PUBLIC MEETING.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 969, 6 December 1879, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

The Scab in Poverty Bay. A public meeting, convened by Mr.. Andrew Graham, County Chairman, at the request of sheepowners, and others interested,, to take into consideration the rapid increase of scab in the district, and to adopt the best means of combined action for its eradication, was held last night. In response to the advertisement, there was a large attendance of all the principal sheepowners in the district, besides others who are equally as interested, and the meeting originally called for the Roseland Hotel had to be adjourned on account of the over crowded state of the large room to the Makaraka Hall. On the motion of Mr. J. W. Johnson Mr. A. Graham was voted to the chair. The Chairman briefly explained the intention of the meeting, and spoke of the importance of taking combined and concerted action on the part of all sheepfarmers with the view of eradicating the disease. . ■ He did not come prepared, with any definite proposals, but it would be for the meeting to discuss the matter, and to suggest any measures which were thought desirable to prevent the spread of the scab generally throughout the district. At present it was principally confined to the flat. It was very likely that if no steps were taken, it might spread to a very serious extent, and that it would be impossible to get rid of it. He would wish to have from those who were present the benefit of their experience and advice. Perhaps those who had spoken to him about the matter would suggest some measures. Mr. 0. Evans asked the Chairman who the gentlemen were that called the meeting. The Chairman said among the number were Messrs. Cameron, Smith, and Espie. Mr. Smith said that though he had certainly spoke to Mr. Graham about the matter, he did not request him to call the meeting. The Chairman said that the full attendance showed the amount of interest taken by settlers generally in the object for which the meeting had been called. He thought that if the provisions of the 11 Sheep Act" were rigidly enforced' 'by the Inspector it might be sufficient to meet the case, but at present the Inspector was overtasked, and could not, without an assistant, attend to. so large a district. The scab was prevalent from Patutahi to Tologa Bay, and it was impossible that one man, however energetic, could effectively enforce the Act. That was one thing they required—an Assistant Inspector. The infected flocks, and those supposed to be so, should be followed up in all their ramblings through the country. Another matter of importance, he thought, was that sheep-farmers should give every assistance to each other in mustering, and also to the Inspector in the discharge of his duties. Though the Inspector had every power under the Act, it had not prevented tho spread of the disease. He had been informed that the Makauri flock were known- to be scabby on the 9th September, and yet up to the 23rd several small lots were taken away and allowed to mix with others. They had been roaming about everywhere, communicating the disease in dean districts. If there is any,reAson to suspect the scab notice is compelled to be given to the Inspeotor, but this was not always done. Another point; which had been mentioned was, why not declare the whole district as infected ? He was sure such a proposal would not be entertained by the meeting. (Hear, hear.) And then they had to enquire ■ what was to be done with infected flocks, and as to whether a road may not be opened up for driving them to the boiling down. These were some of the suggestions he had to offer, and among them he considered that of the appointment of an Assistant Inspector as the greatest necessity and importance. If the appointment was made, even for three or six months, during that time a great deal in the direction intended might be done. Mr. C. Evans said that it would b# a good idea for those who were not sufficiently acquainted with the disease to go with the Inspector, and see King's flock. If they took the trouble to do so, they would know a great Jdeal about it, and could tell when their own were infected. ! Mr. Reeves suggested that every settler where his neighbour's sheep'were infected, should get a dip even suppose his flock were perfectiy clean, and proceed with dipping and see it was properly done. It would be expensive, but as it was they got very Bmall returns, and their prospects were almost ruinous. It was a great mistake when bad feeling existed between neighbours, and they rushed to law, when they should render every assistance to each other. Mr. A. C. Arthur would propose that some concerted action be taken, and a general dipping take place on one day, if practicable, the day to be arranged by the Inspector and the sheep farmers. It was no use one dipping if his nighbour did not do so. Mr. Fraser said if they all dipped their flocks on one day, and then again three weeks or so after, it would cure the disease. At Whataupoko he effectually cured a flock that had been infected for 8 years, and there was an absence of the disease until brought from Auckland. The best thing to do was to strengthen the hands of the Inspector, and that those with scabby flocks dip twice, and those not infected once. When sheep newly-shorn were dressed they improved as to the wool. Mr. Johnson said it would not be advisable for the meeting to go outside the four corners of the Act. He was afraid the proposals were unworkable and could not be carried out satisfactory. His opinion was that, if the Act was carried out strictly, that it provides sufficiently for the eradication, of the scab. The Inspector, if it were put to him from a large body such as those present, would see that it was properly worked, but they could not go beyond the Act. If they agreed to the proposal as to the dips, if one did not sign it would not be binding, and anything as . agreed upon would be useless, illegal, and impractiable. What was wanted was an assistant Inspeotor, as it was simply impossible for one man to take charge of all flocks. Mr. A. *C. Arthur said he quite agreed with Mr. Johnson's remarks, but if they could get the Inspector to arrange for all to dip in the same week

