INTRODUCTION OF SCAB INTO NELSON DISTRICT (PAPERS RELATING TO THE LATE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1884 Session II, H-08

H.—B.

Sess. 11. —1884. NEW ZEALAND.

INTRODUCTION OF SCAB INTO NELSON DISTRICT (PAPERS RELATING TO THE LATE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 29th August, 1884. Ordered, " That the whole of the evidence and papers connected with the late introduction of scab into the Nelson District by Mr. Archer be laid before this House." — (Mr. Levastam.)

Mr. E. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Telegram.) Eichmond, 20th March, 1884. Six hundred sheep in saleyards yesterday infected. Certificate from Blundell, and passed by Inspector Hunt two days previously. Will write and report. E. G. Price, Sheep Inspector.

Mr. A. K. Blundell to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Telegram.) Blenheim, 22nd March, 1884. Inspector Price wires: " Sheep brought by Peter Archer, with your certificate, are infected." He gives no further particulars, but will write. Archer got the sheep from Harvey, Bourke, J. Mills, and Gould. I inspected them in Havelock, found no sign of disease, and granted certificate. I shall at once inspect all those flocks, as Inspector Groom reported them clean, and I acted on his report. A. K. Blundell, Sheep Inspector.

Mr. E. G. Price to Sheep Inspector Hunt, Nelson. (Memorandum.) 24th March,_ 1884. Inspector Hunt will please give the reason as to why he allowed infected sheep to be driven to the Eichmond saleyards. E. G. Price.

Mr. Thomas Hunt to Sheep Inspector Price, Nelson. (Memorandum.) 24th March, 1884. I have the honour to inform you that my reason for passing Archer's sheep on to Eichmond saleyards was this: I could not find the insect on the sheep, and I had no yards to put them in. Chief Inspector Canning applied for yards and dip in Happy Valley, but they were not granted. If I had yards there, this would not have taken place. Thomas Hunt, Inspector of Sheep.

Mr. B. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) 24th March, 1884. I forward the following report with regard to infected sheep found in Eichmond saleyards on Wednesday, the 19th March last. On arrival at the yards from Ellis Brothers on the day of sale, I inspected Peter Archer's flock, 588 in number, and found them infected. I called Mr. Hunt into the yard and showed him live scab upon the sheep. He then acknowledged that the flock were infected. These sheep arrived in Happy Valley from the Marlborough District, Peter Archer in charge, on the 17th March last, with a clean certificate from Inspector Blundell, dated 14th of same month, only three days previously, and were there passed by Inspector Hunt, and allowed to travel on to the Eichmond yards, where they arrived on the 19th. On the 20th I picked out forty-six slightly infected, and had them carted to the safest paddock, with dip in it, distance about two miles, and the rest driven. On Saturday morning I saw the whole flock dipped in sulphur and lime. Mr. G. Haycock's flock, 340, arrived next day. There was not the slightest sign of anything wrong with them, but shall have to declare them infected, owing to eleven sheep of Archer's having mixed with his. I asked Mr. Hunt his reason for allowing the sheep to come to the yards, and forward his answer. I think an inquiry should be made as to how the sheep were allowed to leave the Marlborough Province, and how Inspector Hunt allowed them to be taken to the Eichmond yards. In consequence of sixty of this flock being lost on the road, I have telegraphed to Inspector Blundell that I stop the Eye Valley Eoad until such time as the sheep are found. I intend to take precaution to have the saleyards washed and retarred, and any sheep near them on that day dipped. I have written to Inspector Blundell on the subject. E. G. Price. I—H. 8.

