SALE OF SOUTHDOWNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1939, Page 3

SALE OF SOUTHDOWNS

FOUR WORLD RECORDS BROKEN. ONE RAM REALISES 500GNS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) FEILDING, April 13. Four world records were broken at the Killeymoon Southdown dispersal sale of the late Ellis brothers, Bulls,' when 1434 sheep were sold for £15.000. The sale made records for total price, average price of stud rams, individual price, and individual price of a stud ram lamb. A world record price of 500 guineas was paid by Luton Hoo 604, bred by Lady Ludlow, sister of Lord Bledisloe, and imported to New Zealand by Ellis Brothers. This ram was five times first and champion in England, including champion at the Royal Show, and is understood to be the only unbeaten champion in England imported to New Zealand. In spite of very strong Australian competition, this ram was purchased by Mr J. Madeley, Rahgiora, and it was satisfactory to see such a splendid sheep remain in New Zealand.

Mr J. Knight, Feilding, secured a ram lamb, one of Luton Hoo’s progeny cut of an imported English ewe, at 160 guineas. Mr Knight-also purchased the dam of this lamb at 125 guineas, which was top price for ewes. Stud rams, which were all sold today realised the excellent average price of 45 guineas. The total value of rams sold today was £5600.. Competition came from all parts of New Zealand. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia and Tasmania, and the bench of buyers was one of the largest ever seen at a similar sale in New Zealand or Australia. Though Australian competition was keen, from the outset it was evident that New Zealand breeders would not allow Australians to secure the best sheep. Chief among the Australian buyers was Mr H. H. Peck. Melbourne, well known as a doyen among auctioneers. Mr Peck, who is just on 80 years of age, made a trip specially to inspect this famous stud and purchased just oh 200 head, among which were a number Of the best sheep. Killeymoon 705, a son of Gattoh Park, was purchased by Wright, Stephenson and Co., as agents, for 300 guineas. Miss Austin, New South Wales, who Has exhibited a double Royal champion •in Melbourne, purchased Killeymoon 101/37 for 260 guineas. Killeymoon 40/37, also by Gatton Park, was bought by Wright, Stephenson and Co., as agents, for 200 guineas. Mr R.

Dysart, a well-known Marlborough breeder, purchased Killeymoon 39/37, sired by Luton Hoo 515, for 105 guineas. Ewes which were sold yesterday numbered 1100, and they averaged just over eight guineas. Single one-shear ewes made up to 41 guineas and imported ewes to 125 guineas. Two-shear single’ ewes made as high as 38 guineas, and single three-shear ewes sold tip to 21 guineas. The highest price for fdur-Shear ewes was 41 guineas and' for live-shear 16 guineas. Six-shear animals made 21 guineas and mixedage eWes to 27 guineas. Stud e’We lamb triode tip to 46 guineas.