SNOW AND THE SHEEP

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 157, 21 July 1937, Page 13

SNOW AND THE SHEEP

Heavy Falis in Canterbury There has been a little easing of the high country position from snow fiffects during the last fortnight, states the Christchurch Press. The later falls have been of a powdery nature, and the reducod severity of the frosts has allowed these falls ao disappear to some extent. At the higher altitudes, of - 3000 to 4000 feet or more, there i.s a olnnket of solid snow., considered, as previously stated, to be the heaviest in the high country of North Canterbury since 1918. Flock owners have had a fortnight or more of arduous snowraking getting their sheep out. There have been some losses and a proportlon of those xescued — ewes particularly— are unlikely to survive, but it is improbable that the losses will be nearly so heavy as was feared when tho severe frosts were prevailing. The few mild days were very helpful dn arresting the effects of the snow and enabling the sheep to be got down to the lower levels. The diffieulty facing fiock owners at the motoent is to find a sufficiency of feed. Supplies of chaff and hay are limited, and in some cases dry feed is being supplemented by meat meal. In one case, it is reported, the "long paddock" is the only recourse open. The slight improvement in the cond-i-tions came at a critical juncture, but in spite of this it is probable that losses will be somewhat heavier than for some years. There had been a succession of very favourable years.