H.—29.

station conditionsjby eliminating and isolating from the main flock all sheep affected by the disease. In all some 11,196 ewes were examined, these comprising the whole ewe flock on the station, with the exception of the ewe lambs ; 9-34 per cent, were found affected, and these were isolated, and kept away from the main flock. A second examination was made one year afterwards, when 3-72 per cent, were found affected. In addition to the segregation of affected animals every care was taken to see that thorough disinfection was carried out, and all affected sheep were shorn after the main flock had been put through. These results are most encouraging in showing that the incidence of the disease can be controlled. Parasitic Gastritis. —Owing to the favourable climatic conditions, very few cases of this complaint were seen. A few scattered outbreaks in small flocks were seen, but these were easily controlled. The mortality observed from this cause was insignificant. Renal Congestion in Lambs. —The incidence of this disease was again fairly well in evidence last season, although not quite so much as in the season of 1929. Since my last report an important discovery has been made with regard to this disease from an etiological point of view. Oxer, in Tasmania, discovered the cause to be a bacillus which elaborated a toxin in the small intestines, which organism he named Bacillus ovitoxious. This announcement was unfortunate for the Assistant Officer in Charge at Wallaceville. For a number of years he has been making extensive inquiries into this complaint, and was on the eve of making an announcement with regard to it on similar lines when the announcement was made from Australia. There is no doubt but what this officer deserves full credit for his independent discovery. As far back as 1927, and before any investigation was made into the disease in Australia, he made the announcement that the disease was probably due to a toxin in the small intestines set up by an organism of the Bacillus Welchii type, and since then he has been carrying out investigations to verify the opinion arrived at. There is no doubt that his finding gave a lead to others carrying out similar investigations. The discovery is most interesting from an etiological point of view, but a practical and economic method of utilizing it for protective purposes under farm and station conditions has yet to be explored. This will mean that meanwhile in the majority of flocks where the disease is in evidence the owner should still resort to the previously established method of reducing the trouble. This can be carried out by yarding the lambs from twenty to twenty-four hours every seventh day, and where this practise has been conscientiously adhered to reports indicate that the results have been very satisfactory. Ante-partum Paralysis in Ewes.—This trouble was in evidence in many districts throughout the Dominion. Although several flocks suffered rather severely the number of cases seen was much less than in former seasons. Maggot Fly. —This pest is still causing loss among our flocks, although less in evidence than formerly. The insect parasites liberated in the various districts have not been an unqualified, success. In some districts they do not seem to have done much good, while in others they are highly spoken of. As an aid towards the control of the pest the Meteor fly-trap is being extensively used, and millions of flies have been caught and destroyed By this means. Liver-fluke. —This disease becomes less and less in evidence each season. The draining of wet areas and the use of carbon tetrachloride as a drench has proved valuable. Lice and Tick.—The control of these parasites has been well maintained. Although a certain percentage of lousy sheep can be detected in the saleyards, the position has considerably improved within the last two seasons. General. —A number of minor sheep ailments were observed in several districts, and these were dealt with by the field officers of the Division. PIGS. The number of pigs slaughtered for the season 1931-32 was 459,790, as compared with 479,500 for the previous season, a decrease of 19,710. The quantity of pork exported was 104,882 cwt., as compared with 150,024 cwt. for the previous season, showing a decrease of 45,142 cwt. This is a considerable falling-off both in the numbers killed and the amount exported, a condition no doubt brought about by the low prices ruling. In spite of the ruling prices, which do not leave a very great margin of profit, a greater amount of attention should be paid to this branch of farming. In this country we have a supply of raw material much of which would be wasted were it not for pigs. I refer to skim-milk, and were this material fed under conditions for the hog population to make the best of it, I feel sure our output of pork could be increased with very little cost to the producer. Again, if the farmer could only be brought to realize the extra margin of profit through rearing his own pigs, as against buying weaners and stores at high prices when the flush of milk is in evidence, it would be to his advantage. The carrying of breeding-sows and late weaners successfully through the winter so that they will be in a condition to make the most of the first new season's milk is a matter which is also worthy of further consideration. Experiments carried out by officers of the Department have proved that such animals if well fed on roots, plus \ lb. per day of meat-meal, show a handsome profit for the outlay. As regards the type of pig kept and methods of feeding, much greater interest has been shown, and it is evident that pig-breeders and feeders are becoming more alive to the fact that if they are to hold and increase their position on the world's markets, more attention must be given to breeding and feeding. Mange.—During the season an outbreak of sarcoptic mange in pigs was found in the Palmerston North district, and almost simultaneously further outbreaks were discovered in other districts in both Islands. The disease in all cases was successfully treated by using crude petroleum. Many owners, for their own convenience, erected dips in which to dip their pigs. The position at the present time is well under control.

11