. lam pleased to note that there is an increase in membership, hut it is a source of disappointment, and must be a- great discouragement to f.he finance committee, to know that, over 300 of the annual ■subscriptions, were unpaid at- the end of the financial year. It must -surely be apparent to all members that no society can be run successfully where the annua] subscriptions are allowed to get into arrears. We have an honorary secretary in Mr. Hunter to whom we are more indebted than to any other person for the present good position of the society, and surely- it should be a pleasure to lighten his duties in every way possible. I earnestly hope that members will support the council in their efforts to maintain a sound finance, and they can do this by making their payments promptly, and also by using their influence in obtaining new members. It is gratifying to note that the actual outlay for the year is over £SO less than for 1922-23.

Veterinary Examination.—Society's voluntary scheme has not been availed of a;s it -should be. The G.V.L.O. especially adds to the value of a pedigree. From British C.H.S.’s annual report we note the summary of registrations lor unsoundness as shown since the Horse Breeding Act of 1918 came into force. In the first year, 1920. there were 9.2 per cent, rejected, and in 1923 there were 3.4 per cent. The total number of Clydesdale stallions licensed in Great Britain in the latter year was very little short of 1000. The advantage of breeders knowing what they were doing in regard to- soundness in mating their mares was therefore that in the : fourth year the number ■of rejected horses calculated on the above percentages was approximately' 34 instead of 92.

Imports;—New Zealand follows Canada and Australia as the largest importers from Britain during the war. Notes on animals imported. Exports.—-Breeders should keep their registrations and returns up to date. If a buyer for export has- to face expense of late fees, etc., he must make ample allowance, for what would cost the breeder shillings at the right time would cost the buyer pounds. Last week nineteen Clydesdale stallions, chiefly rising three-year-old, were shipped from. Dunedin for the Australain market.

English Royal Show.—lt is' notable that at the 1923 Royal Show- there were 73 Clydesdales and 71 Shires. Allowance must, of course, be made for the fact that the show was held at Newcastle, the northern countries with their large manufacturing and mining industries being a stronghold of the Clydesdale. Here- in New Zealand a Royal Agricultural Society has been formed, and its first show is to take place in November. The Clvdesdale Horse Society .supports this new departure, and we wish it a successful inaugural show at Palmerston North and a distinguished career. Ido not think, however, we can approve of the schedule adopted for prizes in the Clydesdale horse classes, and we hope to see the list revised and improved for subsequent shows. I now beg to move that the report and balance-sheet that has been placed before us be adopted. DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING. The affairs of the society still continue to show satisfactory progress. Breeders are increasingly recognising the advantage of regular registration" and this, of course, makes for a healthy state of the society’s finances and interest in its work. The trade, in horses has continued steadily throughout the past year, though there have be v en no sensational prices, and it is perhaps better so. There is still an unsatisfied demand for geldings. Transfers.—Though there have been no large clearing sales, there has been a steady flow of transfers.

Exports.—Seventeen stallions and five mares were exported to Australia.. The total—33 —is close on last year’s number.

Imports.—There have been eight stallions and five mares imported from Britain. We would again remind importers to have ihe export certificates duly attended to : before shipping. Stud Book.—Volume 5 was issued to members during the year. Volume 6 is now being printed" and will shortly be sent out. Entries for volume 7 are still coming in freely, and entries to secure inclusion should he sent in without delay. Meetings of council have been held at Palmerston North in June following the annual meeting, at Wellington in July, and at Christchurch in November, and have been well attended.

\e termary Inspection.—lhe number under the society’s scheme is just about the same as last year, there being fifteen mares and five stallions. There were no rejects. TrOrPhies. —We have to congratulate Mr. James Patrick on having won the Wright Stephenson Cup with “Eddiewood Toplini” (20332). (1550). This being his fourth win, the cup becomes his property, having been won outright. Messrs. Thomson’s “Brilliantshine” (lo 24) was reserve.

