IDEAL SHEEP COUNTRY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1934, Page 5

IDEAL SHEEP COUNTRY

FARMING IN NEW ZEALAND improving the wool clip. NEED FOR CAREFUL BREEDING. Exceedingly favourable impressions of New Zealand have been formed by Mr. B. J. P. Parkinson, head of one of the largest Bradford wool firms and a former president of the British Wool Federation; who returned-to Auckland from Rotorua on Sunday after a motor tour of the Dominion. “It is a delightful country,” Mr. Parkinson said, “and I was surprised to see the progress that has been made in less than ICO years. I am even thinking of buying some farming property here.” Mr. Parkinson arrived at Auckland from England early in December and, in addition to attending the various wool sales since then, has made a comprehensive motor tour of the Dominion, covering over 4000 miles. He has stayed at several of the large sheep stations and has also visited other farming properties. He is a well-known breeder of Friesian cattle in England and his interest in all branches of farming frequently led him to stop his car by the roadside and to chat with farmers. Mr Parkinson also visited Massey Agricultural College, where he discussed with experts some of the problems m wool-growing peculiar to New Zealand. He left for Wellington Saturday evening and, before his departure for Sydney by the Wanganella on Thursday, will probably address a conference of wool-growers, convened by the Government. IMPROVED BREEDING. “You have a wonderful variety of wool country,” Mr. Parkinson said, “and I have had the privilege of inspecting some fine flocks. However, I am confident that the breed of sheep in New Zealand can be vastly improved. We in England cannot dictate as to the class of wool that should be grown. It must be left to the individual grower to decide what his land will carry, whether fine, medium or low-grade wool. But when he has found the most suitable type of sheep for his land he must breed true to that type in a constant effort to improve it. “This need not interfere with the aim of breeding for mutton as weU as for wool. I quite realise that in New Zealand it is the double utility sheep that is wanted. But if wool-growers take care of their rams and pay a little extra money for the right stock they will find themselves getting about 2d a pound more for their wool. An unfortunate position has arisen through many wool-growers selling sheep which should have been kept for breeding purposes. .However, that should soon ne rectified, but the necessity for providing the right breeds of rams still remains. In sheepfarming the records of sires should be carefully studied. “New Zealand wool has certain qualities which the wool of other countries definitely lacks, but, because prices are rising, the New Zealand wool-grower should not just regard matters complacently. Other countries are making considerable headway. A few years ago Bradford would hardly look at Soutn American wool, but now the quality has improved greatly, just as a result of careful attention to breeding. FUND FOR RESEARCH. "New Zealand, naturally, will not want other countries to overtake her in wool production. In England we pay a levy on all the wool we import and all that money is devoted to a fund for research into the spinning qualities and other aspects of the various wools. Considerable benefits could follow if there were a levy of Id or 2d a bale on aU wool put into store in New Zealand and that money were used as a fund for the supervision of breeding or the importing of pedigree rams. It must be remembered that competition between wool-growing countries is becoming more intense every year. You can improve your wool and still maintain the quality of your mutton.” ' Mr. Parkinson said he had been most favourably impressed by the herds of cattle he had seen. He had inspected some excellent herds of fat stock, and dairying cattle in various parts of the Dominion appeared to be well cared for and in excellent condition. “In addition to visiting some of the larger stations, I often stopped my, car and chatted to some of the small farmers in country districts,” Mr. Parkinson continued. “You have a fine type of man on the land. Many of them seem to be struggling with high land values, but in spite of this there is a wonaerful future for your country. QUALITIES OF SOIL. “My impression of Nev/ Zealand is that it is an ideal farming country. Woolgrowing and dairying both flourish, but you are so far away from the centres of population that I think it would be unwise to attempt too much in the direction of manufacturing. I have seen for myself that your soil will grow almost anything. Immediately the bush is cleared the herbage seems to spring up. For any young man with capital, some knowledge of farming and a will to work, New Zealand offers a wonderful opportunity. Mr. Parkinson also referred to the scenic attractions of the country. “I visited most of the popular resorts,” he said, “including Rotoi-ua, Taupo, Wairakei, the -Chateau, Waitomo • Caves, the Southern Alps and Lake Waikaremoana. The bush scenery on the Waikaremoana Road is marvellous, and that trip is something that no visitor to New Zealand should miss. Apart from the recognised scenic spots, the fanning country of the Waikato and Taranaki can present a delightful picture.” - , . ■ During the whole of his trip, Mr. Parkinson added, he had had only one real disappointment. He had spent three days at Deepwater Cove, fishing with Mr. H. White-Wickham, of London. On two days they had braved bad weather conditions without success, but on the following day, when Mr. Parkinson had to leave for Napier, Mr. WhiteWickham hooked a mako shark of over 3001 b. However, Mr. Parkinson spent several enjoyable days trout fishing at Taupo. “I have been meaning to visit your country for years,” Mr. Parkinson said. “This is my first visit, but I can assure you it will not be my last.”