THE PASTORAL INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 13

THE PASTORAL INDUSTRY.

Although the cutting up of large estates North Otago had the effect of stimulat- ’ ing the agricultural industry at the expense of the pastoral, the high prices of lamb and wool, combined with the increased overhead charges in respect to agriculture, have induced many holders in the last few years to abandon graingrowing in favour of lamb raising. There are indications that the numb -r

considerably increased this year. To show what dimensions the pastoral industry- assumed in the early days, it may he mentioned that in 1869 the list of sheep owners was given as follows: —A. and T. Anderson, Otepopo, 1200; E. B. Atkinson, Clifton Falls, 21,000; PePter Aitchison, Waikoura, 1000; James Burnett, Big Hill, Papakaio, 340; Borton and M'Master, 50,000; Campbell and Low, Benmore, 51,500; Robert Campbell, Otekaike, 27,000; John Cameron, Horse Gully, Papakaio, 700; Calcutt and Menlove, 3200; J. Dalgleish, 20; Thomas Ferens, Stotfold, 17,200; Francis Fulton. Kakanui, 1700; Mary Fricker, Awamoko, 420; James Finch, Columella. 650; C. T. and F. Fenwick, 10,500; W. Fenwick, 12,000; Gillies and Street, Awamoko, 500; John Clifford, 320; David Hutchison, Shag Point, 1850; Mathew Holmes, Awamoa, 4500; Thomas Croker Hill. Longslip, 10,000; James Hassell, ..Cave Valley, 3000; J. Honour and Son, 40; Thomas Hall, Papakaio, 67; E. A. and R. Julius, 19,300; James Lee, Teaneraki, 2900; John Lemon, 7; Duncan Mains, Otepopo, 1200; H. P. Morse and Herber' Edwards. 2000; William Mason, Otepopo, 1960; John Marr, Maerewhenua, 1230; Alexander M'Master, 4300; John M’Lean, Morven Hills, 9000; E. W. Roxby, 50; A. and F. Shields, Allday, 3500; Teschemaker and Co., 37,000; Webster and Aitken, Kakanui, 14,000; Sir H. E. T. Young, Omarama, 46,795; Howell, Loughnan, and Cocks, ruh near Oainaru, 30,000. Most of the flock owners in the early days had a good deal to contend with owing to the prevalence of scab, and as there was no freezing industry, their sheep were worth little more than the value of the wool, which ranged in price from 4d to 3d per pound.