Cattle.

“The Empire's Dairy Farm,” as New Zealand has been so long called, naturally pays attention to bloodstock among its milking cattle, and the figures of the recognised stud herds of Jerseys, Friesians, Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorn are most imposing. World champions have arisen here and our standard rises every year.

But it is in the region of beef cattle that the most fascinating narrative emerges. The importation of the great “Royal Gem” from Canada, by Mr. Humphreys of Ngatapa (with the assistance of the ubiquitous Mr. Charles Robertson) founded the great innovation in beef cattle—the hornless, or polled Hereford. This bull was the “Musket” of this breed, but there are many fine stud herds now, as well as those of the horned Hereford. Also there are the Aberdeen Angus and the Shorthorn which have become so prominent since the advent of chilled beef. The mating of these two produces the famous “Scots Greys.” We have in New Zealand the largest stud herd of Aberdeen Angus in the Southern Hemisphere, and we must not forget either that double utility animal, the Red Poll.

Is it any wonder that stock buying experts come to New Zealand continually from all parts of the world? Without being invidious, I may single out for notice Mr. Charles Robertson as the most efficient publicist, general adviser, technician and guide on this sector of the export front. He has been on the job for fifteen years, and before that was an editor of a farming paper. His enthusiasm is almost of the religious order, and his world travelling puts him in the human encyclopaedia class. Other great firms have their departments also to attend to this rapidly expanding industry.

But whether we go back to the past, to our unique feat of producing Trenton and Carbine, the latter to go to England to re-establish winning families, Sir Modred to leave his mark in U.S.A.; or our production of Phar Lap; whether we turn to the marvel of the world popularity of our thoroughbred cattle and sheep of every kind and type; whether we count our great institutions such as Massey and Lincoln Colleges and the practical and scientific training given in many High Schools; whether we point with pride to the great business organisations that have grown to meet the countless

New Zealand's own sheep creation—the Hui Hui Corriedale.

needs of this great industry, there remains one final and foundational necessity—the human element. Stud management and the breeding art are not lightly learned. They call for years, and even generations of study, work and experience. They bespeak a zeal of genuine intensity and qualities of visual judgment, concentration, specialist ability and endless patience over long years. And not least, financial courage of a high order is just as necessary, for thousands take the place of single pounds when our studmasters are buying the world's best. Our fellow-countrymen have proved their possession of these qualities. It is for the community to appraise them properly, and to support a cause which is such an integral part of New Zealand's march to her place in the sun.

Splendid types of the Aberdeen Angus beef cattle.
(Photo., courtesy “N.Z. Farmer.”)

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