JERSEY FIELD DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1920, Page 8

JERSEY FIELD DAY.

GATHERING AT BELL BLOCK. The first Jersey Field Day held under the auspices of the New Plymouth Branch of the New Zealand Jersey Breeders' Association, which was held at the farm of Mr. 11. Salway, Bell Block, yesterday, proved an unqualified success. The branch was fortunate in securing the services of Mr. 11. E. Watson, of Tai Tapn, Canterbury, a well-known Jersey •breeder v and judge, to give a demonstration of the principal points to be sought for in the breed.

About 150 guests gathered at Mr. Salway's farm, including a number of school pupils. At 11 a.m. the champion cow, "Majesty's Eileen," was led into the ring, which was formed in a sheltered spot on the farm, and Mr. Watson described her chief characteristics, the talk being followed with close attention. Luncheon, which was provided by members of th* branch and otiters, was then partaken of under a large awning, which was put up for the occasion. Mrs. Salway, assisted by a number of lady friends, dispensed tea.

In the afternoon three aged cows were brought forward and judged, Mr. Watson giving his reasons for his decisions. Then followed a three-year-old, two-year-old, and a yearling, which were similarly dealt with, as were also aged and young bulls. Questions asked evoked much interest, and were responsible for interesting information being given. At the conclusion of the judging several of those present gave expression to the general appreciation of Mr. Watson's demonstrations and the value of such field days. Amongst those who spoke were Mr. F. Ranford, President of the Stratford Branch, Mr. W. B. Grant, President of the Taranaki A. and P. Society, who paid a tribute to the good work done through the unity of the Jersey breeders, Mr. C. H. Weston, who thanked the ladies, and Mr. P. Fagan (Waikato) who said Taranaki Jerseys were in keen demand in his district. Mr. Lysons thanked the Press for their assistance generally, and Mr. Griffiths, the secretary of the local branch, thanked Mr. Watso'n for his visit, and for the assistance given in stimulating interest in the breed. Mr. Lepper, the president of the local branch, thanked Mr. Salway for placing his farm and his services "at the disposal of the branch for the day, and the proceedings closed with cheers for the ladies.

FIELD DAY AT KAPONGA. The annual field day in connection with the Stratford branch of the New Zealand Jersey Breeders' Association was held on Mr. E Baggfc farm at Kaponga on Thursday, about 200 being present. The arrangements made bv the local committee reflected the greatest credit on those concerned and enabled Mr. II E. P. Watson to demonstrate to the best advantage. Mr. F. Ranford, president of the branch, introduced Mr. Watson, who congratulated the Taranaki farmers and the Association on the fine display of animals collected for demonstration purposes. "

Mr. Watson then proceeded to point out what he considered to be the essentials of the typical Jersey cow. usino- a prize winner in the recent Stratford show to demonstrate the various points .Several classes of cows and bulls were' ludgnd by Mr. Watson, who gave his reasons for placing them in order of merit.

Luncheon was served in a marquee the lad.es of the ICaponca district boiii" responsible for the great satisfaction expressed on all sides.

The demonstration was resumed at 1.30 p.m. a'nd continued until 3 o'clock' when afternoon tea brought to a clo;p a function both instructive and eniovaMff. '

Mr. Ranford prono-ed and Mr. Belcher seconded a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Watson for his services. Votes pf thanks were also accorded to tile Kaponga committee and the ladies for the excellent arrangements made for the demonstration.