LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM.

Southland Times, Issue 19099, 17 November 1923, Page 10 (Supplement)

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM.

CHEESE AND BUTTER-FAT.

Improving the Show Ring. (By “HARVESTER.”)

CHEESE AND BUTTER-FAT. A REPLY TO MR WEIR. COMMERCIAL VALUE OF PRODUCT. z (By Thomas R. Eades.) I did not intend having a personal argument with Mr Weir, but was trying to show the commercial merits of the three cows previously referred to from a milk point of view. I maintain that the cow giving a large quantity of milk with a normal test, of 3.57 fat is the most profitable cow from all view points, because, she not only gives, the highest aggregate of butterfat, but also gives the highest aggregate of solids not fat, such as casein, etc., which are in higher proportion to fat in low testing milk, and which, by the way, are the primary essentials in cheese-making. This fact is obviously overlooked by Mr Weir. Now Sir, what is the chief point in this controversy? Are we not trying to ascertain which class of milk is the most suitable and profitable to supply to our factories. Both Mr Weir and myself are suppliers to cheese factories, so let us peruse the figures below and see the results of practical experiments carried out by Professor Drummond at the Kilmarnock Dairy School, Scotland. This is the home of Scotchmen and Ayrshires, sC Mr Weir will have a fair deal, surely. Professor Drummond handled 500 lbs. milk in each case in this experiment, the results being as follows: — —Milk Tested — (1) 3 per cent, equals 151bs fat; 461bs cheese; lbs of milk to 1 lb cheese, 10.87; lbs cheese to 1 lb fat, 3.07. (21 4 per cent: equals 201bs fat; 501bs cheese; lbs of milk to 1 lb cheese, 10.0; lbs of cheese to 11b fat, 2.50. (3) 4.7 per cent, equals 23.51bs fat; 53Ibs cheese; lbs of milk to 1 lb cheese, 9.43; lbs of cheese to 11b fat, 2.25. Cost and return at Is 6d lb fat and cheese at Is:— Return to

Milk testing 3 per cent, shows a better return to the factory by 5s 9d per 5001bs. For the present day requirements we must go slightly higher than 3 per cent, for cheese-making—hence a richer curd. The figures above demonstrate that in the manufacture of cheese from 4 per cent, and 4.7 per cent, milk there was a substantial loss, chiefly owing to the fact that solids in milk do not rise in the same ratio as the rise of fat. Also, coupled with this deficiency of solids in 4 per cent, and 4.7 per cent, milk, we have a big leakage of fat, both in the cheese vat and press. I would ask Mr Weir what the position would be were his factory to receive no milk lower than 4 per cent, butterfat content? If the loss on a 4 per cent, milk as against a 3 per cent, is 3s 6d per 5001bs on a basis of Is 6d lb fat, what would be the loss on the season’s intake? Mr Weir’s ideal 4 per cent, milk would be a bad proposition. Now referring to the question of cost of production, Mr Weir knows full well that the cow which is the heaviest producer is probably the biggest feeder, too. And if food fed to the right animal does not mean profit then what does it mean? Concerning his remarks upon the Edendale Cup. It is not necessary to enlighten your readers that, had it not been for Mr Weir and Mr Campbell approaching the shareholders of the Edendale Dairy Company (on behalf of the Southland A. and P. Show.) asking for a donation to the show in this form, there probably would not have been any cup at all. Mr Weir seems very hurt, and takes it as an accepted fact that the Ayrshires haven’t a look in. This cup is open to all breeds in Southland and is to be won by the best cow under semi-official test last season, embracing points for milk and fat production, constitution, capacity, dairy temperament, blood circulation, and conformation. I referred to three cows namely (1) Hine moa Beauty, (2) Westmere Netherland Princess, (3) Ivanhoe Fancy, in my last notes, chiefly because they had already been mentioned in previous articles in your paper concerning the Edendale Cup, and because they were three of the best cows in their respective classes on test this year in New Zealand, not because I. had any desire to reflect upon one breed. But as these names were given prominence, I might do worse than to hold these up in order to show Mr Weir the value of milk production, and give their official records as follows: (1) Hinemoa Beauty. (2) Westmere Netherland Princess. (3) Ivanhoe Fancy.