H.—B

2

[Extract from New Zealand Times of the 28th March, 1884.] Fresh Outbreak of Scab at Nelson. Sir, — To the Editor of the New Zealand Times. A flock of sheep brought over from the Marlborough District by Mr. Archer last week, with a travelling certificate, turned out, on inspection at the saleyards here by our local Inspector, to be seriously infected with scab. Great credit is due to our Inspector for his keen vigilance in this instance, as otherwise it might have proved a serious affair to the surrounding sheepowners; and, as it is, the saleyards cannot be again used for a considerable period for the yarding of sheep. I have, &c, E. J. Bentley.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Blundell, Blenheim. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th March, 1884. Have all sheep from which Archer's lot was taken been examined, and with what result ? Is it certain that the sheep delivered in Nelson are identical with those seen at Havelock ? What steps have you taken since ? Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. A. K. Blundell to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Telegram.) Blenheim, 29th March, 1884. All the flocks from which Archer's sheep were taken have been examined. Gould's, Mills's, and Bourke's sheep are perfectly free from infection. Harvey's sheep had been dipped before I saw them, so could not find insect. I leave for there again on Tuesday night to make a second examination, as one or two sheep were slightly doubtful. Harvey says he dipped for ticks, and evidence goes to corroborate his statement. I cannot say what sheep arrived in Nelson, as Inspector Price has treated me in a very off-hand manner, and gives me very few particulars. Am anxious to see his report to you. lam making every endeavour to obtain information. When can I expect you over ? A. K. Blundell, Sheep Inspector.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Price, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th March, 1884. Have sheep driven by Archer been thoroughly examined, ear-marks, brands, and description taken, so that their identity with those examined by Blundell is positive ; have all stray ones been found; and have you laid information against Archer under section 45 for allowing infected sheep to stray ? Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. E. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Telegram.) Nelson, 29th March, 1884. I thoroughly examined sheep. Most of the sheep infected had the same ear-mark. I telegraphed to Blundell the flocks they came from, and the ear-mark of sheep principally infected. Have not taken action pending inquiry. Stray sheep have not yet been found. E. G. Price, Sheep Inspector.

Mr. Eichard Hull to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, sth April, 1884. In accordance with your desire for a report from me on the recent case of introduction of scab from Marlborough into Nelson, I have-to state that I was first made aware of the circumstance by Inspector Blundell on my return from Tory Channel, in the Sounds, on Saturday, the 22nd March, who informed me that the sheep taken through by P. Archer had been pronounced infected on their arrival in Nelson ; and, as it must have come from one of the four flocks from which Archer had bought sheep, we decided on making a thorough examination of them, for which purpose I accompanied Mr. Blundell to Manaroa on Monday, the 24th March, and the next day had a muster of Harvey's sheep made, getting 681 put in the yard out of 700, which, he said, was the number he ought to have. We made a most complete examination, and after some time caught two sheep which showed a little sign of having something wrong, but as they had only been dipped a fortnight previously in a solution of hot lime and sulphur we found it utterly impossible to discover the insect, nor could we come to a thorough determination that it was scab. We had the sheep marked, however, and decided to make another examination in a week or ten days' time. We then went to Bourke's place in the Kenepuru, which was one of the flocks from which Archer had bought, and getting all his sheep in (197). We passed them slowly several times, and had no difficulty in pronouncing them perfectly clean, they not having been dipped for several years. Next morning Mr. Blundell left me, as he had to return to Blenheim on important business, and I proceeded to get in Mills's flock, being the third of the four doubtful flocks. He has Very few remaining, having sold the half to Mr. Cawte. After careful examination I was able to say they were perfectly clean and sound. I then went to see the other half of his flock, and found on arrival at Cawte's that they had not been landed from the cutter, as they had heard the rumour and were afraid of doing .so without an Inspector's leave. I looked -them over carefully and they were perfectly clean. In tact, they would have showed anything most distinctly after being cooped up in the hold of a vessel for five days. With my advice Mr. Cawte' decided on at once returning them to Mills's, so as to avoid all chance of legally infecting his flock. I then went to Gould's, in Nydia Bay, the last of the four places, and, after a good muster and well looking into, had no trouble in deciding them to be quite free from infection of any kind. After having finished my round, I was quite convinced in my own mind that if scab existed it

3

H.—B

must be in Harvey's sheep, as all the others not having been dipped for at least twelve months an Inspector would be able to see if anything was wrong, considering the sheep being in a clean yard and quite dry. I hear that Inspector Blundell has since been to Harvey's and discovered the insect in one of the sheep marked, but in a very incipient stage. lam strongly of opinion that this outbreak in his flock must have been most recent, and that, both from Harvey himself and from the evidence that I have gathered from independent sources, I am satisfied he was quite ignorant of the fact when he dipped. I may mention that on the 18th January last I passed 116 wethers for Harvey, to go to Nelson; they were perfectly clean and free from disease, and had been running with his main flock a fortnight before I saw them. I did not see the whole of his flock at that time, as I had an appointment elsewhere, and had not time to wait, but in going to his house I passed through the chief part of his sheep, and took particular notice of them, and could detect nothing amiss. In short, I believe these sheep have caught the contagion from some source which I will make it my earnest business to find out, and they had not sufficient time to develop it up to the time of being passed by Inspector Blundell at Havelock; and that, of course, it would be a matter of small difficulty in detecting it seven or eight days later, especially as they had been packed in punts and mobbed together on the road. Eichard Hull, Inspector of Sheep, Picton Subdivision.

