STOCK PURCHASED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 288, 2 November 1934, Page 5

STOCK PURCHASED

LEADING AUSTRALIAN BREEDER

PRAISE FOR SHOAV EXHIBITS.

Formerly in partnership with his uncle, Sir Sidney Kidman, “cattle king” of. Australia, Mr A. S. Kidman, who has conducted stock runs in the Commonwealth on a large scale with eminent success, and is an extensive property owner, with large interests, as well as a member of the Meat Board of South Australia, has been a visitor to the Manawatu and AVest Coast A. and P. Association’s Spring Show. “I was very interested in both the sheep and cattle at the Show,” stated Mr Kidman in an interview with a “Standard” representative yesterday. “I paid particular attention to the Polled Herefords, of which there are tew in Australia. The cattle of this type which I sa.w are being exhibited by Mr F. E. Humphreys, of Gisborne. They showed a wonderful lot of quality ancl are quite equal to anything I have seen in Australia. Although we have the Hereford breed well established there, we have very few Polled Herefords. “Our beef comes principally from Shorthorns, of which herds numbering up to 150,000 head are run on some single large stations in the interior ot the Commonwealth. Some of the pastoral properties in this part of Australia run into millions of acres. There are big holdings and big herds. Flocks of sheep may number 100,000. Some of the cattle take twelve months to travel from the stations where they are bred to tlie market. The beet animals are sold at about three yeais old. . Commenting upon the beef trade, Mr Kidman stated that he saw no reason to be alarmed at the present market conditions. “I was very much interested in your Southdown and Ryeland sheep,’ continued the visitor. “Some of the animals I saw to-day are equal to, it not better, than what I have seen in Australia. Though your Ryeland sheep are good, we in Australia give more consideration to the finer points of this breed. The Soutlidowns were splendid, being low-set —an important feature —and showing tremendous quality. They are typical of the breed. Air Kidman, who resides in Adelaide disclosed that lie was purchasing stock in this country. He had already acquired eighteen stud Ryelands in the South Island. , “Being a member of the Council or the Royal Agricultural Society of South Australia,” ho added, “I am visiting as many Shows in New Zealand as I can, and intend to be present at tbe Christchurch exhibition, next week. There is no doubt at all that vou people can produce the good export lamb. I was astounded to see the number of sheep and lambs carried to the acre in tliis country. I visited tbe Massey Agricultural College, which I particularly wanted to see, and was very impressed with its design and work.” Accompanied by Messrs T. Phelps and A. AVaterliouse, the latter a barrister, of Adelaide.. Air Kidman is visiting New Zealand as a representative of the South Australian Aleat Export Board.