PIG BREEDERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 7

PIG BREEDERS.

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. . AVARD SYSTEm’ dISCUSSED. The meeting of the council of the New Zealand Fig Breeders’ Association was continued at Palmerston North, yesterday afternoon, when Mr A. R. Gudopp (New Plymouth) presided. Others present were Messrs G. S. Ross (Te Puke), A. T. Rogers (Ngaruawahia), J. A. Russell (Palmerston North), AV. P. Bickers (Feilding), J. D. Galpin (Canterbury), R. Chileott (Frankton Junction) and N. P. Nielsen (Tiakitahuna). THE C.O.P. SCHEME. Mr A. H. Cockayne, assistant Di-rector-General of Agriculture, wrote advising in respect to the C.O.P. scheme that, in his opinion, the present time was averse to the introduction of the scheme on a Dominion basis; he would much prefer to see for this season tlis carrying out of what may be termed exploratory work by the Manawatu Pig Breeding Club, working approximately on the lines that had been discussed by the club with him.

Regret was expressed that the scheme had been advanced to its present 6tage without being finalised, Mr Nielsen remarking that Mr Cockayne had stated that, once set in operation, the department’s officers could supervise it. Mr Russell considered that it was a matter for the pig breeders, contending that the State should not be asked to bear the burden. Following a discussion, it was decided that the council raise no objection to the scheme being deferred for this season, or that developmental work be carried out by any particular club, but it did object to the issue of certificates of efficiency to any breeder operating under the scheme. EMBARGO ON LIVE STOCK. The Minister of Agriculture, in acknowledging the council’s letter relative to the removal of the embargo on the importation of live stock from Great Britain, stated that no definite decision had yet been arrived at, but a public announcement would be made as soon as one was reached. Mr Ross remarked that no harm would be done by again pressing the matter, adding that representations had been made direct to Parliament by certain breeders and the Government would have to show its hand before long.

It was agreed that the clubs be circularised requesting that they take the matter up with the members of Parliament in their districts, and, further, that the secretary again press the matter direct with the Minister. GENERAL SUBJECTS. The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand advised that it had been decided that Mr E. P. Nielsen be the first judge for Large Blacks and Large AVJiites and that the association be asked to nominate a second judge.— All- A. E. Lassen (Ashhurst) was nominated.

The Canterbury A. and P. Association wrote advising that its committee was in accord with the council’s wishes generally in respect to registration, and that the date of farrowing should be inserted also. The committee for a long period had had a rule that exhibits must be eligible for entry in a recognised herd book without the New Zealand Herd Book being specifically stated, and the association said it would be glad to have an assurance that the adoption of the rule suggested in toto would not exclude any of the existing exhibitors’ entries in purebred classes. The writer added that it would be much better to have the date explicitly stated in the class and the date of farrowing explicitly stated on the entry form. The question of asking the Canterbury A. and P. Association to enforce a rule that only pigs exhibited be entered in the herd book was raised by Mr Russell, who pointed out that by so doing the Canterbury A. and P. Association would be excluding the Lincoln College entries.

Air Nielsen expressed surprise at' the matter being again introduced. The council had made a rule to exclude over-age animals and it could not differentiate.

Mr Rogers pointed out the difficulty which judges encountered at shows as a result of their having to rule out entries which they contended were over-age. Frequently, the age was not stated in the schedule and the entry form was also lacking in information. It was possible that a pig exhibited had been purchased by the exhibitor, it being evident that "the particulars furnished by the breeder had been incorrect. Naturally enough, the exhibitor was annoyed when a pig was ■adjudged to l>e over-age in the class for which it was entered. Mr Russell considered that there was a tendency to impose too many restrictions upon the show classes, but the chairman differed in that respect. Finally, it was decided to receive the Canterbury A. and P. Association’s letter. The Taranaki branch wrote suggesting that the following associate judges be appointed: Messrs Wm. Cresswell (Stratford), M. H. Lepper (Midhurst), W. Boddie (Mangamingi), J. Taylor (Stratford) and W. Pollock (Hawera). Arising from the letter, the question of the appointment of youthful judges was considered to be a doubtful principle. It was decided that the appointments be confirmed, provided they were in accord with the rules governing the appointment of associate judges. . Mr Russel] said that a cattle judging competition, which was open to secondary sclioloboys, had operated with a large measure of success at the Manawatu Show and a similar competition could be conducted where pigs were concerned. The matter could be taken up by the branches, the council to supply certificates to be awarded to the winners. The suggestion was considered an excellent one and it was decided to suggest that the branches be invited to adopt it. The Auckland and North Kaipara A. and P. Associations and the Royal Agricultural Society made applications for donations to their prize money. The best method of assisting A. and P. Associations was discussed, various schemes being advanced, but it was decided to hold the matter over till next meeting for further consideration. The Perrett Shield was allotted to the Auckland Association in the meantime. The secretary presented a financial statement which showed that, the finances of the association bad improved to the extent of £450. He also mentioned that 2455 applications for admission to the herd book had been re= ceived. Thirty-five new members were admitted. The Manawatu-Oroua Pig Breeding Club wrote advising that it intended to introduce a series of demonstrations and it was asked that the council find the demonstrators. Mr Bickers spoke in support of the suggestion, stating that it was by demonstrations, field days, etc., that the

