Under The Microscope

WALLACEVILLE VETERINARY LABORATORY -- An Anecdotal history, by J. D. Tenquist; MAF Technology 1990; 196 pages

"As for scientific instruction, it used to be said in New Zealand that prior to 1890, if anyone asked the Government or information on a matter calling for agricultural science, his enquiry was regularly forwarded to the Colonial Geologist. If the question had to do with insects, the geologist took counsel of a certain telegraph clerk. If the clerk was puzzled, the twain would seek the advice of the Registrar of the New Zealand University."

So said William Pember Reeves in the early days of science in this country.

Tenquist's book on the development of agricultural science in New Zealand, with particular reference to activities of the Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratory, has a number of illuminating quotes of this nature. A lack of staff and resources is obviously not something new to this decade.

A discussion of years of research into mastitis, Johne's disease or facial eczema would not be on many people's reading lists, but Tenquist's liberal sprinklings of personal anecdotes and political intrigue make this book more interesting than it may, at first, appear.

There is very little written on the history of science in New Zealand, and few of our scientists stand out as real people.

At least people working at Wallaceville, or interested in development of veterinary science in this country, are now able to gain some knowledge of those who went before them.

This book would make good reading for vet students or farmers, as it would give them some idea of the vast amount of hard work and dedication that lies behind our animal health services. We can only salute those who dealt with the early anthrax outbreaks -- people like the stock inspector who rode 240 kilometres in under 36 hours to check and confirm the disease in one herd.

Too much of this type of material is lost. It's good to see MAF acknowledging its history.

Cathryn Crane, NZSM