THE CHIEF VETERINARIAN.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 92, 8 March 1912, Page 4

THE CHIEF VETERINARIAN.

FEARS OF THE FARMERS’ UNION

The fact that New Zealand has already lost one valuable veterinarian to Australia, and the fear that another equally good servant may be lost to the Government and the country, prompts the following in the “ Farmers’ Union Advocate”: —‘‘Although we heartily congratulate Professor Gilruth upon his unexpected appointment, we are apprehensive for our Dominion that the Melbourne authorities may cast their eyes to New Zealand for his successor. Our loss of Mr Gilruth was great, but we were very fortunate in having one so able and tactful to take his place as .Mr Reakes. lie has filled his position with conspicuous ability, and we trust that those in power will not, at any rate, allow a monetary consideration to stand in the way- of retaining his services. We feel sure that Mr Reakes is highly qualified to fill the position which will be vacated by Professor Gilruth, and should it be offered to him, as appears to us possible, the country’s interest must be considered even in present political turgidity, and we hope that every endeavour will be made to retain him, by properly augmenting his present remuneration. We do not hesitate to say that since his appointment to his presentposition the salary he receives has never been an adequate recompense. At the present moment we believe he is not getting as much by a considerable amount as Mr Gilruth did when he left, and at £IOOO a year he would not be overpaid. The farming public have come to look upon Mr Reakes as their friend, and turn to him with the utmost confidence. 'They are slow to give this confidence, and however much we should like to record his advancement, we should never cease to regret it, if the Dominion lost his services.”