SOUTHDOWN SHEEP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP

NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY FAITH IN THE BRED. The annual meeting of tne Souih<own Sheep Society of New Zealand was held at the Show grounds, Palmer stun North, on June 17. The president. Air F. J. Andrew, was in the chair. “The main matter of interest affecting members has been the very serious drop in the price of wool,-* stated the president, in his annual report. ‘‘This has not affected members of thia society so serious ; as the breeders of long wool sheep, but the depression is so general and widespread that everyone is badly hit. Notwithstanding this great drawback. Southdowns have held their own surprisingly, and in most cases good prices have been obtained for animals of quality. The fact, too. that fifty new flocks have been registered with the society goes to show that faith in the breed is not wanting. The number of rams and ewes exported also bears this out. During the year, export certificates have beer issued for 548 ewes and 87 rams, the figures being much the same as for last year lor ewes, but lower for rams. Once more members are earnestly enjoined t-0 send away nothing but -he best, so that importers may purchase with the assurance that they will get the best, and with this guarantee it certainly can be definitely assured that a good export trade will be built up. To keep up the standards of our flocks should be the very first aim of our breeders. “A good deal of discussion has taken place un the suggestion that British ports should be thrown open for the export of sheep and cattle owing to diminution of the foot and mouth disease, ” stated the president. “The danger of importing the disease into the Dominion is so serious that no action should be taken without every precaution against the slightest possibility of it getting into this country. ‘‘To encourage breeders to make ex hibits at shows, the council has donated 24 gol« medals to the various Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. The financial position of the society is on a very sound basis, having improved from year to year.' ’ Financial Position. The financial statement disclosed that a balance of £357 18s 2d had been brought forward. Members’ subscriptions totalled £946 16s. The revenue from new flocks was £73 10s, transfers £23 17s <id and inspections £ll2 9s. The credit balance for the year was £Bl2 4s 2d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President. Mr H. J. Andrew (Maheno); vice-presidents. South Island, Mr W. J. Jenkins (Sheffield), North Island, Mr J. Knight (Feilding); council, Messrs XV. H. Buick (Masterton), J. Deans (Coalgate), E. Burrell (Feilding). XV. J. Jenkins (Sheffield), H. B. Stuckey (Dannevirke), 11. j. Andrew (Maheno), J. Knight (Feilding), XV. J. Gimblett (Hastings), F. J. Ellis (Bulls), J. Brooks (Brookside, Canterbury); auditor, Mr P. L. Sim. Inspection of saeep. Mr W. G. Shannon advocated altering the rule under which sheep must be inspected for sale, such inspection lasting for six months. He contended that the sheep having been inspected and tattooed, such tattoo should last for all time. In such circumstances inspectors would be more careful. Mr J. Knight: Sheep that are passed are tattooed and those not passed are marked with the “reject” sign. Unless breeders ugo in for an inspection of all two tooths, as in the Romney Marsh breed, little progress would be made. It was necessary ’o depend to a large extent upon the honesty of the breeders. They should be asked not to breed from rejects. Mr Shannon: There is' nothing in

BL 1 ... .. ■TH '.J UB the rules to prevent breeding from rejects. Mr Knight: In the interests of the breed I would like to see breeders refraining from breeding from rejects. Mr XV. J. Jenkin§ said that he liad found breeders were always pleased to have their stock inspected. It was agreed that the best thing was to send the culls away to the abattoir. However, he saw eye to eye with Mr Knight that it was largely a question of the honesty of the breeders. Mr ID. O ’Brien was of the opinion that it would be quite sufficient to have the sheep inspected every twelve months. This applied particularly to small breeders, where the cost of bringing sheep for frequent inspection was excessive. Mr Knight: The rule applies to men who are having their sheep inspected for sale purposes. I do not think that any hardship on breeders is involved. Mr Jenkins: If the whole flock were to be submitted for inspection, long intervals would suffice. However, it frequently occurs that only a small number of sheep in a flock are to be sold, and in this case those not sold are not inspected. The discussion lapsed at this stage, no resolution being passed .