FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8116, 22 May 1906, Page 3

FARM AND DAIRY.

VETEBINAKY SURGEONS AND FARMERS. At the Farmers' Conference last week reference was made by several delegates to the work of the veterinary officers and stock inspectors in litis province. It was stated that farmers iu the various localities were sometimes treated with discourtesy, and should they seek information on any matter, such information was not always forthcoming. This state of things, the delegales were instructed to point out, was most unsatisfactory. Instances were Riven where settlers had sought information regarding blackleg, both from the officers nmt the Department, but up to ihc urgent nothing definite has been sent iu reply. Complaint was also made that a report on the recent blackleg mortality by the Depart menial ofliccrs had not been given to the farmers as promised. Whilst admitting that the Departuiout and its officers are nst altogether j blameless, we are inclined to thcTielief that farmers generally are too proae to find fault. They do not turn t lie question over sufficiently in their minds, so that they may catch a glimpse of the other side of the picture. Farmers forget that the duties of veterinary surgeons are heavy and exacting, and that oftentimes it is not possible to keep appointments, and for tlieir being at the beck and call of the settlers. Then again, even when these officers do make visits through a district, how many farmers really appreciate what is done for them, er the instruction given 'i llow often have farmers in this province had the opportunity of learning by lectures how to become acquainted with the diseases and conplaints of stock? How many hundreds of thousands of " Leaflets to Farmers " hive been printed for circulation amongst dairymen and settlers generally, and how many of these leaflets are applied for by the farming comnmriity ? We might ask these qecstion in vain. Wo have worthy officers in the Department who aive their best efforts in the laboratories and amongst farmers in investigating diseases, and giving gratis, per leaflet and personal instruction, information that would prove invaluable in practical fanning, yet it cannot be stated lli it farmers show even sufficient interest to roid these leaflets or receive the instruction profcrrcd.

Then how often have these officers visited farms, and given tile owners and managers thereof the very best of information, only to loam afterwards that these soif- same farmers and managers have ridiculed any suggestions made, and haye aeted contrary to instructions given ? The result has shown again and again that had the suggestions been acted upon, these farmers might have been saved many a valuable beast. Oftentimes an officer will bo called in or written to for information ou some matter concerning stock. He will give his very best knowledge to meet the occasion, and tell the farmer that half the diseases amongst cattle—especially young stock—are due to the starvation diet given to stock. He is asked to cure such cases, and because such a thing is impossible ho is proclaimed inelllcient. It stands to reason thatsuch animals, in a semi-starved condition, arc not able to light any mal«jd.' which may attack them, ltather these animals are more likely to breed disease than to.ft&Tc off complaints. In this province we have had, and still have, oilicials who are painstaking, zealous in their work, and anxious;to help the, farmer. It is for the farmer to do what he can to meet these oliicials and assist them by every means in his power We should like lo see a better understanding between farmers and officials of the A'eleriuary Department, and believe that if the farmers will do Iheir pari, they will be willingly met half-way. "Unity-is strength," and there is perhaps no unity which would have more far-reaching bcnelits to local farmers than a perfect understanding between theni aiul the veterinary surgeons placed at iheir disposal.