DIFFERING VIEWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 182, 3 July 1936, Page 4

DIFFERING VIEWS

ON STOCK EAIBARGO WELLINGTON, July 3. Removal of the embargo against the direct importation of live stock from Great Britain, was favoured by 39 votes to 11 by delegates attending the annual conference of tlie Royal Agricultural Society yesterday. During a long discussion arguments were advanced both for and against the lifting of the present restrictions. Several of the delegates who voted for the retention of the embargo made it clear that they themselves were opposed to it, but that they had no alternative but to vote as instructed by the organisations by whom they had been sent to the conference. Speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Pig Breders’ Association, Mr J. A. Russell said the pig industry was in urgent need of fresh blood. Until the flocks and studs of the Dominion were thoroughly established it would be necessary to import new stock.

Replying to a suggestion by a delegate to the effect that there was no argument in favour of the retention of the embargo and that as the question had been considered before, a vote might be taken without further debate, the president, Mr L. J. Wild (Feilding), said he thought a lull discussion advisable. “Having regard to the fact that the Farmers’ Union has the weight of numbers and we have the weight of solid opinion,” he said, “I think it is wise that we should excess our views and get publicity for them.” Doubts as to whether the quarantine station here was of any great value was expressed by Air H. J. Lancaster, a representative of the Feilding Agricultural and Pastoral .\ssociation. He was opposed to the remit.

“Direct importation is safer than the present method,” said Air J. Knight (Feilding). “By direct importation we will have- control of stock from the English quarantine station, for they will be on our own ships on the voyage out to the Dominion.”

An earlier message appears on page 3.