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Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 348, 27 November 1915, Page 3

Seven performing sheep, a bucking ram, two young gymnastic pigs, and r German en parole, comprise collectively a proposition that is occasioning considerable bewilderment to the heads of the Victorian Intelligence Department (says the, Melbourne Age). The German is the owner or these somewhat extraordinary animals. Prior to the war, the troupe had been appearing in all quarters of the globe. But owing to the war the owner found himself stranded in an enemy country, and with his collection of trick animals he has thrown himself upon the protection of t;r military authorities. He has asked to be interned, but his request bristles with difficulties, inasmuch n r he refuses to be parted from the animals. The regulations contain no provision applicable to the internment of performing sheep and pigs. A "suggested solution that the sheep be turned into mutton and the pigs into pork, was rejected as hopeless on the owner's admissiono that the youngest sheep had reached the mellow age of 10 years. Further, lie Ins asserted that their value lias increased rather than deteriorated with ngt and he places an upset price on th< lot of 200. The authorities hav their own ideas on this matter. !-<- far, however, they have come to nc decision regarding the disposal of the ;nenagerie, and the German is still abroad with his flock.