Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 144, 5 November 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

from Oi;v Resident Reporter,

DISEASED CATTLE PADDOCK.

THE PRACTICAL STlJii OF THE CASE.

THE DEPARTMENTAL REPLY,

Mr. C. J. Reakes director of the Live Stock and Meat Division of the Department of Agriculture, writes to the Borough Council as follows, in further reply 'to the Council's (protest against the hold ing of diseased stock in a paddock within the borough, and in close proximity to dwellings:— 1, 1 have had full enquiries made into the matter in question from every point of view, and while I can realise that your Council must give due consideration to any complaints received from residents in the vicinity of the paddock, I feel that It is only right that the practical aspect of the position should also be fairly considered. The officers responsible for the control of animal disease in the district have clear and definite instructions that only those animals which would not constitute a danger to human health, or to. the health of other animals, are to be allowed to travel to this paddock, and be afterwards railed to Patea for slaughter. I have every reason to believe that this instruction is followed out. All other condemned stock is destroyed, and properly disposed of, on the property where it is condemned.

"As regards the railing of the condemned stock, I would point out that the trucks utilised for this purpose are always thoroughly cleansed and disinfected as soon as possible after these animals are removed from them, this being done under the supervision of an inspector in the service of this Department. Thus there can be no question of other cattle which may afterwards travel in these trucks becoming infected as a result of their previous use for condemned stock. As regards the point of holding condemned cattle in the yards at the railway station, steps .will be taken to ensure that this does not occur, but that the animals will be trucked at once on teaching the railway premises. Further, in view of the extra traffic which takes place during the week in which the Stratford Show is held, J will arrange that no stock of this kind be railed that week.

"I trust that your Council will accept my assurance that the last thing the Department would wish to do would be to carry out any part of its operations in any way likely to involve risk to either human or animal health. Our object is to do everything possible to eliminate or control disease. This work naturally costs money, and, seeing that in addition the State compensates the owner for the condemnation of his stock, it is only right and seasonable to utilise, for conversion into manure, the carcases of such animals as can without danger be conveyed to a properly equipped manure works, and thereby do a good deal towards reducing the cost of this branch of the State service to the general taxpayer." STRAY PARAGRAPHS Chamber of Commerce executive tonight. Swimming Club annual meeting Wednesday night. Opening of bowling and croquet clubs Tuesday afternoon. "Our Eegiment" at Eltham next Tuesday night; Hawcra, Thursday, 14th; New Plymouth, 20th. See it. Mr. G. A. Marchant hag purchased a purebred Holstein bull, costing upwards of a hundred pounds. The animal is a "Lovelock." Show enthusiasts are back from Palmerston, and they "reckon Stratford will have a better show." Of course. There is nothing like loyalty to yonr town.

Mr. B. Fearon, secretary of the Stratford A. & P. Society, had a busy time amongst exhibitors at the Palmerston Show, and the principal Jersey, Ayrshire and Holstein breeders promised to show at Stratford. He received a five-guineas donation from an old Stratford boy, Mr. R. D. Climie, of Hastings, to be awarded to the harness classes, and the promise of a pedigree Jersey bull calf from Mr. A. H. Halc'ombe, of TJrenui, for the gift auction in aid of the grandstand fund on the second day of the show.

There are no fewer than 38 entries for the Stratford "butter-fat competition —a record to be proud of. Mr. J. F. Watson, who has just sold his business, is quite an old identity—for a young township, of course. He landed here ten or eleven years ago, succeeding Mr. Beere, who followed Mr. C. H. Gausted. During his residence here Mr. Watson lias given unsparingly of his time (no joke intended) in assisting at sports gatherings of all kinds, and has been actively associated with the progressive Stratford Racing Club. Not at all an aggressive man, Mr. Watson has built up a number of solid friendships, and Stratford generally will miss him when he goes. The Wesley Sunday School anniversary was celebrated on Sunday. The singing of the children, assisted by the choir, and supported sy a strong voluntary orchestra, was quite a feature of the services, which were all well attended, although the rain interfered with the attendance in the evening. The Rev. Mr. Reader was the preacher for the day, and he was eloquent at night upon the subject of children, basing liin remarks upon the text, "Except ye be converted, and become as one of theso little children, ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." This version of the text liny not be literally correct, but it is near it. Mr. Reader spoke of the effect of the Christian religion upon the child life. At the time the words wero spoken, he said, children were not valued. Infanticide and other crimes against the young were rampant. Christ led the way to better things, using the little children to enforce his teachings. To-day it was recognised that no nation could really prosper that did not pay due attention to the development of it? children, and, instead of a disregard of their interest, one found to-day that the very best thought and energies of the leaders of thought were being directed towards the better education of the young, with a view of producing a race of people healthy in mind and body. The church was prettily decorated with spring flowers. The anniversary tea is to be held on Wednesday, followed by a concert. Xmas presents? Yes, it is time now to think of them. Watches, chains, bangles, brooches, and so on, make acceptable presents always. For the next three weeks and a little over—till November 30, to be precise—you can purchase highclass jewellery at 10 per cent, off tho original marked prices on the goods. This offer is made by Mr. J. K. Stone, who has purchased Mr. J. F. Watson's old-established business in the Municipal Buildings, Broadway. Mr. Stone was for three years with Messrs. W. Littlejohn & Son, of Wellington, a fact which speaks for itself, and which should be a sufficient guarantee to the public that all watch-making and jewellery work en trusted to him will be faithfully executed. The fuss being made about the probable withdrawal of large numbers of men from the co-operative railway works has

so far no foundation in fact. There arc no instructions from Wellington. It is very probable that the number of workers will be reduced, but only to enable the Department to keep within the voto which has been overrent in the past. There is no intention of so reducing labtir as to greatly delay the construction of the line, which is recognised to be a. very important one.