LIVE STOCK DEPARTMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2791, 3 June 1890, Page 2

LIVE STOCK DEPARTMENT.

It will be a considerable relief to sheepowners in this district to learn that the stringent regulations in the matter of proceeding against owners for having sheep affected with lice has been considerably modified by the following sensible instructions, which have been issued to sheep inspectors, thus giving large discretionary powers to the inspectors in carrying out the provisions of the Sheep Act in this particular: — " Head Office Live Stock Department, ~ Welliugtou, May 21st, 18110.—Complaints having been received from various parts of the colony as to the needless irritation caused by some inspectors injudiciously enforcing section '.I of the Sheep Act, 1878, Amendment Act, ISBI>, respecting sheep infected with lice, J am directed to state that, in the opinion of the Miuister of Lauds, this is a question which requires a certain amount of tact, as there is scarcely a flock in the colony on which a louse sould nut be found, and it seems absurd to take proceedings against owners of sheep in such cases. So long as sheep are m prime condition, that is in itself evidence that they are not affected by lice to auy injurious extent. I am accordingly to request that in future more judgment may bo exercised in this matter, and that proceedings may be taken only in eases of gross neglect.—lJ. J, W. Eliotr, Under-Secretary."