MR GILRUTH TALKS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 197, 10 August 1908, Page 4

MR GILRUTH TALKS.

A DINNER Sl'EECll AT KIMBOLTO.V. 111S NEW APPOINTMENT. WILL .MR. RKAKES SUCCEED 1I.1M? ■ I Mr, J. A. Gilruth, Chief Government 1 . Veterinarian, attended a Farmers' Union ([inner at Kimholton on Wednesday night, and in the course of the toasl list Was tempted to refer to his appointment as professor of veterinary science at Melbourne University, i He had not, he said, hitherto referred in public to his proposed ivmuval from • New Zealand. The Victorian Govcrn- ; nieut had asked him if he would accept ' the University professorial chair of . Veterinary Pathology in Melbourne, Victoria, and by accepting it he would oecoine the only University veterinary professor south ot the Line. It was a very dignified position—in fact, the dignity was Ihe only thing he was frightened of. lie took the oiler as a great honour to himself, also to New Zealand, , and particularly to the farmers of this country. (Hear, Ileal.) There was no doubt a great- (leal of work had to lie done by the Veterinary Department of New Zealand, lie had found on his recent visit to the Old World that he was received with honour in India and Egypt, and in these countries they knew infinitely more about the scientific expel iinents of the New Zealand Veterinary Department than any member of Parliament in New Zealand. (Laughter.) He was greatly pleased to say that the farmers of New Zealand had done a great deal in assisting the Department. . The outbreak of swine-fever had been stamped out by the co-operation of the farmers. The farmers supported him in various matters affecting their industries, no matter whether he had the law behind him or not, and blackleg in calves in the 'L'aranaki district had been eradicated without the aid of he law. The fanners recognised it wis their own business, and for their own benefit. HIS SUCCESSOR. Referring to his successor, Mr. Gilruth said that his chief assistant, Mr. C. ,1. l'eakes, had rendered him most valuable help, and in many respects was a better man than he (the speaker). He couid not put his hand on liettcr man for the position anywhere, ami he knew all the principal veterinary experts in the world. (Hear. hear). Of course, lie did not know whether or not Mr. Reakes would get the position, but he knew that gentleman was the best qualified for the position. A BIT OF ADVICE Mr. Gilruth then referred to the work of the farmers, and then said New Zealand must be a small farmers' country, and must go in for intense, cultivation. They could breed young stock in these districts as well as any country in tin l world, although they could not winter tli? young lambs. New Zealand was now sending to the British market teg?. [ and not lambs. The lambs should be fattened oil' the ewes, and then exported. Reference was made to the dairy industry, and Mr. Gilruth pointed out how this industry could be improved, sjlt JOHN M-KENZIE'S WORK. The Agricultural Department had come greatly into prominence during the past lew year-, and the man who should get the credit for the good work nmv being done by this Department was 1.1 i.'late Sir John M'Kenzie. lie it was who -aw what was required, and had to fight not only the country, but even his own party, to get what lie saw was wanting. Whatever credit was due to Sir .John MKenzie for his lands for settlement . policy, he was entitled to infinitely more I credit for building up what was the best ; Agricultural Department in the world. ( (l.nud Applause.) i