RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 186, 7 August 1937, Page 14

RAETIHI

FARMERS’ UNION. There were about 25 members present at the talk to farmers given by Mr. J. Brydone Hogg, B.Sc., Agric., at the meeting of the Waimarino branch of the Farmers’ Union at Raetihi on Saturday. Mr. A. S. Ashmore, president of the branch, was in the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker. Mr. Hogg gave a very interesting and instructive address and invited questions. He asked members not to wait till he was finished but just break in, and several took advantage of this invitation. Mr. Hogg explained that a very large percentage of ‘the loss of stock was preventable. Much was due to the fault of the farmer. Often there was something lacking in the feed, usually some mineral and he spoke of the methods of giving animals minerals that might be lacking in the soil. Iron was often miss*and this mineral was necessary to an animal’s welfare. In some cases soil survey was of advantage. Some losses were due to environment. A breed might od well in Southland or Central Otago but not in the Waimarino. Some diseases were brought into a herd by the introduction of other beasts. Mr. Hogg reviewed the arguments for and against the raising of the embargo against the importation ol animals into the Dominion. No risk should be taken with regard to the possibility of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. In answer to questions Mr. Hogg advised docking of lambs at an early period. It would pay a farmer to docn a few every day rather than wait till the lambs were several days old. If mammitis made i.s appearance be urged farmers to get rid of the animal at once. Messrs. D. D. McLean, H. Mason, D. Scarrow, M. Geraghty, H. Frederick, H. G. Godfrey, E. Todd, L. Meyer, C. A. Barrow and others took part in the : discussion. - Mr. Manson said he thought it was time something was done with regard to the establishment of a college for the teaching of veterinary surgery. Mr. Ashmore said the branch had put forward remits dealing with the subject. It was agreed that a remit should be sent forward asking that provision be made for the teaching of this subject at Massey College. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Hogg for his talk. In reply, Mr. Hogg said he was willing to assist the members of the Farmers’ Union at any time and would be ready to give another talk with regard to correct breeding. He would also be willing to analyse soil for certain minerals. PERSONAL. Mrs. J. Kircaldie, of Wellington, is the guest of Mrs. P. N. Baddeley, of Makakahi Road. Nurse E. Sneyd, of the Department of Dental Hygiene, is at present at Raetihi. Miss M. List and Mr. H. Fullerton, bf Taumarunui, are to be the guests of Mr. and Mrs. G. Anderson, of Aneku Road, over the week-end. DRUIDS’ LODGE. The usual fortnightly meeting of Miro Lodge No. 79 U.A.O.D. was held at the Druids’ Hall on Wednesday last, when A.D. Bro. Oliver presided over an attendance of some 30 members. Bro. Mcßride reported, on the recommendations which had been made provisionally by the committee set up to investigate the matter of holding a Druids’ ball. These suggestions were endorsed by other members and approval was voiced of the efficient and original manner in which the committee, of which Bro. Hodgson was convener, had gone into the question. Fnal decision was left until the next lodge meeting, which will be quarter night. During the evening P.S. Bro. Urwin, on behalf of the lodge, presented P.A. Bro. Ward with the Murphy Cup, awarded to the winner of the Senior Ritual competition. In reply, Bro. Ward made reference to the extent to which lodge work was instrumental in giving diffident speakers their training and their firt step on the road to confident public speaking. He urged as many as possible to enter for the Junior Ritual competition, which is to take place at the next lodge night. After the closing of the lodge and tne partaking of supper, members indulged in keenly contested games of indoor bowls.