IMPORTED SHEEP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20340, 12 February 1936, Page 5

IMPORTED SHEEP

SALE OF STUD RAMS Breeders from all parts of New Zealand were present at Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd.’s saleroom in Wellington to participate in the sale of imported Southdown and Ryeland rams brought to New Zealand recently by Mr G. Fawkes, of Killeymoon, Bulls. The shipment comprised 19 Southdown rams and 3 Ryelands, all of which were personally selected in England from the leading studs there by Mr Fawkes. Prior to reaching New Zealand the sheep were quarantined in Australia for three months. They entered the London quarantine station on July 31 last, and came out of quarantine in New Zealand on January 31, the expenses involved over this period of six months mounting up to a very large sum. However, substantial prices were paid by New Zealand breeders on Saturday at the sale, three of the older Southdowns realising 250gns. or over apiece, and one of the ram lambs realising over 200gns. Nine of the Southdown rams, rising two years old, averaged 1741gns. each, and six, rising one year old, averaged 116Sgns., while the three Ryeland ram lambs averaged 70gns. apiece. Three of the Southdowns went to the Auckland province, two to Southland, two to Otago, one to Canterbury, one to Hawke’s Bay, and six remain in the Wellington province; while one of the Ryelands goes to Canterbury and two to the Manawatu.

The bargain of the sale, conducted by Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., and Dalgety and Co., Ltd., is said to be the first ram sold, Sandringham 117 of 1934, bred by his late Majesty, King George V., which was bought by Mr J. R. Self, Papatoetoe, Auckland, for 250gns. This was a grand-headed ram and was one of the most symmetrical rams it would be possible to see. Another great ram was Luton Hoo 515 of 1934, which was purchased by Messrs Ellis Bros., Killeymoon, Bulls, for 250gns. This was a very thick sheep, short on the leg, and both his sire and dam had been champions at the Royal Show of England. The top price of the sale was 260gns., paid for Luton Hoo 551 of 1934. also bred by Lady Ludlow, which was purchased by Mr H. B. Stuckey, c/o. Massey College, Palmerston North. This was a magnificent ram. also sired by the English Royal champion, while the ram was himself a prize-winner at the Royal. The sale realised 2480gns. The following purchases were made by South Island buyers:— Southdowns Gns. Luton Hoo 547 of 1934, to Hon. R. A. Anderson, Victoria Park, Invercargill 150 Upper Swell 25 of 1934, to Mr J. S. Hunt, Pembroke, Otago .. 150 Sandringham 12 of 1935 (twin), to Mr H. J. Andrews, Maheno, Otago 150 Upper Swell 54 of 1935, to Mr W. Falconer, Southland Frozen Meat Co., Ltd., Makarewa, Southland . 210 Goodwood 327 of 1935, to Mr F. D. Adams, Sheffield, Canterbury 90 Ryelands Holmelacy Natty Man. 1935, to Messrs. Dalgety and Co., Ltd., Christchurch 70