STUD SHEEP FOR RUSSIA

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 51, 16 March 1937, Page 11

STUD SHEEP FOR RUSSIA

-flwn Correspondent.)

Inspection of Manawata Flocks PRICE MUST BE RIGHT

(By TelegraDh-

PALMERSTON N., This Day. Selecting the Manawata in which to iuaugurate their Dominion-wide search for Btud sheep suitable to the requirements of their country, an influential commission of huyers from Russia arrived in Palmerston North last evening, and during the nsst two or three days they will inspect a nurnber of flocks in the district. They will remain in New Zealand for two or three months, and their visit may resuit in a large shipment of stud sheep from this country to Russia. Representing the Rasko Import, the only organisation in the Soviet Union authorised to import livestoek from overseasj the commission has in recent years operated in several countries, notably Engiand, where last year their head, M. J. Mayorofii, was responsibiefor the world 's largest stud sheep deai. He has spent several years in Great Britain, and has also made purchases on the Coneinent. Other members of the commission are MM. Alexander Velikovsky and Boris Gnedash (sheep experts), Madame Galino Dudarenko and MM. Ivan Pcheiin and Paul Osipov (veterihary surgeons). They arrived in New Zealand on Saturday by the Rangitata from JLondon. This is the first timo the Rasko Import has turned its attention to New Zealand, although a purchase of 200U Merinos was made from Australia in 1929. In all 6000 sheep were bought last year. In an interview last evening, M. Mayorofii explained that the objeci of the commission was to gain a thorough knowledge of the stud flocks of the Dominion, and the extent of the purchases made would depend entirely on the resuit of their investigations. Thus, it was impossible to state at present how many sheep would be bought, or what amount would be spent in the country, "We may buy a lot, or we may buy none," he dcclared. "It depends on whether New Zealand sheep are suitable to the needs of our country, and on. the prices we are asked to pay. "Our aim is to secure a dual purpose sheep, with gootl qualities as a pro- ' duccr both of meat and wool," said M. Mayoroif when asked what breeds would be reeeiving the most attention from the commission. There would be special attention to Romneys. "Apparently the sheep here differ somewhat from the English types, and that may conipel us to aifferent breeds froin those We had anticipated. Another guiding point is that we want above all sheep of health and stamina. Any purchases we make will be chiefly of rains. All animals selectcd will be subjected to a rigid examination by our veterin'ary surgeons, who have brought their own appliances and serum for testing purposes. " Wide Distribution. It was usual to ship the selected stock to Russia from the country of purchase in a special ship, said M. Mayoroff, and probably that would be doue in this case also if the New Zealand purchases were large enough to warrant this. He could not say if a Russian vessel would be sent or a foreign one chartered. The sheep will be distributed through Russia according to their type, some to European Rusei'a, some to Asiatic Russia, some to the Caucasus, and some to the Ukraine. On their way to Palmerston North yesterday,'the members of the commission visited the Wallaceville iaboratories, where it is understood they wiii make most of the bloodtests required of selected animals. They also inspected the Gear Meat Company 's wor ks, inspecting the stock closely to discover if there was any great incidence of disease, and expressed theniselves pleased with the health of the carcases. To-day they will inspect Manawatu flocks, and possibly visit Massey College. They will not go north immediately, but will return to Wellington later in the week. The South Island is to be included in the tour, and there special attention will be given to Corriedales and Merinos. Accompanying the delegation is Mr. Eay Brown, representing the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., through whom they vrill effect all purchases.