H.—23a

2

The following table shows the number of sheep in the colony, and the export of mutton and lamb for the past four years, at 30th April:—

The large increase of sheep shown in Canterbury has been considerably assisted by imports from the North Island and from other parts of the South Island. John D. Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,775 copies), £1 ss.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9os. Price 3d.]

Year. Number of Sheep in Colony at 30th April. Mutton Carcases exported, Year ended 30th April. i Lamb Carcases ex- i Total Carcases Mutton ported, Year ended ; and Lamb exported, 30th April. Year ended 30th April. 1902 1903 1904 20,342,727 18,954,553 18,280,806 1,712,670 2,497,546 1,736,780 3,449,450 2,006,462 4,501,008 2,388,959 2,104,881 4,493,840 1905 19,121,924* 1,888,065 1,937,026 3,825,091 * Approximate.