SCAB AND FOOT ROT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1150, 6 May 1870, Page 3

SCAB AND FOOT ROT.

PUBLIC MEETING at WAIPUKURAU. A considerable number of the inland sheepfhrmers met fit 12 o'clock on Friday, the 25th ult., at Waipukurau, to take into consideration the best means to prevent the introduction of scab into the district, on its south boundary, and to offer suggestions as to the best means of preventing the spread of foot-rot in the province. The Hon. Robert Stokes was voted to the chair, and read the following communications on these subjects from His Honor the Superintendent, 11. R. Russell, Esq., and the Inspector of Sheep :— (From His Honor the Superintendents) Napier, April 27, 1870. Sic, — It is with much regret I find myself unable to attend the meeting to be hold afc Waipukurau, for the purpose of discussing the best means of preventing the spread of Scab in sheep into this province, and also the measures it is desirable should bo taken to check and eradicate the disease known as Foot Eot. As lam unavoidably absent, I desire to make a few remarks and suggestions, which I shall be obliged by your communicating to tho meeting. First, with regard to the spread of Scab on the EasfcCoasfc runs. Some two or three monthH ago very alarming reports reached us of the rapid spread of the disease, and it seemed urgent that immediate steps should be taken to guard against the runs in this province being infected. Mr. Peacock,the Inspector-of Sheep, went, at my request, to visit the diseased district, for the purpose of reporting the actual condition of affairs. He was desired afc the same time to examine the country near our boundary for the purpose of reporting what measures were open to us to check the spread of the disease into this province. The result of Mr. Peacock's mission has been already published in the very able report he furnished upon the subject, the particulars of which are generally known, and do not require to be repeated. Since then I have been glad to hear that the Scab has not come nearer our boundaries, and the flocks that arc infected at Mataikona, the nearest point to us, have every prospect of being soon cleaned. I also learn that a fence is in course of erection at Ohunga, between Dr. Grace's run and Dr. Featherston's. Ifc is probable also, I believe, that some fencing, to .prevent mixing, may bo undertaken between Dr. Featherston's and Mr. M'Lean's run ; and lam also informed that, at the Wainui, in this province, a fence will soon be completed, securing the Porangahau runs against those on the south of the Wainui stream. All these projected improvements are so many safeguards against the spread of Scab into our province. It appears to me that, under the circumstances, it is not requisite at present to carry out Mr. Peacock's recommendation of making an arrangement with. Messrs. Speedy for turning their run into a cattle run. The terms asked by Messrs. Speedy would be a heavy drain on the funds derived from the Sheep Assessment. I am inclined to think that the erection of a fence, and the employment of a reliable pan to look after it and keep ifc in repair, is all that is at present necessary. This man could also act as Boundary Inspector, and, being always on the spot, would be another safeguard to us. The question as to where the/fence would be the most valuable to us, and most thoroughly secure us against disease, requires careful consideration. Mr. M'Lean is desirous of cooperating with, us, if possible, and the overseer on his Akifcio run has written, suggesting that a fence starting from the Akitio river, where it ceases to be a boundary, would best secure this district against the spread of Scab. Tho reason given is, that the Akitio river is a boundary where the traffic passes, and that a fence into the sea ab Waimata could not stand, and that sheep would in that way spread disease, if the Akitio run became infected. I have little doubt Mr. M'Lean would readily meet the provinco by contributing to a fence securing the Akitio boundary. The great objection I see to this course is, that the Akitio run is in a neighbouring province, and therefore not liable to our sheep laws ; in all other respects there can be no. doubt that fencing the Akitio river boundary is the most effective measure we can take to prevent the spread of Scab into our district. The cost would be considerable, and the distance about twelve miles ; but abundance of good timber is available. The only other plan I see open is, to fence the Waimata boundary; the distance in this case would not be more, I believe, than four or five miles, but there is the disadvantage in this case of not being able to secure the sea beach, and also of having gates, which are liable to be left open. Should, however, this plan be adopted, there is a strip of unpurchased land situate in this province, on and adjacent to the line the fence would take at Waimafca, and this could be reserved from sale, retained in the possession of the Government, and kept clear of sheep, which would materially