SHEEP-INSPECTOR OLDHAM.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2960, 4 July 1891, Page 2

SHEEP-INSPECTOR OLDHAM.

Mb Oldham, late Sheep Inspector in charge of this district, leaves next week for his new sphere of duties in Napier, his successor, Mr Sutton, late Inspector at Timaru, having arrived to take over the wjrk of the department in Waikato. Mr Oldham has beon a long timo in the service. For the last seven years he has been Sheep and Rabbit Inspector in Waikato, and prior to this he was for four years stationed in Raglan. When he first took charge of the Raglan district it was badly infected with scab, there being scarcely a clean Hock in it. Within twelve months after taking charge he had effectually eradicated the disease, although owing to the absence of fences, it might be fairly considered an open bush run so far as the treatment of scab was concerned. When he first came to Waikato, the rabbit pest was beginning to make itself felt in the neighbourhood of Alexandra. At that time fully ten men made good wages during tho season catching rabbits for market, now, although the prioo to be obtained is pretty well double what it was at that time, those little pests have become so few in number that it does not pay even a individual to take up the work. These are both good records. When it was first rumoured that Mr Oldham was about to be removed, influential repiesentations were made to the Minister in charge of the department to allow Mr Oldhain to rotain his position in the district and certainly the able and conscientious manner in which Mr Oldham had discharged hi 3, at times unpleasant dutieH, gavo him a strong claim for considerate treatment. The delay in sending his successor gave hopes to his friends that their representation had been successful, these however are now dispelled, and we can only join with his numerous friends in wishing him the same measure of success in his new position that he gained in this district. Kveryone acquainted with Mr Oldham's duties must have remarked tho thorough maimer in which he carried out his work, and without being a rospector of persons, when it became necessary to take action, he did so in a manner that, to any right-minded person, left no cause for otlence. With a thorough knowledge of his duties and his long experience, we feel quite sure Mr Oldham has only to become known in his new district to be as highly respected and appreciated as he was in Waikato.