FAT LAMBS FOR EXPORT

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28448, 30 November 1957, Page 16

FAT LAMBS FOR EXPORT

Slow Start To Season (New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov. 28. Canterbury provides the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing picture of fat lamb draftings for export this season, according to Mr H. A. Seifert, a spokesman for the meat export freezing industry. “The Dominion has been blessed with an estimated record number of fat lambs to become available for export this season,” said Mr Seifert, “but to date draftings have been far below normal to give a disappointing opening run for the second year in succession. “This has resulted from excessively wet and sun-less weather experienced over the past two months. “Since the season opened four weeks ago draftings over the North Island have been most disappointing. This has been the case even in Hawke’s Bay, where works should be at fullest activity by now, and where some exceptionally hot spells of weather have been experienced.” Canterbury Draftings Mr Seifert said that Canterbury provides the one bright spot in the picture. Draftings here have been quite normal from the north of the province and really good in South Canterbury. “Actually, some drought fears have been aroused amongst farmers on the lighter Canterbury country from a spell of severe nor-’westers, and rain was appreciated on Tuesday night. “From some areas where the feed, was rapidly going off, draftings were hurried to bring in somewhat immature lambs." The Otago and Southland works are scheduled to open next week and there the prospect is one of slow opening drafts, as that area has had similar weather afflictions to those experienced in the North Island.