N.Z. LONOWOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1330, 6 January 1912, Page 8

N.Z. LONOWOOLS.

THEIR POSITION IN AUSTRALIA. Many of the Now Zealand breeders of longwnnl sheep who look to Australia as a market for their surplus rams do not, says the "I'astoralists* Review," quite see why prices for' flock rams in the Commonwealth should be so much lower than those ruling in the Dominion. Several things account for tho difference, one of which is tho fact that crossbreeding is not the scientific business in Australia it is in.New Zealand., Both large and small shecpfarmcrs in favourable localities are, in increasing numbers, turning their attention to crossbreeding, nnd Lincoln. J'omney, and liordcr Leicester and English Leicester flock rams are continually inquired for. There is no question that New Zealand breeders could work up a large trade with Australia if they could agree as to tho matter of price. A good class of flock ram of any of tho above breeds finds a ready sale at from It to guineas, but it is diflicult to get the desired quality. With suitable climate and conditions, New Zealand has proved an ideal country for liiaiiifaining and oven improving British breeds of sheep, and tho country is full of cood stud flocks, A trip round the leaaias

shows is sufficient lo lravo .1 vorv line impression of the lunfrwonl In-mls in New Zealand, so much so that U seems a great pily tliai no care is exerci.-cd to prevt'iit rubbish leaving tlie Dominion for fluminimi Australian sheep sales. Tlie business will never prosper if Australia is only regarded by New Zealand breeders as a dumping-ground for rubbish; on the other hand, crossbreeders must bo made to realise that a good type of flock rani will place thorn years ahead in tlie «-cv.* industry compared with the use of cheap and nasty rams. All good stuff is worth paying u little extra for. Knock two guineas oil' the price, and one gets only inferior ranis, transmitting bad qualities throughout the flock. Xew Zealand breeders really desirous of fostering the ram trade with Australia should not be too conservative as regards price, and they should work towards creating an appetite in the Commonwealth for their best stock.