GREATMORTAL'TY AMONG SHEEP IN ENGLAND.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1254, 13 July 1880, Page 3

GREATMORTAL'TY AMONG SHEEP IN ENGLAND.

The ravages of what is commonly known as " rot"~or " bane" are (says the ff'ool Trade Review) assuming raont'appalling proportions in the Midland and Western Counties, in consequence, it is generally supposed, of the excessive and longcontinued wet weather last year. A parasite is generated in the liver wkioh multiplies to enormous numbers causing the liver to swell and become hard, and the sheep consequently to pine away and die, with the appearance of having all its blood consumed by the "flukes " as they are termed. Tens of thousands of sheep, principally ewea, are dead and dying. In some parishes in Gloucester, Oxon, and Warwick there are, comparatively speaking, very few sheep left, and in Semerset there are only 500 left ih one district, which usually winters 50,000. Hundreds, if not thousands, of sheqp have been sold off in the Bristol district at 3s 6d to 10s a head ; and we hear t>e same reports from other centres in the West and in the Midlands. This is becoming a matter for the serious consideration of the wool staplers. The Inspectors of tHe Wolverhampton municipal authorities, acting under the instrustions of the medical officer, recently seized upon the premises of butchers in the market hall and elsewhere, the carcases of sheep which were unbound, having been affected by the "rot." Recently several butchers were charged with having exposed for sale mutton thus unfit for food, and fines varying from £5 and costs to 40s and costs were imposed. During the hearings of the cases the Bench said that sheep were now being sold for as little as 3s 6d to 4s and 4s 6d per head ; and the solicitor for the defence said that ho was assured by a veterinary surgeon that at least two -thirds of the lambing 1 ewes might be expectid to succumb to the "rot" this year.

The new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly pro\e a "benefit to the public. It has been a grc.it success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their (drapery, milHnary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are detirmtned to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such ac carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is new and cheaply bough r. An inspection is invited. — Garmck and CRANWhLL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.