A Veterinary Surgeon

Northland Age, Volume 28, Issue 55, 29 June 1928, Page 7

A Veterinary Surgeon

Need In The North. Question Of Support Farmers’ Union Discussion > The question of giving support to a resident Veterinary Surgeon was raised by Mr. J. C. Marsh at the meeting of the Kaitaia Branch of the Farmers’ Union on Monday evening. “Most farmers are more or less in the dark so far as the treatment of ailments among stock is concerned,” said Marsh, “Now that the herds in the County, are becoming more valuable and more numerous I think the matter of giving inducement to a practical and competent Veterinary Surgeon is worthy of consideration. Mr. A. H. Puckey thought this a very good and sound proposition and if the Veterinary Surgeon was not appointed by the Government so much the better. (Laughter). “I would like to know,” said Mr. Puckey “whether this or that is contagious mamitis. If we have a qualified man to tell us it will help us.” Mr. D. H. Lewis : It would be a very good thing to have a qualified Vet. in the district. We could guarantee him so much and all he could make besides. So tar as the Government Stock Inspectors are concerned as a rule they dont seem to be of much use to us. I have had a good deal of experience with mamitis but I have found that by drying off the quarter of the udder affected that the cows come in the next year quite sound. Mr. T. Carswell of Hawkes Bay who was present by invitation stated that in Hawkes Bay the Dairy Company’s had subsidised Veterinary Surgeons in different districts. For instance in places where three Companys were operating they each guaranteed £SO towards the cost of a “Vet” and a percentage was levied upon the butterfat produced. This ensured that a qualified man would make a good living and he would stay in the district. The members thought that something like this might be done in this district. On the motion of Mr. Marsh seconded by Mr, Lewis, the Secretary was requested to ascertain what could be <jone.