THE CATTLE TICK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 February 1925, Page 8

THE CATTLE TICK.

PR ICC A l TTI ON SIN AU ( K LAN D DR. PEAKES’ SUGGESTIONS. The question of eradication of the tick is a (retry live one in the northern province, and recently the provision ot sufficient and dips thiough which all cattle from North Auckland must pass, has been engaging the attention of the Farmers’ Union. cost, however, it was stated vtoum be fairly heavy, and it was contended that st should not fall on the farmers. AA ith a view therefore to a settlement of the question. Dr. Reakes has visited Auckland and had a conference with members of the union and representatives oi leading auctioneering firms. In the course of a very interesting address. Dr. Reakes pointed -out that in a genera 1 wav it was difficult to enforce rigidly the regulations and not cause hardship, and at the same time ensure protection lor the farmers in die clean districts. Some members bad suggested that the dip used was not strong enough, and other thought chat the cattle had not been properly treated. To saisfy farmers on this point, he stated that -tests of the dips had been made by a leading Government, onemist. in some cases the mixture had been found slightly over the standard strength, and in other cases slightU under. It was, he pointed out, necessary. to have the right streugth in the • up'. He added that the fact of a dip being niuddv did not neutralise its effect :veness. Dealing with the general aspect, Dr. Reakes gave the assurance hat the Department was quite willing to help the farmers. He was prepared to appoint an inspector, with a roving • ummission to visit dips in various parts the infested areas and see -that animals were properly dipped and the regulations carried out. The inspectors would see that the dips were of the right strength, and tnat the trenmeni was effective. All present expressed themselves as satisfied with the proposed action. Dr. Reakes made a strong appeal for the co-operation of every farmer and said chat without help no effective action was possible. He said tnev were aiming to ensure destruction as far as possible of the pest in its early stages. This co-operation between the Department •nd the settlers' is likely to. secure the success desired.