CATTLE TICK.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4423, 5 June 1922, Page 3

CATTLE TICK.

MENACE TO VALLEY AND PLAINS The menace of cattle tick to the Ohinemuri County, the Thames Valley, and the Hauraki Plains was pointed out by a letter from the Thames County Council. The communication inquired if the Council would be willing to contribute towards the cost of constructing cattle dips on the Corpmandel Pen insula. The portion north p( Tapu had been declared an infected area for ’’cattle ticks,” and cattle could not be removed from that area unless they were dipped at the legal crossing places. Unless such dips were provided great inconvenience and loss would result to all cattle owners in the Thames Valley and adjacent districts. If the necessary steps were not taken to check or eradicate the infected area by the constant dipping of infected herds the menace woud undoubtedly spread throughout the whole of the Peninsula, Thames Valley, and Hauraki Plains.

Cr. Johnstone said .there was no doubt that it was a very serious menace. It was a matter quite of interest to this part of the country. He suggested that a conference be held between Ohinemuri, Thames, ani Coromandel County Councils. Cr. Robinson said that if the affection came into this county the Ohinemuri County would have to .erect dips also, so it was one of concern for the countj. The Hauraki Plains was also concerned. The Coromandel and Thames people should bear most of the burden. Tfie most he advocated the Ohinemuri County to pay was £3O or £4O, and by paying that amount it may save them several hundreds of pounds. Cr. Johnson said no doubt it was a menace, but if the disease came into Oliinemuri’s area would the other counties pay '(or the Ohinemuri County ?

Cr. Robinson said matters such as that could be discussed at the conference.

Cr. Johnstone said if the infection spread into the Ohinemuri area they would require to erect three dips, which would cost a few thousand pounds. Cr. Corbett thought the Thames and Coromandel counties should bear the responsibilities. The erection of cattle dips was a responsibility which the county may have to bear anv time.

Cr. Robinson maintained that the tick was further up the district than it was anticipated.

Cr. Johnson said it may only be a matter of time before the Ohinemui i County would have to erect dips, and if the Council contribute! to the Thames dip the other counties should also contribute to any erected in Ohinemuri County.

It was decided that a suggestion be made to hold a conference of the four counties concerned, and the chairman and Cr. Johnstone were deputed to represent the Council at the conference.