DEMAND FOR MERINOS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4194, 9 June 1939, Page 2

DEMAND FOR MERINOS

AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCING A MILD BOOM. Advice has been received by Wright, Stephenson and Co. Ltd. from Mr H. H. Peck, of Victoria, who recently completed a tour of inspection of the North Island, and who was the largest individual purchased at the Killeymoon dispersal sale, that the Eastern States of Australia are experiencing their best autumn for 60 years. Mr Peck writes, inter alia, that from the South Coast of Victoria to the Queensland border the country is inches deep in grass. Store stock is bringing phenomenal prices as every property is considerably understocked following the disastrous drought period of 1938-39. Some idea of values can be gained from the fact that average store bullocks are bringing up to £ll, and even at this money are practically unobtainable, and crossbred ewes with good mouths from 30s to 355. This wonderful season, following the two poor years, is creating a tremendous demand for Merino rams. Information is also to hand from South Australia and Western Australia. In both these States, with the exception of one or two districts, the season is assured. Mr L. W. Gebhardt, proprietor of the fam ■ ous Mokota Merino Stud, advises that he has placed the whole of his 1938 drop of rams, totalling 200(1. Mr Gebhardt also controls a property in the north-east of South Australia, and with shearing just completed his 5000 sheep have averaged 451 b uf wool per head.