SHEEP INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3905, 23 April 1877, Page 2

SHEEP INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

Sheep. Inspector's Office, Napier, March 29, 1877. Sir,--! have the honor to fonvard my annualreport for the current year, in accordance with the sth section of the " HaAvke's Bay Sheep Act, 1874," and enclose for publication statement of sheep returns of Ist May, 1876, which exceed those of the previous year by 133,911. The enclosed returns comprise 671,416 eAves, 588,546 wethers, and 13,706 rams, or a total of 1,273,668 sheep over six months old in the province on Ist May, 1876, as against 602,812 eAves, 524,405 wethers, and 12,540 rams, or a total of 1,139,757 on Ist May, 1875. While the net increase thus shoAvn is nearly the largest I have yet had to record, and gives unmistakable evidence of the increased carrying capability of the country year by year, our exports have in no wise diminished but rather increased, and as there are still large tracts of unstocked country in Poverty Bay and the East Coast district which will draAv their supplies from Hawke's Bay, there will for some years to come be an outlet presented for our surplus stock. As the surface sowing of permanent artificial grasses and subdivision of runs by fencing is beooming more general, we may expect the improvement here indicated to be steadily progressive. No sheep have been introduced overland to Hawke's Bay since the date of my last report, and with the exception of a cargo of merino eAves, the imports have been limited to sheep for stud purposes, and comprise 390 long-woolled rams, 96 long-wool ewes, 381 merino rams and 128 merino ewes ; or a total of 995 sheep during the last twelve months. The exports during the same period coastwise and overland to the neighboring provincial districts amount to about 86,000, and about 130,000 have been absorbed by provincial consumption and boiling doAvn. The lambing of last year was a fairly good one, and averaged about 75 per cent., and the clip a heaA'y and sound one. I have again much pleasure in reporting all the flocks still free from scab, and that the double line of protective fences at the southern boundary are in a thoroughly efficient state, and receive unremitting attention from Mr Munroe, the boundary keeper. The very considerable extension of the boundaries of this district so as to include the Patea country, more than ever necessitates an active assistant being appointed to this department with as little delay as possible. Sheep lice proved \ r ery annoying to some of the long-wool flocks last winter, but many of the stations are having dips erected, whicli will be the means of keeping in check these little pests. An autumn dressing of M'Dougall's sheep dipping composition, at the rate of lib to 10 gallons of water is recognised as a safe and effectual dressing for sheep lice and ticks. A feAV deaths from lungworm were again reported in a feAV flocks last winter. lam glad to report a satisfactory diminution in the number of lame sheep from foot-rot, and that all the flocks are in excellent condition, and haA^e enjoyed an almost total immunity from staggers this autumn. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant, G. Peacock, Inspector of Sheep. The Commissioner of CroAvn Lands, Napier.