DEATHS OF KANGAROOS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 May 1936, Page 12

DEATHS OF KANGAROOS

FEARS OF EXTERMINATION. SYDNEY, April IS. Veterinary surgeons of the Department of Agriculture are carrying out post-mortem examinations on kangaroos in an endeavour to identify a disease which is wiping out the kangaroo population of Riverina, in

southern New South Wales. The department's chief veterinary surgeon. Mr Max Henry, said it appeared as if the disease would result soon in the complete extirpation of kangaroos in the area. Reports from district officers had been received showing that, on one station alone, 100 carcases had been found. This decimation was common throughout the area, and it was evident that the whole kangaroo population shortly would disappear. So far the disease was unknown, but it was thought it was due to parasites. Apparently there was no poison in the herbage, otherwise the complaint would have spread to other animals. It was apparent, said Mr Henry, that the disease luckily was confined to the kangaroos. Several carcases had been sent to Sydney for autopsies, and careful examinations were being made. No reports from other parts of New South Wales of a similar disease had been received. Records in the department did not show tmy similar occurrence in past years. The investigations by officers of the department might throw light upon disease among livestock.

According to authorities in Britain whose opinions have been sought in regard to housing schemes in this country and the types of houses to be built, it is very remarkable that threeroomed houses for old couples is strongly advocated in preference to four-roomed houses. All the old people want is a living room, a bedroom and a kitchenette, for which they have to pay the smallest rent. These houses are generally kept very cosy I by the old folk. The building of big blocks of flats is becoming less pre-| valent, and blocks are being limited as far as possible to flatted types of four houses each. At the estimated' cost of this type of small house it can be leased for £l7 per year.