BIG INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

Southland Times, Issue 23839, 9 June 1939, Page 3

BIG INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

ROMNEY MARSH SHEEP , BREEDERS RECORD TOTAL REACHED Iff A record membership was reached by the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association during the past year, according to the president Mr John Miller (Maungatua). Mr Miller said, in moving the adoption of the annual report at the annual meeting of the association in Dunedin on Wednesday, that 82 new members had been enrolled, bringing the total membership to 755, a record figure. He congratulated the association on its successful year. The revenue for the term was slightly higher than last year due, principally, to the fact that 82 more flocks had been registered, and the finances of the society were in a particularly healthy state, he said. The export trade in stud sheep was on the increase, and during the year ended December 31, 44 rams and 305 ewes were sent abroad, which was an encouraging indication that the breed was increasing in favour. The export trade was increasing, and it was necessary that a high standard of breeding must be maintained and constantly striven for. Inspectors both for local and export sales would be more rigid in future, so that if possible, a higher average standard among flocks would be obtained. Mr Miller thanked the members, the council, and the secretary for the assistance they had given him during his term of office.

The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr G. R. < Black (Hawke’s Bay); honorary treasurer, Mr R. W. Matthews, auditors, Messrs K. S. Glendining and J. Corpe. The secretary reported that Sir W. Perry, Messrs P. Campbell, A. L. Elworthy, W. K. Morton, and H. Voss had been reelected as councillors. SHIELD COMPETITIONS On the recommendation of the council, it was decided that the association s shield competitions should be allocated as follows:—North Islanji Spring Shield, Wairarapa Association; North Island Autumn Shield, Dannevirke Association; South Island Shields, Southland Association; Wheeler Memorial Shield. Canterbury Association. Mr A. S. Adams mentioned the rail charges for the transport of stud stock: These, he said, had become almost exorbitant, and breeders who sent rams or ewes any distance were forced to pay almost their value in freight. He moved—“ That an application be made to the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) for a reduction of freight charges for stud stock.” Mr R. Edwards seconded the motion.

The chairman said that the suggestion conveyed in the motion was one that would, if adopted, prove of the utmost value to the industry as a whole.

The resolution was carried, and it was agreed that a copy be sent to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand, requesting the endorsement of that organization A motion recommending a reduction of the annual subscription from £l/10/- to £l, of which notice had previously been lodged, was defeated.