SOUTH AUCKLAND CATTLE BOARD.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1218, 20 April 1880, Page 2

SOUTH AUCKLAND CATTLE BOARD.

The usual weekly meeting of the Board was held at the Farmers' Club, Cambridge, on Saturday, the Chairman (Mr E. Maclean) presiding, and the whole of the members being present. Inspector Runciman and Veterinary Surgeon Naden were in attendance. The following cattleowners and others attended: — Messrs Swarbrick, John Fisher, W. L. Martyn, S. Seddon, R. Watsou, W. Selby, W. Reynolds, R. Kirkwood, G. E. Clark, R. Burke, L. B. Ewen, A. Wallace, R. Fisher, Forrest, Howie, Tucker, B. Booth, Hewitt, R. Reynolds, Ellis, R. H. D. Fergusson, H. Brunskill, H. Hicks, Alwill, Wainwright, S. Steele, Chapman, Ewen, H. Steele, Paton, E. Allen, Dinsdale, Pollard, and the Proprietor of the Waikato Times. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved. Ihe Secretary read a number of letters, telegrams, &c, chiefly having relation to matters of detail. A telegram was read from the Hon. the Premier intimating that two veterinary surgeons— Messrs Mechi and Gerse — who would also act as inspectors, were on their way to Waikato. A telegram from Mr Burke, dated the 14th April, was read, intimating that he had removed twelve head of cattle from Pukerimu — eleven to sell and one to take to his home farm. The latter had since showed symptoms of disease. The following reports from Mr Naden were read : — Cambridge, April 13th, 1880. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that yesterday, April 12th, I examined, post mortem, two cows in Mr Kirkwoods paddock, near Cambridge, and that both were infected witli epizootic pleuro-pneumonia. in a %erv ad\anced stage, and it would be impossible to i>ec two worse cas.es. I have also examined this morning six beasts that were in the same paddock with the cows «ibo\e alluded to — destroyed to prevent the spre.id of the disease— and they all have the same disease in its primary stages. — I have, &c, G. N ym v. Every Maclean, Esq., Chairman South Aucklaud t Cattle Board. Cambridge, April 15th, 1880. Sm, — I have the honor to inform you th.it on Monday last I examined at the pound, Cambridge, a 3'carliniy calf, killed because she was supposed to be suffering from lung disease, and she was infected with epizootic pleuro-pncu-monia. On the same day I again \isitcd Mr Kurkc's cattle, three of which were killed. Two of them were in a very advanced stage of pleuropneumonia—one of these being perhaps the worst case I have seen since I have been here; the other was in the primary stage of the disease. On Tuesday last, April 13th, I proceeded to Woodlands, in accordance with arrangements made by Captain Steele with the Cattle Koardat their last meeting, for the purpose of examining the cattle and pointing out those which I consider ought to be destroyed ; but, as there was no stockjard and the cattle were mostly in the swamp and bush, I was compelled to leave and delay selecting the animals alluded to until .1 temporary stockyard has been erected, and the cattle are brought out of the swamp and bush into such enclosed place, where they can be examined and dealt with. O.i the same day I examined Mrs Martin's cows, and two cows and a bull belonging to Mr Rumney, but I failed to detect any disease. On Wednesday, April 14th, I again visited Mr McXicol's heid, and ordered one of the beasts which had been purchased from the Waikato Land Association to be killed, and if this was found to be diseased the remaining four were also to be destroyed. I could not stay to see the Poit mortem examination, as 1 had other duties to attend to. I left MrDinsd.ile at MrMcNiol's to see the lungs, but I haw as yet received no report from him on the subject. On the same day 1 examined at Cambridge six bullocks belonging to some Maoris, which had been seized by the police, but they showed no symptoms of disease of any kind. April 15th, \isited the Pah Farm, Cambridge, and examined three Devon c ows and their calx es, the property ot Messrs Maclean, and Co., supposed to have pleuro-pneumonia. I must see these cattle again before giving a positive opinion: the sjmptoms arc more like catarrhal fever than pleuro-pneumonia. They will be kept isolated from all other cattle, and will be inspected daily by me until lean state positively whether pleuro-pneumonia developes itself or not. — I am, ike, G. NvuhN, M.R.C.V.S.L. The Chairman South Auckland Cattie Hoard. Cambridge, April 17th, 1880. Siß,— l have the honor to report that on Thursday last I examined a number of cattle on different parts of Messrs Maclean and Co.'s estate, but I found no disease amongst them, —with the exception of the three Devon cows alluded to in my former report— except a cow sufieung from avsentery. Friday, April 16th, examined three Devon tows at the Pah Farm, and they were no worse than when I saw them the day previous. I also examined five head of cattle in the pound and six Maori bullocks in the Government paddoik. visited Mr P.urke's cattle at Pukerimu, and Mr Fisher's cattle .it Pukerimu, none ot which showed symptoms of diie.iNi*.