Scab Inquiry.

Patea Mail, 28 January 1882, Page 3

Scab Inquiry.

Tuk question of eradicating scab in sheep has taken a turn in this district which is likely to be for the better, it not the best. Now that the Government have taken up the inquiry along this Coast, we may expect to hear of Mr Bailey’s arrival to make a thorough investigation into recent cases of infection carried from one place to another. Mr Bailey is instructed to seek information from the Patea District Farmers’ Club, and from such other sources as he thinks desirable. The Club has been the agency through which this question is taking a practical shape. At the same time, Mr 0. F. Barker has been the moving spirit in broaching the question to the Club, and in obtaining the Premier’s attention to the Club’s deputation. It is particularly desirable that the inquiry thould be conducted in that candid spirit which seeks to secure an urgent public benefit without hunting down some individual delinquent. Having put your finger on the weak places in the present system of inspection and of giving clean certificates, the remedy should not be difficult to apply. A remedy there must be, for the present official system on this Coast has broken down woefully. One inspector blames another, and the public suffer because the inspection is defective somewhere.

The Patea District A. & P. Association was to have had the scab question brought under its notice, and the Committee wore to have met this week with that special object. The Premier’s timely visit, and his promise of immediate and thorough inquiry, together with his practical knowledge of the question as a farmer and as the Minister chiefly responsible for taking action, have rendered further local action unnecessary for the present. The Association Committee seem to have recognised that, and did not meet on Thursday. Au early meeting of the Farmers’ Club may be necessary, when Mr Bailey commences his inquiries in this district. If this be understood, the members might muster at short notice when officially called on.