AYRSHIRE BREEDERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 739, 22 June 1923, Page 5

AYRSHIRE BREEDERS.

ANNUAL MEETING. ASSOCIATION’S IMPROVED POSITION.

The fifteenth annual meeting of the Ayrshire Cattle Breeders’ Association of New Zealand was held last night in the Breeders Club. Mr J. Kyle (Aokaulere), president of Inc association, presiding over a good attendance. ANNUAL REPORT. Tim annual report stated that the association was now on u satisfactory footing, the demand for the breed was steadily increasing. No doubt this was largely owing to the records put up by the Ayrshire under c.o.r. tests, as in the year just passed several heifers had passed the 5001bs butlerfat mark, and animals of all ages bad averaged 412.211bs bn tier-fat and 9974.961bs milk. From a small beginning of twentyfour members, the membership now stood at 179, and now members were constantly joining. In order that the finances of tire association might bo kept in a proper and healthy condition, the secretary had been instructed not to make airy registrations until tiro entry fees had been paid, arid the annual subscription of £1 Is for the current vear also. Over-age animals and animals with extended pedigrees would bo referred by tho committee before acceptance. With a view of popularising and further improving the Ayrshire breed in New Zealand, a suggestion had been made by Sir ihoiiurs Clement that, under the auspices of the New Zoarland Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, a special importation of young pedigree milk record bulls of the best blood should be made at the earliest moment ott the following terms:—Thai the number of bulls be toil; that their selection be entrusted to the Scottish Ayrshire Herd Book Society; that- a fund be raised by New Zealand breeders to meet the cost of selecting, importin'l- and quarantining; that the fund bo not less than £IOOO, divided in equal shares amongst the guarantors (who shall not be less than ton), and that the fund be subscribed in cash before the order is placed; that, on arrival, the bulls bo offered at auction and that guarantors to the fund only shall be eligible to bid; tnat profit or loss of sale be divided equally amongst tire guarantors, or profits may be used lor purposes of tho Ayrshire Society, as may be decided; while the record and pedigree of each animal shall be published, the cost price ol each shall not bo divulged before the sale has taken place. By this method it was expected that bulls would be purchased nr Scotland at below ordinary market price or below tho price at which individual purchases could bo made. Prospective buyers would have the protection of best skilled selection at Home, together with their own judgment when purchasing yrt auction on arrival. As the opportunity was a unique one, and the risk involved in guaranteeing the fund was not expected to be very great, tho opportunity to bo a bidder should be embraced by everyone interested in Pedigree Ayrshiros. The report paid a tribute to tho work of tire present secretary, Mr R. Spencer. Mr R-, M. Somrnervillo (Te Kuiti) expressed gratification afc their present improved position, but deplored the fact that a number of breeders had failed to register, Tiro number of now breeders was a pleasing feature and there was every justification for optimism. The treasurer, Mr T. Webb, also alluded to their present satisfactory financial position.

Several members made eulogistic reference to the work of the secretary since assuming office. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers resulted as follows; —Patron, Mr A. Gillies (Hamilton); president, Mr A. (tI. Hanson (le Rehunga); vice-presidents, Messrs A. Weir (Southland), R. M. Somerville (Te Kuiti) and E. Mills (llawora); committee, Messrs Stewart (Featherston) and N. W. Rinuner (Helensville) wore appointed to vacancies on the committee; treasurer, Mr 'L. Webb, auditor, Mr E. G. Sira. VENUE OF MEETINGS. On behalf of the Hamilton branch Mr Sotnmervillo moved “that the next annual meeting after the 1923 meeting at Palmerston North bo held at Hamilton, and that the venue of subsequent annual meetings I>o decided at that meeting, and that the rule be altered accordingly.” The mover alluded to the large number of cattle in the Auckland district, of which Hamilton was a convenient centre.

Mr T. Weiib moved as an amendment

“That any special general meeting bo held at a district branch to bo decided by the committee.

A further amendment a? follows was moved by -Mr Gillam: “1 hat this mooting instruct the executive to hold a national show once a year in the principal centres.” In the course of a general discussion, advocacy of Palmerston North as a central place for the holding of Ayrshire fixtures was voiced by Mr Kyle. On an appeal to the meeting both amendments were lost and the motion was carried by a bare majority. GENERAL,

Mr T. Web!) moved: That the incoming committee be recommended lhat ( when the Royal Show is held, the association special prizes in bull and cow classes. Ihe motion was lost. “That any animal over twelve months of age, which breeders may have missed in volumes 8 and 9 of the herd book, may bo entered in any volume on payment of a fee of £2 each,” was another motion moved by Mr Webb, but was lost, it being generally thought that the time was not yet opportune as the now executive was not. yet conversant with the position regarding the herd book. , Mr Harris (Wturarapa) detailed wnat had boon done in his district by way of advertising the breed, and the ehaiiman, amidst applause, congratulated the Watrarnpa Ayrshire breeders on their enterprise. iii On the motion of Mr Weir, seconded by Mr Webb it was decided to recommend to the executive that the closing date of volume 9 of the herd book be postponed till July 30, future volumes to close on Juno 30. The chairman expressed his thanks to the delegates, and votes of thanks wore also accorded the retiring otlieors, the Mnnawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, ana the press. , , , Following the meeting the members adjourned to a supper at which, between toasts various aspects of Ayrshire bleed in./were discussed in conversational manner k y die company, over which the newly elected president, Mr A. ii. Hansen, presided.