THE STOCK CONFERENCE

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2012, 17 November 1886, Page 3

THE STOCK CONFERENCE

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, Nov 16. Mr G. S. Oeoper, tho official delegate representing New Zealand at the recent Stock Conference held in Sydney, has forwarded his report to the Colonial Secretary. Mr Cooper states that the colonies were variously represeated, New Zealand having 4 delegates, New South Wales 3, Tasmania 3, Queenslands 2, South Australia 2 and Victoria;only I. Western Australia was unrepresented. ° The most important question for discussion,” the report goes on to say “ was that of the importation of stock from p'»ces outside the Australian colonies which for convenience sake we termed “ foreign stock.” Upon the question of removing the prohibition the Conference was divided, but the proposal for removal wuj parried by 10 rotes agaiust 8, the rot"* pro being Queensland 3> Tasmania 8, New Zealand 3 and New South Wales 1. while tho*e contra were Victoria 3, South Australia 3, N w South Wales 2. It was accordingly re<ol-ed—‘That, in the opinion of the C.inferen e, the prohibition against the importation of cattle and she -p from the United Kingdom may, under proper re-stri-tions, be removed, and that the Governments of the several colonies be

recommend'd t s'"-' -ft cr to this resold io- .’ It w s .(erii.ii el to reenmii,.., il ih'i coat-,-ice' and swine should ,!/!] he !■!• b Idled It was considered that no ■ It. ratio, s were necessary in the a ions at, present controlling the impo Int ion of horses , for dogs a six mouths’ quarantine was advised.” A I reso’ution was passed as to camels, which I does no*, interest the people of this : Colony The report continues : —“With i rcuard to the interchange of stock botween the colonies of Au-tralasia, the recommendations of the C >r ference which especially affect this Colony are that no sheep shall he iritioducvd into any colony from any other col my in which scab exists, and that no e tony shall be deemed clean until seib has ce se 1 to exist therein fora peri id oE twr-lv, months. O i the question of ■ iseases affecting stock a series of resolutions was passed. Much valuable information was elicited, and papers wero read on d fferent subjects. The Rabbit Question was very fully debn'ed and much valuable information was interchanged. Iu Australia fencing is the most effectuil mode of arresting the sprral of rabbits, and it is n >w in contemplation to fence the b 'Undary line between the colonies of New South Wales and Queensland. There they have no mount .in torrents, no snow, and but little broken country, which gives them io the matter of fencing au immense advantage over New Zealand, The naturnl enemies, however, which are found n Great Britain will not succeed ill that country, and it followed that no resolution could be arrived at applicable to ail the colonies interested in ‘the question except one which recommends that a large reward be offered by the cotonies collectively for some means of destruction more searching and fatal in its effects than anything at present known. Upon this point the Conference was unanimous and strong, and confident hopes were expressed that the Governments of the several colonies would act vigorously in the matter. Upon the above subjects and others of minor importance the Conference passed in all 49 resolutions, many of which do not affect us The subjects treated upon in these resolutions are all of much interest to br.eders and owners of stock and hope* were expressed that such steps as may he necessary to give effect to the recommendations of the Conference, whether by means of legislation, orders in Council or otherwise as may be rtqaired, wi 1 be taken at an early date by the Government of the various colonies of the Australasian group.”