ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 10

ROMNEY MARSH BREEDERS

PALMERSTON N., June 24. At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association, the president expressed regret that tile proposal to increase the membership of the council had been ineffective, owing to the fact that the South Island members found a difficulty in attending meetings. The total number of flocks in the Flock Book was 594, as compared with 109 in Kent (England). The average number of ewes in England was 260 per flock, as against 150 in New Zealand. Although New* Zealand held four times as many ewes in the aggregate as they had in England, at the same time they held in the dominion 11 times as many rams as in England. He was of opinion that while they kept such a large proportion of ram lambs they would not improve their flocks. It therefore behoved all New Zealand breeders to improve their flocks, and to extend their pedigrees as far as possible. The president stressed the necessity of breeding animals of such a sound standard that they could be sold in any of the world’s markets. In regard to wool their sheep completely eclipsed the English sheep, and their best, sheep were of such qua’ity in at tney would be sure of satisfactory buyers. Particularly in regard to bone and evenness of fleece New Zealand Romney Marsh were much superior to English grown. Mr A. Mathews was re-elected president. The election of members of council resulted in Messrs G. E. Allen, J. Knight, P. Mangaven, and R. Tanner being returned. It was decided to allot the North Island Championship Shield for competition at the M aiawatu A. and P. Association’s spring show, and the South Is 1 and Championship Shield at the Canterbury Show. It was decided that the Wheeler Memorial be competed for at the Mamjwatu Show. Sir James Wilson urged tho donation of more medals at shows. It was decided that the mnlter be referred to the council for consideration.