TAIHAPE SHEEP-SHEARING RECORD.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 June 1918, Page 4

TAIHAPE SHEEP-SHEARING RECORD.

The following is an example of smallness of the worlc* we live in an* how we axe, through the medium of the Press practically speaking neighbours whatever distance separates us.. In January of this year we publisHed in these columns a detailed account of. a shearing record—C39 —by Mr. W« Vella,' at Mr. J. McCartin's shed at Utiku. The endorsement of the correctness of the above tally by the Taihape Times, ensured its acceptance as a world's record, and it has since been recognised as such bj the Press of the Dominion and Australia. A few weeks, back, that important journal, the Bulletin, mentioned the above event in its columns. One would not have expected, however, that interest in the above achievement "would extend to the centre of South Africa, but such is the case.

By last week's mail Mr. J. McCai--tin was in receipt of a letter from Mr_ R. D. Carruthers, dated Belingive, Rhodesia, Ist May, 1918, which reads as follows: "Could you oblige me and give me the following information. I am sorry to trouble you, as I am a stranger and a long way off. I notice in a paper wherein it is mentioned that Mr. W. Vella shore 339 sheep of yours. How many hours did'jfcle do this in and what breed of sheep? Why I am asking is that I have a friend farming in the Free State with about 4000 sheep. He has a shearing machine driven by petrol and 10 white men, who take a month to finish th» 4000 sheep. I would like to show this man he is either behind the times or his shearers are no good." Such publicity given through theiPress has, as will be seen, been themeans of obtaining for Taihape a first class advertisement. It is understood that this shearing record will be attacked next season, and a match between the holder, Mr. W. Vella, and a Maori champion for some Hundreds aside is not unlikely.

(Bella's performance Is all the moremeritoricus when it h> considered that, five hours were occupied on big ewes, and this in the latter end of the day, when he would be feeling the strain of his strenuous efforts. Had the shearing been all lambs five or six woulff have been added to his remarkable tally. The time occupied was the ordinary shearing day of nine hours.— Editor, "Times.")