HERD TESTING.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17268, 14 November 1929, Page 6

HERD TESTING.

MR C. M. HUME’S AIM. THREE HUNDRED POUND AVERAGE PRESENTATION FROM STAFF. Although he is not prepared to admit the fact, the phenomenal growth of group herd-testing in’ Ncw Zealand is largely due to the efforts of Mr C. M. Hume, late manager of the New Zealand Co-operative Herd Testing Association, which is really the parent of the newly-formed Dominion Federation of Group Testing. In recognition of his very' marked services in the cause, Mr Hume has been appointed supervisor of the Dominion Federation. He is making his headquarters at Hamilton, for he recognises Waikato as the keystone of the w'hole organisation. It is interesting to note that in the seven years which the New Zealand Co-operative Herd Testing Association has existed, the number of cows under test has grown from 6900 to 80,826, while very largely as a result of this association’s example and encouragement, the total cow’s testing under the group system in the Dominion has risen in the same period from 45,564 to 259,000.

To the average towmsman this implies little, but when it is realised that if the average butterfat yield in the Dominion can be raised from its present figure of 2001 b. per cow, to 3001 b (and this is Mr Hume’s avowed aim), it will mean an increase of £10,000,000 per annum to the income of the farmers of the Dominion, without any increased expense, it will be readily seen that the resultjs well worth striving after. Every 101 b. which the average is raised puts an additional million sterling per annum in the pockets of the dairyman. The work of the Herd-testing Association is not apparent to the average person, but it entails the employment of an office staff of 16 persons, 12 of whom are girls, and an outside staff of 70. Careful records have to be kept of all cows tested and the labour is by no means a light one. Mr Hume, w r ho will be retained in an advisory capacity to the New' Zealand Co-operative’ Herd Testing Association, w-as to-day presented by the office staff with a well-equipped leather travelling case. Tribute to Mr. Hume. The presentation w'as made by Mr Claude Hope, on behalf of his colleagues. \ Mr Hope said they had gathered tor the purpose of bidding Mr Hume an official farewell on relinquishing control of the association. The speaker said he had used the word "official" because they all felL sure that Mr Hume, having been at the head of the association for so many years, would still retain a fatherly interest in it. This would be so even had he not been retained in an advisory capacity to the association. Those of them who had been associated with Mr Hume for so many years felt that he had steered the association through the shoals and reefs into comparatively smooth w'ater. _lt was due to those remaining and others coming in, to see that no drift set in. The speaker referred to the very great esteem and respect in which the staff held Mr Hume. They congratulated him on his new appointment, which was most deserved. The Federation and the dairy farmers of the Dominion w'ero also to be congratulated on their good fortune in securing Mr liumc to look after their interests. (Applause.) Mr Hope also welcomed the new manager, Mr Sheaf, to whom he promised, on behalf of the staff, the same measure of loyalty they had given Mr Hume. In congratulating Mr Hume on his appointment, Mr Sheaf said that during his (the speaker’s) short period with the association, he had come to realise the very thorough grasp which Mr Hume had of the business. To the speaker Mr Hume had already been of very great assistance and had ungrudgingly given of his knowledge and advice. Dovolopmont of Herd-tostlng. Returning thanks for the kind expressions, Mr Ilutno .said he regarded the staff with affection. Many people placed similarly would, he thought, regard Hint occasion as one of rejoicing. Not so with him. The staff and he had been so closely associated with building up herd-testing in the Waikato, that he experienced a wrench in leaving the association. There w’as no doubt that the development of group herd-testing in New Zealand was very largely the result of the efforts made in Waikato. To the speaker the work had been a labour of love. He did not take to himself credit for the development that had however, taken place. They had been exceedingly fortunate in having a chairman of the calibre of Mr Dynes Fulton, without whose efforts the movement could not have grown to its present dimensions. The speaker paid a tribute to-the loyally and zeal of the staff. Without their loyally and help it would have been impossible for Hie association to have achieved so much. lie made special mention of the work of Mr Hope. Mr flume congratulated Mr Sheaf on bis appointment and assured the staff that they would find him a most tactful, able and sympathetic manager. The speaker had no misgivings about leaving the destiny of the association in his hands. In conclusion Mr lTdme said his aim was to bring the Dominion average up to 3001 b. if he could do that, and he felt he could, he would die happy. (Applause.^