MORTALITY AMONG HORSES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3201, 31 December 1892, Page 2

MORTALITY AMONG HORSES.

Wis don't remember, in any season, hearing of so many casualties among horses, as during the present one. Not only has the chapter of accidents with these animals been a very long one, but what is really more serious, a number of valuable horses have died in rather a mysterious manner, the cause ot death being completely inexplicable to the owners. The latest instance of this nature to come under our notice, is that of a valuable brood mare belonging to Mr C. Hibbs, fanner, on the Ohanpo Road. The mare in question—a heavy draughthad foaled about a fortnight, and was apparently, in the best of health, but on going into the paddock recently she was found in a bad state, and died before Mr Hibbs could either physic her or obtain assistance. Another draught horse belonging to the same gentleman is also on the sick list, owing to some mysterious complaint; this appears to affect the back, os the horse has some difficulty in moving about, and Mr Hibbs is at a loss to know how to treat it. The need of a good retinary surgeon in Waikato is frequently iHustrated. If a correct diagnosis could be obtained of these fatal coinpl tints among horses, settlers would know what to guard against, and probably, what steps to take towards effecting a cure. When Mr Halstead. the well-known Auckland yet. was in Waikato a few days ago attending to his duties as handicapper to the South Auckland Racing Club, he spoke of canvassing the district with the view of ascertaining what support ho would get in making regular periodical trips through Waikato. The foregoing comments imply most forcibly the urgent necessity for professional services, and we feel sure Mr Halstead's reputation would ensure such a demand upon his services that he would at the expiration of a few months have no reason to regret the extension of his business into the out districts.