Evidence taken in re Infected Sheep travelled to Nelson from Havelock with Clean Permit. Blenheim, sth April, 1884. Alfred Mills states :lam a resident of Havelock. I have been a sheepowner and drover for many years. lam well acquainted with scab. I was present at Havelock on the 14th March when one Peter Archer landed a mob of sheep from punts, about 600. These sheep, I believe, came from Harvey's, Bourke's, my brother's (John Mills's), and Gould's. Whilst these sheep were being landed I held them on the beach for Archer, and afterwards drove them up to the end of the town. Inspector Blundell was present. He left me and went on to the punts prior to any sheep being landed. I should say he was twenty minutes on board the first punt before any of the sheep came ashore. There were six punts, averaging about a hundred sheep each. I saw Mr. Blundell was evidently very particular in his inspection ; in fact, I thought there was no necessity for so closely examining them. It took fully more than two hours to land the sheep. Mr. Blundell was greater part of that time on the punts. He then came ashore and stayed with me round the sheep until all were landed. Every opportunity existed for as thorough an examination of these sheep as was possible under the circumstances. Harvey's, Bourke's, and Mills's sheep had been two nights and two days on the punts. They were wet from leakage in the punts, and with the exception of their backs their wool was very much soiled and discoloured from the manure and filth in punts. I saw nothing that would have given me the slightest suspicion that the sheep were scabby. I held them feeding on a grassy spot near the landing-place for some time. I neither saw a sheep kick nor bite as scabby sheep do, nor did I observe any indication in that direction. Previous to the last twelve months I have personally known Harvey's flock. He has not had scab on his place to my knowledge for several years, and has sent one or two lots of sheep to Nelson previous to this last lot. I never knew or heard of any of these being scabby. I do not know of Harvey's having brought in any strange sheep for more than two years, and, unless some stray sheep have got into his flock, I cannot imagine where infection has come from. Nelson, Bth April, 1884. Thomas Hunt, Inspector of Sheep, Nelson, states: On the 17th March one Peter Archer, a drover, informed me that he had a mob of sheep from Marlborough at Happy Valley awaiting inspection, and wished me to pass them. On the 18th I went to Happy Valley and met the sheep about one mile and a half from Wakapuaka, or not more than nine miles from Nelson. He was then driving them along the road, and had not waited for my arrival before leaving Happy Valley with the sheep or for my inspection. He had travelled about two miles from where he had stopped the previous night. This was at Turner's, a small sheepowner in Happy Valley. I waited at the Wakapuaka Hotel until the sheep came there. I examined several of them. I then suspected that the sheep were infected, but could not find the insect. I only walked round the sheep; I did not yard them. I did not count them, but was informed by Archer that he had lost sixty on the road. I told Archer to take them straight on to Sharp's yard, and that I would see them on Wednesday, the 19th. I saw them on the 19th at saleyards. I then closely examined them. I could not find the insect, but drew Inspector Price's attention to the sheep as being suspicious. Inspector Price then went into the yard, and after some little time found live scab on the sheep, and asked me to look at the insect, which I did, and saw it on the sheep. The largest spot on sheep at the yards did not exceed the size of half-a-crown. I should not say the sheep could have been infected more than from a fortnight to three weeks at the most. The sheep having been so closely packed in punts, and driven afterwards, would tend to make any infection spread rapidly. There w ras neither hard scab nor wool off to indicate that the scab was other than of very short standing. The usual place to inspect sheep coming via Eai Valley from Marlborough is at Turner's, Close's, or Powell's. These two first are flockowners in Happy Valley. These places are at least twelve or fourteen miles inside the boundary of districts, and sheep inspected in Happy Valley are actually a long distance inside Nelson District, and amongst other flocks, before they are inspected. In this •instance, Archer's sheep were driven on to clean runs and kept amongst clean sheep, then driven two miles farther before I saw them. I had a suspicion of Archer's sheep at Wakapuaka. It has been the custom to meet sheep at Happy Valley for the last four years. I did not stop the sheep when I met them, although I suspected them, because I- did not know where to put them. I had no idea that Inspector Price would be at the yards. I had not written or informed him that I suspected the sheep were wrong. Although I suspected the sheep—in fact, believed they were scabby—l did not warn the auctioneer or

