Public Opinion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 221, 18 September 1934, Page 4

Public Opinion

POLLED HEREFORDS Sir, —I am quite sure if Mr. Moore states he sold polled run cattle it is quite correct. But I would like to point out it was pedigree animals as eligible for the English Herd Book referred to by Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Moore that my letter was an answer to. Bulls of all breeds are turned out in the paddocks in this country and as there are very few, if any, fences in New Zealand that will hold a heavy bull, one is cot at all surprised at an occasional polled animal turning up, and I repeat that there are no pedigree polled Herefords in England, where all bulls are confined, and owners are under a very heavy penalty for any bull found in another owner’s herd. Then why is it that polled Herefords, Shorthorns, etc., ! are turning up in thousands in countries they are being imported into? ’ Now we are told in America they have originated from what they call freaks, ! but this not a very aristocratic name to 5 start off with, but these few freaks must have been the most prolific animals the world has every heard of, to have flooded the great continent of North and South America in a few years. Herefordshire breeders have been going over to America, at the invitation of the Americans, every year for a number of years to judge Herofords at all the principal shows in the North and South. They certainly must know a little about the cattle industry in this great country and are not blind as to how polled cattle have originated there, and as space wen’t allow, I can only quote one, known in his country as John Bull, and from whose Herefords the present King’s herd was founded, after judging Herefords at the principal shows in America, he was asked to attend one of the smaller affairs to judge. When the first class came into I the ring, he inquired from the stewards what the crossbreeds were in the class with the pedigrees for, and was informed they were stud polled Herefords. “Arc they?” replied the judge, “well, when you have turned the crosssbrecds out of the ring I will start and judge the Herefords.” This man was recognised in England and America as one of the world’s greatest livng authorites on Hereford cattle. Now, Sir, a little difference of opinion as to the origin of polled does not mean, I don’t think, they are good beef animals. Far from it, and I hope breeders f all breeds will come along and support the Wanganui Show Committee’s enterprise in establishing the chilled beef championship, and am quite sure when the carcases arrive in London the judges won’t identify the polled Hereford one, as the gentleman that tried to get in at the back door and sneak the record and pedigree‘of the grand old Herefords. Now, Sir, one little reminiscence of my boyhood against pedigree. It was taken with my father to inspect a bull with a view to purchase, which was in a. loose box up to his knees in bedding. When the owner started at once on his pedigree, I noticed the governor only gave the animal one glance over, and when he got. a chance to speak, said “Thanks very much, but I would like a bit, more animal and less pedigree.” So there is the idea: come along with the 1 carcases and you will be asked for the pedigree. Wishing you all the best of luck, and may difference of opinion never alter friendship.—Yours faithfully, “OLD HEREFORD.”

DOUGLAS CREDIT Sir, —I had intended to reply in some detail to the last letter of your correspondent, tl National Credit for All,” but in the meantime the report of the Monetary Commission was published, and from it he will see that the financial experts on that body do not regard the Douglas system as a solution of our troubles. But they support the view that 1 have all along held, namely, that with readjustments to suit present conditions, our existing system will be quite adequate. This being so, I do not think it would serve any good purpose for us to continue the discussion. —I am, etc-, G. F. MOORE. Bushy Park.