H.—29

14

Wellington District, Area A : An increase is reported from the northern part of the Poverty Bay district, and during the season several ticks were found in P> area, also in clean country just outside the B boundary. In this district it will be somewhat difficult to control the cattle-tick, owing to the movement of sheep, which takes place in very large numbers. Already there is considerable dissatisfaction with the boundaries and the dip at Tolaga Bay, and, I understand, representations will be made in order to get the boundaries altered. In the New Plymouth district a close supervision this season over all properties in the previously infested Waitara area failed to reveal the presence of cattle-tick. Unfortunately, however, two fresh outbreaks occurred during the latter part of December and early in January—twenty-five miles southwest of the town, and between it and Opunake. These farms were close to the coast, and altogether six ticks were found. In the Nelson District one tick was found on a farm near Collingwood and another was found in the Takaka district. Our suspicions that ticks were being carried by the agency of sea-birds was strengthened, by a cattle-tick being found on a gull on D'Urville Island. In all cases where cattle-tick are found in fresh areas the cattle are sprayed, and, if possible, all roughage burned, and a close watch is kept on all neighbouring stock. This has been the means of preventing the spread, as on many farms so affected no further ticks have since been found. I would again like to urge upon the farmers in affected areas the necessity of making more use of their dips, the burning, where possible, of all cover and roughage, which ticks are known to use as harbourage. By this means the cattle-tick could be reduced on those farms where they are known to exist. Ragwort Poisoning. —A considerable number of deaths have been reported from all districts where the weed is prevalent. The matter of control with regard to this plant is one which has given a considerable amount of worry both to the farming community and to the departmental officers alike. To those settlers situated in rough unstumped areas the control gave rise to no small amount of worry and difficulty, and, while sympathizing with those individuals, it was necessary in the interests of the country as a whole that seed from such areas should not be allowed to spread. Now, however, that in sodium chlorate a reliable agent has been found for the control of this weed it should not in the future be difficult to keep under control. If, when supplies of the material are available, farmers will only take the initiative and spray the plants at the proper season of the year, and thus prevent their growth, less will be heard of its injurious effect on live-stock. Foul-in-the-foot. —A considerable number of cases were reported from all dairying districts. As the complaint is one which can be prevented by better herd-management, it is the duty of owners to see that such measures are put into force as will prevent a recurrence. As pointed out in my last annual report, the disease is caused by an organism which gains entrance through a wound in the region of the hoof. This being so, dairy-farmers should eliminate all conditions in the yards and surroundings that are likely to cause such injuries, and also keep the yards as free as possible from contamination. Dietetic Troubles.—A considerable amount of trouble has been experienced throughout the Dominion on account of dietetic troubles. In all cases reported attention and advice was given by the field officers of this Division. Bush Sickness.—As stated in my last year's report, the experimental work carried out in affected areas has not yielded any important knowledge regarding simple methods of soil-treatment which will render the pastures in themselves in every way fit to maintain cattle and sheep in full health and vigour. Further experimental work is desirable in this direction in order, if possible, to place the settlers in these regions on the same footing as settlers in other localities. At the same time, much good work has been accomplished by way of keeping stock in these areas in better health and condition, and also in regard to bringing stock that become affected back again to normal. Settlers in the affected regions have now come to a better understanding in the use of iron ammonium citrate and through actual practice know what it will do for their stock. Larger quantities are being used year by year. At the present time another fresh order has to be placed over and above the ordinary quantity, which was an increase on the previous year's supply. Many settlers are testifying as to its value, stating that in these areas dairying would be an unprofitable business if this preparation was unobtainable. There is no doubt but that this remedy has revolutionized the industry in those affected areas. SHEEP. Parasitic Gastritis. —Again a heavy mortality in the late autumn and early winter of last year has to be reported as due to this trouble, particularly in the Wanganui and surrounding districts, where the mortality was higher than it has been for years. Other parts of the North Island also suffered severely, although, not to such an extent as the districts mentioned. In the South Island very little trouble occurred. In regard to this trouble climatic conditions play an important part in determining its incidence. When a wet season, with a resultant rank growth of innutritious feed, has been experienced sheepfarmers must take every precaution against the ravages of internal parasites amongst their flocks, particularly their hogget flocks. The lambs should be weaned as early as possible, drenched, and turned on to pastures or catch-crops specially prepared for them. If possible, dry feed, such as oats or bran, good lucerne hay, &c., should be fed in addition. If lambs are allowed to go off at weaning-time through feeding on coarse innutritious grasses or through any other cause, they are liable to become a prey to internal parasites, with a resultant heavy mortality in spite of any treatment that can be given later. Wet seasons are also favourable to the life of parasites on the pastures ; therefore in such seasons additional precautions have to be taken.