BEARING TROUBLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 September 1938, Page 3

BEARING TROUBLE

SERIOUS, LOSSES IN DISTRICT NEED FOR INVESTIGATION The serious losses among ewes in some parts of the Wairarapa this season as the result of bearing trouble was emphasised by Mr A. Ross, at yesterday’s meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union. On his motion it was decided to draw ■ the attention of the Department of Agriculture to the position in the Wairarapa and to urge that investigations as to the causes of the trouble be carried out. Mr Ross said the incidence of bearing trouble in parts of the district had been much greater this year than usual. The chairman, Mr D. McGregor: “And much more difficult to handle.” The root cause of the trouble had not been discovered, added Mr Ross, and in view of the heavy toll being taken of the best sheep in their flocks he considered that the Department of Agriculture be asked to investigate the position thoroughly. Mr L. T. Daniell said the motion was well-worth supporting. They all had their theories as to the causes, but the theories were no good until they were investigated by scientists. “In some districts this season,” remarked Mr, J. ■’ Andrew, “bearing trouble has become almost an epidemic. One man with 600 ewes has been losing one a day for the past Jive weeks.” Mr McGregor said he had had more bearing trouble this season than for many years. The meeting also briefly discussed diseases among cattle and the difficulty of obtaining the services of veterinary surgeons in some districts was stressed. It was decided to obtain information regarding a scheme whereby dairy companies would co-operate in providing veterinarians.