The Union S.S. Cup was competed for at the Manawatu Show, Mr. J. W. Harding winning with “Alma” (1715)’, the reserve being the Moore-Hunter Estate’s “Rudaheh” (2221). The British Clydesdale Horse Society’s medals were awarded as fol--1 ow: At Gore Show: Stallion. Messrs. Reid anil Loekie’s “Myroe Footprint” (19207*) (1387). reserve Mr. E. Dodds’ Rockland, Ik / ; mare, Messrs. Fleming Rios.’ “Boguhau Electra” (5373*) (2650), reserve Messrs. Fleming Bros ’ “Springfield Phyllis” (2643). At Hawke’s Ray Show: Stallion, Mr. 4V. B. Campbell’s “Montrave Success” (1381), reserve Donald Estate’s “Cram McKay” (1305); mare, Mr. J. W. Haidinji s “Alma (1715). reserve iiuter Estate s “Lingerie’ (13/8). 1 hirteeu awards of affiliation medals have been notified to date. I in am e.- Receipts from all .sources have boon £543 11s 7d as against- £863 13s for ihe previous vear. Most of the drop is in subscriptions, but it will be

remembered that for 1922-23 we were successful in collecting a large amount of outstandings, and life subscriptions. Besides this there were more of the current subscriptions—over 300 —outstanding at April 30. 1924. The payments of expenses amounted to £338 Is 5d as against £325 13s 4d. If we deduct the amounts paid in these respective years for printing the stud book, all being for volume 5, the balance is £275 LL id for 1922-3 and £2lO 13s 8d for 1923-4.

I Membership.—During the year 53 'now members were elected, and 11 resigned and several have been struck off. The names on the roll increased from 309 to 410.

The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. J .W. Harding (Waipukurau); vice-presidents, Messrs. T. Logan (Otama), It. Kennedy (Drummond), R. D. Knight (Longfmru), W. G. Park (Te Awamutu) ; treasurer, Mr. A. Hunter (Haw-era). For the seats on the council the followmg were elected: Messrs. H. 'Gaiscovne (Maraekakaho), J. W. Harding (Waipukurau), E. M. Hutchinson (Gisborne), A\. G. Park (Te Awamutu), G. C. Thomson (Dunedin). J. A. Johnstone (Dunedin), J. H. Mitchell (Waimate), J. D. AYyllie (Sefton). Messrs. Burdekin and Walkley were re-appointed to the position of auditors. A. vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. Wright, tSephenson and Co., Ltd., who' intimated, through Mr. J. Johnstone, that thej- would replace the cup which had now been won outright by Mr. J. Patrick, of Willowbridge.

After some discussion on the Stallion Bill, which will probably come before the next session of Parliament, and an explanation by Dr* Peakes of certain points in regard to it, Mr. J. W Harding moved “That this annual meet-in* of the 1 Clydesdale Horse Society is gratified to learn that it is proposed to bring a Stallion Bill before Parliament during the coming session, and trusts that every effort will be made to place the measure on the Statute Book.” Mr. R. W. Lockhead seconded the motion, and said he wished that mares bad also been included. . chairman expressed the society s deep indebtedness to Dr •Reakes for his interest in the society and his work in connection Wl tli the preparation of the Bill. The motion way carried unanimously \ "Vi-' A i V \. Reid read a tetter from M> A. MclSeilagc, secretary of the British Clydesdale Horse Society, regarding a t of slides featuring notable animals of the breed, with a view to having lectures given at convenient centres Members approved the idea, and the matter was left- in the hands of Messrs Reid and J. A. Johnstone, ftl r chairman expressed pleasure at the full attendance of members, which noi»f ai i Was , the mo f successful in ; mmbory and representation ince the formation of the society, and was encouraging to those who had worked for its welfare. ? loscd wifc h a hearty tbar jks to the retiring president, several speakers eulogising hi s wo,k and keen interest in the an C ri ety ’ ai . ld ateo to the other officers and council for their part in the work