Policy Of Veterinary School

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30147, 3 June 1963, Page 10

Policy Of Veterinary School

Dr. I. J. Cunningham’s address to the Veterinary Services Council gave some idea of the realistic policy being adopted by the new department of veterinary science at Massey College. Many persons may be shocked by the knowledge that 40 years must elapse before New Zealand has the modest total of 1000 veterinarians. This is a sufficient condemnation of the delay in establishing New Zealand’s own school and of reliance upon Australian training facilities and overseas recruitment to provide staff for the Dominion’s veterinary services. Nothing is to be gained, however, by regret about the past. At Massey College preparations are being pushed ahead to institute a complete veterinary course. The objectives appear sensible and sound As Dr. Cunningham, the first dean of the faculty, has pointed out, the New Zealand school will enjoy advantages such as close association with other faculties, and will suffer from disadvantages such as initial limitations of original research. Its establishment is one of the most stimulating events in the recent history

of New Zealand higher education. Its claims to support from pastoral interests and from the other components of the New Zealand universities are compelling. If all goes well, it should soon contribute outstandingly to the welfare and progress of the New Zealand economy.

New Zealand’s need to expand primary production if living standards are to be maintained is a principal reason why the continuing shortage of veterinarians is to be deplored. Economic conditions, generally have resulted in a changed attitude to the place of veterinarians in ordinary farming; and the current emphasis on scientific methods necessitates reasonably easy access to skilled advisers on stock health. Statistics quoted by Dr. Cunningham show how small a pool of veterinary labour is available to supply requirements throughout the world New Zealand scarcely needs to fear producing a surplus of veterinarians. Training facilities, if they could be spared, could help to relieve the wants of underdeveloped countries where veterinary services are still rudimentary.