Sheep Heads A Delicacy?

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30146, 1 June 1963, Page 10

Sheep Heads A Delicacy?

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, May 31. Mystery still surrounds the reason for the recent shipment of 10,000 sheep’s heads from Canterbury to Ghana. Trade officials say bluntly: “They ordered them that, way. We supplied them—and will continue to do so. We know they are to be eaten, but have not inquired how.” A Press Association message says that recently, on the announcement of the consignment, there was considerable speculation on the use of this unusual order. A Wellington resident, who formerly farmed in Kenya, today offered the following possible explanation.

On most Kenya farms the old or sick animals that are killed are sold to the African labourers. Invariably, whether the animal is a sheep or cattle, there is a definite preference for the head—in fact there is usually a higher set price for it, while the rest of the carcase is sold by the pound. “How the head is cooked probably , differs in various African countries, but in Kenya It is generally made into a thick broth. It is also cooked over an open fire till the fur is singed off if the brains are the desired meal. If this is so in Ghana, this might explain the demand for unskinned heads."

The former Kenya resident said: "The sheep head is to the African as the leg of mutton, or eye fillet steak in the case of cattle, is to us.” Shortage

The fact that the heads were ordered on 4heir own is therefore likely to be because of a shortage of heads, while local supplies were able to meet the

demand for carcases. An official of the Dutch Shipping Line, which is handling the consignments, said that this was interesting mainly as an example of how New Zealand was passing from bulk to specialised shipments. Only a few years ago, he said, sheep carcases were shipped to England and were butchered there—the British industry gaining the additional profit. "What should concern your country,’’ he added, “is not what the Ghanese want these heads for, but how many similar orders may be promoted all over -the world. The more butchering is done here, surely, the better it is for New Zealanders.”

Mr P. M. Scott has invited sailplane owners to join him in searching for the Loch Ness monster. At a gliding meeting in Hampshire he said he would lead an expedition next week which would include aircraft to launch sailplanes.—(London, May 30.)