page 34

Sheep.

From the sections "Frozen Meat" and "Wool" it will be seen that a marked increase must have taken place in the number of sheep reared in the Colony. The diagram now presented shows that in 20 years the number of head, notwithstanding the millions exported, increased 100 per cent., largely due to the freedom from disease and the increased shipping facilities.

Early lambs (for freezing) fetch 10s. 6d. to 12s. each.

The percentage of increase is very high, even reaching 125 per cent. in exceptional instances.

Shearing commences in September and continues till January, costing 15s. to £,1 per 100.

The clip is from 4 to 11 lbs., and in some special cases 30 lbs.

Shearing machines are largely used.