§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the decision of the council of the Smithfield Club to provide classes at its annual show for pure-bred yearling heifers; and whether, in view of the increasing shortage of good milch cows, the large destruction of calves for veal, and the harm clone to young stock by premature fattening for exhibition purposes, he proposes to take any steps to dissuade the council from carrying out their announced decision?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have seen a newspaper report on this subject, from which I gather that the proposed classes cannot be instituted until 1913. The question whether or not it is desirable to exhibit in these classes must be left to the good judgment of the farmers concerned.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTSurely is not this a matter in which the Board of Agriculture ought to give some definite opinion, one way or the other?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir. In this matter I prefer to trust to the good judgment of the farmers concerned.