perimen t hot cheese to fat is calculated on the low side. No. 2 and 3, a shade high. 1 Isn’t this sufficient evidence as to the value of milk production? Regardless of test the highest milkers in this case return the greatest profit—the lowest milker the least profit. I am fully convinced that too much stress has been laid upon fat percentage —rather should it be laid upon aggregate fat and milk production and when all is said and done, these latter are the factors which count most. The forego\*g figures very forcibly explains my contentions, I think. Of course, Mr Weir’s challenge is absurd. For instance, suppose we try and make cheese from the quantities of milk as he suggests, what are the results? According to Professor Drummond’s basis, we make lOlbs of cheese from lOOlbs milk at 5 per cent. From lOOlbs of milk at 3 per cent, we make 91bs cheese, the difference being 10 per cent in favour of the 5 per cent milk. But at what cost to the dairy company? The pay out at Is 6d lb fat is obviously in favour of our 3 per cent milk, and demonstrates once again the great value as a commercial product for cheese-making is the 3 per cent milk. Criticising my butter figures Mr Weir says 939 fat at Is 6d equals £7O 8s 6d, no-

thing added here of course. Now if Mr Weir is a professional ready reckoner, why did he not discover that I credited the 3d a cow (fancy) with 1001 b too much fat Of course that is nothing added! The fob lowing are the figures from a butter company’s point of view, 16 per cent overrun added.

Nos. 1 and 2 also produced aproximately 90001bs more skim milk, again demonstrating my idea of the most profitable cow for any purpose.

THE EDENDALE CUP. VALUE OF HIGH TESTS. (To the Editor.) Sir, —My attention has been called to the controversy re the above cup, and in your issue of November 10 Mr Eades states that the company in donating the cup wishes to be fair to all breeds. Really, Mr Editor, this comes as good news from the Friesian breeders seeing that the cup, though ostensibly donated by the Edendale Dairy Company to encourage the breeding of highproducing cows looks more as though it were donated by the Edendale Sugar of Milk Co. to encourage the production of whey. At the meeting of shareholders, when the cup was donated, it was proposed by a Friesian breeder and ably supported by the other Friesian breeders present, not excepting the chairman who is also a black and white fancier, and these same men met and propounded rules and regulations which Mr Eades states are fair to all breeders. While I quite agree with the donors that they should encourage high-producing cows, for Heaven’s sake stick to fat don’t give points for water (then the Jerseys will have a chance). Every supplier to Edendale factory knows the tests of the Friesian breeders for it is placarded up every month at the factory, and the tests of the Friesian generally range between 2.8 and 3.2. There are men whose whole herds are pure Friesians and their average test last month was 3.0, and these men don’t like the chaff of their neighbours re milking the cow with the iron tail. Mr Eades ought to know he will never raise the standard of butter-fat by using bulls off even such a cow as Hinemoa Beauty with a test of 3.5 for the season, and seeing that this is his best cow, what is the average test for his herd? Mr Eades states that milk testing 3.5 to 3.7 is reckoned the most payable for a cheese factory. How many Friesian herds reach that average at Edendale factory; and what of the 2.8 and 3.2 stuff that is made into cheese? No wonder buyers pass us by when we are turning out an article deficient in fat; in other words, semi skim-milk cheese. I do not agree with Eades that 3.5 to 3.7 is the most suitable fest for a cheese factory. It is time that the bogey of hightesting milk not being suitable for cheese factories was dead and buried, for it is a fact that the higher test the greater the quantity of other solids, which must be present to float the fat. Mr John Sawers, late manager for Edendale, told several of the low-testing growlers that it would be far better for them and for him if they would use Jersey or Guernsey bulls in their herds for a few seasons and that would raise the standard of butter-fat quicker than any other way. If high-testing milk were encouraged at the factory we could cut down our labour expenses considerably, and increase the returns of our factories. For example, if we take 1000 galls, of Hinemoa Beauty’s milk testing 3.5 and make it into cheese we find that it will make 9451bs of cheese, while if we take 1000 galls, of Ivanhoe Fancy’s milk testing 5.1 we find that it will make 13131bs of cheese for the same rennet, labour and steam. While the whey from Mr Eades’ cow is not w’orth skimniing and Mr Weir’s cow has oceans to spare. If the Edendale Co. wishes to encourage highproducing cows, why did the regular rank and file (who are too modest at a shareholders’ meeting to say anything) not rush in and buy Friesian bulls at the recent Bull Fair at Edendale? What do we find? Two Friesian bulls sold and the whole of the Ayrshire bulls (twenty-four in number) all sold. No, Mr Eades, it is the old Biblical story. The hand-writing on the wall (in this case the factory tests) that has weighed the Friesian milk in the tester and found it wanting in fat. In conclusion, let me quote the following quantities of cheese which can bo made from lOOlbs of milk according to test:—

