Jersey Breeders’ Annual Review

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7007, 17 November 1932, Page 4

Jersey Breeders’ Annual Review

“In our report of a year ago tho hope was expressed that the trying times then prevailing would soon pass, but wo all very much regret that up to the present time there is little tangible evidence of a marked improvement in the world’s markets,” says the annual report of the Manawatu Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Club. “However, wo believe that the decisions arrived at at the recent Empire Conference will afford somo measure of relief to primary producers in this country, although that relief may take a considerable time to reflect to any appreciable extent. In the meantime, the best that we in New Zealand can do is to add to production and at tho seme time keep down our costs. The ever-increasing popularity of Jersey cattle, together with judicious use of fertilisers, can bo ..taken as definite evidence that the dairy farmer is doing what he can to help in this direction.

“Members’ subscriptions received during the year are about tho same as during tho previous year, and while we recogniso that the prevailing conditions are to some extent responsible for the unsatisfactory position in. this respect, we again urge upon members the advantages of supporting the club, which is doing all possible to assist them in many directions. It will be noted that tho income during the year has slightly exceeded tho expenditure, and that tho cltib’s net funds at the close of the year stood at £l6 13/11.

“The fourth Oaks were set down to be finalised at tho last Feilding Show, but owing to a series of misfortunes experienced by breOdcrs who had nominated hoifers, it was found that thero was only one final acceptance, and the owner of this animal generously agreed to the cancellation of tho event. In this case the entry fee was returned to the breeder and the small balance transr ferred to the club’s funds. The fifth Oaks are set down for next Feilding Show, and it is hoped that an interesting competition will bo staged. The Jersey Breeders’ Association has intimated that owing to the unsatisfactory support accorded these competitions throughout New Zealand it has been decided to discontinue the subsidy after the completion of the competitions now in train, and therefore it would appear that the fifth Oaks will be our last competition in this class,.at least in the meantime.

"A successful and well attended field day was held at the homestead of Mr. J. A. Mitchell, Longburn, in April last. Mr. G. H. Bell took the demonstration, and Mr. J. McLinden, M.R.C.V.S., gave an interesting lecture dealing with ailments in stock. Our thanks are due to these gentlemen for tho capable manner in which they handled their respective subjects. Out thanks are also duo to Mr. Mitchell for the very complete arrangements made for the demonstration, and to Mrs. Mitchell for tho hospitable way in which the visitors were catered for in the way of afternoon tea.

“The annual winter sale under the auspices of combined Jersey Clubs wa3 held at Palmerston North in June last. Entries were satisfactory both as re gerds number and the quality of tho animals offered, but prices were again at a low level, and even after making due allowance for the prevailing conditions it must be said that realisations were much below what breeders were entitled to expect. We suggest that it be a matter for consideration at the general meeting as to whether clubs continue these sales or not. A spring sale of cattle was held this year and was sparsely supported, owing perhaps to the sale arrangements not conforming to the ideas of vendors and buyers. If these spring sales are to continue stops must bo taken to inspire more confidence on the part of those whose support is essential to their success.

“Our members well know that we have recently sustained a loss through the demise of Mr. Andrew Buchanan, and wo take this opportunity to acknowledge the very fine work done by the deceased gentleman during his long association with Jersey cattle. Mr. Buchanan was ono of tho founders of the parent body and of this club, and at our last annual meeting he made a generous donation towards tho purchase of a tattoo branding sot foT the club. We have to thank Mi. N. I. Nielsen for his services as the club’s honorary auditor ever since its inception.”