INSPECTION OF RAMS AT GORE FAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 25548, 16 December 1944, Page 7

INSPECTION OF RAMS AT GORE FAIRS

All Breeds To Be Included

A decision to carry out inspection of all flock sheep at ram fairs was made by the committee of the Gore A. and P. Association yesterday afternoon. The meeting also passed a motion that the secretary write to all breed societies except the Romney Marsh Society, asking that, in view of the fact that the Romney Society had instituted inspections, the other societies should give a lead in the matter.

Mi- J. A. Edwards: I think the inspection will ultimately be on the farms, but we cannot do that during the war.

A member said there was no doubt that some of the Southdown rams foisted on to the public were not fit for “dog tucker.” The Romneys set the best standard.

The view was expressed by another member that the resolution for an inspection of all sheep should come from the breed societies.

Mr W. G. Mackay: Unless the inspection is carried out on the farms it is not going to be any good to you. There are thousands of rams bred which never see a fair. Unless the inspection is on the farm we cannot prevent their sale. Mr Edwards: Why should the Romney breeder be penalized? A member: If the inspection is a success you are not penalized. Mr R. H. Gardyne said the standard of Romney rams had improved since the institution of inspections. Vendors were not putting doubtful sheep in the fairs.

Mr Edwards: We have been complimented on our inspection. The tendency all over the world is to eliminate the scrub breeder.

Mr R. H. Dickie said the society had a responsibility for the animals it handled. It could not control private sales, but it had a duty to keep the standard high at its fairs. If an allround inspection were carried out it would lead to an improvement in the standard of the Southdowns brought to the fairs and also an enhancement of prices.