PEDIGREE STOCK.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17224, 6 October 1927, Page 4

PEDIGREE STOCK.

IN.Z. BEST IN WORLD. ISLAND AGRICULTURIST'S OPINION. According to Mr Fred Simmonds, a well-known agriculturist, who arrived in Auckland by the Tofua, New Zealand has the best breeding stock in the world. Mr Simmonds ought to know, for he is one of the cattle-judges at the principal shows in Australia and aiso tho3e in America. For three years manager of the Fiji Pastoral Company, he has come to New Zealand to stay. He still has a ranch in California, but he has decided to make the North Island of this Dominion his home. Exactly where he will farm he has not yet decided.

Mr Simmonds is enthusiastic about dairying and stock raising prospects in Fiji. The progeny of New Zealand imported bulls and Fijian oows show great promise, he says, and the islands are. well suited to the needs of cattle. The Fijian cattle are mainly of the Shorthorn breed, but they have developed a distinct type, and the crossing with the Jersey and Holstein strains has produced splendid results. Despite the bad state of some of the country roads he thinks the Fijian islands will be a great agricultural district in years to come. Land is cheap and good, and there is a steady demand for the farm produce, particularly from America. "It is a young man's country" he says, "and there is plenty of hard work, but the primary industries of Fiji offer big scope for development." Not only does he rale New Zealand stock highly but he considers our farming and dairying methods a pattern io the rest of the world. Califo-nia, where New Zealand Romney sheep have been imported, with very successful results, has great agricultural possibilities, but he is inclined, after long experience there and in his native Australia, to rank the Dominion an casv first amongst all competitors.