INSPECTION OF COWS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1111, 26 April 1911, Page 3

INSPECTION OF COWS.

DEPARTMENTAL METHODS ASSAILED. ■ WARM DISCUSSION, Tho Hospital Board yesterday discussed in a somewhat animated way the question of having cows tested for tuberculosis. The subject was. introduced by tho following recommendation of the Hospital Committee: — "That the medical superintendent he authorised to confer with tho Department in reference, to having tho cows supplying milk to tho Wellington and Otaili llopitals tested for tuberculosis,"

Mr. Mooro said that,' although at one time prepared to support tho recommendation as it stood, ho had now changed his view. If the hoard wanted theso cows properly tested, it must employ a privato veterinary surgeon. Tho inspection of cows by Departmental officials was hopelessly inadequate Tho peoplo of Wellington wore told that pork was inspected now, which was nonsense. Somebody took a cursory glance or two at a pig. hanging in a siiop now and then. That was tho inspection they got. ',"..._■." Mr. Gardener declared that a case had como under his observation at Otaki, in which a mail suffering during four -years from consumption, and known to be dying of the disease, was employed in the conveyance of milk. This man "died in harness," Mr. Gardener added. Ho was engaged in conveying milk until a fortnight prior to his death.

Mr. Nash: "Did you know about it?" Mr. Gardener: '•Yes. , ' Mr. Nash: "What is tho good of telling us now that tho man is dead?" Mr. Gardener: "What is the good of my telling tho Public Health Department what to do?" Dr. Valintine (Inspector-General of Hospitals), who was present, said that evidently, some speakers considered that the Health Department was responsible for the inspection of cows. As a fact the duty devolved upon tho Agricultural Department. The speaker was sure- that Mr., Moore's remarks were not justified and hoped that the Board would not cast an undeserved slur on tho Agricultural Department. Its officers were doing their work efficiently Md well and were goir.g through tho herds of tho Dominion very systematically. Mr.-Smith opined that unwarranted statements had been made. P, would bo put into people's minds that they had been drinking tubercular milk. This could not be so. There was not a great deal of tuberculosis about. Jt might be necessary to havo more men in the Agricultural Department, but it was unfair to make statements hot warranted by facts. Mr. Fitzgerald said ho did not attach too much importance to the remarks of Mr. Moore. He know that the latter gentleman was over ready to have a tilt at tho Government.

Mr. Moore said lie was probably more familiar than any other member with the procedure of the Department he had criticised. Ho knew that tho officials got private instructions from their superiors to "go easy," because if they did what was right it was going to cost too much.

Mr. Hindmarsh was sorry members had taken up an antagonistic attitudo to Mr. Moore. The latter was qualified to speak. He knew the facts, and had the courage to give utterance to what ho know. What Mr. Fitzgerald had said was quite absurd. Mr. Van Staveren testified to the good work Government Departments." "" "" Mr. Kirk pointed out that any veterinarian appointed would bo under tho control of the Agricultural Department. What the board asked was that an actual test should bo made. Tho amendment was lost on tho voices, and tho original motion was carried.