H.—B

4

other sheepowners. There were considerable numbers of other sheep at the same yards. When I saw the sheep first at Wakapuaka signs of infection were very slight. It is possible that they may have broken out on the road after leaving Havelock. The punts would cause rapid infection. Two days subsequent to their being in saleyards they had broken very badly, showing that disease was spreading fast. When I inspected sheep at Wakapuaka I was only with them about twenty minutes. I have during the last three years seen several lots of sheep from Harvey's, in the Pelorus, where these sheep now in question came from. I have always found them clean, and never suspected them. I have had some of them in hand four or five days at a time. The last mob came about two months since. They were perfectly clean. Edward Price, Inspector of Sheep in charge of Nelson District, states : On the 19th March last I went into the Eichmond saleyards and examined Peter Archer's sheep. I detected infected sheep amongst them, and after close examination found live scab upon them. I called Mr. Hunt into the yard, and he acknowledged the sheep to be scabby. On the 20th I further examined these sheep with Peter Archer and found about forty sheep with the appearance of being infected. There were only five or six sheep that appeared longer infected than the others, and these at worst would not, in my opinion, have been infected more than three weeks at the outside. There was no spot bigger than a two-shilling piece, no wool stripped, and no hard scab. Before I went into the yard Inspector Hunt stated Archer's sheep looked suspicious. This drew my attention particularly to them. He did not inform me that he had suspected the sheep prior to their being yarded at saleyards. lam aware the sheep via Eai Valley are brought into Nelson District, and amongst other flocks, before being inspected. I think this manner of proceeding is attended with danger to this district, and should in future be avoided. In my opinion, when these sheep were inspected at Havelock —especially coming out of punts —I think the infection must have been so slight as to be very difficult of detection. About thirteen of Archer's infected sheep have been found in two of the clean flocks in Happy Valley. Three flocks have become infected through these sheep. lam now proceeding against Archer in the above matter.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Blundell, Blenheim. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, 15th April, 1884. Inspector Blundell will at once furnish me with an explanatory report, showing how, and under what circumstances, he permitted certain infected sheep to leave Havelock, and be travelled to Nelson, under permit granted by him, to the effect that these sheep were free from disease. Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. A. K. Blundell to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Blenheim. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, 15th April, 1884. In answer to your memorandum of this day's date, asking for an explanation as to how it was I passed certain sheep at Havelock for one Peter Archer, which sheep, on arrival at Nelson, were found to be infected, and were pronounced so by the Nelson Inspectors, I beg to furnish the following report:— Some time towards the latter end of February last I received a letter from Archer, from Havelock, to say he was on his way down the Sounds to purchase sheep, and expected to be in Havelock with them in about a fortnight's time. On the 11th March I had occasion to go into the Kenepuru Sound to pass some sheep for Haycock, and then heard that Archer would be in Havelock with his sheep on Thursday night, the 13th ; so I made through there on that evening, but the sheep did not arrive until about 7.30 on the following morning. They were then in six barges ; three of the barges contained the sheep from Gould's ; and, as the sheep had only been put in them the previous evening, they were not much soiled ; but the sheep in the other three barges which came from Harvey's, Bourke's, and John Mills's were in a filthy state, owing to their having been in them for two days and two nights; consequently I took more time and was more careful over my inspection than I should have done otherwise, but could not detect anything that would arouse my suspicion that the sheep were infected. From the time that the sheep firsfwent ashore until they were all landed I should say was three hours. The greater part of the time I remained on the barges, but towards the latter end I went ashore and stood with Mills, who was holding the sheep on the beach. During the whole of this time there was nothing to indicate that the sheep were in any way infected. I did not get a very careful count of the sheep, but as Archer informed me that 661 had been counted on to the barges, and this tallied with the numbers purchased from the different owners, I gave a certificate for 660, one having been sold to Fear. To my surprise, on the 21st 1 received a wire from Inspector Price, from Nelson, to say, " Sheep brought by Peter Archer with your certificate are infected." I immediately wired to know whose flock they came out of, and on the 24th received an answer saying, " Most of infected sheep bear Harvey's mark." I immediately started with Inspector Hull, and on the morning of the 25th mustered Harvey's sheep, which I found had been dipped a week previously for ticks, I was informed. On making a careful examination I found a lamb and a two-tooth which looked rather suspicious, but I could not find an insect; so I marked these sheep and let them go with the flock, telling Harvey that he was not to touch them, as I intended to come down and make a further examination later on. I again visited the place on the 3rd instant, and with difficulty found the insect on the two marked sheep, but could not get it on any of the ot"Eer sheep. Harvey declared to me that he had no idea the Hock was scabby, and that he had only dipped the sheep to destroy the ticks; and all the evidence I could gather tended to corroborate his statement. Mr. Thomas Cawte informed me that he had been at Harvey's a week before Archer arrived, and that Harvey then told him he should dip the sheep as soon as he had shorn the lambs. Cawte saw Archer draft his sheep, but saw nothing in the flock to arouse his suspicions that the sheep were scabby. A week after Archer's leaving, the lambs were shorn and the flock dipped. I am also informed that Mr. John Mills was with Archer, and after drafting the sheep assisted to drive them to his place, which took

