ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23143, 15 September 1938, Page 12

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

In the sphere of industry no question is more pressing in New Zealand than that of employing all the resources of science toward the reduction of the heavy livestock losses which year by year cut deeply into the national income. A country depending upon the export of primary produce for its economic well-being must move boldly toward the solution of the many and complex problems involved. To that end the Government wisely arranged for a visit by Dr. J. Hammond, the eminent authority on animal physiology of Cambridge University whose services have been secured by many foreign countries. He travelled through New Zealand, made a close investigation of the situation, and finally submitted a general plan for a campaign of research. Following his advice the Government has now taken further steps for the co-ordination of a comprehensive scheme of scientific effort. From the statement issued by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, it is evident that the organisation aims at close team work by all the scientific groups dealing with animal diseases, nutrition and related subjects. The appointment of the former Rhodes scholar Mr. M. M. Cooper, who graduated at Massey College, as secretary on the committee of animal research, is evidence of the scope of the developing scheme. Incidentally the appointment will be applauded because it offers opportunity for a prominent New Zealand student to serve his own country in a most important task. It is to be hoped that the work will not be handicapped by shortage of funds. Far too much is at stake for parsimony in this matter.