Modern Transport Methods

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 12 (Supplement)

Modern Transport Methods

TRUCK AND BOAT POPULAR TOR SHEEP OPOTIKI, Feb. 9. The second big movement of sheep from the East Coast to the Taneatua railhead is now under way, exceptionally big numbers arriving at Opotiki on ►Saturday and leaving Monday. Further mobs left yesterday. Drovers coming through the Waioeka Gorge route report that tho feed supplies along the road have been eaten right out and the good growth on the roads on the Opotiki flats is groutly relished by tho hungry sheep. Tho Motu route has also been largely used by drovers bringing sheep from Uisboruo and conditions are stated to bo worse on this road than the Waioeka.

Increasing use is being made of big double-decker trucks for sheep movements, and truck owners have been very busily engaged during tho last fortnight from early in the morning until late at night in taking sheep to the railhead. Many thousands will be taken this year from Opotiki by this method. One truck owner is reported to have a contract to carry 5000 sheep from the Gisborne district.

The popularity of moving sheep by boat and motor-truck should make it appear that in the near future very few sheep will bo driven over tho roads.

The new mothod will save a great deal of suffering, as many of the stock travelling on the stony and rocky highways suffer from foot soreness, and also lose condition as the feed supplies become eaten out. Most of the night bolding paddocks along the route between Poverty Bay and the railhead are e» bare as concrete, and, apart from tbe Opotiki flat., there i> little feed on tbo roads between Opotiki and the railhead