THE ALPACA

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 149, 12 November 1853, Page 8

THE ALPACA

(From the Adelaide Times.)

The following despatch from the Duke of Newcastle to His Excellency Sir H. E. F. Young-, withenclosnres,is published for general information. Should any of the colonists be desirous of introducing the alpaca in South Australia, his Excellency will forward any proposil having this object, to the British Consul' at Lima, to be communicated to Mr. Flores; but early application is necessary, as the continuance of the facility depends upon the permission of the Bolivian Government, which may at any time be withdrawn. CIRCULAR. Downing-street, 25th February, 1853. Sic, —I herewith transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Foreign Office with copies of a despatch, and its enclosures, from Mr. Barton, the Acting British Consul-General at Lima, from which it will be seen that a proposal has, with the consent of the Bolivian Government, been made by Don Manuel Antonio Flores to export a number of live alpacas from a port of Bolivia to Australia. I have no means of judging with accuracy, what may be the feeling of the colonists of South Australia on tli3 subject; but, should you find it is in favour of such an experiment, you will communicate with the British Consul at Lima, and make the necessary arrangements for the exportation of a certain number of the animals in question ; which, however, you will observe from the terms of the proposaf already referred to, will not admit of any large supply being assigned to each of the Australian colonies, should all wish to accept o*' them. I have to add, that I have requested the Earl of Clarendon to give the necessary instructions to the Consul-General at Lima on this subject. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, Newcastle.''* Lieut-Governor Sir H. Young. British Legation, Lima, 13th Dec, 1852. My Lord, —I have the honour to transmit herewith, a copy of a despatch received from the British Vice-Consul at Arica, together with copy and translation of a proposal made by Don Manuel Antonio Flores to export a number of alpacas from a port of Bolivia. I am induced to forward these documents for your Lordship's consideration : from the circumstance that Mr. Flores's proposal is made with the consent of the Government of Bolivia. I have, &c, John Barton. The Earl of Malmesbury, &c. The proposition of Manuel Antonio Flores to \ place in the port of Arica, or in one of the creeks in its vicinity, a given number of Alpacas. I oblige myself, under a fine, to deliver in good health and good condition from 200 to 250 alpacas in the above-mentioned ports. I compromise myself, to obtain from the competent authority, a perm i.ssion for their embarkation, without any risk or responsibility for t»e ship or its captain. As soon as I receive an answer tof is business to my satisfaction, I will cuter into a con-

tract before the agent of the English Government for the convenience of both parties. ' In this document shall be specified a certain number of days after signature, for placing the Alpacas in the valley of Calacia (three day's journey from Cobija), ready to proceed to their point of embarkation—previous notice being given that the vessel is ready to receive them on board.

From thence to New Holland two intelligent individuals, who understand the care and treatment of these animals, will accompany them to advise them on board of all that may be necessary for their better preservation. It is also obligatory on me to place in the point where they are shipped, fifty cargoes of the Perua straw for the nourishment of the animals, besides the hay or other fit pasture, which might be brought on board the ship. The animals will,be in their assorted colours • —white, black, brown, and grey ; care being taken that they are not under two years old, nor more than four.

Those alpacas which are born during the voyage, and arrive in good condition at the port of discharge, shall be considered in the number, and will be taken as substitutes for those that die on the passage. I am to be paid a moderate amount for each animal shipped, this sum being payable in Valparaiso.

Besides, I am to be considered as entitled to the gratification offered by the authority at the colonies, to the individual who first introduces a hundred live alpacas, to be paid on the certificate of my agent of having- delivered that number in New Holland.

In case of neglect and notable carelessness, of which the captain or agent shall receive timely notice from my agents, and it was proved that no attention was paid to them, there shall be no reduction in the amount of the gratification; always provided that the number of live alpacas which arrive at their destination is not under fifty.

It shall be obligatory on the party in New Holland to send in the vessel which comes for the above mentioned animals, 100 Merino sheep, from fathers of true breed, of which I shall be obliged to pay the value and freight, to be decided by the British Consul at Arica, in case of dispute.

Any other clauses which may be considered necessary, shall be stipulated in the contract, of which mention is made in the third article. Manuel Antonio Flobes.