— l am ILc G. X\di\, M R.C.V.5.1,. The Chairman South Auckland Cattle Hoard. Mr Naden further reported having examined some working bullocks belonging to the natives which he had allowed them to remove upon certain conditions, rendering it incumbent on them to report immediately on the appearance of auy diso.iso among the cattle. Tho letter from Maclean and Co., giving notice to the Board of the existence of disease in their herd of Devous, the substance of which h;vs boeu given in these columns, was also read. A petition from several cattle-owners in the Waipa County, dated 13th iust., praying that, a3 tho diaea.se had broken out there, the whole county might be declared an infected place. The Chairman said the prayer of the petitioners had been acceded to. The Chairman of the Waipa County Council wrote, forwarding the resolutions passed at the late meeting of settlers, held at Ohaupo, to discuss the question of pleuro-pneumonia. The Chairman said they were now in possession of all that had been done since last meeting. The Board had the very responsible duty to perform of issuing passes for the removal of cattle. An impression had gained currency that no cattle would be allowed to be removed, but he wished to assure them that where cattle were known to bo clean and did not come from an infected place, no difficulty would be experienced in obtaining an order fcr their removal. It would be well for all owners of cattle having diseased beasts to give immediate notice to the Board, and so save much trouble. All cattle brought from Auckland must also have passes before they will be allowed to travel on any public road in the Waikato. Information had been received the previous day that some oattle were on their way to Hamilton. People had been warned that such would not be allowed. Mr Sebly asked if a person would require a permit from the inspector before he could drive his cattle across a road from one of his paddocks to another. The Chairman said this question had been before the Board befere. He thought any one could do as Mr Selby had pointed out." In the case of Mr Fergusson, for instance where there was a road running through the property a long distance with only a gate at each end, they did not intend to make him put up a fence the whole length. In all cases, however, cattle whe;i crossing a road should be in chai-ge of some person, and not be allowed to stray along the road. He also wished to remark that closed roads through settlers land would not be recognised as such. The object of the Board was to prevent cattle straying on frequented roads, and at the same time to assist the settlers to the fullest extent of their power. (Hear hear.) Mr "Fantham was of opinion that persons should be allowod to drive their cattle across a road from one paddock to another so long as they were not driven past their neighbours' feucos, Mr Swa.rbri<jk said that be bad ye«

mai-ked that one of the resolutions past at thejneeting at Ohaupo, was urging the Board to take steps to have all cattle depasturing on the runs in the district enclosed in paddocks. Such a step would inflict a very great hardship on the small settlers in his neighbourhood. He trusted the Board would take no measure to compel these people to keep their stock iv their paddocks. He believed the cattle were kept well back from the roads. The Chairman said the Board did not wish to go too far. The matter would be left in the hands of the ranger* appointed, who would, no doubt, see that no cattle were allowed to wander on the roads. Mr John Fisher said the Board did not go far enough. He was of opinion that a permit should be obtained before cattle were allowed even to be driven across a road. They could not exercise too much care. Mr. Swarbrick wished to ask if any steps had been taken to have the railway trucks cleaned and disinfected periodically. In England cattle trucks were always cleaned after each trip, and when disease was known to exist they were always carefully disinfected. The Chairman quite concurred in the opinion that the trucks should be disinfected, which should however be carried out under authority, and at present they had only one professional man engaged, When the other Veterinary Surgeons arrived measures would be taken in accordance with the suggestion. Mr. Fantham wished to ask the Inspector wether he had taken any steps to get in the fines and fees incurred under the provisions of the Order-in-Council. A fortnight had passed away and he thought it was high time something should be done. Speaking for himself he would like to recommend the Government to charge no Veterinary fees. Where people had only a few head of cattle the imposition of the fees might be the means of preventing them from reporting the disease. He thought it was simply absurd to charge the unf ortuuate owners of cattle such high fees, and he hoped the Board would take steps to recommend the Government to remit them. (Hear.) Inspector Kunciman said steps were being taken to get iv the fines and fees. Mr Buttle said he believed a petition had been presented to the Chairman which he would like to have before them at once. There was a sort of stigma attaching to a member of the Board, and he would like to see the matter cleared up. The {Secretary read the petition signed by about 3 ) settlers of the Cambridge and adjoining districts calling on the Board to request Capt. Steele to resign. Mr Forrest Raid there was another petition which had been forwarded to the Board. The Secretary read the petition asking the Board to call on Mr Burke to explain how he came to sell infected cattle. The Chairman observed that the inspector would be instructed to proceed in the matter and the public would thea have >m opportunity of seeing for themselves how the case stood. Captain Steele said as regarded the petition regarding himself that he had listened carefully to the names of the subscribers as they were read out, and he observed that among the list were many personal friends. He felt grateful to these gentlemen for coming forward so fearlessly, and lie could assure them that he would be guided by their opinion. He never did anything in a hurry, not even slaughtering his