PROTECTION OF SHEEP FROM SCAB. TO THE EDITOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 2562, 9 July 1877, Page 2

PROTECTION OF SHEEP FROM SCAB. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Those who were here during the time of the war and after it, remember tho state the sheep were in with regard to senb, and they do not forget the energy displayed by our present sheep owners in clearing 1 the district from this scourg H . Since that time Taranaki lus been pivtty clean, but I must own that lately I havo read with dismay that in the Patoa District and at Wanganui, scab has appoared iv the flocks there. Now, as sheep are constantly coming hero from those districts I fear that, notwithstanding the vigilance of our Inspector, that we shall get tho scib again into Taranaki. I think, sir, the Government should provide dippiug placos so that tho doubtful-looking sheep can bo dipped boforo they are allowed to enter this district. Thore should be dipping places in town, and at tho Wsiitara, that sheep brought from Auckland should be dipped before they are allowed to mix with the flocks in the place. I do not know if the Inspector has power over tho native owners of sheep, but it has been rumoured that something like scab has beon seen in their flocks, and as tho sheep belonging to European owners are apt, when being driven from one place and another, to come in contact with stray sheep belonging to the natives, if tho infection is amongst them, it would soon sproid. I call attention to the matter more with a view to futui'e protection, than as an alarmist, and if tho Inspector has not the same control over native owners of snoop as lie has over European owners, the quicker the Legislature give 3 him that power the better it will be for this district. Hoping, sir, yOUy OU will call attention to this mittor, and thus assist our Inspector in keopiug tho scab from this district. — I am, &c ,

Taraxvki Farmer.