INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY ON THE 30th APRIL, 1896.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, H-23a

H.—23a

1896. NEW ZEALAND.

INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY ON THE 30th APRIL, 1896.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Department of Agriculture (Live-stock Branch), Sir,— Wellington, 10th July, 1896. I have the honour to furnish a statement of the approximate number of sheep in the colony on the 30th April, 1896. I have, &c, John D. Eitchie, The Hon. the Minister of Agriculture. Chief Inspector of Stock.

Approximate Number of Sheep in the Colony on the 30th April, 1896.

* The shortage in the South Island is partly accounted for by the excessive losses sustained through the severe weather which prevailed last winter. The excess loss over average is estimated at 700,000. There is also an increase in the export of frozen lambs of 171,209 carcases; less decrease in mutton, 42,959 carcases: total increase, 128,250.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,500 copies), £16s.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB96.

Price 3d.]

Number of Sheep. 1895. 1896. Decrease. Increase. Auckland District 846,873 4,217,232 I j I 847,204 4,229,411 331 Napier District 12,179 Wellington-West Coast District 3,930,541 j 4,032,026 101,485 Marlborough-Nelson District 906,307 892,442 13,865 Oanterbury-Kaikoura District 5,559,990 5,080,625 479,365 Otago District 19,826,604 4,365,661 18,982,080 3,900,372 465,289 958,519 113,995 Less increase ... 113,995 Total decrease, 1896 844,524 Increase, North Island ... 113,995 * Decrease, South Island ... _958,519