SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 152, 9 April 1930, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

SHEEP FARMERS COMPLAIN. (Special to the “Guardian.”) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Farmers have been caused much concern recently by the acute shortage of sheep trucks. Qwiiig to the long spell of fine weather large numbers of sheep and lambs became ready for freezing, and consequently it was necessary to dispose of them as soon as possible. However, although growers could secure space in freezing works for their fat stock, difficulties arose' when applications were made for trucks, and sheep had often to he held for a week pr more before trucks were available. This has been a serious matter, for, while sheep deteriorated during the time of waiting, they continued to consume the feed that was urgently needed for wintering the remaining flock.

Again, farmers who were trying to dispose of all surplus store stock before winter had to hold them much longer than they wished, thus shortening the food supply for their remaining flock. At the same time, those to whom the store sheep were to he railed had much good feed going to waste during the period of waiting. Altogether, a good deal of loss has been caused all round by the delay, and growers have freely expressed their dissatisfaction. Some were fortunate enough to secure motor-lorries for the transfer of their stock, and found this method prompt and satisfactory, the sheep arriving at their destination in particularly good order.