DANGER TO DAIRYMEN

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 2465, 7 October 1914, Page 2

DANGER TO DAIRYMEN

DISEASED STOCK ON THE ROAD

HEAVY <LOSS AT AWAHURI

A new terror has arisen for dairymen, in the shape of diseased stock being permitted to wander on the public roads. So far as owners of valuable herds are concerned, it is hardly possible to exaggerate the seriousness of the position. One dairyman who, like a good settler and patriot, is improving his herd every year, has suffered te the extent of about £300. Cows straying along the road at this time of the year entice the bulls from the -paddocks, and thus diseases from the wandering cows spread to the herds in the paddocks. The matter gives a great deal of" concern to local bodies, some of whom find it most difficult te decide whether or not the roads should bo closed-to stock. In the Manawatu County the roads in some districts have been closed, whilst in others the ranger's duties have been suspended. Referring to the question, the chairman said it reminded him of a story of Socrates.. A young man went to that wise Greek and asked for advice on the subject of marriage. "It does not matter much either way," replied the sage; "for whatever you do, you are bound to repent." So with the roads, added Mr Wilson, whether the Council opened them or closed them, fiomo settlers are bound to object. The difficulty of getting suitable and reliable rangers for various districts also enters the question. It is reported that in some parts the settlers pay the rangers to allow their stock to graze on the roads. Again, there is the matter of conducting prosecutions. Should these be left te private individuals, and thus set neighbour against neighbour in the law courts, or ought the local bodies to take uf> the burden of prosecutions? Whatever is done, needs to be done oiwickly. The clanger of spreading bad diseases amongst- dairy stock must be eliminated as muich. as possible these times.