FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 79, 30 September 1924, Page 8

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

POSITION IN CALIFORNIA. Imports of Californian fruits, which at this time o£ tho year consist of oranges and lemons, grape fruit, and grapes, are still prohibited. Onions are similarly affected. The reasons given for this action of tho Government aro the provalence of foot and mouth disease in California, and the risk or introducing it into New Zealand. It is perfectly obvious that if the disease obtained a hold in this country the result would be disastrous to the wool, meat, and dairying industries. Tl\ia explains the determined stand taken by the Government against importation of anything from America that it is thought could be a vehicle for tho dread disease. From the "South-western Farmer and Stockman" of America, it is learned that "the foot and mouth disease in California took a toll of nearly 100,000 head, of live stock. Slaughter reports chow tho following approximate figures for different classes of animals : 50,000 cattle, 25,000 sheep, 22,000 hogs, and 800 goats. About 450 premises were iw'ected altogether. Indemnities have amounted to about 3,700,000 dollars. However, matters seem now to have improved, for from a letter dated San irancieeo 26th August a local firm is advised that : "The foot nnd mouth disease in California is cleared up, no cases being reported for weeks. In fact, the disease was not half so bad as pictured. Moreover, whole herds wero destroyed, even in cases where but one solitary animal among them was affected.