assist in securing against the chances of infection. I should state that Donald M'Lean, Esq., has authorised tho portion of his Akitio run, abutting on the Waimata boundary, being kept clear of sheep, and that Messrs, Speedy have engaged to have this done by shepherds in their employ, for which the Government are to pay at. the rate of seventy pounds (£7O) a year. If the meeting approves this las b suggestion, and considers a fence and shepherd at Waimata willbe sufficient, then I think wo may perhaps be able to provide the necessary funds out of tho Sheep Assessment. But I would suggest that the meeting should express an opinion whether it would nob be advisable, in any case, that an Act should be submitted to the Provincial Council authorizing the collection of such an additional assessment on sheep as may be necessary, the same not to exceed per head, so that in case there should not prove to be sufficient funds for the fence, should that be determined on, or in the event of the spread of Scab, and tho danger therefrom being imminent, moans may be available for taking prompt measures to check it. With this power in tho hands of the Superintendent I think the precautions I have named would be ample, and the extra assessment would not be raised unless found requisite. With respect to tho Foot llofc question. I would recommend that the meeting give it due and earnest attention. I do not hesitate to say that I look upon it as nearly as great a calamity as Scab would be, and I think advantage should be taken of such a meeting of those interested, as will probably be got together afc Waipukurau, to express an opinion as to what legislation is called for. I need hardly say that such an expression of opinion would receive every consideration from the Provincial Council. I trust, therefore, the meeting will decide whether legislative action to prevent the spread of Foot Hot is desirable ; whether moving diseased sheep should be prohibited ; and, generally, whether the powers given to the Inspector of Sheep to deal with

Scabby sheep should be extended to the case of sheep with Foot Rot. I have, as briefly as possible, indicated generally my views on the matters the meeting will be called upon to consider, and trust some practical resolutions will be come to. . I have the honor to be, Sir, ( Your most obedient servant, J. D. OkmoND. The Chairman of the Public Meeting, Waipukuraiii (•From. H, R, Russell, Esq.) Mount Herbert, April 27, 1870. Sir, — It is with extreme regret that I ftnu ii/ Trill be impossible for me to return from JSTapierin time for the meeting, as I shall be unavoidably detained till Priday evening ; I write, therefore, to ask you to read thi.^, my apology, to 1 the gentlemen attending the meeting, and I think this the more necessary as I sent out circulars at the request of his Honor the Superintendent of the Province, and it might be thought exceedingly uncourteous in me to be absent; Perhaps I may be allowed to state in writing what my views are as to the course which should be followed to prevent the introduction ; of scab, and the spread of foot rot. The latter, disease is one that threafens us more imminently than the former, and if not stamped out by some vigorous measures, will probably involve more loss and permanent damage to the flocks in this province than even scab. I would support such alterations in the present Scab Act as would nearly assimilate it in its provisions to the Act of New South Wales, which has been found to act so well that its main provisions are about to be adopted iv Victoria. I enclose a mutilated copy of the Melbourne Economist, in which you will see a part of the copy of the Sheep Act, now under discussion by the Victorian parliament. I regret that the paper has been torn', and does nob contain the whole Bill; but doubtless later newspapers from that colony will contain it. The following appear to me the chief provisions which are necessary to constitute an effective Bill, viz. : — Foot rot and catarrh, as well as scab, to be included specially as diseases. The province to be made into two divisions ; each division to elect three or more members, to consult with and advise the Inspector. The Inspector, with the approval of the Board, to be empowered to direct what measures shall be taken by any owners of diseased sheep for their treatment. When the Board and Inspector shall consider such stringent measures necessary for stamping out the disease, the whole or any part of the sheep on a diseased run shall be . destroyed. That in such case compensation shall be given to the owner at the rate of, and not exceeding, 2s. per head. That all sheep in the district shall be ordered to be forthwith branded with the registered brand of the owner, in a conspicuous way, with pitch, paint, or some other suitable composition, so that any stray sheep may be at once detected by a careful shepherd, and immediately taken out. That a. rate shall be levied from time to time on all sheep in each division, : to enable such compensation to be paid." • ' ■?;*• 1 am