PIG BREEDERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 226, 22 August 1935, Page 8

PIG BREEDERS

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL. REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING. A meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association was held in Palmerston North to-day, when Mr F. J. Russell presided'. Others present wore: Messrs D. G. Morrison (Alaungatapere), R. G. (Mark (Paerata), R. Clnlcott (Hamilton), G. S. Ross (le Puke), A. It. Gudopp (New Plymouth), !'■ Ogle (Nornianby), AY\ L. West (AVoodville), James Simpson (Southbridge) and \\ r . P. Bickers (Feilding). This being the first meeting of the new council, the chairman took the opportunity at the outset to extend a welcome to such a representative gathering. Commenting upon the annual meeting, Mr Russell stated that it had been evident by the interest which had been displayed at Hamilton, that it was advantageous to hold the annual meeting at different centres. The hospitality extended had been greatly appreciated, and he moved that £5 be voted towards the cost of the eatering. Messrs Ross and Bickers agreed, and supported the motion. Mr Gudopp asked whether the Taranaki branch would be similarly favoured for the previous meeting, and it was decided to make a similar vote to Taranaki, Air Bickers stating that the latter branch would appreciate it and the amount would be well spent.

UNIFORMITY IN JUDGING. The secretary reported that at the annual meeting suggestions had been advanced that conferences of judges be held with a view to securing uniformity in judging ideas. The chairman remarked that it was evident that there was at present a great diversity of opinion among judges. Air Gudopp pointed out that the same position prevailed with cattle. Air Clark considered tlita there was a tendency to judge all types on an export basis and not as an individual breed. Mr AA’est thought that it would be advantageous to hold a conference at annual meetings, which would assist towards a general basis of judging points being arrived at. He moved a motion in that direction and it was seconded. The chairman mentioned that the Jersey' Club had altered its methods and invited opinions from others so that the consensus of opinion could be secured.! Air Clark contended that by the conference at least some standard of opinion would be attained and bring a definite amount of clarity, for by the exchange of ideas many of the present opinions would be waived. Air Alorrison asked whether the expenses of the judges attending the conference would be met by the council, the chairman replying that he doubled whether such would be possible. AVlien put to the meeting Air AA’est’s motion was carried. EAR-AIARKING.

Arising from the annual meeting, a discussion surrounded the question of identification and ear-marking. Mr Clark pointed out that earmarking was not foolproof. Air Ogle stated that in all liis experience he had never found a faulty ease, it having been his practice to apply the ear-mark when the sow came out from the litter to have her first meal.

Air Gudopp contended that when a litter was recorded each breeder should ho required to give notice of particulars of the ear-marking. Air Clark formally moved that when registering a litter a breeder he required to give notice of the markings, and that such records be forwarded to the secretary within eight weeks of farrowing. Air Cliilcott suggested that each breeder should have a distinctive brand. Further, he contended, that the eight weeks period was too long. Air YY'est mentioned that his registered mark was Y, vet when the wound healed, irrespective of whether it was applied to cattle, sheep or pigs, it turned into a AY'. Air Morrison remarked that tlie present three weeks limit was short enough for some breeders in outlying districts.

Air Clark remarked that it was evident that while there was a consensus of opinion pertaining to the necessity of notifying .the markings at the time of registration, lie was prepared to delete from his motion the period of notification. The chairman agreed that it would be preferable. Air Morrison contended that tattooing should he open for the Tnimvorth and Large AY'hite breeds, hut lie did not press the matter, when it was pointed out that breeders could still use this for their own convenience, although the ear-marking would be compulsory. Air White’s motion, with the clause relative to time reduced to three weeks instead of eight, was then put to tlie meeting and carried.

RESEARCH IN WAIKATO. The Waikato Rig Research Association wrote stating that it had launched a scheme tor the recording of pigs and the development of research work and it invited a subsidy from the council in its activities. The chairman considered that if recording clubs went further into research matters they would be playing a much more important role than tliev were doing at present. Mr Chilcott assured the meeting that the Waikato Association would be operating along different lines. He had advised the club to abandon the C.O.R. scheme, for it gave an unfair advantage to one breeder at the expense of another. . . Mr Gudopp was of the opinion that the subject would have to be considered on a national basis. Mr Clark stated that there was a move in the same direction in the Auckland district. .. . ~ „ The secretary pointed out that it a breeder registered his sow ho would still be able to secure a certificate of performance and use it for advertisin# purposes. The chairman stated that the association had to be identified with the scheme, even if it had to budget annually on a national basis. Investigational stations had been established in other countries and it was the duty of the council to encourage such a movement in the Dominion if the Government would not undertake it. Mr Clark said that while it would be preferable that the scheme be launched by the Government, tho council should encourage it. However, lie was of the opinion that, while viewing the proposal sympathetically, a decision sholud be deferred till the next meeting, the members to think the matter over in the meantime. Mr Chilcott stated that the scheme would go on in any case. The rules were very drasic and the scheme would be of benefit to breeders throughout the Dominion. | Mr Bickers enquired what had happened to the Waikato Club, which the council was already subsidising, the j speaker contending that tbe recording 'imilil l>e part of the work undertaken

by the branch. However, he would pre ter that the full particulars be secured before a decision was arrived at. AiEAT BOARD’S ASSISTANCE.

In reply to Air Morrison, the chairman mentioned that the Meat Board had spent more on the pig industry than it lia-cl received from it. The board was the only body which had extended assistance to the industry. Air AY’est continued that any subsidy paid would have to be made on the basis of registered sows. He agreed with Air Bickers that it was cumbersome for two organisations to be operating on the same lines in the one district.

Air Bickers seconded Mr Clark’s motion which when put to the meeting, was carried, tlie secretary being instructed to secure all possible information relative to the intention of other clubs to launch similar schemes, and to press for the establishment of a national scheme by the Government.

CERTIFICATE AWARDS. It was decided to grant championship certificates to the Timaru A. and P. Association, while tiie Otago A. and I. Association was also granted certificates. On the suggestion of Mr Gidopp, the secretary was instructed to arrange for a more attractive type of certificate to be drawn up for future use Owing to the two judges already appointed to. act at the Royal Show not being available, Mr J. D. 0 Sullivan (Taranaki) was appointed senior judge, and Mr R. G. Clark (Paerata) junior judge at the next Royal Show. The National Pig Breeders Association advised that it had received a request from the Auckland A. and P. Association for a donation of medals anil it was asked whether, in the event ot it deciding to accede to the request the council would like the offer to bo dealt with as coming through the council -on tho same lines as operated in Australia and South Africa. I The chairman remarked that it was a thoughtful act, and the taking of such action was agreed to.