A VALUABLE SHIPMENT

Southland Times, Issue 18971, 19 June 1923, Page 5

A VALUABLE SHIPMENT

CLYDESDALES FOR AUSTRALIA. SHIPPED BY MOERAKI. One of the largest and most valuable collections of Clydesdale stud stock ever forwarded to Australia was shipped to Melbourne by the Moeraki, which left Bluff last evening by Messrs Wright Stevenson and Co., Ltd., on account of’ Messrs J. H. Mitchell and J. O’Brien of Oamaru, for disposal by Messrs Campbell and Sons, of Kirk’s Bazaar, Bourke street, Melbourne. The consignment, which comprises 16 stallions and five mares, is drawn from the leading studs in the Dominion and is a most valuable one, being estimated at approximately £5,000 or an average of £240 per animal. Speaking to a Southland Times representative yesterday, Mr J. H. Mitchell of Waim ate, who is one of the principals in the shipment, gave some interesting particulars of the animals he is taking across to Australia and also made a brief reference to the demand existing in Australia for first-class stock. “It is undoubtedly,” he said, “the best collection that has ever left New Zealand, and is drawn from such well known studs as Mr R. D. D. McLean’s at Maraekakaho (Hawke’s Bay), Mr J. A. Johnstone’s at Bushey Park (Manawatu), Mr W. Boag’s at Rakaia, Mr W. Taylor’s and Mr P. Shearer’s at Ashburton, and Messrs Thompson and Co.’s at Wairongoa (North Taieri). The stallions, which are mostly three-year-olds, total 16, while there are five stud mares and fillies. They have all been tfery carefully selected and as regards breeding and pedigree, are absolutely the best to be found in the Clydesdale stocks throughout the Dominion. It might be interesting to mention that the highest priced colt at the recent dispersal sale held at the Wairongoa stud, finds a place in the consignment, whilst there are also two colts bred by ourselves.” Asked by the reporter whether any Southland-bred animals were ever handled, Mr Mitchell stated that they had not been able to secure any suitable animals this year. Generally they included some in their consignments, but apparently the breeders had not been successful in getting their stock up to the standard required. “Do you find a good demand for high grade stock in Australia?” asked the reporter. “Yes,” replied Mr Mitchell. “We have found through experience that the Australian people interested in Clydesdales want the very best stock available and on that account we have to be very careful in our selection. Previous shipments sent by us have been eagerly sought after by people in Western Australia and South Australia as well as Victoria and New South Wales. Mr O’Brien and myself have been shipping stallions for the last 20 years and we have always found a ready market, and if we get good stuff we can sell it. I suppose I have handled more draught stallions than any other man in the Australasian colonies. One season we shipped as many as 75, but during the past few years the consignments have been down as low as 15 and 16.” Mr Mitchell further stated that he had been interested in this particular line since 1902, when he began operations in succession to Messrs Ray and Trestraill, who were well known throughout Australia and New Zealand. Mr Mitchell said that he made his first trip in 1902, and along with his partner, Mr J. O’Brien, of Oamaru, whom he described as one of the best known dealers he had ever been associated with, they had never missed a season yet in sending a consignment forward for the Australian market. Mr Mitchell stated that the animals had so far settled down fairly well to the sea voyage, but he was somewhat apprehensive that the prolonged stay at Bluff (the Moeraki had arrived there early on Saturday morning) would make the animals somewhat restless, and thus cause them to lose condition.