also in favour of. a fence, and vacant space being established at Wainui ; and, groat from the additional labour which will be imposed on the chief Sheep Inspector, Mr. Peacock, owing to . the serious increase of foot rot in a considerable block of the southern division of the province, I think it imperatively necessary to provide him with an efficient assistant, upon whom .he can depend, i The amount of the present Sheep Tax can well afford such additional expense. It appears to me, that after discussing the question, and elicitiug the opinion of the meeting, it would be the more advisable course to nominate a working committee of five or more members, who could . easily meet to assist the. Provincial Council and the Government in passing a new ' Sheep Act through the- approaching session of the Council. Such committee should also bo instructed to urge on the Provincial Council the injustice of dovoting any portion of -the Sheep Tax to other objects than those for which it was specially imposed, and, further, to make a claim for past accumulations of this tax. I have to apologise for so. long a letter, but as I should probably have addressed the meeting at greater length, I trust they will excuse my thus stating my views. Again regretting my unavoidable absence, I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, ,11. 11. Husskll. The Chairman of the Meeting of Sheepowners, Waipukurfiu. (From, tlio Inspector, of Slicop.) Pourerere, April 26, 1870. Sir, — I am advised of a meeting of the settlers, to take place at Waipukurau on the 29th instant, to consider what are the best measures to adopt to guard against the spread of scab into this province, and to discuss the question of foot rot, and the urgent necessity of framing some measures to prevent the more general diffusion of this disease throughout tUe province. In the evenjb of my present engagements preventing rily attendance at the meeting, I will briefly state my views of the questions alluded to. I entered pretty fully into both these questions in my reports of 13th and 22nd January last (copy of which I enclose for reference to), and cannot therefore have much' additional information to give on the subjects. CONCERNING SCAB. This disease, I am pleased to say, has not yet appeared eastward of Oahanga river, and I believe vigorous moasures are about to be taken to clean the Mataikona flocks, which, if successful, will diminish the risk of its spreading to this province, from the increased distance that will then intei*veno between scabby and clean flocks. I was instructed last month by the Superintendent to proceed to the southorn boundary and place a .man there, to keep the boundary clear of Messrs. Speedy 's sheep until something definite was fixed upon, and also to ask the. Messrs. Speedy to reconsider their proposals and modify their terms. In this I was unsuccessful. l?or the double line of wire fencing suggested by me for the boundary, it is thought that a single line of post and rail fence might be substituted. The chief difficulty in erecting such a fence would be the very steep nature of some parts of the proposed line ; but the idea is well worth consideration, as, if a single line of post and rail fence can be considered as effective as a double line of wire fencing, ib would materially lessen the cost of the fencing scheme alluded to in my report. I still think that converting the Wainui block into a cattle run would, in the event of scab spreading to the Akitio flocks, prove the most effectual barrier to its spreading into this province ; but would at same time give., due.prominence to any fencing scheme, as I consider the Messrs. Speedy 's terms much too high

5 and more than an equivalent to any loss they might sustain from grazing cattle in [ lieu of sheep ; and it may be considered > that the danger is nob sufficiently imminent to warrant the sheep owners of the proi vince incurring an expense, which future events may pi-ove to have been unnecessary, whereas any line of fencing could be erected at a few months notice. I commend this subject to the earnest consideration of the meeting, and trust the subject; will be discussed in all its bearings, as there will, I doubt not, be many settlers in attendance as conversant with the subject as is the Inspector. CONCERNING FOOT-ROT. I am sorry I cannot speak so hopefully of this disease or, indeed, of the subject. This disease, which is a comparatively new one in this province, has spread during the last few months with almost incredible rapidity, and has proved most virulent in its attacks. Whether this disease has been communicated in every instance as is by some alleged, or whether it has in many cases arisen spontaneously, that I am not prepared to prove, and I find, even among those who claim some knowledge of the disease there, is considerable diversity of opinion. While some say that this disease will nob under auy circumstances arise spontaneously, that it must be communicated either by direct contact with diseased sheep or from passing over iufected country, &c. ; others