NEW ZEALAND SHEEP IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9238, 28 June 1893, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND SHEEP IN AUSTRALIA.

Recent steamers from this colony have carried a considerable number of breeding sheep for introduction into the sister colonies of Australia. These shipments comprise nob only consignments for sale there, bub a number actually selected and purchased in New Zealand by Australian pastoralists of repute for flock and stud purposes. There is no doubt that the removal of restrictions previously existing which prevented the ready transference of our sheep to the other side, and the fact thab very special attention has of late been given by Australian flockmasters to the question of breeding for exporb of mutton, will have the effect of maintaining, for a time ab least, a demand for our besb sheep. It is to be hoped thab the prices realised by our breeders will prove satisfactory, though we should nob be surprised if those who buy on the other side fail to fully appreciate the valuo of our sheep until they have practically proved their worth on Australian pastures. Another factor militating againsb big figures is the severe depression, consequent upon the financial earthquakes, of which so much has been heard recently, and the effect of which'will be felt for many a day to come. An advice by mail jusb received from Sydney confirms our impression on this point " Owing to bad times salesmen fear low prices for merino stud sheep, and, seeing that Victorians have plenty of long-woolled rams, we can scarcely expect anything out of the ordinary for the New Zealand consignments." The following clipping from the Sydney Daily Telegraph of 22nd June, with reference to Bathursb stud sheep sales, is also interesting, in view of the series of similar sales in Sydney in the early days of next month, at which a substantial number of excellent sheep from New Zealand will be submitted, including those sent per Rotomahana, from this district:— There was a poor attendance of buyers, and the bidding was slack, although some excellent sheep from the best breeders in the district and the colony, were offered. Prices ranged low, the highest figure being 45 guineas, for a Tasmanian ram, bred by F. B. Suttor, James Rutherford being the purchaser. The others ranged down to 3 guineas. The principal purchasers were:—McKenzie, of Tuena; and Rutherford, Boyd, and MoPhilt&my, of Bathursb." We trusb thab, notwithstanding the somewhat adverse conditions, the prices to be realised by those who have shown such good spirib in the venture will prove sufficiently satisfactory to encourage further shipments of a like nature.