MR JOLLY'S SHEEP.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 930, 8 June 1878, Page 2

MR JOLLY'S SHEEP.

Sib, — I have read with great pleasure your articles on the late scab prosecution, : or as I think it may more justly be \ termed " persecution." I trust, for the credit of Waikato, that the Cambridge '• Fanners' Club, the only agricultural and ' pastoral association m the district, will take the matter up, and either prove the , existence of scab m Mr Jolly's sheep or gain for them a clean bill of health. If scab exists m the flock, by all means let ] it be widely known, but if no such stain j can be fonnd, the sheep owners of ■Waikato will surely never submit to have a false accusation recorded against them. I know nothing of Mr Lewis. He may ( be a capable or a very incapable scab inspector, but it is very certain that if he . is capable the Inspeotor for Waikato l must be the reverse, and the sooner we know it the better. I have been nine g years resident m AVaikato, and so far as I , enow no flock -master m the district lias i * )Ynv distrusted Mr liuiicimau. If Mr S

Lewis has any confidence m his own judgement, why docs ho not accept Mr ' Jolly's challenge ? Is it that he grudges the cost of the trip ? If so I believe the Waikafco sheep farmers will pay his expenses, and will further mako up' a purse for him if he will point out scab m Mr Jolly's sheep. I will gladly join m raising a f nnd for the purpose. That the evidence of one inspector should be. taken against that of two others (Runchnan and Roskruge), backed by such men as Mr Joseph -May and others, is simply monstrous, and proves that one ignorant or malicious man may damn the character of any ones s'leop. How are these inspectors appointed ? Who bows their qualifications ? Are they subjected to any examination before receiving their appointment ? If not, the appointment is a delusion and a snare, and. we sheep farmers can be raiDed by a perfectly incompetent man being placed m a position of great trust and responsibility. — I am, &c, Patmck Leslie.