ROBERT GIBB, “Beeswing,” Menzies Ferry. TUTU POISONING. A RELIABLE REMEDY. In many parts of Southland tutu is plentiful and the most dangerous period of the year is now approaching. A practical farmer who has had a considerable amount of trouble with tutu writes as follows:—“If you find a beast stretched out with tutu poisoning, next door to death give it immediately a whisky bottle full of kerosene. I have never known this remedy to fail. I have seen cattle down and apparently out, but after administering this dose they have commenced grazing within a quarter of an hour. When I say give them a full bottle, I allow for a good deal being spilt in the operation ”

SHOW PRIZE LISTS, PROMINENT FARMER’S VIEWS. "Look through our agricultural and pastoral association prize lists for the past 50 years and you will find the classes for stud stock are the same to-day as they were when the associations were first established,” said a prominent farmer recently, who has made a close study of the work accomplished by these associations in New Zealand. "Every year one or two animals from a herd or flock are shown, but the manner in which these animals are brought out give little indication of the general standard of the herd or flock from which they are drawn. Many breeders in Southland possess registered stock, which is considered good enough for the herd books although little of it’ finds its way into the show ring. Is this because it is of an inferior standard or because the breeder has not the time to spend getting it into show condition? The show ring is the only place where a breeder can exhibit his stock with a maximum result, but the average buyer is not interested in the special animals which are awarded tickets. What he wants to see is the general standard of the herd from which they are drawn. Under the present conditions, it is possible for a breeder to secure a good animal which will win everything in its class, while the rest of his stock is so poor that any ordinary farmer would Hot consider buying it for one second. This breeder is not raising the general standard of the stock throughout the province and this should be the aim of the various associations operating in Southland. After all it is not the flash show animals upon which the farmer depends for his return, but the utility stock which he carries on his farm and which is never brought into any show ring simply because it is not catered for. "Southland has been noted for many years for the general excellence of its stock and the associations should endeavour to improve this as well as the individual animal. Great strides have been made in the showing of special animals and there is no reason why the same progress should not be made with a class which caters for the general standard of the herd. Such a class would do a great deal in raising the standard of Southland’s stock and would help bring the show ring nearer the selling ring. In such a class, if it were confined to dairy cattle, a breeder would be required to show a certain percentage of his yearling heifers, which would be judged as a pen and not lead individually in the ring as at present. Such an exhibit would at once reveal the lines upon which a breeder was working and whether he was achieving any success. Uniformity would count a great deal in judging this class, as uniformity of type is what every breeder should strive for. I would suggest that any breeder entering for this class would be required to enter a third of his yearling heifers, such animals not to compete in any other class. There would have to be a minimum so that one breeder could not win the section with a single entry. "The success of such a class would depend upon -the breed association members and there is no reason why it should not be one of the features of a show. Some will raise the question of expense in getting the stock to the show, but a truck of yearling heifers could be carried at the same rate as a special animal which required a separate truck. There would be no extra expense in bringing the animals out as they would be wintered under the ordinary conditions and would only require a little attention when nearing show time. If a man’s stock is fit for entry into a stud book, surely a percentage of it is fit for showing under such conditions? If it is not fit to compete in such a class then it should not be entered in any stud book, because, if it cannot stand competition on a uniformity basis, then it is not the class of stock required for Southland and should be barred from stud registration. I would make every owner of registered stock exhibit a certain percentage of his animals every three years, not necessarily for competition, but to show that he is breeding upon the right lines. Whether the various breed associations have power to enfoice such a rule I do not know, but it would do a great deal in keeping breeders up to the mark and catering for the growing demand for good utility stock of every breed.” "Such a class I am sure would be a splendid one,” he concluded, “but it will require a breed association composed of enthusiastic members to take it up and carry it through successfully.” WYNDHAM VALLEY. Little is heard of the production of ihe Wyndham valley and an Eastern District farmer has sent along the following interesting notes on the work accomplished during the year:— Wyndham Valley farmers, during last season, made a name for themselves in seed and pastoral pursuits. I do not think there was another district in Southland that put so many fat lambs into the works with so high a uniform grade and weight. In the seed line Messrs Jefferies Bros., Fernhill Estate, had a splendid crop of fescue that secured the top price for Southland It weighed remarkably well to the bushel, and the land had not been ploughed the previous season to rejuvenate the fescue. They have about 300 acres to cut this year. Mr G. F. Mcßae, Brookdale, also has a nice paddock locked up for cutting. Half of the 100 acre paddock he ploughed up the previous year, but the other half has not been broken for possibly 30 years. The part which was ploughed, to improve the growth, looks 10 per cent better at the present time. The same farmer has just completed threshing his crop of Lotus Major clover. From a crop of ten acres, in which two or three acres were hardly established, he has secured the remarkably fine return of about one ton of machine dressed seed. There is not the slightest doubt that this clover will advance Southland more than any plant we have. It improves the fer- | tility of the soil and it gives the farmer a bigger net return for his labour and outlay than any other plant I know of. It is relished by all kinds of stock and alongside other grasses its vigorous growth in poor and good soil is conspicuous. The retail price of the seed is about 4/- per lb. Even at this price it is the cheapest seed to sow down at the present time, as one can establish a permanent pasture of it in two years at the price per acre it would cost to plough that acre by contract With 1 pasture plants of this description one could double the carrying capacity of a property in many instances, and, what is of more importance, would not need to have his nose to the grindstone continually renewing his j pastures at a heavy annual expenditure, which every Southland farmers knows to his cost. •

