SHEEP INSPECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XI, Issue 898, 26 March 1878, Page 3

SHEEP INSPECTION.

The deputation also brought under the notice of the Colonial Secretary and the Defence Minister the fact that a veiy considerable portion of the Waikato district was not within the boundaries of any district. The possible consequence of such a state of things was that a quantity of infected animals might be brought into the district, and disease spread through the flocks of the whole of the Waikato. He (Mr Claude) believed that the whole of the extensive territory between Taupiri and Point Russell (Mercer) was not within any district. This territory was becoming rapidly a highway from the north to the southern parts of the provincial district; it already contained a considerable number of cattle and sheep which might be conveyed by train to any part of" the district. Thus the danger was daily becom- ' ing more imminent. "While on the snbject it might be necessary to bring under the notice of the Government, the amount of the salary paid to Inspectors. It was certain that to inspect an extensive district, containing numbers and costly '

flocks, involved a great deal of personal expense and labour. The duties were onerous and responsible, and, if efficiently discharged, were of the greatest public advantage. It appeared to the deputation that the salary paid to the Inspector was too small:

The Colonial Secretaiy reminded the deputation that the Government had already doubled the salary of the Inspectors. The Defence Minister : No doubt, as the area of culture became extend, and the herds and flocks of the district more numerous and valuable the responsibility cast upon the Inspector would increase. In that case his remuneration would be a very proper subject to be brought before the Government. The Colonial Secretary agreed with his hon. colleague, and would readily join in considering these matters in the most liberal spirit. He agreed generally with the views of the matters laid before the Government by the deputation, and the Government would be prepared to give them due attention.