DEATH OF BULL.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 306, 10 December 1936, Page 4

DEATH OF BULL.

Unusual Circumstances Revealed.

Press Association —Copyright. Gisborne, Last Night

A well-known Poverty Bay sheepfarmer, Mr. H. W. Barker, Hexton, has lost a valuable Polled Hereford bull, Bonny Gem, under unusual circumstances.

The bull was a four-year-old and was purchased at the Royal Show as a two-year-old. Aobut 18 months ago the animal began to suffer frequent turns of illness, always being “blown” when put on to grass. He became seriously all about a month ago and appeared to recover somewhat. Every care and attention was given, but on Monday' afternoon the bull dropped dead. Mr. Barker, who is an experienced farmer, was mystified and instructed a veterinary surgeon to hold a postmortem. All the organs were found in a normal condition, but when the heart was cut open a small piece of fencing wire three and a-half inches long with the end turned round like a hook was found deeply embedded, probably having been swallowed in food some jears ago.

Bonny Gem came of distinguished stock, being a son .of the famous Royal Gem and a half-brother to another great champion. Beau Gem.