FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2277, 24 August 1908, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

DISEASE IN DAIRY HERDS. ADVICE FROM MR. GILRUTH. A meeting of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday to further consider tile advisability of engaging a veterinary to advise farmers in the treatment of their stock. Mr. W. D. Lysnar occupied the chair, and Mr. Gilruth, Chief Government Veterinarian, was also present. The Chairman said Mr. Gilruth would give the farmers a few words of advice upon, the treatment- of cows.

Mr. Gilruth said lie would like to say a few words about disease similar to milk fever in its symptoms. Milk fever, however, only occurred during the first three days after calving, whereas the other disease was liable to attack all cows. The disease he spoke of was inflammation of the womb. This disease usually occurred within the first three weekis after calving, and was due to an organism. The organism were often in the soil and took some time before they set up disease. Treatment was by the fine use of antiseptics, in a weak form. He thought- half a tabloid to a bottle of water was the best antiseptic he knew of. Cows, after being washed out, should be allowed to run. The cow should bo treated with the antiseptics soon after calving and farmers should not wait until the disease made its appearance before before beginning treatment. Most farmers knew how to treat milk fever, which had now lost its terrors. The best treatment, as they all knew, was by filtered air. Still where a filter could not be got free injections of atmospheric air could do no harm. When a cow had mammitis it should be turned out and not allowed to mix with tho herd. The milk should be treated with antiseptics and thrown away. If the cows were milked by machines the machines should bo w.ashed with antiseptics. On tlio motion of tlio Chairman a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Gilruth for liis remarks, and Dir. Lysnar expressed regret that M(r. Gilruth was leaving the Dominion for Australia. Such an officer was too valuable to lose, and if Dir. 'Gilruth was needed elsewhere he was also needed in New Zealand. The Government had not helped the farmers as had been deserved, and tile Union felt the country was losing a valuable servant.

Dlr. Gilruth said ho was sorry lie was leaving New Zealand, but lio had received an appointment of great honor. He had a hobby for inquiring into the cause of disease, and ho felt he would have ample scope for that, hobby in Australia. He keenly appreciated tho vote of thanks and hoped it would not be tlio last time he would visit New Zealand.

Referring to the appointment of a veterinarian the Chairman said sixty rarmers had signed tlio subscription list. Dlr. Gilruth advised the Union ft) got a qualified man from England, but in the meantime a temporary appointment could bo made. Dir. Field a sited -if the services of tho Government veterinarian would be available to farmers if ail appointment -was made.

The Chairman said the Govctriment veterinarian was not obliged'’’t : o farmers stock and drily did so of Ins own free will. Three applications were received ror the position of veterinarian to the Lmon.

The Chairman suggested that applications be called for a veterinarian throughout the Dominion and in the meantime a temporary appointment be made.

‘Dfr. Field seconded the proposition, which was carried. Dlr. Candy moved that Dlr. Llittrell be ■ temporarily appointed at a salary of £2 per week and travelling allowance. Mr. Dinan seconded tlie motion which was carried.

A committee was appointed to draw up conditions of engagement of a permanent officer and the meeting adjourned.