FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2563, 26 July 1909, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

GENERAL MEETING

A general meeting of the Glsborn® Branch of the Farmers’ Union, was h, Id n the Farmers’ Union Club on Saturday afternoon. Mr W. D. Lysnar occupied the chair, and there was only a small attendance of members. Mr Luttrell, veterinary to the union, submitted the following report: “ I • e only a short report to present to your Union-at their meeting to bo 1 this afternoon, there being very little trouble in the different herds in regard to sickness, excepting one death from puerperal peritonitis, and one . from congestion of the lungs. On the latter I made a post mortem examim-iion in order to ascertain the cause of death, the beast dying radier suddenly and apparently from no specific cause. Many of the milk suppliers have ceased milking, having turned out their cows for a period of from six to eight* weeks, which on the flat paddocks "about Makauri is a wise procedure. Feed is * fairly plentiful and the cows that are in milk are in fair condition, hence the benefit of irrigating and other antiseptic measures carried out at the proper time after parturition. “Septic Metritis.—This disease is in a large measure prevented by thorough- ’ ' sponging out the uterus after parturition, but unless those who keep cows for private use are equally painstaking in preventing to their utmost the spread of the disease, L fear it will in a short while have a strong hold in the district, owing to atmospheric influences, as has been proved in other districts in the Dominion. In. the treatment of this disease abortion, and milk fever are included, and irriga-tion-cleansing cannot be too strictly attended to.

“In my private practice I have had many horses under treatment, some from sand in the stomach and intestines, colic, etc. In these cases the treatment has been highly satisfactory.”

The Chairman said Mr Luttrell had treated over 400 cows for abortion, and last year one farmer had sixteen cows affected, but this year-the same farmer had only one affected cow in his herd. It was necessary that the farmers, should appreciate the services Mr Luttrell had given to the members of the Union.

Mr J. C. Field said the benefit would be made more apparent if th® loss among stock from disease was made known, in round figures, as he was sure the amount would run int-o some thousands of pounds a year. Mr E. Jones moved: “That this branch of the Farmers’ Union make - strong representations to the Minister of Railways that the maximum weight of sacks of maize be 2241b5, being four bushels, instead of bringing maize under the same standard as oats and barley of 2001bs, seeing that 2001bs of maize represents no definite measure, whereas 2001bs of oats represents five bushels, and 2001bs of . barley four bushels.” Mr Jones said that while 2Qolbs of barley made four bushels and 2001bs of oats ifive bushels, yet 2001bs of maize made no definite measure. H* understood that the Agricultural Department contemplated some change in standard grain measures. Mr A. J. Cameron seconded the motion. Mr H. Halli said he did not think the Government would allow more than 2001bs to be contained in a sack. The motion was carried. Mr Candy moved that the Union should again request the Government to appoint a butter grader for the district, the officer to serve both Napier and Gisborne, if necesary. Mr. A. J. Cameron seconded tim motion, which was supported by ths Chairman. Mr.' Lysnar said that the appointment of a grader would save at least id per lb. on butter, perhaps id per lb. The dairying industry was growing, and a grader should be appointed. If the Government would not appoint a man, the farmers might make some offer to contribute towards the cost. Mr. Wall said that when he was m London he saw milled butter sold as prime New Zealand creamery butter. The. motion was carried. The Chairman said good progress was bein" made towards the formation of the Rabbit Board. He was expecting information as to the line of boundary in the Whakatane County, and he was anxious to know T if any rabbits had appeared near the proposed fence line. IRr. Field said it would hardly be right for the Rabbit Board to rate people whose properties were outside the rabbit-proof fence. The Union should make all speed to form a Board, and get to work and lay poison. ° The meeting then closed.