PATAGONIA

Hokitika Guardian, 5 May 1927, Page 4

PATAGONIA

IMPRESSIONS OF A NIvW ZEALANDER.

AUCKLAND, May 3

“ No. I do not advise any young New Zealanders to go to Patagonia,” said Mr D. M. Philip this morning on liis return from, that far away part of South America by the Maiaroa. “Life on the stations is very lonely. Tliore is no sport of any kind, and youtugmen are apt to drift into loose ways of liv-

ing.” Mr Philip lias inst returned to Now Zealand after taking across to Patagonia a consignment of 415 stud sheep for big run-holders there.

“ I was ama.xcd at Chile,” said Mr Philip. “ Considering the distance south the country is astonishing. The weight of wool and percentage and quality of lambs are amazing.” New Zealand sheep do particularly well in Patagonia, said Mr Philip, and what is more. Chilian stationholders want them. “ Last year we sent over 102 sheep, this year 415. and we have orders for a shipment for next year.”

Mr Philip explained that a special ship is chartered to take the sheep across from New Zealand. The journey from Port Chalmers to Punta Arenas took only eighteen days and only one slieep was lost this year. The sheep cargo was valued at 30.000 guineas.

“ Every important position in Patagonia is held by Englishmen,” continued Mr Philip. “There is a large number of New Zealanders managing some of the big stations, which are nil owned by Chilians. Many of the stations run up to 145,000 sheep. One company owns I .son. non sheep, the biggest flock there. No artificial food is grown for the animals, but there is a good supply of grass most of the year round.”