INTEREST IN CHEVIOT SHEEP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 52, 13 May 1942, Page 2

INTEREST IN CHEVIOT SHEEP

Although the'r numbers are somewhat limited in the Dominion, interest in CheA'iot sheep is steadily growing. Many years ago this breed was used in the South Island and ••(i!l some of their characteristics can be seen showing up in a feAV •■)f the station flocks in Southland where the Romney now holds sway. From cAidence a .'cumulating, hewever. : t looks as if Cheviots, parti- "- • - -••- ..'• • ..-••.,-,! i vix\ ■■•re likc'y to be u<vd in increasing numbers on the second e l ass and ■•older 'and-:. Excellent reports ree'nrding [ }n> fat lambs produced by Fhevhrs from Re.mney ewes have herm coming fiom the Wairarapa, Taibapo and King Ce-untry districts. The principal studs are those founded a considerable number of years !'go by Messrs Chambers Bros., of fiavelock North and Mangatoi. Mol;au. A. R-yant, Peka Peka, Manakau and Joseph Webb, Taihape. These breeders secured their foundation sheep fre/m, the Hock maini lained for .many years by Mr H. Akers, at Linton. All three breeders later made importations from leading Hocks in Canada of both rams and ewes but generally these sheep did not show the exceptional robustness and extreme vitality of the Scottish sheep, although valuable stock were secured when these sires were mated ayUli the ewes of pure Scotch b'ood. Three imporations were made in 19,39 direct from Scotland by Messrs Webb and Chambers Rros., Avhen raim Averc selected on their behalf by Mr C. E. Robertson from two of Scotland's most noted flocks. These are breeding exceptionally Avell and are proAdng a splendid infusion of rcav ])lood. Since the present day flocks Avere established in New Zealand there have- been enquiries from Australia for foundation stock and already a ■small stud has been established in Smith Australia. Messrs Wright, •Stephenson and Co. Ltd. have just made a shipment to Tasmania to establish a new flock in that Island. Selected ewes were secured from

Mr J. Webb's stud and also an -exceptionally good ram lamb sired by Oaipeddnr Wallac?. one of the sires imported by ?\lr Webb from Scotland vn<] which is breeding exceptionally wo.li. The ewes are in lamb to a Canadian importation. The only flock in existence in the South Island has hist been founded by Mr Andrew Grant, of At'andalc, Fairlie. His foundation ewes are specially selected in-lamb one-shear ewes bred by Air A. Bryant's Manakau flock. Mr Grant has also secured an outstanding ram hogget from Mr Webb. This is an excer) ; onally good sheep, extreme'y like his sire, the imported rnm Dalpeddar Wallace, who was considered to be one of the best rams ''n Scotland at the time of his selection. Mr Grant is already using Cheviot rams on his Romiey breeding fleck, his intention, being like other station owners to retain the ewe lambs for flock breeding purpose. Apart from his exceptional conformation and vitality, the Cheviot is a very prolific breed and noted for its exceptional constitution and hard feet.