» ANOTHER IMPORTATION. PRIZE-WINNING BULL FOR SOUTHLAND. (By X BREEDER.’ Mr John McFarlane of Drummond, noted as one of the foremost of the older school of Clydesdale breeders in the Western District of Southland, and who has long maintained a stud of Milking Shorthorns, has ' just acquired in the North Island an exceptionally well-bred bull of the famous Darbalara strain. Every Shorthorn breeder has read of the famous Melba, the world’s champion butter-fat cow. Many relatives of this noted New South Wales producer, who comes of a long line of cow's noted for their butter-fat production, were imported some years ago to New Zealand. These cattle were brought both to the Manawatu and to the Waikato, and to-day all the progressive North Island breeders are sticking to this strain. Mr McFarlane recently sent an order to the North Island for a yearling or 2-year-old bull fit for show purposes as well as suitable for breeding high-class butter-fat producers. The bull purchased on his behalf w r as landed at Invercargill to-day (Saturday), and undoubtedly is an exceptionally fine youngster. He is named Waimea Gold Dust, and was bred by Mr R. V. Browm of Wereroa, one of the most noted of the Manawatu breeders. Waimea Gold Dust was exhibited at both the Wairarapa and Manawatu Shows this year, and won first prize on both occasions. Not only that, but his sire, Dominion Gibson Daphne, was champion bull at the Manawatu Show and his dam Ma tangi Jimmy 2nd., was champion cow at the Wairarapa Show. This was the first occasion on which the dam appeared in an aged class, and for the past three years when shown in heifer classes she has held an unbeaten record. This cow is a beautiful dark red in colour and is built on true dairy lines, being particularly clean in the bone and carrying a first-class milk vessel. She is a sister to several of the champion butter-fat producers of the breed, and is herself both a noted milker and a high tester. One sister recently completed a record for New Zealand for the Shorthorn breed although she was only a three-year-old when tested. The former record for the Shorthorn breed was 7001bs of fat, but this heifer finished her year with a total production of 7471bs of fat. Not only that, but another sister recently set a new record in the 2-year-old class, and now a four-year-old has completed a Dominion record for that class. In addition to being champion at the Wairarapa Show, Matangi Jimmy 2nd., also won championship honours as a 3-year-oid when shewn at Dannevirke, Feilding, and Carterton. She was bred in the waikato by the noted breeders there, Messrs Ranstead Bros., her sire being their famous bull Dominion Esau. This is the greatest sire of butter-fat producers as well as prize-winners in the Dominion. He was by an imported bull, and his dam made the highest butter-fat record of all the cows owned by the Government Farm at Ruakura. The sire of Mr McFarlane’s bull, Dominion Gibson Daphne, is by the imported bull, Gibson Girl’s Heir of Berry, while his dam, Dominion Daphne 6th., is out of hte same cow as Dominion Esau, so that Mr , McFarlane has secured a line bred bull doubly descended from the best cow owned by the N.Z. Government. Although his bull will net be a year old until December 23, he shows remarkable size. As it is Mr McFarlane’s intention to exhibit him both at Otautau and Invercargill he is bound to be very much admired. The type of this bud should be of considerable interest to Southland breeders as it shows the type of animal that the North Island breeders are going for. Mr McFarlane secured Waimea | Gold Dust through Messrs Wright, Stephen- j CHRISTCHURCH SHOW. COMMENT ON EXHIBITS. The following comments on the classes In which .Southland breeders competed at Christchurch are taken from an exchange: The- quality of the Border was of a very high class, the exhibitors being among the best-known breeders in the South Island. Mr T. S. Little, of Cor- I riedale, Windsor, North Otago, maintained a strong position throughout both the ram 1 and ewe sections, and his sheep were as ! usual brought out in first-class form. In aged rams he was first with one of Mr D. Archibald’s breeding, which was v.h.c. I last year, a fine type of ram carrying a 1 good fleece. Mr R. J. Anderson, of Kuana, I Southland, was second, with a square built, ; handsome sheep, rather stronger in the ; wool than the winner. Mr G. P. Johnston I (Gore) was v.h.c., with a big and good type of sheep, the College h.c., and Mr R. J. I Low c. The champion ram was shown ' by Mr Little in the four-tooth class, a very fine style of sheep, which carried himself well, and was well covered. This sheep was bred by Mr R. J. Low, and was v.h.c. as a hogget last year. Mr R. J. Anderson showed the second prize-winner and reserve champion, which was bred by Mr J. R. Gilchrist; a splendid type of sheep, with rather stronger wool than the champion. Mr Johnston was h.c., and Mr Little c. The latter won in four-tooth shorn with a stylish sheep, Mr Anderson being runner-up, and Mr Donald Grant v.h.c. and h.c. The single ram hoggets formed a fine class, Mr R. J. Anderson’s winner being a big sheep with rather strong wool. Mr Low was second with a very nice, well-grown sheep, the minor places being filled by Messrs Little and Low. Mr Anderson also scored in shorn hoggets, with a ram of good type, Mr Johnston being second, and Mr Low h.c. The latter was first and second in pairs of hoggets, all being of excellent quality, and Mr Little was commended. The ewes were quite equal to the rams in point of quality, and competition was keen throughout.. Mr Little, winner in the aged class, won the championship with a very fine stylish ewe, but a little weak in the neck. Mr Low was second with a rather plain ewe; and the College was v.h.c. with a very handsome and big ewe. The reserve champion was Mr Little’s winner in the four-tooth class, which showed excellent quality, Mr G. P. Johnston being second with a nice ewe, particularly good in tho head. Mr Low took all the commended awards in this class. The single ewe hoggets formed a strong class, and Mr Little won with a very fine sheep, and also supplied the third prize getter. Mr Johnston was second with a good ewe, which had not quite the substance of the winner. The College and Mr Low took the commended awards. Mr Little was again first and third in shorn hoggets, his exhibits showing good type, Mr Johnston being second and v.h.c., and the College h.c. and c. The North Otago breeder finally scored in pair of hoggets, Mr

