THE QUARANTINE STATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9120, 13 April 1908, Page 2

THE QUARANTINE STATION.

MESSRS SLACKS’ SOWS

At the request of the Stock Inspectors we publish the following :—A press message was published a short time ago stating that Messrs Slack Bros, had complained, that owing to defective accommodation lat the Soames Island quarantine * station a valuable imported Devon sow of theirs lost 13 of a litter, out of 17, and valued at £SO. The statement has been inquired into and the port inspector reported that the sow referred to gave birth to only five pigs, one of which was born dead. The four survivors were all delivered to Messrs Slack Bros, with the sow at the end of the quarantine period. Another smaller Devon sow belonging to the same owners gave birth to 13 pigs, of which one was sickly at birth, and died shortly afterwards. Two others were accidentally killed by the sow. The surviving ten with the four from the other litter were all delivered safely to the owners. The sows were heavy animals and having been overfed during the voyage were, therefore, liable to be clumsy with their young. Mr Slack visited the island and beyond suggesting the fixing of a ledge low down around the stye (which was immediately done) to provide a safe retreat for the little ones no complaint was made. The sickly pig that died was spoon fed for several days by one of the attendants in an endeavour to save its life.