EXPORT OF N.Z. CORRIEDALES

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 9

EXPORT OF N.Z. CORRIEDALES

New Zealand sheep have enjoyed a very good reputation when used overseas, but this country is not making enough effort to publicise their merits or make known their availability to the world.

With this comment, the Corriedale Sheep Society’s official year book traverses the history of sales to South American countries in the last decade.

“The society has been active in trade promotion, but much more can be accomplished through co-opera-tion with the United Breeds’ Society,” says the year book, “and most important, if wholehearted and practical support by the Government is brought to bear on the question of the export of livestock of whatever breed, and for whatever destination.”

The year book, under the title of “The Corriedale,” says that an export trade encourages greater endeavour by stud breeders to improve their stock, and stimulates internal trade among these breeders; opens new channels along which other exports may eventually flow; and it is right “in our long-term interest to encourage, throughout the world, the production of a greater and increasing quantity of betterquality wool.” The journal says these aims can be achieved by exporting good stock to replenish and improve flocks in many countries.

The year book refers to the large orders for stud rams, ewes, and flock rams, following the visit of the late Mr H. C. A. Sidey to Peru, in 1954, and the large shipment of flock ewes to Kenya in 1959.

“By this time the principle of the society taking full control of selection and negotiation with the purchasers in respect of f.o.b. prices was well-established.

“The society’s council was anxious also to do more promotion overseas, as it was considered that the time was opportune and that many countries, particularly those benefitting from aid grants from the United States, con-

stituted a large potential market. South America, in particular, is a meat hungry country and no menace to New Zealand’s export trade.” The year book refers to the report presented by Mr H. M. T. Little, who visited South America in 1961, pointing out the possibility of bulk shipments of commercial Corriedale ewes to Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico. When It was decided that it would be of benefit if Mr Little visited South America again, the society approached four stock firms in Christchurch, and after they had indicated their willingness to provide the salary for a New Zealand representative in South America, an approach was made to the Minister of Industries and Commerce about travelling expenses, but in August, 1963, the society was told that “nothing could be done to help on the lines proposed."

Shipping Trouble “The Corriedale” traverses at some length the difficulties involved in overcoming New Zealand marine regulations that five square feet per sheep be allowed for a proposed shipment of 2500 ewes to Colombia on board the Athene in 1963.

Eventually the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture agreed that the Australian provision of three square feet per sheep would be permitted for this shipment. “The council of the society, through the agency of the stock firm committee (comprising five firms and two society representatives) will continue to pursue every avenue for developing Corriedale export trade,” states the year book. “It is hoped and expected that further large consignments will, before too long, be leaving our shores for destinations more diversified than has so far been the case.”