Johnston taking the commended award for a sheep of Mr J. Douthwaite’s breeding. A really good ring of five typical Milking Shorthorns paraded in the aged bull class. The class was open to 1921 bulls, but no young bulls essayed the difficult task of competing with those of mature age. A very fine type of Shorthorn, with good dairying head and middle, in Mr James Bateman’s (Invercargill l Ashley Bank Sunbeam scored and won the championship. There was only one entry in the two-year-olds. exhibited by the Sunnyside Mental Hospital, the reserve championship falling to this entry. Fifteen yearlings paraded, the bulk being of excellent promise, with, as is natural in big classes, a proportion of mediocrities. Mr Bateman succeeded in this class from the Mental Hospital. Mr R. Peach third, and Mr W. J. Jenkins fourth. A proportion of the entry showed beef characteristics more prominently than dairying. Just how young stock will develop in a breed where there are two distinct types is problematical, but there was sufficient promise in the yearling ring to satisfy devotees of the breed. THE DOMINIONS STOCK. THE TWO ISLANDS COMPARED. (By X BREEDER.) The opportunity that occurs in the space of about a week to visit both the Manawatu and Canterbury Shows—the two leading fixtures in the Dominion —is availed of by many stock-breeders as it gives a fine opportunity to compare the progress of breeds in both islands. For an all-round display of Stud Stock, the Canterbury fixture to-day easily takes the lead, and the parade at that Show is one of the greatest sights in the Southern Hemisphere to a lover of the best in live stock. To such a man the 5/- charge for admission to the grandstand is not exorbitant. For its variety of sheep, the number of its Shorthorns, its Clydesdales, and the attendance, the Canterbury Show stands alone. The feature of the Manawatu Show is its Romneys and then its Dain’ Cattle breeds, although as far as the latter are concerned, other North Island fixtures eclipse it now. The stock displays made at the two fixtures clearly illustrate the breeds in favour in their respective communities. In the North Island, Romneys are the favoured breed of sheep, and the sheep shown this year were splendid specimens. This section was remarkable for the uniformity right through, -a most desirable feature. The introduction of classes at North Island Shows for both Romneys and Southdowns exhibited in their natural condition has proved very popular. These breeds provided the two outstanding sections at the Manawatu Show, for in past years dairy cattle have been seen in far greater numbers. At Christchurch the Corriedales provided the greatest show of any one breed cf sheep yet seen in the Dominion,. 202 entries were made in this section alone as against 179 Romneys (tw r o sections!, at Palmerston North. Again there were 111 Southdowns, a favourite breed in both islands, at Christchurch as against 119 at Palmerston North (two sections). Then Canterbury has its Merinos, 85 entries, and its English Leicester's, the second best section with one hundred and fifteen entries, its Border Leicesters with 94 entries. its Ryelands with 34 entries (a coming breed this), and there were 57 Shropshires shown as against 25 at Palmerston North. The sheep situation in Canterbury is very similar to that in England, where a variety of breeds are found suitable for use in breeding for quality lamb and mutton. At Christchurch a total of 921 entries was received in the sheep sections as against 472 at Palmerston North. A COMPARISON OF BREEDS. The extensive fat lamb business of Canterbury is responsible for the variety of fat lamb sires bred and the large number of men engaged in breeding. English Leicesters continue to hold pride of place among the breeds suitable for fat lamb production. This breed is peculiar to Canterbury. Today the name, English Leicester, is a misnomer, for this breed is another New Zealand evolution. A special