TB TESTING “Strike Action” By Farmers In Nelson

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30212, 17 August 1963, Page 12

TB TESTING “Strike Action” By Farmers In Nelson

(New Zealand Press Association) NELSON, August 16. Farmers in the Tadxnor-Matariki district of Nelson have decided on “strike action” directed against the tuberculosis eradication scheme. In a petition, 99 farmers of the local Federated Farmers’ branch have advised the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) that they will refuse to allow tuberculosis testing to be carried out on their lands or to send condemned animals to the works until such time as full compensation, based on market values, is paid for reacting stock.

The farmers say that while they appreciate the need for tuberculosis eradication, they lack confidence in the present testing scheme. They claim “clean” animals are being slaughtered. In its letter the branch said the problem was of immediate concern because a large number of animals in the area were tagged for slaughter in the near future and herds which had reactors to tests three months ago were now due for re-testing. Three herds tested in 1962 were clear then, but 12 months later, there were 20 reactors to the caudal fold test, eight in one herd and six in each of the other two herds These 20 animals were subjected to the short thermal test. Two reacted positively, both from the same herd. When these two beasts were slaughtered neither was found to be infected with tuberculosis. “With no tuberculosis being found in the two slaughtered animals this makes the use of the caudal fold test . . 100 per cent, inefficient," the letter said. The letter also claimed that the Nelson Freezing Company had been instructed by the department to refuse to give any information on the incidence of tuberculosis in slaughtered reactors. “Farmers are gravely concerned at the department making no attempt at all at on-the-farm investigations to ascertain the reasons why animals, after reacting to both tests, are found to be tuber-culosis-free at slaughter,” said the letter.

Mr Taiboys said in Wellington tonight he was examining the points made in the petition. He had discussions with officers of the Department of Agriculture and Mr W. E. Rowling, member of Parliament for Buller, in the afternoon.

Bush Fire.—A small fire in a patch of bush on the Summit road near the Post Office radio mast was put out on Thursday afternoon before the arrival of a fire engine from the Sydenham station. The fire alarm was given at 2.41 p.m.

Deregistered.— Cancellation of the registration of the Christchurch Master Tailors' Industrial Union of Employers was gazetted this week. -(PA.)