L— sc.

22

[A. R, LYONS.

In those places it would. But, then, the mischief has been done —the low oountry belonging to the runs has been taken away from them. 69. Just so. I think that is a mistake, and I want to know whether, in your opinion, it would not be well to get back part of it to enable the holders of the runs to go on as in the past? — In some cases it would. Of course, it would enable other country to be let. 70. Mr. Flatman.] Do you think it is more risky in stocking Tip with crossbred sheep in this high country, which is liable to severe snowstorms occasionally, than it is with merino sheep —that is to say, will not merino sheep stand more severe weather than crossbred sheep? —Yes, they will; but you could not get merinos with which to stock it. 71. lam only speaking of the difference between the two classes of sheep. The merinos would be less liable to perish in a snowstorm than crossbreds ? —Yes. 72. Mr. Buchanan.] What about the Cheviot sheep? —On this very run I tried Cheviots. After 1895 I stocked up with a lot of them; but I got rid of them. They live, certainly; but they do not give you any return —they have no wool. 73. Hon. Mr. Duncan.] With regard to what you said about the low counuy : is there any low country that would be suitable for Balmoral ? —Not within a reasonable distance. It is all taken up. I have tried to lease country on which to run our hoggets, but 1 have never been able to get it. It is not available. All (he country about Burkes Pass is taken up and they have got sheep on it. For years I tried to lease the county to send our hoggets to, but could not do it. 74. Is there any large extent of runs round about that neighbourhood that are in the same position ? —Yes ; exactly the same position. 75. There is no low country for them to get within reasonable distance? —No. I forgot to mention, Mr. Chairman, and I would like to mention it now, that I heard members of the Committee asking the witnesses yesterday for particulars of the returns from some of the runs. I can give you the average return from Balmoral from 1896 to 1902. The profit was £8,492 11s. Bd. The loss last year was £1,708 16s. 7d. ; and the total profit for the seven years, ,£6,783, or an average of £969 a year. That is the average profit for seven years on a pretty considerable capital. 76. Mr. Harding.] How many_sheep? —On the leasehold there are 29,000. The total number carried is about 37,000, and the freehold which we lease carries about 8,000 out of the 37,000. [Statements of losses on Balmoral, and Glenmore, and Rollesby Runs through snowstorm of July, 1903, handed in by Mr. Lyons.]