type suitable to Canterbury has been evolved, the skill of the New Zealand breeder being once more brought into play to produce a breed suitable for the local environment and a special purpose. Outside of Canterbury, the English Leicester as a breed is no longer of great importance, in fact in its “ancestral” home to-day, there are only a few flocks in existence and these are only maintained for the sake of sentiment, other breeds have taken its place. The reverse is the case in Canterbury where the New Zealand evolved type—is might well be called the New Zealand Leicester—is the most popular breed used for crossing for fat lamb production. The closest rival to the English Leicester in Canterbury is the Southdown, which is New Zealand’s most popular breed. This breed is extensively used in the North Island, more so even than in the South. It is the favoured breed in the North for crossing with the Romney ewe, and its popularity in that island is widespread. A great many Southdowns have been purchased in England this year for import into the Dominion and it is significant that the largest and most valuable shipment selected is to be sold in the North. In addition to its English Leicesters and Southdowns, Canterbury lamb breeds use extensively also Border Leicesters and Shropshires, while Suffolks (although none were exhibited), and Ryelands are being much inquired for. In the North there are a few Shropshire and Border Leicester flocks, but neither breed can claim to be popular there. The Borders are particularly valuable in colder climates, and are great favourites in Southern N.Z. In America the Shropshire is about the most popular breed, and the breeders there have a well organised registration society, and an extensive membership of breeders. In Australia also the Shropshire is much used and is bred to a very' high standard. It should be in much greater demand in New Zealand, as the breed is practically on a par with the Southdown for lamb production. The majority of the Southdown one-shear rams are already booked up for this season, and probably Shropshire breeders, as last year, are also enjoying a keen inquiry. In anticipation of this a shipment cf rams of both breeds is being made from Australia shortly. THE ROYAL SHOW. It seems to be a certainty that the first Royal Show will be held at Palmerston North next year. That an adequate display of the various breeds be made is very much to be desired. If the south sends forward a good representation of its sheep breeds, the main sections will certainly be the Romneys and Southdowns. The Rom neys seen at Christchurch would be eclipsed in the hot competition of the north, but this breed is not a Canterbury favourite, for only 44 entries were made at the recent Show. Southland shelters the principal Romney flocks of the South Island, and except that their season is later, it is their studs which would provide contests or North Island Romney men. If the Royal Show, as we hope, draws overseas’ buyers, New Zealand Romneys are among the breeds which will sell. Our Romney is so much superior to the English Romnpy for dual purpose qualities that the originates are now “considering” the advisability of setting about the improvement of their Romney wool. New Zealand visitors to the recent Royal Show’ state, however, that the Romneys shown there were still notable only fcr their bene and shepherd-trimmed symmetry. The wool showed wonderful variations, not only on individual sheep, but as between first prize-winners, and in any case the judge paid no attention to wool, in fact, I seme careful observers stated that the wool was never even opened by the English Judges, and as for turning up a sheep to examine the belly wool, such a performance would create a scandal. ' Great amusement is evidenced when a “colonial” sets in to overhaul a sheep, for in most cases the English breeder does not know what rerements we desire. They just exclaim: *Uii, those Colonials.”

