FAIRBURNS.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 32, 10 November 1921, Page 6

FAIRBURNS.

(From a Correspondent).

Mr. Dick May left last Clansman on a business visit to Auckland. He intends returning from the city as soon as is convenient. Shearing operations are in full swing here and many of the farmers are complaining of severe pains in the back. They declare they would let the sheep go unshorn another year, if the styne low price of wool existed, rather than go through such useless and painful labour. Some three or four weeks ago I noted the very distinct evidence of the people’s desire to start a Tennis Club here. Now this desire has spread to nearly every household and in many cases amounts almost to a demand to have something done. I understand something is being done very shortly. No doubt the people of the surrounding districts are simply waiting an opportunity to return the support given them when they had a similar move on foot.

On Tuesday evening there was a very large gathering of dairy farmers here to hear the lecture delivered by Mr. Marsack’

of the Department of Agriculture, on Mammitis and Contagious Abortion. Mr. Anderson, the local Stock Inspector, also accompanied Mr. Marsack on his visit. Mr. J. V). Hoskins, the chairman of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, briefly introduced the speaker. He explained that Mr. Marsack had come to the Far North at the invitation of the Farmers’ Union, and hoped this fact would impress upon many non-members present the great advantages which may be had by the district, if all the farmers would unite to make their local branch a live body.. Here was a Government veterinary officer of very wide experience in New Zealand and other parts of the world coming among them to give them the latest scientific methods of treating cattle diseases. He asked them to give Mr. Marsack an attentive hearing. ■ Mr. Marsack, on rising, dealt first with mammitis m its various forms and symptoms, and explained the method of treatment. He then proceeded to treat abortion in a similar manner, and at the conclusion of his address invited questions bearing directly on the subjects of his lecture, or on any other matter. Many interesting questions were asked and answered, so that the conclusion of the meeting left our dairymen with an increased stock of useful information. In answer to one query regarding the much discussed price of butter-fat, Mr. Marsack explained that unfortunately his veterinary experience did not provide him with an explanation. Judging by the refreshments provided, there surely must be a ladies’ branch to the Farmers’ Union here. A supper of tea, coffee and cakes is not the usual finale to such meetings and was very highly appreciated. Mr. Marsack certainly was well impressed, as he told us that we need have no fear that he would pass Fairburns by when he was again in the North.