SHEEP BY RAIL

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21356, 26 February 1941, Page 6

SHEEP BY RAIL

HEAVIER TRAFFIC RECORD WAIKATO TRADE ROLLING STOCK POSITION During the height of the fat lamb and store sheep trade in the Waikato a particularly busy time is experienced by everyone in the stock trade, but the Railways Department, which is called upon to supply the major portion of the transport, experiences just as busy a time. The co-operation of the department with members of the stock trade has been largely responsible for the smooth handling of the thousands upon thousands ot sheep tnat have come into the Waikato district this season. Since January 1 the department has supplied 9591 double-decker waggons for lambs, in comparison with 7098 waggons for the same period last year. An indication of the improved position in regard to rolling stock is provided by the fact that while last year the department supplied 2498 L.A. or coal waggons, this year there was need to supply only 478 of the same type. The L.A. type of waggon is not regarded by the trade as being suitable for carrying sheep long distances, but as satisfactory for short distances. Last year 114,862 lambs were conveyed in L.A. trucks, in comparison with only 22,466 lambs for the same period this year. Sheep by Boat The coastal steamer Pakura bringing breeding ewes from East Coast ports to connect with the railhead at Tauranga, made 13 trips this season in comparison with 16 trips last year, bringing 32,500 sheep in comparison with 40,000 shipped last year. The total number of sheep coming by rail from T ineatua and Gisborne and other East Coast districts this season was 45,750 in comparison with 32,690 last year. The store sheep traffic from the King Country has been the heaviest in history, the sheep coming mainly from stations between Ohaku.ie and Martin. Sheep copjing by rail from Hawke’s Bay have been more numerous than in previous years.