The Chronicle. PUBLISHED DAILY LEVIN. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30. DISEASED STOCK AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 30 November 1912, Page 2

The Chronicle. PUBLISHED DAILY LEVIN. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30. DISEASED STOCK AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

A degree of heartburning and .some irritation arc caused by the more or loss frequent condemnations of st-ock by Government inspectors. These condemnations are made in the interests of public health, which is a fact some objectors fail to bear in mind. That the world's vital statistics have shown a steady decrease in mortality percentages during: tlio last few decades is due in large measure to the sounder and more careful supervisions exercised over the food supplies of the people. Tt is well to keep these results in view when criticisms of the general policy fire heing made. A frequent cause of objection against tlio system of condemning stock intended for food is based on the ground of the cost to tlio country. Certainly the cost is hig enough in the aggro

gate, but surely the compensation ■is tenfold greater when it comes in tho guise of improved health for the , community? That, at least, is our view of the case. The healthy man and tho healthy woman are wealthproducing assets; tho invalid and tho valetudinarian are temporary brakes upon the communal car. and lesscners of the general earnings power. Therefore, we repent, almost any expenditure to promote and increase the public health is justified of itsolf. So far as New Zealand's payments went for the twelve months ended 31st March last, the outgoings on account of stock slaughtered (for unsoundness) under The Stock Act. 1.008, ran into over £6000, which sum represents only half value of the slock destroyed. By sales to noiling down establishments, etc., a sum of .C 1526 was recouped—and paid in to the Public Account.