"THE EARLY COW"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22487, 4 February 1935, Page 10

"THE EARLY COW"

, TO THE EDITOR Sib, —Apparently the query by "Puzzled" as "to the nocturnal habits of the little dairy farm has' roused the interest of a correspondent who signs himself " Calfie, Calfie." His first piece of advice to "Puzzled" regarding the acquisition of a bush section provides some food for thought. May one inquire if your correspondent with the bovine name is like the monkey that was unfortunate enough to have his tail cut' off, and thereafter endeavoured to persuade the rest of the tribe to do the same? For what other reason would he advise anyone to engage in an industry which is in such a condition as to necessitate the appointment of a special commission to inquire into ways and means of< placing the industry on a more stable footing? With reference to the morning tea at 4.30. I would like to say that I. had several years' experience on dairy farms, usually rising at 3 a.m., and the first meal was a hastily-snatched breakfast about 5.30, after which there was a hectic rush to deliver the milk in the city. In any case, what pleasure is there in drinking tea at this hour of the morning? Really, I think that any honest person would admit that he takes it because he has to, and not because he likes it. It is very comforting to know that there is at least one section of-the community which is fully alive to its responsibilities where the public health is concerned. I always had- an idea that if the utensils are thoroughly clean, and the milk efficiently cooled as soon as it is taken from the cow, the effects of the " myriads of bacteria " are somewhat nullified, and there is not quite the same need to race against the sun. Yes, sleeping drugs are useful in their place, but the suggestion of them leads to the thought that the recommendation of them from this source is an encroachment on the duties of a profession which is generally rated considerably higher ihan is the business of dairying.—l am, etc., Caterpillar. Waihemo, February 1.