SEPSIS IN COWS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17804, 31 August 1929, Page 7

SEPSIS IN COWS.

DEPARTMENT CRITICISED r/IR. LEE MARTIN SPEAKS OUT, NEED FOR RE-ORGANISATION. Mr. VV. Lee Martin, member for Raglan, in the House of Reprcsentatlves yesterday, referred to the great tosses sustained by the farmers of the district through the prevalence of sepsis In cows. He caustically critlctsod the department, which ho did not think realised the seriousness of tho position, and urged that it should be re-organised, starting from the top.

(Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. A matter of concern'to Waikato was referred to by Mr. W. Lee Martin (Raglan) in the House to-day. Mr. Lee Martin said the question of dealing with sepsis in cows in the Waikato district had not been given | the consideration which it merited. There had been a serious outbreak for the third year in succession, yet the trouble was not experienced till 1921. Prompt attention was called for by the Minister of Agriculture. Although Mr. Lee Martin knew that the Minister honestly believed that the position was being satisfactorily handled, it could not be denied that there was a widespread feeling of dissatisfaction throughout Waikato that the Department of Agriculture did not realise the seriousness of the position. . “ | believe,” said Mr. Lee Martin, “ that the Minister has been misled by the officers of fils department.” It was high lime the Minister ordered that something special should be done at once, said Mr. Lee Martin. Stock was attacked eight or nine days after the birth of the calf, and in a few hours after being stricken cattle died. Mr. Lee Martin complained that one of the three officers engaged in the investigation had been removed to another district at the very moment when it was important that all three ollicers should be together to collaborate in iheir important work. The officer departed when I tic cows were coming into profit, the most important stage of the dairy year.

Mr. Lee Martin read the Minister's reply to a question relating to the removal of this ofiicer, and stated that although lie was pleased that the Minister had given the information regarding the removal of the officer, the reply had not allayed the feeling that the department was not fully alive to the seriousness of the position. The disease was rampant, and only in the last few months had the department realised their responsibility in the matter.

“ The removal of the officer from the Waikato district had given a feeling of insecurity in regard to slock,” continued Mr. Leo Martin.

‘‘ There Is a distinct need for reorganisation In tho Department of Agriculture, and It should start at tho top. In the interests of the farmers of the Dominion tho Minister shpuld do something in this connection.”

Mr. Lee Martin suggested that the Director of General Agriculture, who had reached the retiring age, should be placed on superannuation and that a live, active, up-to-date officer should be appointed to that position. If this were done it would Inspire the farmers of New Zealand with a feeling of confidence. The pet policy of the Director-General of Agriculture was apparently “ wait and see.” The usual stereotyped reply was given to nearly every request, namely, “ Officers of department are busy investigating matter.” Here, said Mr. Lee Marlin, was ttie Minister's opportunity lo reorganise the Department of Agriculture and place it in charge of an up-to-date man who would inspire confidence, especially in so far as mortality among stock was concerned. The matter was very serious, because Waikato farmers could not afford to be saddled with the enormous losses they had suffered and which made them wonder whether they could weather the storm. “I do ask the Minister to give prompt consideration to the question of dealing effectively with the disease which is causing widespread loss throughout Waikato,” concluded the member for Raglan.