WELL FAVOURED DISTRICT

Southland Times, Issue 23379, 10 December 1937, Page 11

WELL FAVOURED DISTRICT

Creditable Breeding

Activities

HIGH STANDARD OF LIVE-STOCK

The Wyndham district is extremely well favoured for the staging of an outstanding show and the high standard which has been attained at the society s fixtures have been merely a reflection of the excellence of the stock raising industries of the locality. A progressive committee' controlling the show has made the most of the opportunities and has undoubtedly encouraged breeders to better efforts. The flat country of the Mataura Valley in which the town of Wyndham is located has proved ideal for dairying and this industry has been developed to its highest state in Southland, in Wyndham, Edendale and Mataura, these being three of the biggest cheese factories in the province. It is not surprising, therefore, that some of the finest studs of purebred dairy cattle are to be found in the vicinity, and for many years the show has relied proudly on the exhibits from district cattle breeders for one of its strongest features. Actually, if a radius of less than 10 miles was drawn round the town some of the best specimens of dairy cattle in the South Island could be found. Edendale has come to be known as the home of the Ayrshires in the South Island, the studs of Messrs A. M. Weir, R. S. Weir and T. G. Dobbie being noted for the high quality of their animals. Prominent Jersey and Friesian breeders are also located within easy reach from Wyndham. On the ridges to the east of the town is remarkably fertile sheep country where breeders of the most popular breeds have established their studs and have been successful in raising flock sheep of outstanding quality. The crossbred flocks of the Wyndham ridges are equalled only by those in the Tapanui and Kelso districts, according to many judges, and certainly the standard near Wyndham is very high. The crossbred sections at the district show are usually a very strong attraction, but the centre concedes nothing in the quality of

stud sheep. A number of studs of Romney Marsh, Border Leicester and Southdown sheep are to be found in the district and the number of purchases of sheep made from the Wyndham area is evidence of the high opinion held by outside breeders.

The horse breeding activities of the district have not been neglected in the substantial development of sheep and cattle raising activities. Clydesdale horses of a very fine type are to be found on most farms, and the stud animals maintained by not a few breeders are well thought of by judges. The

breeding of light horses has always been a feature of Wyndham live-stock activities and it is recalled that they made up the principal features at early shows. Even with the great development of motor transport, interest in light horse raising has been well maintained and the usual standard of exhibits at the show is very high.