Movement of Sheep

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 28, 3 February 1937, Page 12 (Supplement)

Movement of Sheep

THE ANNUAL TREK FROM EAST COAST TO WAIKATO HAMILTON, Feb. 1. The annual movement of Romney breeding ewes from the east coast to South Auckland is now reaching its peak, und it is estimated that by the time the transfer is completed at the cud of March no fewer than 2G0,00U sheep will be absorbed by South Auckland breeders. The steamer Pakura, which carries 2GOO sheep at a time, has made three trips to Orukci, where the sheep are disembarked for the Pukekoho and Lower Waikato areas, and has three more trips to make to this point. The Pakura has made frequent trips to Tauranga with loads of shoey from Gisborne and Tokomaru Bay, and has many more to make. From Tauranga the sheep are cither railed or driven by road to the Waikato. Other consignments have been driven to the rail terminus at Tancatua, and then trucked to the Waikato, while some 12 mobs are being driven from Wairoa and Waikaromoana. The movement of sheep from the east coast to the Waikato is somewhat later than usual this year. The long spell of wet weather experienced in the Gisborne area during December and January caused a delay in the shearing, drafting, and culling operations. A large .proportion of tho sheep drafted to the Waikato has been bought for forward delivery, while the balance has been forwarded on consignment and will be offered for sale at large sheep fairs that have been scheduled to take place at the main centres during the next few weeks. Lt is estimated that of the total number of sheep that are expected to change hands 8(3,000 have arrived. Tho wcuther this season, although adverse in most respects, has been favourable for the droving ol sheep. There is plenty of feed fin tho roads, and the sheep have not suffered *rom the heat or from dust blindness.