HOLSTEIN CATTLE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 28, 10 March 1914, Page 8

HOLSTEIN CATTLE.

VALUABLE IMPORTATIONS FROM CANADA. (The Sun Special.) AUCKLAND, March 10. One of the largest consignments of Holstein dairy cattle which ha"s come to New Zealand reached Auckland this morning by the steamer Cairncross from Toronto.

It consists of 24 cows and heifers, also seven calves, which were born on the voyage. Messrs Gunn and Sinclair, of Raetihi, near Taihape, are the importers, through the agency of Messrs Dalgety and Co. They brought another but smaller consignment from Canada some months ago.

Although the cows have been 105 days at sea, they will, have to remain for the statutory period of 60 days in the quarantine grounds at Motuhi Island, whither they are being lightered this afternoon. After the long voyage, they are naturally not in their best condition. All are pedigree stock, and their certificates show *many of them to be prize-winners. The estimated value of the consignment,, inclusive of the calves, is in the vicinity of £3OOO. Nine calves were born on the steamer, but two did not survive.

These importations are of special interest in that they are indications of the growing popularity in New Zealand of the f Black and White" breed. America is recognised 'as the home of the Holstein, but the vogue is said to have now become as strong in Canada. By importing well-bred specimens, the strength of the breed should be considerably increased in New Zealand.