neighbors' cattle, but when considering the matter the views of those gentlemen who had signed the requisition would have great weight with him. If lie found that the majority of the settlers iv the district were in favor of his resigning, then he would not hesitate about it. He repeated that he was obliged to those who had signed the requisition. He admired their conduct much more than he did that of certain other gentlemen who were busily engaged in canvassing for signatures, but who had not the courage to affix their own. Mr Fantham said Captain Steele looked toward him as if he suspected him of having assisted to get up the requisition. He protested against the insinuation, and would like Captain Steele to mention names. He had not seen the petition till that day. He thought it was time they left off personalities and went to business. It was agreed at last meeting that the Inspector and Mr Naden should go to the Swamp Company's property for the purpose ot slaughtering diseased beasts. On Tuesday List, at i) a.m., they proceeded thither accordingly, but only to find that no preparation;, had been made for their reception. This was njt the conduct they ought to expect^ Capt Steele t.u ; d the company did not know that a stock yard would be required. Rifles were taken clown for the purpose of killing the boasts, and it was only when Mr Nadon got tlu-re that he I Capt. Steele) first hoard of a t-toc yanl being required. Accordingly a yard was being erected. They had yards on the propeity but they were not allowed to move the cattle. The Oh tii-man t> ii 1 he for one distinctly nulei-btool thit the Inspector and Mr N.wlen wore to be at Woodland at 9 o'olock a.m., and C.ipt Steele hid promised to ma c the necessary arrangements and to have a number of men ready to assist. Now he Cf-rtainly expected that Capt. Steele would have carried out these arrangements and with the manager be there to meet the Inspector. Instead of this however he understood that no one iv authority made his appearance at the station till alter 11 o'olock. Capt. Steele said there was a number of in^n close at hand to assist. The Chairman said two additional Veterinary Surgeons were expected in the Wai kato in a few days and he was of opinion that they should at once proceed to the Swamp Compauy property. He had heard the existence of the disease doubted, although he was confident that it existed in a very virulent form. This matter should bo set at rest for ever. In answer to Capt. Steole, Mr Naden paid he had always been treated with civility by the Company. Mr Swarbrick said that as one having no particular interest in the matter, other than the general interest felt by all settlers be was present at Woodland when Mr Naden visited the station on Tuesday. He beleived • the Board had sent to Wellington for extra assistance but such waa useless so long as the Company . continued to treat the present Inspectors iv the manner had. He could not see how the Veterinary Surgeon could possibly do his work if he was expected to do stockman's duty and ride after the cattle into the swamp and bush, at a previous meeting when asked if the cattle ccnld not be kept back from the main road, Capt Steele had said that if they were turned back they would poke into the bush and die. Now it appeared to him that these words were coming true! The cattle were now not only at liberty to come near the public road as before but the bush was also open to them and he believed that many of them were crawling in there and dying. He thought some active measures ought to be takeui to have these cattle killed at once. Capt. Steele said the cattle had been removed at the request of the settlers. Mr. John Fisher drew attention to the fact that it was necessary for the prevention ot the infection that the Inspector and Veterinary Surgeon disinfect themselves after each visit and before proceeding to another farm. The Chairman said it was no part of the duty of the Veterinaiy Surgeon to touch the infected cattle. He had simply to Qi\\ev tfje QWfIW to kjJJ the an^n^y,

He had simply assisted out pf -.kindness, but he would henceforth compel the owners to do all the dirty work, Mr Fantham asked if it was true that cattle were shot daily on the Swamp Company's Estate. Captain Steele said the manager had for some time past been in the habit of - shooting any animal which he supposed to be in an advanced stage of the disease, a>d would continue to do so. In company with the manager he, last Tuesday, looked through the last shipment of cattle from Australia. They killed two, but could find no signs of disease. The cattle were in very low .'.ondition, but they had not got plenro. Tho Swamp Company had been oharged with introducing the disease, bat, so far as he knew, they had given it to nobody. It would be a great relief to his mind to find that it was not communicated to any; other heid. He had given great offence to many on account of this subject of inoculation ; but he was glad he had inoculated, and believed they would all have to resort to it in the end. Only five imported cattle had been sold by the company and they had gone to Mr McNicol's farm, and had now been pronounced clean. The other cattle sold by the company had mixed with none of the imported cattle except these five. He did not think anyone had suffered bat themselves. Mr Fantham said some of the cattle from the Swamp sold at the same time with the five imported beasts had found tbeir way to the Waotu, haying been purchased by a half-caste. It had been proved that one of the beasts killed in Cambridge and found to be diseased had been in the pen with the imported scrubbers, so that in