SHIFTING OF SHEEP

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1930, Page 1

SHIFTING OF SHEEP

OTAGO FARMERS’ DECISION. DUNEDIN, Jan. 18. The practice of stealing sheep by night is said t be fairly common at certain periods of the year in Otago and South Canterbury, and so daring are the offenders that victims sometimes lose, as many as a hundred sheep in a single night. The custom of the thieves is to place the stolen sheep in a lorry and move off, travelling perhaps fifty miles with their load before the robbery is discovered.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the North Otago Farmers’ Union on Friday, when it was urged that legislation was necessary making the removal of sheep by .night illegal without a permit' Oases were cited oi sheep being stolen by motor-lorry, mo-tor-launch, or other vehicle, in addition to stealing while droving. One farmer said it would be difficult to detect whether the motor-lorry was carrying sheep or not, as many travelled with coverings. He urged that the legislation, if passed, be made applicable to all lorries carrying stock or produce. It was decided to press for legislation to provide that lorries earn ing stock or produce should procure pernvts to do so.