5

H.—B

two days. He (Archer) remained there a day and a half helping Mills to muster and draft, as he also took sheep from him ; and as Mills has had long experience amongst scab I do not think he would have allowed Archer to take the sheep on to his place had there been anything visible in Harvey's flock. I have omitted to state that after my first examination of Harvey's sheep I went to Bourke's and examined his, which were perfectly clean. I then returned to Blenheim, but left Inspector Hull to inspect Mills's and Gould's sheep, which he reported clean. I have, as you are aware, since seen the same mob of sheep that I passed in Havelock (less sixty lost on the road) in a paddock at Nelson, and also in the yards, where I, in the presence of yourself and Inspector Price, made a careful inspection, but could only find some four or five which showed any indications of having been diseased, and these very slightly; plainly showing that, although the sheep were infected at the time that I passed them, the disease must have been at so young a stage that it was next to impossible to detect it, particularly when one takes into consideration the state the sheep were in from having been in the barges. From the confession made to you by Harvey, when we were at his place on the 11th instant, to the effect that his son had killed and burnt two suspicious-looking sheep at Beatrix Bay about two months ago, and after this had shorn the lambs and then come over to the homestead and shorn the lambs there, I have no doubt the scab was carried from one flock to the other on the men's clothes; and this will account for the sheep breaking out about the time Archer removed his mob. Harvey states that his son has only lately made him aware of the fact that he killed and burnt these sheep. This, of course, requires corroboration. It may be asked why did I, or another Inspector, not examine each flock from which Archer was removing sheep previous to his doing so ? And in answer to this I may state that I was under the full impression that the whole of the flocks were clean, as they had been reported so by late Inspector Groom previous to his leaving the department. I therefore told Archer to bring the sheep to Havelock, and they would be inspected there, as had been done before with other mobs. Had an Inspector accompanied him it would have occupied a fortnight of his time, and with the present staff I could not have spared a man for that length of time. Inspector Hull has been engaged for some time now making a careful examination of the flocks in the Picton Subdivision, and, in future, all sheep leaving will be inspected by him, as he will be in a position to know what precautions it is necessary to take. A. K. Blundell.

Extracts from Sheep Inspector Blundell's Copy of Diary for April, 1884. . . . . April 2nd.—Came to Harvey's; arrived in evening, and arranged with him to have his sheep in first thing in morning. April 3. —Examined Harvey's sheep, and found two infected ones, both of which were marked by me as suspicious on my last visit. It was with difficulty that I found the insects, as they had but just come to life. I told Harvey to prepare the dip at once, but not to dip the sheep until the arrival of Inspector Hull. Eeturned to Picton April 7. —Went to Eichmond with Mr. Bayly; met Inspector Price there, and we put Archer's sheep carefully through the yards; there were 593; and after a careful examination found five with slight plucks on them, which I have no doubt were scab plucks; but, as the sheep have been twice dipped, it was impossible to ascertain positively. Eeturned to town in evening. April B.—ln Nelson attended office with Mr. Bayly, who took evidence in re the outbreak of scab. April 9.—Left Nelson with Mr. Bayly; came through to Cowper's; heard that two of Archer's sheep had been seen yesterday about eight miles up the Eai. We noticed tracks of two or three about three miles from the Pelorus Bridge. •April 10. —Inspected Cowper's sheep, 155, all clean; Hughes's, 365, also clean, found 24 of Cowper's amongst them; Bown's sheep, 670, also free from disease, but found one of Archer's amongst them breaking with scab. Took Bown's certificate away, and told him to dip. Came to Havelock. April 11.—Mr. Bayly and self took boat and came to Manaroa; called at Harvey's, found Inspector Hull there, dipping the sheep; looked through them, and found several breaking. Harvey acknowledged that his son had killed and burnt two scabby sheep at Beatrix Bay, and, from information gathered, there appears to be no doubt that the scab was brought from there to Clova Bay. A. K. Blundell.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, 15th April, 1884. Having, at Nelson, fully inquired into case as referred to in paper 84/1120, attached, I herewith furnish full particulars, together with my own remarks and opinion connected therewith. From all I can gather, it would appear that the sheep must have been only slightly infected, such infection not being visible when inspected at Havelock by Inspector Blundell. Three other proficients in scab, viz., Mr. Mills, Mr. Kerr, of Manaroa, and Mr. Cawte, of Havelock, all saw these sheep at different times, and all declare there was no appearance of infection when they saw them. Mr. Cawte states that he was at Harvey's for about three weeks; saw the sheep drafted, yet saw nothing. Mr. Kerr went with the sheep through, and saw them 036^ his run, which adjoins Harvey's ; he saw nothing. J. Mills travelled with the sheep for two days, while going from Harvey's to his place ; sheep, remained at his place a day and a half ; he saw nothing suspicious. The evidence of A. Mills goes to-show that when the sheep arrived at Havelock nothing was visible. Inspector Blundell has been some five years in the service, and has always been considered thoroughly up to his work, and very careful. I always have had, and still have, the utmost confidence in him. He may have erred slightly in not taking a declaration under Schedule E, but as the flock they came from held a clean certificate, and were in the same subdivision as where they

