HEAVY LOSSES OF SHEEP

Southland Times, Issue 23308, 18 September 1937, Page 14

HEAVY LOSSES OF SHEEP

COLD WEATHER IN NEW SOUTH WALES

A recent sudden cold snap killed many newly-shorn sheep in the Forbes district, about 270 miles west of Sydney. The estimates are as high as 15,000, and some small holders have lost half their flocks.

Shearing was in progress in the district when rain commenced, and many sheep had been turned out into the paddocks fresh from the shearers’ hands. When the severe cold set in immediately after the rain, the result was appalling. Before anything could be done for the helpless,animals they were dying in great numbers. The heaviest individual loser was Mr E. H. B. Weaver, of Wynola, whose flock was depleted by about 1000. Small owners have been hard hit, many losing half of their flocks. It was impossible at the time to form an accurate estimate of the total losses for the district, but well-informed men place them at from 10,000 to 15,000 sheep and lambs. The less of so many sheep has come as a severe blow to the district’s wool industry at a time when rain had improved pasture prospects. The “near-west” area of New South Wales was swept by a blizzard, which, for August, has not been equalled since 1907. For • the first time for 20 years snow was reported in August throughout the Bathurst and adjoining districts, the heaviest falls being at Burraga, Newbridge, Caloola, Rockley, Oberon, Porter’s Retreat, Yetholme, Sunny Corner, Hill End and Tarana. A heavy fall of snow was experienced in Orange, but it was followed by heavier rain. Snow also fell in outlying centres.