ROMNEY BREEDERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 16

ROMNEY BREEDERS

NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association .was held in the Forbury Trotting Club’s boardroom yesterday afternoon, the president, Mr John Miller (Maungatua), occupying the chair. Report and Balance Sheet

Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the chairman extended his congratulations to the society on having completed another successful year. The revenue for the term was slightly higher than last year due, principally, to the fact that 82 more flocks had been registered, and the finances of the society were in a particularly healthy state. The export trade in stud sheep was on the increase, and during the year ended on December 31, 44 rams and 305 ewes were sent abroad, which waj an encouraging indication that the breed was increasing in favour. The export trade was increasing, and it was necessary that a high standard of breeding must be maintained and constantly striven for. Inspectors both for local and export sales would be more rigid in future, so that if possible, a higher average standard among flocks would be obtained.

Commenting on the membership, Mr Miller said that this had again increased during the year. Eightytwo new members had joined, and the roll now stood at 755, which was a record figure. Members would regret the death, since last meeting, of Mr Quentin Donald, whose wise counsel and business ability were of the greatest value t~ the council in its deliberations. Through his passing, the association had suffered a loss that was almost irreparable. To fill the vacancy on the council occasioned by his death, his son, Mp J. G. Donald had been appointed. In conclusion, Mr Miller thanked the members, the council, and the secretary for the assistance they had given him during his term of office. Mr R. W. Matthews seconded the motion, which was carried. Office-bearers The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr G. R. Black (Hawke’s Bay); honorary treasurer, Mr R. W. Matthews; auditors, Messrs K. S. Glendining and J. Corpe. The secretary reported that Sir W. Perry, Messrs P, Campbell, A. L. Elworthy, W. K, Morton, and H. Voss had been re-elected as councillors. Shield Competitions On the recommendation of the council, it was decided that the association’s shield competitions should be allocated as follows: North Island Spring Shield, Wairarapa Association; North Island Autumn Shield, Dannevirke Association; South Island Shields, Southland Association; Wheeler Memorial Shield, Canterbury Association. Railway Freight Charges Mr A. S. Adams brought up the question of rail charges for the transport of stud stock. These, he said, had become almost exorbitant, and breeders who sent rams or ewes any distance were forced to pay almost their value in freight. He moved —“ That an application be made to the Minister of Railways for a reduction of freight charges for stud stock.” Mr R, Edwards seconded the motion. The chairman said that the suggestion conveyed in the motion was one that would, if adopted, prove of the utmost value to the industry as a whole. The resolution was carried, and it was agreed that a copy be sent to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand, requesting the endorsement of that body. Subscriptions A motion recommending a reduction of the annual subscription from £1 10s to £l, of which notice had previously been lodged, was defeated. The meeting was brought to a close by a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring president.