LEEDSTOWN FLOCK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 162, 8 June 1940, Page 12

LEEDSTOWN FLOCK.

The Leedstown flock of Southdowns was founded in 1919 by the purchase of Mr A. L. Wheeler of a complete flock of 118 owes, descended from the world-famous Te Rangitumau stud of the late Air James Stuckey, who had used a number of sheep imported from the Gatton Park Stud of the late Jeremiah Coleman, Surrey, England. Air Wheeler has endeavoured to' follow up this strain; tho first ram purchased was the proven sire Nelson (1120) by Fairlawno (imp.), a son of Gatton Park (9394). Both sire and dam of Nelson were unbeaten champions throughout New Zealand, and lie had already proved himself a very valuable siro to Messrs Burrell and Sons. Huntorvillc (1688) and Pariroa 3rd (1838) were also purchased from AJessrs Burrell and Sons and were descended fi-oni Cation Park R 105 and Gatton Park Rll6 respectively. In 1927 the ram Pukenui A5/24 (2618) was procured ns a 4-tooth sheep from Air C. E. Vile. This sheep, one of the eons of Gatton Park Z 25 (imp.), had won three first prizes for. Air Vile, and, mated with the females already descended from Gatton Park stock, he left a line of outstanding Southdowns, including the ram Leedstown Pride (4623) leased by Alessrs Burrell and Sons for one season and later solcl at a big three-figure price, ultimately winning the Royal championship (natural condition) at Hastings. In 1934, in conjunction with Messrs K. Stevens and R. Gaisford, Air Wheeler procured at a high figtii'6' the first pick of tho Luton Hoo team of the year, obtaining Luton Hoo 433/3/5. Messrs Ellis Bros. Were so impressed with this sheep that they: immediately. purchased one-third share 'in him, but he died soon after. What stock ho did get have ln-cd well. In 1926 the • ram iamb 41/35 (9693) by Ford Christian (himself a grandson of Gatton Park H 156) was purchased, and the result was so satisfactory that next year 110/35 (10800) was procured at the annual sale for 140 guineas (top. price), and 314/35. (10538) also. The introduction of this strain is very happily reflected in the stock to-day, and recently another son of Ford Christian 32/38 (13243) was purchased to follow up. It is. only during the last two years that the Leedstown Southdowns have been exhibited, but they , were instantly successful and in two seasons, though only- a very small team was exhibited, they have annexed 6 championships, 20 first prizes, 1 7 reserve championships, and 14 second prizes, besides various specials, points prizes and cups, etc. The Leedstown Southdowns have topped the fairs at Marton, Foilding, Hamilton, and" AlastertOn on various occasions, and progeny .of Leedstown sires have topped the. Fcilcling flock rain J fairs for Air Iv. Dalziell for several years

m succession. Also, in Australia, tliov have enjoyed a large demand, where Alley have been very successful competitors; including the ram championship at Perth and the winning pen ol ewes at Sydney. This year, tho whole line of Leedstown shearling rains averaged, £l6 12s 9d. The studs averaged £4l, selling up to 65 guineas at auction. The lambs this year are definitely better than laet year’s lot and the flock k in a very healthy state of progress.