AT BOMBAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 27, 4 September 1912, Page 4

AT BOMBAY.

A Veterinary Demonstration. Organised by Farmers' Union Tho Bombay branch of tho Farmers' Union luid a red letter day ou Wednesday. They had arranged for Mr Lyons,' Government vet., to give a demonstration lecture, and in responso to their invitation over eighty men attended. It was a remarkably representative gathering and a tribute to tho enthusiam with which the Union worked up tho affair. An abundant luncheon was provided in the hall. In introducing the lecturer, the Chairman of the Union (Mr W. 11. Thomas), said that Mr Lyons was prepared to examine any diseased animals and give a demonstration in castration. Mr Thomas mentioned that there were 40 members iu the Bombay Union but ho would like to see many more ioin. After lunch tho party adjourned to Mr Proudo's farm and a number of animals were submitted for examination. First a mare with ring-cracked hoofs, which tho owner thought arose from bone trouble. "No," said tho vet, "it isn't ring-bone, or side-bone; it's a navicular disease. Cure ? No, there is nono. Yes, it is hereditary. All her foals might not suffer but mo*t of them probably would." In this way questions from all sides wore answered. Mr Lyons demonstrated his method of testing for soundness. Fiist the teeth—for tho ago of the horse suggested what troubles would be likeliest to be present. Then the eye fov cataracts, tho with' rs for running sores, tho legs and hoofs for side-bone, ring-bone and splints, while the horse was backed to discover string-halt. The parts likely to bo affected wore poiuted out and the method of testing explained It was a liboral education in practical examination. After the owners of several horses had been advised of remedies for different troubles, Mr Lyons ropod and allowed how easy it was to throw a bull. First tho rope was put round the neck (tho knot used in tying up a horse), then a half-hitch was put round tho body at tho girth and another half hitch at the ilanks. Steadily tho ropo was pulled backwards and tho animal sank to the ground. Tho subject of instruction got to the mouth and throat. " Suppose it gets a bone in its throat ?" came from tho crowd. " You put your baud down the throat like thisar.d the hand and arm and wrist disappeared to the elbow —"and take it out!" An invitation to explore the animal's throat was given and a farmer who wanted to know how barod his arm. "Not that way," said Mr Lyons. "Turn your hand palm upwards, slide your extended tiugors along tho roof of the mouth—firmly, gently—" aid another arm had anew experience. You should know that uheua turnip sticks in an animal's throat you should not rain a whiphandle down and push hard. Tho obstruction should bo tapped with the instrument you are using until it is dislodged. Mr Lyons' method of o # J ... holding a cow in order to administer a drench was another example of jiujitsu of tho farmyard. It is quite easy—when you know how. A cow with a great lump at tho side of her neck was killed. She was tuberculous, and tho various glands—healthy, partly diseased and wholly diseased — wore exhibited. " I suppose that cow would bo enough to infect tho whole di.-tiict," said nil onlooker " I would not say that," replied Mr Lyons, " I daresay I could tind other cows more badly infected. But it emphasises tho need for sterilising tho milk befoio feeding it to pigs and calves. I behove that tuberculosis is largely spread to calves at an early age through tho gt rms in the milk." Tho internals of the animal were uncovered, the functions of the different stomachs and other organs were explained. A great many questions wore replied to and tho three hours' demonstration had given the company a much more intimate knowledge of tho horse and tho cow than they had boforo. Speeches at the Hall.

Tim company returned to tlio hall au«l Mr Lyons was again called upon. Instead of u set address, ho said, he had decided upon the demonstration. They might not bo able to take in all

that he had said, but if each man took away one useful thing the day had been well spent. He assured the Union that ho would give every assistance possible to its members (applause). His sympathies were with tho fanners and they need never be afraid to call upon him. Mr 11. Sawyer, vice-president, expressed tho hope that as tho result of what they had soon that day there would bo a considerable increase iu the Union's mombership. Farmers might be saved as many pounds as they spent iu shillings through the Union's work. (Applause.) Mr R. Donovan, who do&eribod himself as a common fighting Union man —(Voices: They'ro the men we want!) -said they had been shown to-day a difference betweon good and poor cattle. If any of them had an animal that was " crook," it was up to thorn to report it and see what could be done, lie hoped that every blessed ono of them would join the Union, which was ono of tho finest unions that ever happened in this country. MrE. Best spoke of tho beuofits of the Union; iu the trading association ho had saved the cost of tho Union mi one sinail order. Off horse and cow covers they got 17A per cent discount. —(Voice : Wo save '25 per cent on some lines.) The Chairman (Mr Thomas) spoke in glowing terms of tho good work done by the secretary (Mr Clarke). Sometimes members hud not attended the meetings, ho said, but the secretary and president turnod up every time.

Mr Clarko thanked tho president for his kindly remarks; he was there with his receipt book iu his pocket ready to enrol tu>;mbers at a minute's notice. Mr D. Lynch thanked the Union for having got Mr Lyons heie. After what they had done ho would become a member of the Union.

Mr J. Evans, who had only just joined tho Union, st-id that in trading there was room for improvement as they had no depot of their own. There was no doubt that members got a lot of good out of the Farmers' Union. (Applause.) Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Lyons, to the Chairman, and to Mr Eanies (of the Times) for attending to report the proceedings. These compliments terminated a pleasant and profitable function.