EXPORT OF MERINO SHEEP

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 6

EXPORT OF MERINO SHEEP

CRITICISM OF POLICY IN AUSTRALIA The ban on the export of merino sheep from Australia is causing strong criticism in different parts of the country. The wool writer in the "Sydney Mail" says that he has stressed the opinion ever since the embargo was first enforced that it is of no value whatever to Australia; that it is grossly unfair to the stud breeders; that its influence on wool values is negligible; that it is keeping good money out of the country for one of the few commodities we can sell at at profit; that it is calculated to arouse resentment and bring about retaliation along lines that may hurt us commercially; that the small graziers, who are mainly responsible for its enactment, are gaining nothing by it; and that its infliction displays a woeful lack of knowledge of the evolution of the merino and the possibility ot other countries improving their stock without Australian blood. In describing the embargo as of "doubtful value" we take it that the council of scientists was merely letting the Government down lightly: had the council been consulted before the ban war, first imposed it is probable that wo should never have had an embargo at all.

The most surprising thing about tins embargo, however, is the lack of fight put up bv the sheep breeders against it. Probably 90 per eent. of the men who count in the industry are opposed to the ban, and at their meetings they talk of it as an iniquitous impost: yet they have done practically nothing to educate public opinion on the matter or to carry on propaganda of any kind in their own interests. Had they faced the imposition as any body ol business men would have laced .similar interference with their right to trade, "(hey might ions have had it removed. The inconsistency of the Federal Government's attitude in the matter is revealed in the decision not to extend the embargo to Corriedales and Polwarlhs. Why they should escape when the merino is banned is something to ponder over, for both are recognised breed;; to-day. The excuse put forward is that ''if Australia refused to meet requests for Corriodales or Polwarlhs New Zealand would secure the orders instead, thus bringing about a loss of busine.--; to Australia without anv compensating gain." As a matter of fact. New Zealand - m which the Corriedale was actually evolved—already does a very big trade in that breed, and in addition, sells a number of merinos as well. The United Slates, on the other Irnd. with at least as pure merino studs as we possess, is now endeavouring to bui:d these up with a view to capturing at least part of the trade we have turned down. Thirty or forty years ago America was doing a substantial export business in merinos, mainly of Hi" Vermont strain; but she lost this because of inherent faults in the typo. That trade then came to us. ;md we held it securely until political interference deprived us of it. Now the pendulum is swinging back in America's favour: but not to the Verrnonts. Few of these are raised today, fashion for years having favoured Hie finer, smooth-bodied Delaines, which are much closer to the Australian type and just as pure. If he is convinced that it is worth while. Uncle