Romney Marsh Sheep

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 143, 20 June 1938, Page 10

Romney Marsh Sheep

MEETING OF BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION lu the absence of the president (Mr. J. Miller, of Outrain), Mr. A. 8. Holms (Southland) occupied the chair at the annual meeting of tho New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association. In taking tho chair Mr. Holms said ho was sorry to say that their president had to undergo an operation and was unable to bo with them. It was pleasing to see so many attend it showed there Was much interest in the association. Tho chairman moved tho adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Tho president’s report stated: “The finances of tho association again show a very satisfactory and gratifying position. This result is brought about by the over-increasing demand for our breed throughout the Dominion and from overseas. The accumulated fund now stands at £2576 13s 6d. The revenue shows an increase of £445 Is over last year,, and although the expenses of conducting the affairs of tho association have increased by £202 14s Sd, mainly through an increased number of flock books, and booklets, new tattooing instruments, etc., the iinal result shows an excess of income for tho year of £437 6s 10d. The council made tho following grants during the year: Tho third instalment of £IOO to Massey Agricultural College for the purpose of assisting in researches into the question of sterility. Steady progress is being made in these investigations. The usual grant of £SO as a donation to the Romney classes at the 14th Royal Show was made. Members are asked to give their support to the Romney classes of New Zealand’s premier Show. Tho Manawatu A. and P. Association made an appeal to the committee for assistance in connection with repairs to the Breeders’ Club building, and in response tho sum of £5 was allotted for this cause. The following stud sheep were exported from New Zealand duriug the year. — South Australia, 10 rams, 264 ewes; New South Wales, 12, 59; Victoria, 2, 11; Tasmania, 1,5; South Africa, 5, 88; Falkland Islands, 33, —; Argentine, 17,

• —; Uruguay, 14, —; totals, 94 rams, 427 ewes. Since January 1 this year, tho following sheep have been exported. (These figures show that there is still a demand for our New Zealand Romneys and members are requested to see that only sheep showing the true charaetei-

islics of tho breed are offered for sale overseas): South Australia, 8 rams, 30 ewes; New South Wales, 6, —; Victoria, —, 1; South Africa, 2, 20; Argentine, I, —1 Uruguay, 1, —; totals, 18 rams, 51 ewes. The membership of the association has increased steadily. With the record of 102 new members, the roll now stands at 695. This remarkable increase is reflected in the excess income mentioned above. “Tho following figures indicate the importance of the Romney breed to the sheep farming industry of tho Dominion: Stud Romneys registered in flock books, 206,381; total stud sheep registered in flock books, 465,895; stud Romneys equal 44.769 per cent, of the stud sheep in New Zealand; Romneys sheep not registered in flock books, 3,799,129; total distinctive breeds not entered in flock books, 8,999,117. Unregistered Romneys comprise 42.216 per cent.’’ Mr. Miller was re-elected president, and the following members of the council were also re-elected; Messrs. G. E. Allen (Masterton), Q. Donald (Featherston), A. E. Harding (Dargaville), A. S. Holms (Southland), W. C. Small (Feildiug); Mr. R. W. Matthews (Wairongomai), treasurer, Mr. A. H. Maguire, secretary; and the vice-presi-dents, are Mr. A. S. Murray (Mosgeil), South Island, and Mr. E. R. Black (Gisborne), North Island, were returned. Messrs. K. S. Glendinning und J. Corpe were appointed auditors for a further year and the annual fee was increased. Mr. J. E. Hewitt moved that, in view of the fact that tho accumulated fund was in a very strong position, more money should be utilised in further advertising of the breed, or in the reduction of fees of members. Mr. Holms referred tho member to the section in the annual report dealing with the matter. At the Shows young farmers compete in teams in junior judging competitions, and a shield is presented to the winning team. Mr. Hewitt proposed that a medal or some other trophy be presented to each member of the winning team. The motion was carried, Mr. C. H. Wilton being the seconder. In conclusion, the chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the secretary and staff for the fine work they had carried out during the year. This was carried. The secretary (Mr. A. H. Maguire) returned thanks.