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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 23

Cattle

page 59

Cattle.

Many causes have combined to improve the cattle of this colony, and they will probably compare favourably with any large quantities of cattle in the world for breed. The number in the colony in 1881 was 698,637 (no more recent figures are available). Auckland had 158,181; Taranaki, 51,846; Wellington, 140,951; Hawke's Bay, 36,213; Marlborough, 9,919; Nelson, 31,620; Westland, 7,944; Canterbury, 111,155; Otago and Southland, 150,150. About 40 per cent. consist of shorthorns, and the remainder of Jerseys, Devons, Ayrshires, Normans, and mixed breeds. The New Zealand Stock and Pedigree Company, Auckland, have done wonders towards improving the breed of cattle; and the annual exhibitions in Auckland bear testimony to the good effects produced by a generous emulation among breeders. Breeders from San Francisco and elsewhere have purchased largely from Auckland, and the reputation of New Zealand as a producer of pure stock is rising surely. One great cause for this success is the immunity New Zealand has enjoyed from pleuro-pneumonia. There have been many scares, and prohibition of imported cattle has been several times proclaimed; but the belief is now gaining ground that the disease cannot exist or spread in a climate such as that of New Zealand. On the whole, it is considered that no specific can be given for the greater development of this industry, other than the utmost vigilance and scientific care to prevent disease, the continuation of the present laudable ambition to produce prize stock, the careful choice of grasses best suited for the grazing lands, and the ordinary precaution to avoid over-production—a danger which will continue to exist with regard to large cattle until the art of freezing them for export has been perfected.