interest of the members was maintained in the branches. The secretary (Air Glendi lining) asked how the council would differentiate between judges and demonstrators, for the former might not be suitable in the latter capacity! Mr Bickers considered that it was just a matter of practice. Mr Nielsen asked how many demonstrators would be required, the secretary replying that one would be needed for each class. Mr Nielsen: AVhy not one for all breeds ? Air Russell: Impossible 1 Mr Chileott commented that a Berkshire judge could demonstrate in all classes. (Laughter.) The chairman said they would not carry that aspect further. Air Bickers formally moved that all the senior judges in the Manawatu be recommended to the branch for selection, and this course was adopted. Air W. J. Kane, Onewhero, wrote suggesting the establishment of a branch in that centre, it being contended that the district was too far removed from the South Auckland branch to maintain the interest of the members.

The secretary stated that Onewhero was one of the best locations open at the present time for the formation of a branch. On the motion of Air Russell, it was decided that the secretary be authorised to further the formation.

Air R. W. Strugnell, Tauranga, wrote pressing for the formation of a branch at Tauranga. The secretary stated that there were hardly sufficient members in the Tauranga district to merit the formation of a branch, and to break away from the Bay of Plenty branch. It was consequently decided not to entertain the suggestion meantime. A request was received from a Southland breeder urging the formation of a branch in that district. The chairman remarked that the council was prepared to assist in any direction. Air Bickers mentioned that he would !>o attending the Royal Show at Invercargill and would assist in any way to promote the branch. The members agreed that the forma.fciou of a branch should be advanced and the chairman, Air Bickers and the secretary were deputed to attend a meeting to be called during the Royal Show. TAX ON CEREALS. A recommendation from the annual meeting that the duty be removed from imported cereals for the benefit of the pig industry was tabled. The secretary remarked that. the poultry breders had been fighting the matter for a long time. Mr Nielsen considered it a waste of time to discuss the matter. He had attended two meetings in AVellington and no good had eventuated from them. The chairman held that the council should continue to press for the remission. T .

Mr Russell agreed with Air Nielsen, but thought that the council should be represented at any meetings called to press the matter. The chairman said that for the pig industry to dovoiop it "wns essential that cheap foodstuffs be available to Air Bickers held that breeders could grow foodstuffs themselves. Air Galpin’ asked whether they would be prepared to feed their pigs on wheat only, Air Russell replying in the negative. - The secretary suggested that the Alinister of Agriculture be written to asking that the duty be reduced. Mr Russell concurred, and it was agreed to take this course of action. QUESTION OF VOTING SYSTEAIS. A further recommendation from the annual meeting was that the ward system of voting be introduced, the secretary mentioning that the recommendation had been carried by a large majority. Air Nielsen remarked that lie had expressed his views on the subject, on several occasions, and he did not intend repeating them. The chairman formally moved that the system be introduced, Mr Russell seconding the motion. Air Ross, in stating that the annual meeting had certainly been strongly in favour of the ward system, added that his district was well satisfied with the present system. However, he would like to see the opinions of the branches obtained first, the pros and cons of the two systems to be supplied by the interesterd members. Mr Bickers stated that it was only by individual interest that the branches were carried on. It was apparent by the discussion that had taken place that day that no benefit would accrue from the introduction of the ward system. Manawatu had been strongly represented in the past, but he did not think it had been in any way favoured. However, should the consensus of opinion favour the ward system, then he would support it, but he would like to see the opinions of the branches obtained first. The chairman held that the ward system would create interest in the various areas. He had always been in favour of it. Air Russell said that the system had been of ,great value to the Jersey Breeders’ Association —one of the most enthusiastic and strongest financial bodies of its kind in the Dominion. Air Nielsen remarked that it had been maintained that the country would be better served by 10. instead of 80 members of Parliament.

When put to the meeting, the voting was even, the chairman and Alessrs Russell,, Chileott, and Rogers voting for it and Alessrs Ross, Bickers, Galpin and Nielsen against it. The chairman declined to exercise his casting vote, and Air Ross then moved that the secretary be instructed to circularise the members of the branches to obtain their opinions, adding that if the voting was in favour of the ward system, the council would have no recourse but to adopt it. The chairman contended that the members had had the opportunity prior to the annual meeting, and the delegates had' voted accordingly. Air Bickers seconded Air Ross’s motion, again stressing that by the existing representation no district had received preference in any way over another district. Air Rogers said that the Waikato was strongly in favour of the ward system. Air Ross reiterated that he would like the pros and cons of the two systems to be forwarded with the voting papers, and if the consensus of opinion was in favour of the ward system, he would vote for it.

Air Russell moved as an amendment, Air Chileott seconding, that a postal ballot be taken, but without any propaganda attached thereto. Again the voting was even, but after the chairman expressing regret at the deadlock, Air Ross agreed to withdraw his proviso concerning the pros and cons and the amendment, when again put to the meeting, was carried unanimously.