STOCK IMPORTATION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 249, 17 July 1937, Page 13

STOCK IMPORTATION

Proposed New Regulations Discussed FARMERS’ UNION VIEW The proposed new regulations, governing the importation of live stock from foot and mouth disease-infested countries were discussed by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its annual conference at Wellington yesterday. A remit was submitted to the effect that the conference support the change, but, after discussion, it was decided to refer the regulations to the provincial executives and obtain their opinions. An amendment, that the union support the maintenance of the present regulations, was defeated by 24 votes to 22. , Mr L. Hammond (Marton) outlined the advantages of the new regulations. Mr. A. Briscoe Moore (Auckland) said that he understood the purpose of the new regulations was to facilitate the importation of stock from Britain. Mr. | ammond: With increased safeguards 1 ■ „ , j Mr. Moore said that New Zealand was doing well with its own strains, and, as a breeder of Hereford cattle and Romney sheep, he did not want to see new’ strains introduced. The president, Mr. W. W. Mulholland, said that it was not a question of lifting the embargo, but of substituting one set of restrictions for another. „ , , Mr. H. B. Stuckey (South Hawke’s Bay) supported the remit, stating that he was in favour of lifting the embargo completely. New Zealand had not enough first-class stock to maintain its standard and meet competition from overseas. Several delegates vigorously opposed the remit, stressing the need to run no risk of the introduction of foot and mouth disease. Mr. F. C. Jurgens (Bulls) said he was amazed at the opposition to the new regulations, which were designed merely to tighten up the present hap.hdzar'd method of importing stock.

Mr. Hammond said that veterinarians, who had always been opposed to the lifting of the embargo, were strongly in favour of the new’ regulations, The present system was full of loopholes for the introduction of disease. The conference also decided that all straw and vegetable fibre packing be prohibited from entering New Zealand from countries where foot and mouth disease is prevalent.