H.—B

6

were landed, I presume he did not deem it necessary to exercise this extra caution. My own opinion is that it should have been done. Inspector Hunt's conduct throughout the whole affair I consider highly reprehensible. He coolly admits —in both evidence at inquiry and again in Court (Q. v. Archer) —that when he first saw the sheep he knew they were infected; yet he allows them to be travelled to public saleyards, mixed with any number of clean sheep, with the feeble excuse that he intended to take note of purchasers and watch them: this to be done when scabby sheep had been thoroughly distributed through district: and takinginto consideration also the fact that he allowed the sheep to come three or four miles into Happy Valley, and through other flocks, as well as camping on a sheepowner's place, before he saw them : then he is only with them, walking round them on the road, for about twenty minutes. His style of inspection, or idea of performing his duty, will not bear close criticism. The last case I inquired into at Nelson, some six months or so ago, which Inspector Orbell brought under my notice, did not redound to Inspector Hunt's credit, although subsequent events, fortunately for him, gave such colour to his action at that time as precluded his being dealt with in the manner his procedure on the occasion, in my opinion, deserved. In my opinion he is not fitted for the position he fills, and his services should be dispensed with. Inspector Price deserves every credit for the careful manner he has discharged his duties, as well as his expertness in so quickly detecting and promptly dealing with this case. At the same time Ido not consider him totally free from blame. Being in charge of the district he should have given orders that no sheep should be allowed within the boundaries of where sheep were running in his district until they had been thoroughly inspected. On this point I have given instructions, to be carried out in future, by which no sheep.shall come nearer than four miles of the settled districts without inspection. After leaving Nelson I returned to Havelock, inspecting several of the flocks through which Archer passed, in one of which a sheep, evidently again one of Harvey's, and with Archer's brand on, was found. This sheep was beginning to break badly. From Havelock I proceeded to the Sounds and saw Harvey's sheep. Although they had been dipped some time previous they were breaking. Several showed scab, and on being closely questioned Harvey admitted to me that one of his sons had told him two days previous to my visit (12th instant) that in the month of February two rough sheep (wild) had been killed and burnt by him at a place called Beatrix Bay, a small place owned by, and about six miles from, Harvey's main station, and where he has about from 130 to 150 sheep running. It is quite possible that Harvey, senior, did not know his sheep were infected when he sold them to Archer. The latter Ido not think, under the circumstances, would take infected sheep, as the gain would not be sufficient for the risk, and in doing so, were it discovered, he was simply ruining himself. There are certainly some very suspicious matters surrounding the case. Why should Harvey dip his flock directly Archer leaves with his draft ? Why again should he dip the Beatrix Bay flock, although directed not to do so until they had been seen by an Inspector? Yet he did it. With a view to take proceedings for concealment, Inspector Hull is now making further inquiries, and making a close examination of the Beatrix Bay flock, hitherto not inspected. Eeviewing the whole matter, my opinion is that neither Archer, Mills, Cawte, Kerr, nor Inspector Blundell knew that the sheep were infected when they arrived at Havelock. I believe Archer did previous to their arrival at Nelson. lam of opinion that Inspector Hunt did not know ; in fact, is not sufficiently a judge to be certain. If he did, his subsequent action makes the matter worse. Inspector Price deserves commending for his sharpness and subsequent action. With reference to the man who sold the sheep (Harvey) I am not yet prepared to give an opinion, but as all connected with the place are relatives I do not expect being able to ascertain much truth. I anticipate, however, that, as several of those who have been infected by these sheep going through will bring actions against Harvey, should these cases come on, the whole truth will leak out. In the meantime I await further report from Inspector Hull, and full precautions are being taken to prevent further outbreak from this cause. Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Price, Nelson. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 9th May, 1884. From the memorandum enclosed (under cover to you), addressed to Inspector Hunt, you will see that it has been decided by Government to dispense with Inspector Hunt's services, after the end of this month, for incompetence and negligence exhibited in connection with the inspection of P. Archer's sheep, introduced into Nelson from Havelock. Further, that he has been instructed to hand over all books, &c, the property of the Government, which you are to receive and take a list of for reference. What recommendations have you to make with regard to Inspector Hunt's successor; or do you think the work can be satisfactorily performed without a fresh appointment'? Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Hunt, Nelson. (Memorandum.) Wellington, Bth May, 1884. All facts connected with the introduction of infected sheep to Nelson from Havelock, driven by P. Archer, and inspected by you at Eai Valley, having been considered by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, it has been decided that,- after the incompetence and negligence exhibited by you in this matter, it is not desirable that your services be longer retained as Inspector in the Stock Department. You will therefore be prepared to hand over any books, &c, that may be in your charge ; and take notice that your services will not be required after 31st of present month. Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector. Forwarded through Inspector Price.—B. P. B.