if not on the same day, it would be more likely to eradicate it than if no such combined action was taken. Mr; Matthews said that as the Chief Sheep Inspector of Hawke's Bay was present, if he were to give hia opinions that it might assist the meeting to come to some conclusion. Mr. Pierce Power said that he had been instructed by the Colonial Secreterylo yisit-JPoverty Bay, and he was empowered to do what was necessary to stamp out the scab. He had heard that things were crooked here, and he found it to be so. He quite agreed with what he heard, at- the meeting that Mr. Campbell could not efficiently carry out the Act without an assistant. Those who had the disease, and others who may possibly get it, among their flocks, should act unanimously as it was to their mutual benefit to get rid of it. Besides, it had a depressing influence on the district ; they could not dispose of their lands, nor profit by their sheep. He would receive any suggestions, as he was fully authorised by the Government ,to carry out everything for their welfare. Mr. 0. Evans asked Mr. Power if he had full power to recommend the appointment of an Assistant Inspector, and if the Government would, on his recommendation, appoint one. «*Mr. Powbb replied that most certainly he would recommend one, and he had no doubt if he did so, one would be appointed. Mr. SuNDERtAND said that tbere were numbers of infected sheep belonging to Mr. Price on the open Government land at Patutahi, and also wanderr ing about, which should be yarded, and notified to the owners. He would propose—That a yard be erected on the Government land at Patutahi, and a shepherd employed to yard all the stray sheep, and that a subscription list be opened to defray the necessary expense. Mr. Smith seconded the proposition, but he thought the Government should pay the shepherd. Mr. Sunderland said it would be better to pay out of their own pockets in the meantime, and see after whether the Government would assist them. Mr Duncan MoKay said that he had seen numbers of Price's sheep straying on the road as far as Opipi. This was an infected flock, and while at large would do a great deal of harm.- There were wild sheep also in the district which ought to be looked up. Mr Power said that Prioe's sheep came from the centre of his district, from Mr Russell's run. They were passed by his assistant, and he knew they did not bring thej infection to Poverty Bay. Ms R. Cooper said that there was great negligence on the part of some in driving sheep from an infected to a clean district. In one case he had refused admission to a flock that had a clean certificate because they came from where they might possibly have carried the infection. The late Inspector did not attempt to stamp it out, and now that we have got another they should give him every assistance. After further discussion the motion was carried. Mr A. 0. Arthur proposed and Mr J. - B. . PoYNTBR seconded, "That a committee consisting of Messrs Sunderland, Chambers, Smith, Cameron, and Harris be appointed for the purpose of consulting with the Sheep Inspector in the strict carrying out of the Aot, and to take the necessary steps with reference, to the foregoing resolution. Mr Matthewson spoke to the resolution, and Mr Power suggested that, a letter be written to the district. Inspector With reference to the' matter, when the communication would be referred to him. He was empowered to put a man in charge to-morrow. On being put the resolution was carried. Mr Chambers proposed that the Committee write to the Sheep Inspector, assuring him of the cordial co-operation of sheepfarraers in stamping out the Bcab and aak him to carry out the Sheep Act in the most stringent manner. This was seconded by Mr R, Cooper and carried. The resolution proposed by Mr J. B. Pottnteb, that the dipping be carried on simultaneously as far as practicable, was carried unanimously The proposal of Mr A. 0. Arthur that no sheep be permitted to land from abroad until a quarantine be provided by the Government, was opposed by Mr R. Cooper, and not being seconded, lapsed. Mr. A. C. Arthur proposed — That Mr McDonald, M.H.R., be written to, to urge upon the . Government the immediate necessity of providing a quarantine ground, and erecting a public dip. This was seconded by Mr. Clark and carried. After some further discussion, in which many suggestions were offered and referred to the Committee the question of earmarks v. tar branding was gone into, and it was proposed and carried that it is desirable, if practicable, to have the earmark as prima facie evidence of ownership of sheep in this district. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.