VETERINARY PROBLEMS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16724, 16 August 1928, Page 8

VETERINARY PROBLEMS

DAIRY FARMERS' DESIRE

INSTRUCTION SCHOOL MOOTED

In order to protect themselves to a great extent from losses in their herds, the Kin Ora Co-operative, Dairy Co.’s shareholders, at the annual meeting today. decided to ask the directors to endeavor to arrange a school of instruction on veterinary matters.

The subject was introduced by the chairman of directors, Mr. 0. R. Moore, who suggested that the services of a private veterinary surgeon be obtained.

The secretary, Mr. J. H. Sunderland, suggested that the company should secure a veterinary surgeon by the payment of a retaining fee. The presold Government veterinarian was usually away from town on other business, but it might be possible to guarantee a private man to practise here. The scale of charges, however, would have to be sufficient to provide him with a guaranteed salary.

Mr. Dunshea remarked that the district was too scattered for a suitable service. “You. would want a veterinarian for every district,” he said. “That would mean that a supplier would be paying for something he might not get.”

Mr. 11. B. Bull: A school of instruction for the farmers would be much better.

Captain W. T, Pitt moved that the company should make an endeavor to organise a school of instruction.

Mr. Dunshea said that by such means some of the farmers in each area might become more efficient than others in veterinary matters, and they in ight i>e able to attend to the wants of the herds around them.

“Who is going to pay,the salary for this position?” queried a farmer. The chairman said the onus would be on the Government to provide an instructor.

The secretary said it was possible that, in the event of a school of instruction being organised, the settlers might be asked to pay the officer’s travelling expenses. A. voice: That would be fair enough. The secretary added, in response to a question, that it was not intended to ask for the establishment of an instructor in the district, but for that officer to make periodical visits, and to encourage the farmers to be amateur veterinarians themselves. In addition, the exchange of experiences among fanners would be a help. A voice: Will this be any better than reading a book? Another supplier: An hour on the farm with a vet. is worth hours of study with a book. The motion to ask the company to endeavor to arrange for classes of instruction in veterinary problems was carried.