LATE LOCALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1931, Page 5

LATE LOCALS.

This story comes from a station near the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury.' A musterer had finished his job, and was about to start on the road with hi-s dogs, when he learned that the owner contemplated the killing of 1150 wethers and five-year-olds merino ewes. As the cost of droving back-country potters to the works has been more than their value, it lias not been uncommon recently, for this class of sheep to be killed cm the stations. On this occasion, however the musterer told the owner that he had nothing else to do. and if he could purchase the sheep at a reasonable figure he would take them down country and see what he could do with them. A deal was accordingly made, the consideration being a tin of tobacco. After being three day* on the road, the “purchaser” was lucky enough to dispose of the snrep. which were in fair condition as preservers, at a figure that will shew him a very handsome profit on the transaction, getting him over £OO for th- molest or.tlav of .i. tin of tobacco

The poisonous properties of tutu, a shrub which grows in profusion along the banks of many New Zealand streams, are well known ns they affect cattle, but an entirely new explanation of dead trout found in the Ruamalumgn river hap been forwarded to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society by Professor Percival, He says it' was pointed out to him that the fish found dead or “dopey” during November and December in conditions where 110 obvious signs of pollution existed, were usually taken in streams bordered with growths of tutu, and that they had commonly swallowed many green beetles. It "was pointed out that the beetles fed on the plant, and Professor Percival was told (that the beetletaken from tutu were often lethargic. The inference was that the beetles fell from the plant and were eaten, the poison thus acting on the fish. “T find.” added Professor Percival. “that the properties of tut in, the poison produced l»v tutu, have been investigated by Fitchett. who shows that a dose of 0.004 milligrams is fatal to a trout of lUb. and to inanga-, also that blowflies and maggots among other animals are poisoned. 1 he poison acts on the nervous system and the muscles.”

Appetite stimulated, brain and nerves energised, digestive organs invigorated, intestinal action aided by Yeaston Tablets. W. E. Williams, Chemist. Advfc,