ALLEGED SHEEP STEALING

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26126, 31 May 1950, Page 6

ALLEGED SHEEP STEALING

REPORTS FROM NORTH OTAGO FARMERS DECIDE TO TAKE ACTION (New Zealand Press Association) OAMARU, May 30. Earlier reports of widespread sheep stealing in the high country of North Otago were supported at a meeting of the meat and wool section of the North Otago Federated Farmers at Oamaru this afternoon. Twenty-six members from districts from Waimate to Herbert were present. In addition, nine letters confirming reports of sheep missing were read by the chairman (Mr W. Doig). Mr Doig commented: “We have received much useful information which discloses an alarming state of affairs.” Mr R. G. Smith was instructed to take the matter up with the Dominion Council of the Meat and Wool Section, and a committee consisting of Messrs W. Malcolm, W. J. Whalan, J. C. H. Chapman, and R. G. Smith, was empowered to frame a suitable remit. Those who had suffered losses were asked to form a committee to help the police to combat the thefts. The main losses 1 reported were from Hakataramea Valley and the Kurow district, but cases were also reported of losses from small flocks elsewhere. In one instance. 30 per cent, of a flock was said to have been lost.

The reports covered the period since the Second World War. In two instances on high country, the losses reported totalled more than 1000 sheep out of flocks of 2000.