MR FANTHAM IN EXPLANATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1243, 17 June 1880, Page 3

MR FANTHAM IN EXPLANATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I observe a paragraph in your leading article of Tuesday referring to Mr Burkes farm, 'and stating that "so far as regards Mr Burkes farm, this is satisfactory, though we are sorry to find Mr Fantham opposing it." My reason for opposing it was — the cattle on this farm were "suspected" up to last Saturday ; also, the eight head of cattle killed by order in Cambridge are reported to have come from Mr Burkes, which has never been contradicted by Mr Burke, and it may therefore be taken for granted they did. You will remember in the case of Mr Ireland, of Panmure, nearly three months elapsed between the case of the cow that was l«st diseased and those of the other cattle that were killed. Under these circumstances, I do not consider it right to allow Mr Burkes cattle to go to any public sale. I pointed this out to our Board, and asked them if they would like the Auckland Cattle Board to send suspected cattle to the Cambridge yards, and I feel sure the cattle owners in the Cambridge district would not like to see the pattle referred to placed side by side with theirs in our sale yards. Supposing the whole mob of cattle is sent from this farm, I do not think it right to put a fresh lot on for some time, and the Board cannot prevent this being done. lam so.try to have to address you, sir, on this subject, but, as no reporter was present at our last Board meeting, and I stood alone, I take this opportunity of expressing my views to the public. — I- am, &c, A. A. Fantham. Cambridge, June 15, 1880.