FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18179, 29 August 1933, Page 2

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

(To tho Editor of the Herald.) Sir,—lt was with pleasure I read the opinion of Mr. William Pierson, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., of Gore, in the Herald of the 26th, with which I fully agree. I was also very astonished to read the Governor-General’s assertion that the disease is easily controlled, when only u short time ngo the chief veterinary surgeon of England declared that it was humiliating to think they were so helpless and could do nothing. Why should ho feel humiliated if they ivero able to cope with the disease? Then, again, re breeding. There is no question but the fault is with the studmuster, not the stock, if there is deterioration. It is rather remarkable that the red-polled eftttle that the

Govornor-Gorieral seems to like have proved unsuitable for Poverty Bay, several different people having tried them. I would like to call special attention to Mr. AValdmon's demonstration of carriers up to 246 days; then that high-priced bull that was sent to the Argentine after going through all their tests, arid declared sound, developed the disease and had to be destroyed: Is that not proof positive of -what might happen to New Zealand? What right have a few people to ask for something for the sake of a few paltry pounds’ gain to the few to the possible ruin of the country, when there is no possible chance of any disaster by keeping the embargo on. In fact, the bade door should be securely fastened and not left as it is at present. In fact, I think there should be a counter move to get it squashed for ever, and those that can* not breed the very best from the stock available in New Zealand at present should give up the job and admit their own failure and not blame the stock. It is not the farmers who want.th& embargo lifted; it is being forced by the interested few, for their own gains, and not iqt the good of the country.—'Yours, etc.,-,, W. PERYER.