ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 17

ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS.

- The annual report of the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep-breeders' Association states that the balance at the bank stands at £317 5s Bd, and the sum of £524 is placed on fixed deposit, making a total Of £B4l 5s 8d; while, after making provision for all liabilities, the accumulated funds pf the association amount to £1042 18s 7d. The sum of £155 3s 6d was due by members at the end of the financial year. The number of registered flocks at the commencement of this year was 306; of these eight have resigned, while 21 new flocks were admitted during the 12 months, this jnaking 319 registered owners at December 31, 1914. Volume XI of the Flock Book is now well in hand, and should be ready for circulation to members next month. The championship shields donated by the association were presented for competition at the Hawke’s Bay and Otago A. and P. Societies’ shows, while the Wheeler Memorial Shield was competed for at the Masterton A. and P. Association’s show. A large number of Romney sheep from registered flocks have been exported to the United States, Argentine, Chile, Uruguay, and Australia, and export certificates have been granted after the sheep were inspected and tattooed. A "much larger number would have boon shipped to America but for the outbreak of the war. The association has now a registered brand. “N.Z.R.M.,” which the Now Zealand Government has accepted and gazetted for the solo use of the association under “The Stock Amendment Act, 1913.” The council carried out tho suggestion made at the last annual meeting, with reference to an exhibit of Romney wool to bo forwarded to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. A representative collection of wool, which was very carefully Selected and prepared, was forwarded in a handsome show case and is included with the exhibits in tho New Zealand pavilion at San Francisco. The council decided to ©dvortise the - laims of the ” w Zealand Romney sheep among fiock-rnasters in the States, and with this in view ha- arranged to insert an advertisement in. on© of the leading sheep journals in America. The following members of the council retire by

rotation —Messrs, G. E. Allen, W. Bell, C. C. Bucldand, J. Corpe, and R. Tanner, all of whom are eligible for re-election.