DORSET HORN SHEEP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18587, 22 December 1934, Page 4

DORSET HORN SHEEP

GISBORNE IMPORTATION

EXERCISING AT SEA

Looking remarkably fit and well after over three weeks of sea travel, the consignment of Dorset Horn sheep which arrived on the Kaimiro at Napier on Thursday morning were placidly browsing in the forecastle of this vessel when, a Hawke’s Bay HerajS representative saw them. Comprising 38 ewes and one ram, the consignment represents the first large importation of the breed to blew Zealand, and it has aroused considerable interest. Originally numbering 40 ewes and one ram, the total was reduced by two in the course of transit, one ewe expiring when only two days out of Adelaide, South Australia, where the sheep were loaded. A further death occurred shortly after the Kaimiro’s arrival olf the New Zealand coast, but the remainder of the consignment are in remarkably good condition when it is considered that some very rough weather was experienced during the Tasman crossing, and the voyage was lengthened by several days. The Government veterinarian, inspected the sheep prior to disembarkation to see that they were healthy and were not carrying- any lice, ticks or other pests. Having satisfied himself that they were in satisfactory, order, a clean bill of health was given, and arrangements were then put under way for the transport of the sheep to the farm of Mr. C. C. Laver, at Ngatapa, Poverty Bay, to whom the sheep . were consigned. M to Mr. Laver, who was down at the shiy* to supervise the unloading of his stock, expressed himself as being very surprised at the manner in which the sheep had come through their voyage, not one being in low condition, and all looking as if they were born seafarers. As all the ewes are in lamb, and they are due to lamb down early next month, Mr. Laver was anxious as to how the ewes would stand up to the trip, but an inspection of the sheep soon dispelled any anxiety that might have been felt.

Cosily esconced in the forepart of ; ttie vessel, the sheep were general pets all the way across • the Tasman, and the first mate informed the reporter that they were a most friendly lot of sheep. During the voyage they were given frequent walks and exercise on the foredeck, and seemed to relish a life on the ocean wave.

Chiefly four and six-tooth ewes, the Dorset Horns are entirely different from the average conception of a sheep in this part of the world, where horned sheep are but rare visitants. A Veil built sheep, there is no sheepish look about the Dorset Horn, which cames itself in a manner befitting an aristocratic breed. The single ram in the consignment, also an upstanding sheep, is only a young animal, bemg just yver nine months old. He is one of the best-bred sheep in the breed to-day, a full brother of his being supreme champion over all short-woolled breeds at the Adelaide Show in September last, 1 as well as securing premier honors fo-r his breed at the Melbourne Show in 1933 and af another metropolitan show. The rams are fine big sheep, the brother of the imported ram weighing 2821 b. at the age of 17 months, and now weighing 3601 b. • While in Napier a number of farmers took the opportunity of inspecting,, these sheep, from which great result/ are expected in the production of ffw lambs, and all expressed their approv* of the sheep. Mr. Laver said that he hoped to be exhibiting at the next Royal Show, which is to be held in Hastings in 1935.