STUD SHEEP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 17

STUD SHEEP.

AUSTRALIAN EXPORT.

(From Ouk Own Correspondent.}

SYDNEY, October 2. New Zealand has been given central place in an alleged scheme by Russian and South African pastoralists to evade the Australian law and purchase of stud sheep for transport to the countries named. It is claimed that if the plan is permitted to be carried into effect the Australian wool industry would be seriously affected and the flocks of rivals built up. It is some considerable time now since an embargo was placed by Australia on the export of its stud sheep. This action followed the unmasking of a plan whereby thousands of sheep were to be transported to the Black Sea ports for Russian pastoral areas. When the proclamation was issued a flock of some thousands was already aboard a boat bound for Russian ports, and the departure of the vessel was hastened before it could be brought into effect. Actually the sheep, were loaded during the night, and when the proclamation was signed the sheep were on the high seas. A great outcry followed, and the Government expressed its determination to prevent "further shipments at all cost. New Zealand was not included in the countries to which the embargo applied. Now comes the story that New Zealand will be utilised in a scheme to evade the proclamation. It is stated that arrangements have been made for tlie purchase of 10,000 Australian sheep, which are intended for Russia and South Africa, the former country taking the majority. Stud breeders claim that they have been severely hit by the embargo, and it is confidently asserted that they would be only too ready to assist buying agents. The latter are supposed to be operating from New Zealand. Large purchases of merinos would be. made, their immediate destination being the Dominion. The sheep would be depastured in New Zealand for some months on country that has already been secured, and then shipped to their ultimate destinations—Russia and South Africa.

According to reports that have been published in Sydney Russian agents are prepared to buy up to 20,000 sheep, and they have £50,000 available as purchase money. If the scheme could be worked it would be a good one for sheep breeders, who are not very enthusiastic over the wool market prospects. Still, it is doubtful whether it would be as easy to evade the law as the promoters may think.