7

H.-8

Mr. E. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Nelson, 21st April, 1884. On the 15th instant Inspector Hunt visited the flocks in Happy Valley and supervised the dipping. He informed me there were no more of Archer's sheep found in that direction. Archer himself went back to try and find any of the missing sheep, but could not hear of more than eight, and gave instructions to the road contractor to kill all he could get. I intend, as soon as Archer is at liberty, to go through the Eai Valley with him and make a thorough search and inquiry as to the stray sheep. I should have done so before, but Archer could not leave Eichmond until he had made arrangements for paddocking the flock he has there. E.G. Price.

Mr. E. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Nelson, sth May, 1884. I have to inform you that on the 4th I went with Archer through the Happy Valley district and as far as Hughes's, the contractor's camp, about four miles this side of the Eai Saddle, with reference to Archer's missing sheep, and could hear of none having been seen in this district. I think myself that most of the missing lot must have been lost on the other side of the saddle, or, if lost on this side, have made their way back. I think, from what I have seen of the road, that the best place to stop sheep coming from Havelock would be at the accommodation-house at the Collins Eiver, twelve miles from Happy Valley. E. G. Price.

Mr. H. A. Levestam, M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sir,— Nelson, 7th May, 1884. I have been requested to communicate with you re the recent introduction of scabby sheep into this district from Marlborough. People here have spent large sums of money in cleaning their flocks, and after all their trouble and expense it appears that, owing to the carelessness or incompetence of some of the Government Inspectors, scabby sheep have been introduced here. An inquiry has been held by the department, but it it thought that a public inquiry before an impartial tribunal, say a Eesident Magistrate, would be more satisfactory. Trusting that you will give the matter your consideration, I have, &c, H. A. Levestam.

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to Mr. Levestam, M.H.E., Nelson. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 9th May, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, in which, at the request of some of the residents, you recommend that a public inquiry should be held respecting the recent introduction of scabby sheep into the Nelson District from Marlborough, and, in reply, to say that, as Inspector Hunt is being dismissed, there does not appear to be any need for holding a further inquiry. . I have, &c, Thomas Dick. H. A. Levestam, Esq., M.H.E., Nelson.

Mr. H. A. Levestam, M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sir,— Nelson, 10th May, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, informing me that Inspector Hunt is being dismissed, and that there does not appear to be any need for holding a further inquiry. In reply, I beg to say that in my opinion there is every need for a full and searching inquiry into 'a matter of such grave importance, and involving such serious consequences, as the one under discussion. Although there is no doubt that Inspector Hunt has been rightly dismissed from the service, it is equally clear, from the evidence which has been and can be adduced, that the disease was, at the time of inspection at Marlborough, in such an advanced stage that it could and ought to have been detected by a competent and careful Inspector, and that the sheep consequently ought not to have been permitted to leave that district. Trusting that you will give the matter your further and serious consideration, I have, &c, H. A. Levestam.

