CATTLE TICK.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15679, 4 October 1922, Page 4

CATTLE TICK.

WHENUAKITE DIP. FIRST ON THE' PENINSULA. At Whenuakite on Saturday the first cattle dip on the Coromandel peninsula was officially opened. The dip is on a section of land donated by Mr. William Hamilton and is conveniently situated, with water coming in / by a gravitation system and the discharge being a most simple matter.. The dip is nine miles inside the county boundary. There was a very large attendance, many settlers having come from Merctiry Bay, Tairua, and other places. »

Mr. JY Hamilton, 'on behalf jof the Whenuakite Dipping ' (Jommittee, welcomed the visitors. Mr. T. H. Lyon spoke on behalf of the Mercury Bay Farmers’ Union and congratulated the settlers on their enterpiise. He trusted that before long the dip would be superannuated, the tick having been eradicated from the district.

Mr. E. Niccol, of Hikuai, a member of the Thames Conuty Council, expressed the opinion that work of this sort should be a couTTfy matter and not left to the settlers. At the same time he admired the spirit that Had actuated the Whenuakite farmers in providing such a splendid dip. Mr. Nicholas, speaking for the settlers of Coroglen, also congratulated the settlers of Whenuakite on the prompt steps taken to fight the pest. i Mr. W. Lee said that the step taken was designed to assist the people in a matter of the greatest importance. Mr. D. Hamilton, the 'father of tho Whenuakite settlement, gave a most interesting account of the district over 40 years ago, so that the settlers could see what s had been done.

The Rev. J. A. Norrie, in the absence of Mr. T. W. Rhodes M.P. spoke of the splendid spirit of goodfellowship that prevailed in the district. This he ascribed in no small measure to the large Scottish element to be found along that Coast. They had made smiling farms from bush country and had shown that they possessed the spirit that made a country strong. Mr. Norrie then introduced Mr. H. R. Denize, the stock inspector, and asked him to open the dip. Mr. Denize said that while >he hoped the dip might soon, no); be needed for fighting the tick, he, would strongly advocate its constant use as a means of benefitting stock, especially young stock and store cattle. By ridding the stock of minor parasites their conditio?, would be greatly improved and the farmers would benefit. Dipping had improved the flocks of sheep, and he was sure that systematic dipping would effect improvements in other stodk. He fully appreciated the ' splendid co-operation of the Whenuakite settlers in fighting this pest. They had been most energetic and the result was that the first cattle dip on the peninsula had been completed. It had' been a pleasure to be associated with them in this work. Everything had gone smoothly and they had made his work a pleasure. The dip had cost £3lO, and the land had been donated.

The gates were then opened and Hie dip was declared ready for work. A demonstration followed, and among the stock dipped were large bullocks, store oows, yearlings and calves/ The ladies of the district entertained the visitors at afternoon tea and Mr. H. M. Kerby (Mercury Bay) expressed the thanks of the guests.