BLACKLIG DISEASE IN TARANAKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 5.

Otago Witness, Issue 2734, 8 August 1906, Page 22

BLACKLIG DISEASE IN TARANAKI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 5.

Mr J. A. Gilruth, chief veterinarian, interviewed at New Plymouth, took exception to the .statement made by the Secretaryfor Agriculture to the effect that the results obtained by Mr Reakee in blackleg inoculation were no better than those of tho stock inspectors, and pointed out that when Mr Reakes was in Taranaki tho csilves were at an advanced age and very susceptible to the disease. At present the inoculations were not conducted by tho veterinarians, though they had to take the blame when anything wont wrong. The work of inoculation should certainly bo allocated to veterinary men for supervision, because inspectors had not the necessary training or experience. In connection with this matter, I may state that the department has had in its hands for some time a compendious report on this very matter, but has failed to make it public. I myself have on several occasions asked for it, but without success. ■ Some time ago, however, when on a vibit to the Taranaki district, I gathered from unofficial sources that- over 50,000 calves had been inoculated, and thatthe deaths as the result of inocuhv ion.-w«re under 400 — a very low percentage. There can bo no doubt that the work of inoculation was not so scientifically and carefully oarried oufc by the Stock Department as by tho Veterinary Department. There will be' room here for fhe new Minister of Agriculture to make some much-needed reform. 1 11 ______ 1