xv SHEEP 153 



the fact that it has been shown in Australia that as 

 the merino travels inland towards the Equator so does 

 the quality of his wool improve instead of degenerat- 

 ing according to anticipation. 



Private owners, as well as the Government, are 

 now importing high-quality rams freely, and in a very 

 short time the intending farmer will be able to pur- 

 chase all the best blood of Bonooke or of Wanganella 

 at a very moderate price. 



When the cost of maintaining a flock in the 

 Protectorate is considered, it will be seen that 

 prospects could hardly be brighter. We have the 

 best of grazing, carrying often two or even more 

 sheep to the acre ; and this, moreover, without any- 

 thing in the way of improvements such as paddocks 

 or increased water supply. We have native herds 

 who, in spite of a penchant for mutton, will shepherd, 

 shear, or dose under reasonable supervision for the 

 princely sum of ten shillings a month. We require 

 the minimum of capital expenditure in the way of 

 sheds and yards. With the exception of a dip, a 

 drafting yard, and a few cheap sheds for valuable rams, 

 nothing of a permanent nature is required for the use 

 of the sheep. 



With these considerations, viz., land, labour, and 

 equipment, on a minimum basis, it can well be under- 

 stood that the annual cost per head may be reduced 

 below one rupee, which sum the pioneers of the 

 industry considered the reasonable limit. On the 

 other hand, the corresponding revenue can only be 

 determined by the capacity of the farm and the enter- 

 prise of its owner. 



When one considers what they have done in 

 Australia, where there are now more than 50 million 



