JERSEY BREEDERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 144, 3 June 1936, Page 9

JERSEY BREEDERS

Annual Conference Sitting in Hastings

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS Jersey cattle breeders from many parts of the Dominion were gathered at the Hastings Oddfellows’ Hall this morning for the annual meeting of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association. The Deputy-Mayor of Hastings, Mr A. I. Rainbow, accorded them a civic welcome, and briefly remarked on the importance of the Jersey breed in the progress of tho country.

In his annual report tho president, Mr G. H. Bell, noted that the year’s figures had not been so substantial as in past years, largely because of tho effects of the protracted unsettled con ditious.

"For the period under review tho results of the active field operations of the breed have been most satlslae tory,” ho said, "and each successive year provides further proof and recognition of the economical and profitable characteristics of the Jersey. There was a small loss on the year’s forking, but the finances of the association are in a satisfactory condition, due to the wisdom of the past policy in building up a reserve to provide for any adverse contingency. "The registration department shows a decrease in the number of animals registered, and this no doubt is due partly to the introduction of tattooing. Because of the expense and work entailed, breeders are using greater discretion in the registration of their animals, making quality their objective, rather than quantity. The ultimate result of this will bo most decidedly to the advantage of tho breed.” Mr Bell said that the yearly C.O.R test had produced most satisfactory results, and they revealed further im provements in the development of Jersey cattle in the Dominion. It was disappointing to note that during the past season there was a decrease in the number of cows tested. For the year ended December 31, 1935, there were 381 first-class certificates awarded Jerseys under this test, the average production being 511.731bs of butterfat.

"Up to tho present 7774 first-class certificates, more than double the aggregate of certificates granted to cows of all other breeds, have been awardeo to Jerseys,” he continued, "with the average production over this large number of 463.1f11bs of butterfat, proof that tho Jersey breed, which has undoubt ing industry of this Dominion." Special gold medals for tho production of at least 7501b5. of butterfat were awarded to 10 cows.

During the year S 4 first-class certificates were awarded to Jerseys under test, the average production being 421.411b5. of butterfat.

"The Jersey Cattle Clubs have done much towards stimulating a keener interest in the Jersey,” said Mr Bell and the council wishes to express its appreciation of tho excellent results achieved during the past yea-. "The council again acknowledges the continued efficiency, courtesy and interest of the Director and officers of the Dairy Division in the conduct of C.O.R. testing. Their work cannot be too warmly eulogised. “The progress of the association and its present sound position must be a matter of gratification of jheir faith iu the Jersey breed, which has undoubt edly contributed so much to tho welfare of New Zealand. ”

The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The meeting passed a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr W. M. Tapp, who for many years was recretary to the association. Various speakers said that the death of Mr Tapp had removed one who had played a great part in building tin. ramifications of the New Zealar.j Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association. The delegates stood in silence as their tribute to his memory. A similar resolution was passed concerning the late Mr F. W. Cornwall, a well-known Jersey breeder. The following were elected members of the council: —Messrs G. IL Bell (Taranaki), re-elected, and W. 11. Miers and H. Moreland (South Auckland),