EAST COAST SHEEP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22936, 14 January 1938, Page 10

EAST COAST SHEEP

USE OF THE MOTU ROUTE TREK TO THE WAIKATO [by telegraph—own correspondent] GISBORNE, Thursday Sheep mobs on the road to the Waikato so far are following the Motu route, leaving the Waioeka Gorge Road free from such traffic for the time being, a position which motorists appreciate. How long sheep will continue to use the Motu Road is a matter of conjecture. When feed becomes scarce on that route drovers may prefer to travel through the Waioeka Gorge, where feed is more plentiful and water easier to obtain. In the meantime, however, motorists have a straight run between Matawai and Opotiki, except for small lots moving from property to property along the j-oute. , . Larger numbers of breeding ewes are expected to be moved from Gisborne and the coast districts than last year, when the figure was estimated at over 300,000. -In order to cope with the exceptionally large numbers, it is anticipated that ad possible routes will be used before the end of the season. Already over 10,000 sheep have been sent by the Pakura. When feed becomes scarce on the routes between Gisborne and Taneatua there may be an inducement to owners to have numbers driven to Nuhaka or Waikokopu for conveyance by rail. A consignment of approximately 2600 sheep, comprising tho Pakura's second shipload from Gisborne, left here about noon to-day for Tauranga en route to the Waikato. The ship will discharge her freight at the Bay of Plenty port to-morrow morning and is due back at Gisborne on Saturday morning for a further load consigned to Auckland clients. A line of 800 two-tooth ewes from the Whangara station will be despatched by the Margaret W. to-mor-row. Renewed activity in buying has been noticed in the Gisborne district during the past week or so, but rates are from 3s to 5s below the" level on which previous forward deals wero made. Sixyear ewes have changed hands recently at 20s to 21s, a reduction of 3s on previous rates, while younger sheep are 4s to os lower. Five-year and mixed ages are at around 2os and two-tooths in the vicinity of 30s.