again (notably those : who claim Australian experience) express their belief that the disease frequently arises spontaneously, and that it is only contagious under extraordinary conditions or cirr cumstances, and that the disease is not so difficult of cure but that a change to high dry land will in a few months effect a cure of a largo per centage of those affected: While such a diversity of opinion prevails I feel considerable diffidence in expressing an opinion on the subject. I believe that under certain conditions and pre-disposing causes this disease may be generated spontaneously, and that in some instances it has so arisen in this province, but that it is of a highly contagious nature, and is much more contagious in the spring and summer than in the autumn or winter. Of its contagious nature I think there can bo no doubt, at least I have none, and could adduce proofs innumerable to pro re it. My experience induces the belief that a change to high or dry land without previously paring the hoofs rather retards than accelerates a cure, and that the cure of this disease when it becomes deeply seated in a flock is by jno means easy. Ask the owners or managers of stations afflicted with this disease if it is a thing to be treated lightly. I venture to think they will reply that it is no pooh poohing matter, and yet in none of the Sheep Acts of the other provinces or in any Australian Act can I see that it has been deemed of sufficient importance to call for any special legislation, indeed, I do not remember to have seen in any Act the name of the disease mentioned. Whether it is that ita attacks have been unusually virulent in this province this year "i do not know ; but it appears to me quite serious enough to call for some legislation to prevent its more general diffusion throughout the province. I confess I cannot see my way clear as to what measures would be best calculated to promote this object ; if too stringent measures are framed in the proposed new Sheep Act, concerning foot rot, it would probably lead to the disallowance of the Bill, and yet mild measures I foar would prove abortive. I confess I iiave thought a good deal upon the subject pro and con, and can suggest nothing beyond those unfortunate settlers pursuing vigorous measures to clean their flocks before the winter is ended; a thorough dressing at the present time would, I believe, cure :the most if not the whole of them. I cannot sufficiently commend this subject to the consideration and discussion of the meeting, as, I believe, it is intended that a new Sheep Bill will be brought before the Provincial Council next month, and as I presume there will be a lai'ge gathering of those deeply interested in the matter at this meeting. I hope their opinions may bo elicited, as I have no doubt members unacquainted with sheep matters will be guided in a great measure by the tone of this meeting as to whether they will support or oppose the Bill when it comes before them. I will nob trespass further on the time of the meeting, and subscribe myself. — Yours, &c, G-. Peacock, Inspector of Sheep. The Chairman of the Public Meeting, Waipukurau. ■—The following resolution, proposed by Lieut.-Col. Lambert, and seconded by Mr. Gor.LAN, was carried after some discussion:— That His Honor the Superintendent be requested to direct the Provincial Surveyor to visit the boundary of the province, with the Sheep Inspector, and a runholder to be nominated by His Honor, to survey and report on the lines of fence at Akiteo and Waimata, proposed in His Honor's letter ; and that the Provincial Council be respectfully requested to place funds at His Honor's disposal, to enable him to take such steps as he may deem necessary, to prevent the introduction of scab and diseased sheep into this province. . — Mr. Johnston moved as an amendment, seconded by Mr. Grant : — ;■ That this meeting recommends the Akiteo line of fencing as that beat suited to prevent the spread of scab into this province, and leaves fo the discretion of Ilia Honor the time when such fence bo ereoted. — The amendment was negatived, and the resolution carried. Mr. A'Deane moved the next resolutijn, which was seconded by : Mr. ILvR/niNcr, and carried unanimously : — ... That, in the opinion of this meeting, the present sheep assessment is sufficient to prqvido funds for any measures necessary to prevent the introduction of scab iutp this province. It was then moved by Mr. A'Deane, and seconded by Mr. Sydney Johnston :—- That thia meeting is of opinion that legislative action is necessary to regulate the removal of sheep affeotod with the disease called foot-rot. — The resolution was carried after much discussion. Colonel Lambert moved, and Mr. James Lawrence seconded, the following resolution, which was negatived : — That power ho given to the Sheap Inspector to examine flocka infected with foot-rot, and to take such measures as may be necessary to eradicate and prevent the spread of the disease. — The meeting, after a vote of thanks to the Chairman, separated at 4 o'clock.