THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1905. HOW WE COPE WITH ANTHRAX.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 7, 19 January 1905, Page 3

THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1905. HOW WE COPE WITH ANTHRAX.

From time to time this dreaded cattle disease breaks out in the colonies and distroys a number of valuable beasts. A year or so ago, indeed, it was contracted by several men in the North Island, one of whom died in great agony. The disease is usually brought in bones or bone dust from India, and since its inception the Farmers’ Union has assisted its members by strongly urging upon the Government the necessity of erecting sterilising works at the seaports where these bones were received. The works were sanctioned by Parliament, but just lately it has been stated that, instead of erecting works, the Government will appoint inspectors at Calcutta and other ports from which the bones come. Naturally, unless a large staff of “inspectors” was employed this safeguard would not be worth the name, and the various A. and P. Associations are making a strong protest. The Hawke’s Bay Association is circulating for endorse"

ment a resolution asking the Government to reconsider the matter, on the grounds that no reliance could be placed on certificates from places so far distant as India and that the construction of the works is necessary for the , safety of life and property in the colony. This and other similar protests, coupled with the fact that anthrax has broken out in Tasmania, should induce the Government to deal with the matter in a less slipshod fashion. We are said to have already far too many inspectors in New Zealand, and certainly the scheme would not be a saving in the end. Bones might come from many ports where inspectors were not stationed, but if the works were erected at Auckland and the Bluff, full control would be obtained over all imported bones from any source whatever. By keeping this matter in view, the Farmers’ Union will be doing great service to the colony.