THE CHIEF VETERINARIAN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1378, 2 March 1912, Page 8

THE CHIEF VETERINARIAN.

FEARS OF THE FARMERS' UNION. The fact that New Zealand has already lost one valuable veterinarian to Australia, and tho fear that another equally good servant may be lost to the Government and .the country, prompts the fol: lowing in the "Farmers' Union Advo-cate":—"Although-wo heartily congratulate Professor Gilruth upon his unexpected appointment, wo are apprehensive for our Dominion that the Melbourne authorities may cast tlioir eyes to New Zealand for his successor. Our loss of Mr. (jihuth was great, but we were very fortunate in having one so able and tactful to take his place as Mr. Eeakes. He has filled his position with conspicuous ability, and wo trust that those in power will not, at any rate, allow a monetary consideration to stand in the way of retaining his services. We feel sure that Mr. Eeakes is highly qualified to fill the position which will be vacated by Professor Gilruth, and should it bo offered to him, as appears to us possible, tho country's interest must be,considered even in present political tiirgidity, and wo hope that every endeavour 1 will be made to! retain him, by properly augmenting his present remuneration. We do not hesitate to say that since his appointment to his present position the salary he receive* has never been an adequate recompense. At the present moment we believe ho is not getting as much by a considerable amount as Mr. Gilruth did when he left, and at i! 1000 a year he would not be overpaid. The farming public have coma to look upon Mr. Eeakes as their friend, and turn to him with tho utmost confidence. They are slow to give this confidence, and however much we should like to record his advancement, wo should never ceaso to regret it, if the Dominion lost his services."