CATTLE TICK

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 March 1920, Page 3

CATTLE TICK

The following has been received from the Inspector of Stock regarding the cattle tick regulations : —

" There seems to be an impression abroad that the regulations recently gazetted regarding ticks have in some way been modified or amended. This is a mistaken idea, as the regulations are still in force, with instructions to the officers concerned that they are to be strictly carried out. Any latitude that has hitherto been given settlers with stock affected upon their places was due to the fact that they were not able for this season to carry out the requirements of the Act. Sufficient time has now elapsed for the provision of suitable appliances to be ready when the tick appears again. But whether or not this is the oase the regulations will be strictly adhered to, seeing that the settlers have had ample time to make the necessary provision. Whether provision has been made or not by settlers to have the pest dealt with on their farms, the regulations strictly provide that affected animals cannot bo taken on to a public road, much less a saleyan!, or a port without the owner heing liable to a penalty of £50. Much alarm has been caused by the report that no boundary has been drawn concerning affected areas. As a matter of fact a very severe buundary exists, that is whereover tickn are known to exist, the locality at once comes under the scope of the regulations, whereas the imaginary line drawn as a boundary would not meet the case so rapidly, as all extenj tions of boundaries would have to be gazetted ; under present conditions no extensions of the boundaries are required other than the actual presenoe of ticks. ! The boundary therefore is automatic, expanding or contracting to suit the requirements of the i Act without unnecessary delay." It is estimated that three to four million head of oattle exist in Northern Nigeria, and perhaps double or treble that number of -sheep. Much of the stock is suitable for export, but the difficulty is to find a means of getting it away. In the districts remote from the railway, cattle are absurdly cheap ; yearling bulls fetch from 15s to 20s each, | but these are not easy to get. Good grazing lands are available from Government direct at extraordinary cheep rates. Labor is cheap, 6d to 9J or Is per day, and food. Don't miss seeing Alice Joyce in "Find the Woman " Lyric Pictures to-morrow Friday,