Mr. H. A. Levestam, M.H.E., to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. Sir,— Wellington, 26th June, 1884. I shall be glad if you will obtain for me, from Mr. Inspector Price, a statement expressing the opinion he formed as to the age of scab on Archer's sheep when he examined them after they had been dipped, when seen by himself in company with Mr. Chief Inspector Bayly and Mr. Inspector Blundell. I have, &c, H. A. Levestam.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Price, Nelson. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 28th June, 1884. A request has been made in re late Archer scab case to the effect that you supply a statement expressing the opinion you formed as to the age of the scab on Archer's sheep when you examined them (after they had been dipped) in company with Inspector Blundell and myself; and, with a view to assist you in doing so, I think it but right that you should be in possession of the evidence you gave at the inquiry and at Court, as follows : — At Inquiry. —" On the 20th March I further examined these sheep with Peter Archer, and found about forty sheep with the appearance of being infected; there were only five or six sheep

H.—B

8

that appeared longer infected than the others, and these at worst could not have, in my opinion, been infected more than three weeks at the outside. There was no spot bigger than a two-shilling piece, no wool stripped, and no hard scab." At Court. —"When they were at Eichmond I declared them infected. Forty were slightly infected, and six or seven had spots of about the size of half-a-crown. The scab-germ would generally develop in nine or ten days. From the 19th to 22nd the scab was spreading very rapidly, but they were then dipped. It would not have been so noticeable on the 17th. Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Mr. H. A. Levestam, M.H.E., Nelson. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 9th July, 1884. With reference to your request of 26th June ultimo, that Inspector Price be asked to express the opinion he formed as to the age of the scab on Archer's sheep when he examined them in company with Inspector Blundell and myself, after they had been dipped, I have the honour to inform you that Inspector Price has, in reply, enclosed an extract of the case from the Nelson Evening Mail of 10th April last, showing the evidence he gave in Court, but which is, as I anticipated, really no answer to the question asked, nor can I compel him to answer otherwise. Benj. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. E. G. Price to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Nelson, 3rd July, 1884. With reference to your letter, dated 28th June, re late P. Archer's scab case, regarding age of scab I enclose my evidence that I gave in Court respecting it. E. G. Price.

Mr. H. A. Levestam, M.H.E., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Wellington, 19th June, 1884. I have the honour to inform you that I have received a letter from a correspondent in Nelson, from which I quote the following passage, having reference to the late scab case : " I have a witness, Mr. John Mills, from Pelorus Sound, who will prove that he picked scabby sheep from his own father-in-law's (Harvey's) flock there. They were then undoubtedly scabby." If it is possible to ascertain the correctness or otherwise of the above statement I shall be glad. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. H. A. Levestam.

Mr. B. P. Bayly to Sheep Inspector Blundell, Blenheim. (Memorandum.) 27th June, 1884. With reference to the extract quoted by Mr. Levestam in his letter of 19th instant (copy of letter attached) in re the late Archer scab case, ascertain if this occurred prior to or subsequent to the date Archer bought and drove away the mob of sheep from Harvey's. Make full inquiry, and report result. Benjamin P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector.

Mr. A. K. Blundell to Mr. John Mills, Ferndale, Kenepuru. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, 3rd July, 1884. I am informed that you stated in Nelson that you had picked scabby sheep out of Mr. Harvey's flock. Will you kindly let me know by the return mail when this was; whether before or after Archer removed his sheep from there; and, if you can do so, kindly give me the date. By furnishing the above information you will greatly oblige, A. K. Blundell.

Mr. J. Mills to Sheep Inspector Blundell. Sir— _sth July, 1884. In answer to yours of 3rd July I am sorry to appear disobliging, but it appears that some one has been making themselves very busy in my affairs, and, under the circumstances, the only course left to me is to refer you to your informant for the information your require. I have, &c,

John Mills. Mr. E. J. Kerr to Sheep Inspector Blundell, Dear Sir, — Mararoa, Clova Bay, Torea Post Office, Bth July, 1884. In reply to yours of the 3rd ultimo, re John Mills, I do not think he has been over to Harvey's since Archer was there. Mrs. Mills has been over several times, but I think if he had been over I should have seen him or heard something about him. I have, &c, F. J. Kerr.

Mr. A. K. Blundell to Mr. B. P. Bayly, Superintendent Inspector, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Blenheim, 11th July, 1884. On receipt of your memorandum of the 27th ultimo I wrote to Mr. John Mills, and enclose herewith a copy of my memorandum and his reply to the same. Mr. Mills does not deny having made the statements, and I believe that he did make them, but at the time was in a state of intoxication, as I am informed that he was in that state the whole of the time he was in Nelson. I know, and can prove, that he did not see any scabby sheep at Harvey's prior to Archer removing his mob, and do not believe that he has been there since, but am now making inquiries on that point. A. K. Blundell.

By Authority: Geoege Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4