THE FEAR OF ANTHRAX.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 15, 18 July 1905, Page 6

THE FEAR OF ANTHRAX.

DISCUSSION AT THE AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE. There was a lengthy discussion at the Agricultural Conference this morning following upon the introduction of a remit from seven associations urging the Government to sterilise bones imported into New Zealand, instead of attempting to do so at the port of shipment. Out of this discussion arose a general debate upon the question of bone and mineral manures. A number of speakers said the danger of anthrax was very real,, and the colony would never be safe from it so long as fanners desired to import bonedust. Others, among&t them Mr. Aston (Government Agricultural Chemist/, urged that a series of experiments should be undertaken throughout the colony to see whether a substitute for bone inn runt, could be secured in the colony. Proi. Lowrie (of Lincoln College) was enigmatically of opinion that the colony could do without the use of bonedust, and Ue had proved this on the College ' <ands. "Wo have a virgin soil and a magnificent climate," said Mr. Grigg (North Canterbury), "and let us keep out pests and the germs of diseases 6uch as anthrax. Prevention was better than cure." Mr. Clifton (Chief Stock Inspector) said he bad proved on Waikato lands that superpliosphates were giving every satisfaction ; buc Mr. Kirkbiide (Auckland) said the meet lasting and best results came from the use of pure bonedust. It was resolved: "That the Department be requested to carry out experiments with artificial manures other than bone manures, with, a v^ew to their use instead of imported bone- manures." Mr. G. Wheeler (Manawatu) led another phase of the debate by moving "That the importation of bones from countries where anthrax is prevalent be absolutely prohibited." Mr. Kirkbride urged the conference to be cautious, for the lands of Auckland could not do without the use -of bones. Mr. Reid (Ashburton) had found that the use of bonedubt had had the most lasting effect on the land. The Government seemed to be exercising due caution in the handling of bones. Air. Stuckey thought the motion was too drastic, and moved to add the words "unless the Government will provide works in the colony to sterilise the - bones imported." Mr. Wheeler would not accept the suggestion. Mr. Buchanan said Auckland lands needed more' phosphates than those of other parts of the colony, but he also doubted Whether other parts could do without bonedust. The Government had said it would cost £30,000 to set up sterilising machinery, but what was that sum compared with the interests involved? The Government spent much more for useless purposes. Mr. F. E. Perry thought that not another bone should be brought into the cokmy till we were sure no anthrax would be imported, and Mr. Guinness (Timaru) agreed. The Minister of Lands said that every care was being taken at Calcutta and Sydney by- his Department Inspectors to prevent any chance of an-thrax-infested bones being sent from India and Australia to New Zealand. The bones were sterilised before being shipped, and examined again when landed. He objected to the motion, the passing of which, he said, would be a poor compliment to a great province like Auckland. The inspectors would get to work on the next shipment. The debate was interrupted by the. luncheon adjournment. On resuming at 2.30 o'clock there was no further discussion of the subject. Mr. Wheeler's motion was voted upon, and lost by 15 votes to 11. Mr. Stuckey then moved that the importation of bone* be abolished unless the Government undertook to sterilise the bonea in the colony, This was ruled to be out of order. Mr. Birch (Marton) moved that the importation of bones be prohibited at all ports of the colony excepting Auckland. The Southland delegate said sown prohibition would seriously handicap Southland farmers, who used a great deal of bonedust. This motion was also ruled out of order. Eventually it was resolved, "That the Government be urged to make arrangements to sterilise imported bones in New Zealand, instead of attempting to do so at the port of shipment." The annual report of the Wellington Meat Export Company shows that after making provision for depreciation and ob. solete machinery and plant there remains to the credit of profit and loss account £19,151 16s lOd. Out of this an interim dividend for the first half-year at tho rate of 8 per cent, per annum, amounting to £4230 13s, has already been paid, and .the directors recommend that a dividend at the same rate be paid for the second half-year, leaving a balance of £10,690 10» lOd to be carried forward. The Court of Appeal on rising this afternoon adjourned.until 3rd August.