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This article was published in 1941
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Address by F. J. Madden, Esq., President.
It is my pleasure to welcome to this our 22nd Annual Conference the Honourable Captain W. F. Dunn. the Minister for Agriculture and Forests, Dr. R. J. Noble. the Under-Secretary for Agriculture, Mr. Max. Henry, M.R.C.V.S., B.V.Sc., Chief of the Division of Animal Industry, Dr. Clunies Ross, Professor of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and other visitors, also our members.
A glance at the programme will readily convince those present that an interesting and instructive set of addresses will be delivered by gentlemen prominent in their particular sphere, and it is hoped that from the papers read much valuable discussions will ensure.
It is two years since we met in conference: it is well known that all arrangements for the 1940 conference were in hand, but owing to the war situation, and many of our members and others interested being engaged on military duties, we considered the abandonment for that year advisable.
Conditions in the industry that we are vitally interested in and connected with have varied considerably since we last met; in 1940 was experienced one of the worst droughts in the history of the country, the losses of stock and cost to the landowners was very great. This drought terminated in most parts with bountiful rains early this year, but in other parts conditions in this respect are still far from good. This drifts into insignificance when compared to the struggle for existence in the world war in which our Empire is now engaged. It is now that the industry that we are connected with proves its greatest value to the fighting forces by the production of wool and other primary products, and it is by devotion to our duties and the application of our knowledge that we can play our greatest part.
The placing on the statute book of the Amendment of the Local Government Superannuation Act was of paramount importance to us; it means the culmination of many years of waiting and its passing is in a great measure due to the efforts of the ex-Premier, the Hon. Alex. Mair, and to him and the others who assisted our appreciation and thanks are extended. The enactment of this Bill was not achieved without its adverse effect on some of our senior members, as by its provisions it precipitated it earlier than anticipated retirement of these gentlemen.
Other legislation that became law since our last conference was the "Horse Breeding Act" and the "Stock Medicines Act." These two Acts are of tremendous importance to the stock and grazing industry. The first should go far to restore the horse to its previous high standard, and the latter to prevent the sale and distribution of unapproved Stock Medicine, and the thanks of the industry is due to those responsible for their framing.
A most important matter to we Inspectors that I desire to mention is the resumption of the Refresher Schools at Glenfield Veterinary Research Station, and it is sincerely hoped that ere long all Inspectors will be called in annually to a school of at least one week's duration, as the knowledge gained at these schools is most beneficial to the stock owners, to the Department, and not the least to the Inspectors themselves. The value of these schools is in some way reflected in the knowledge assimilated at the short staff conference of Inspectors conducted by district Veterinary Officers in their respective areas.
I would like to refer to the death of two of our members that occurred since our last conference, Inspector Hesston and Prior, the former during retirement after a long and meritorious career as Inspector of Stock, the latter being a Captain in the A.A.V.S. when on military duties when death closed an early and promising career of this young officer. I would also like to mention the passing of Mr. G. D. Ross, many years Under-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and a man with whom most of us had made contact, and our deepest sympathy is extended to their relatives.
In conclusion, I would like to refer to the happy relations existing between the Department, the Pastures Protection Board and the Inspectors of Stock.