this instance he thought they might safely trace the disease to the company. It was simply absurd for anyone to stand up in that room and say no injury had been done. Mr Martyn said the disease might have been brought into the yards by some of the cattle off the Taupiri run. Mr Dinsdale said be had been left by Mr Naden at Mr McNicol's to slaughter one of the imported cattle. He killed the one pointed out to him by Mr Naden, but failed to detect any signs of the diseese. His opinion was shared by all the gentlemen present. Ihe lungs were quite sound. Capt Steele said it seemed to him that the diseaee had broken ont fn a number of places. Ihe Chairman said it was Capt. Steel's wish to read an essay on inoculation. It would however be quite out of order, and he hoped Capt. bteele would bring it before the D'armerij' Club. The disease appeared to him to be a sort of epidemic. And during the late hot weather had spread like typhoid fever. The festering mass of disease they had seen ,at the Swamp was sufficient, he thought, to polute the atmosphere for miles around. With regard to inoculation, their Devon herd were all inoculated in Australia, and. if they had the disease it would be found they were the first to take the infection. He hoped they were not affected, but if they were they would be treated as ordinary cattle. Mr Burke wished to say a few words. He would not attempt to meet the charge brought against him, as he would be called upon to do so in another place. He thought all the precautions that the Board might take were useless, unless the people in Auckland took proper measures. Some of the cattle from the Swamp Company were inspected, in Auckland, and pronounced free, and a few days afterwards, j on their arrival iv Waikato they were found to be diseased. He said it had j been rumored that Mr Fanthams cattle had the disease. At ,tlie request of Mr Fantham, the secretary read an extract from the Waikato Times of the same day, referring to Mr Fanthams cattle. Mr S. Steele said he had come there that day to, ask about the same matter, but after reading what was in the paper he had nothing .further to say. He now saw that it simply depended on whoso cattle were infected ; If a poor man's, they were slaughtered* but if the property of a rich man they were allowed to live. The Chairman said Mr Steele had put the matter in a very improper light. He had long known of Ml* Fanthams bull being unwell, but he also knew that the disease was not of a dangerous nature., , After some remarks from Mr Fantham recapitulating the facts already published in this paper, The Chairman said Mr Steel's remarks reflected on the members of the Board, and insinuated that they wished to screen themselves. He wished to say that he took no part in the inspection of the Devon cattle, but s-imply left it in the hands of the other members and the Veterinary Surgeon. All he did was to provide the necessary assistance, incase the cattle were to be killed and buried. He was very glad to learn that the symtoms did not appear to be those of pleuvo, but if they were he was quite prepared to treat the cattle as he would any others. Mr Fergusson asked Mr Naden if the disease from which Mr Fanthams bull was suffering was either infectious or contageous ? Mr Naden said it certainly was not, or notice of the fact would long ago have been givsn, and the beast would have been destroyed. Mr Fergusson said in that event he did not 3ee why Mr Fantham could not keep it to himself if he desired. The Chairman asked Mr Burke if he could explain how he came to allow infected cattle to be offered for sale at Cambridge. Mr Burke said he did not know of the existence of the disease, or he would not have sold them. That was not the place, however, to defend himself. Mr H. Steele wished to ask the Chairman how, if the disease was so infectious, it had not affected the herds immediately adjoining the company's property. Mr Fantham said the disease, like many epidemics affecting the human species, wan unaccountable in its movements, and, as he had shown in his essay a short time back, had been known to pass over one farm and infect another beyond. Mr Naden spoka in a similar strain. Mr B. Reynolds cautioned people against going where the disease existed, as persons had been known to carry it 40 miles. Mr S. Steele quite agreed with Mr Eeynolds. He might say that he Was very much surprised when he heard of so many going down to the Swamp to see the beasts killed. He believed the disease was carried about by those people who went to gloat over their neighbors' misfortune. Mr Wheeler, a gentleman lately settled in the district, gave some of his experiences with regard to inooulation, which he said was a preventive, although it might not eradioate the disease. Mr Fantbam objected to the subject of inoculation being introduced, and v -iTfce Chairman said he had merely ■flowed Mr Wheeler to proceed out of courtesy to a stranger. The subject' was not to be discussed. Mr Clarke thought that as the sales had been stopped for one month they should not allow any store cattle from Auckland to be introduced into the district daring the same period. They were not to know that the disease did not exist in Auckland. After some discussion on the subject the visitors withdrew. . On the motion of Mr Fantham, it was fcwlYod to wjre t9 titf ColQWal Sooretary

that the inspection fees were very oppressive, and the charges ought' to be met in some other way. The petition regarding Mr Burke was referred to the inspector to institute the necessary proceedings. Some further business - : of ' a. toutine nature having been transacted', the Board adjourned.