THE "BUSH" DISEASE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 856, 30 June 1910, Page 8

THE "BUSH" DISEASE.

TRYING TO. FIND A .REMEDY. The experimental work which the Government is undertaking with a view to finding a cure for the sickness which has attacked cattle in the country round Maruaku is being pushed vigorously. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister for Agriculture, informed a reporter that the experiments are l«iug supervised by Mr. U. J. C. Keakes, Government veterinarian, who has the assistance of Mr. Aston, Government chemist (who has already carried out a series of experiments of value) and Mr. Hoed,'from the laboratory in the Butt Valley. Soils taken from over a considerable area will be tested, but the chief experiments will be conducted six or seven miles from Mama'ku. Settlers are being asked to co-operate. in experimenting in methods of feeding and handling stock, and advantage will bo taken of the local knowledge they possess. Sections of from six to eight acres that have been for some time in grass are being enclosed and stock placed on them !ahd experiments made in fertilisers. One has already been made that has "proved of value. The whole work will take a year at least, but the officers of the Department are.determined . to find a remedy for bush sickness if there is one.