THE CORRIEDALE. ! The Corriedale is winning the interest of ■ North Island sheepmen and gradually ex- ! tending into certain districts in the North. I The pioneer of the breed in the North Island has been Mr T. 0. Haycock of the i Wairarapa. No breed has had a stronger ! advocate than Mr Haycock, and it is signii Scant that his lead has now been followed i in the Wairarapa by a prominent Romney breeder in the person of Mr William Ray- ! nor; in fact, the latter gentleman has j brought from the South an outstanding ram which won the championships at ail four Shows so far held in the North— Hawke's Bay. Wairarapa, Manawatu and Wanganui. This ram came frem Bushey Park. The same flock was the most successful one at the recent Christchurch Show where the breed made a phenomenal entry. 1 Both championships went to the Bushey ■ Park flock as well as the highest aggregate of points. Mr H. T. Little, a nephew' I of the originator of the breed, the late I James Little, succeeded, however, in reI taining the James Little Memorial Cup, ! awarded to the exhibitor gaining most i points in the Corriedale section with sheep bred by himself. This magnificent trophy I was only presented for competition last I year. It is interesting to note that the I studs which were most prominent in the I competitions at Christchurch were those recently drawn upon to ccntribute Corriedale sheep to the Argentine. For some years the demand for the breed in that country practically ceased owing to a rather indifferent class of sheep being sent, but the stock now going forward is meeting w'ith the highest commendation from the buyers. The Ccrriedale breeders have recently broken away from the South Island Sheepbreeders’ Association, and have formed an association of their own. A standard for the breed has been adopted, and it is intended to establish their own flock book. It is understood that the new association intends to deal drastically with the judging question. At the present time, owing to the haphazard way in w'hich our judges are appointed show-ring competitions are often of little value to the real breeder. The Corriedale Association proposes, it is understood, to to keep their list very restricted, and no man will be appointed a judge who has not actually had experience with the breed. AMONG THE SHORTHORNS. There are few’ Shorthorn herds in the Manawatu, and the world-famous breed had a very insignificant representation at Palmerston North. On the ccntrary there were 122 entries at Christchurch in the section for Shorthorns. There is no definition at Christchurch as to what the type is. Last year, however, a Scotch-bred bull of the modern beef type w’as champion. Previous to that a bull of the dual purpose type had two successive victories, while looking further back still, a Scotchbred bull took the leading honours for two years also. This year there was again a reversion, for the champion bull was of the dual purpose type. What is going to happen when the South meets the North at the Royal Show? One can hardly think that the Canterbury type will be preferred to the modern Shorthorns which are the present day feature of the Hawke’s Bay Show. The importations of Scotch Shorthorns into the South Island are having their effect, and this is shown in the winning animals among the younger classes. The stock of the former champion, an imported bull “Diamond Prince,” have been successful for some years, and this year the winning yearlings, both in males and females, were sired by Mr Leonard White’s imported bull “Prince Paul.” “Prince Paul” is by “Collynie Lavender King” (a Duthie bred bull), w’hile the progeny of “Collynie Proud Knight,” the other bull imported by Mr White and last year’s champion, was also prominent in the prize-list. Just on the eve of the Canterbury Show a mest valuable shipment of Scotch Shorthorns arrived at Lyttelton, and these were inspected by a number of prominent breeders attending the Show. The consignment was brought out for Mr J. A. Johnstone, the well-known Otago breeder. In a recent issue of the English Live Stock Journal illustrations of these valuable cattle and a description of the individuals comprising the shipment were published. There are nine heifers brought from the herds of Lady Cathcart, of Cluny, Mr J. J. Mowbray of Naemoor, Mr Geo. Harrison, of Gainford, Mr James Durno, of Uppermill, Mr A. J. Marshall, of Stranraer, and Mr J. Shields, of Lochniddry. The females are all dark reds or dark roans, and are a very handsome lot. They were very carefully selected, and are all of the modern deep bodied, short legged, heavy fleshed type, free from patchiness, and with good hair and touch. Their breeding is of the most fashionable, and another point which the purchaser insisted upon was that they should be chosen from families which were good milkers. Along with them is the Aberdeen champion bull “Rothiebrisbane Diamond,” who was the winner of the Duthie Challenge Cup at the Aberdeen Spring Show and Sale this year. This bull has taken the fancy of all who have seen him, and undoubtedly is the finest type of Shorthern bull we have seen in the Dominion from overseas. Naturally it is not known what Price was paid for this great animal, but the Live Stock Journal points out that his brother, who was champion at the same Show in 1920, was sold for 5000 guineas. A half brother to this bull was also champion at Aberdeen last year. If the South is represented by such Shorthorns as Mr White exhibited at Christchurch together with the importations just made by Mr Johnstone, it will be a great day for Shorthorn men, for the North has some wonderful herds. Taking the Milking Shorthorns of Canterbury and comparing them with the type now favoured in the North Island, there is again a great difference in the standard aimed at. There was a sprinkling of North Island-bred stock at Christchurch and one of these won in her class. She looked a milker. The champion cow, on the other hand, was a magnificent animal of the Shorthorn breed. She was a Shorthorn every inch of her and carried a great milking vessel, but this cow was far too level in her underline, and too prominent in her brisket to meet with the approval of the dairymen from the North, who aim to produce the special dairy type of cow. This type is the profit maker on good dairy land. As a display of Shorthorns, the section at Christchurch would eclipse that at Palmerston North, but on the other hand, all the big butter-fat records for the breed are be? ing put up by the North Island type; in fact, it is reported that some wonderful records are now being made in the Waikato and further North, where the Shorthorn is still a prime favourite for milk production.

