RURAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9697, 5 March 1910, Page 5

RURAL NOTES.

AROUND THE SALES. By Our Travelling Representative. Daring the month of February stock breeders in the Orona and Manawatu Comities have been afforded ample opportunities to draw public attention to the quality and value of the flocks and horde that exist in the.district. Early 2o the month, the Jb’eilding show was the means of bringing together a splendid all-roand assortment of live stock. It was remarked at that time that the possibilities of the district, and the progressive qualities of its inhabitants would in tha near future make that event the very best show of fat and dairy stock In the Dominion. Time will tell whether these prophecies will be realised. One thing is certain, that there is a general effort being made to uplift the quality of the flocks and herds on every hand, A few years ago comparatively few farmers made any special effort to develop stud flooks, or so specialise in any particular breed of dairy cattle, dorses, or pigs. Every show or sheep fair nowadays serves to introduce some new breeder. X'his is a healthy sign for the future, and guarantees Shat the general standard throughout the country will be placed on a higher level. Some of the most widely known and successful breeders in the Dominion have their homesteads in the neighbourhood of Feilding, and, no doubt. It la tha success that has attended their efforts that has been an Incentive to others to ley the foundations and build up studs of their own. Tha country Is indebted to the gentlemen who have spent large sums of money In order to procure the best strains from the older countries, and who have spent vears in developing the high class animals that are to be seen in the show rings and saleyarda of fto-day. It is |quite true that many stud farms are now showing good profits, but it must not be forgotten what these ventures have cost the owners, and that every man who bays from them does so with the object of increasing his own pioflts. In conversation with Mr W. B. Baker, of Makino, one of day breeders, who has been very successful with hia flock this year, the writer inquired to what reason his success could be attributed. The substance of his reply was that he had had the benefit of eight years experience as a boy with Mr Short, and had there learned the value of purebred sheep and had become fascinated with the working of sheep. Three years ago when he took over bis present farm he invested his capital in procuring the best strains of Romneys and Sonthdowns, with which he has been wonderfully successful, considering the short time that his flock has-been established. This is the first year thatXhe any number far sale, and so far a ready market has been available. He has disposed of IPO flock rams in the Hawke’s Bay district at an average of five guineas, and studs have varied from 20 to 50 guineas each. The champion honours fell to his Southdown ram at the Feilding Show, and he topped the sale in that breed oa Wednesday. In Romneys he got within half a guinea of the top price also, the highest figure, guineas, b'-nag obtained by Mr Jacob. This will give some idea what can be done in a short time bv one who ia practical, and understands the business. Before concluding, I would like to allude to she- international event that one of the Dominion’s most successful breeders wflLsoon be engaged in. This is the great show in the Argentine, where Mr B. Short is taking a consignment of Romneys to try conclusions with the world’s breeders. In entering the lists against the old world breeders Mr Short has challenged the leading flock masters; and the result of his courageous enterprise will be awaited with Interest. This is a venture that will carry with it the good wishes for success of his many friends and the country generally. New Zealanders have won laurels on the play grounds and battlefields of other countries, and. we will soon have an opportunity of learning how a oolonial exhibitor will fare with purebred stock when pitted against all-comers.