Cost 1/6 Sold 1/factory Milk Cheese over cash £. s. i d. £. s. d. £. s. d. (1) 3% 1 2 6 2 6 0 1 3 6 (2> 4% 1 10 0 2 10 0 1 0 0 (31 4.7% 1 15 3 2 13 0 17 9

6 Z s 2o,.44 1 d.5 8io.04 c £ 3 -C O « 2,268 2 V O ~ -a x 3 S o 10.20 2.80 (21 23,758 3.7 879.04 2,461 9.65 2.80 (3) 14,208 5.1 724.60 1,579 9.00 2.18 C3 rp 8 OS i s K < J 9 s.* d £ s. d. (1) 60 15 0 113 8 0 52 13 0 (2) 65 18 6 123 1 0 57 2 6 (3)' 54 6 9 78 1 9 0 24 13 9 [According to Professor Drummond’s ex-

Yield Per cent. Per cent. Yield per lOOIbs. Milk. Milk. per 1001b. 3.0 8.30 4.3 11.29 3.1 8.53 4.4 11.53 3.2 8.76 4.5 11.74 3.3 8.99 4.6 11.98 3.4 9.22 4.7 12.21 3.5 9.45 d.8 12.44 3.6 9.68 4.9 12.67 3.7 9.91 5.0 12.90 3.8 10.14 5.1 13.13 3.9 10.37 5 2 13.36 4.0 10.60 5.3 13.59 4.1 10.83 5.4 13.82 4.2 11.05 5.5 14.05 I am etc.,

No. Value at 1/6. £ s. A (1) 942 70 13 0 (2) 1018 76 7 0 (3) 839 62 18 6